Fresno CDFI News April 2009
Farmers Market on Fulton Mall Set to Open May 13Fresno CDFI providing business development assistance to the new 'Market on the Mall'.  (Fresno, CA) – Fresno County Economic Opportunities Commission (EOC) and its partners – Downtown Association of Fresno and the City of Fresno – are pleased to announce the grand opening of Market on the Mall on May 13th, 10am - 2pm (grand opening ceremony at noon) in Fulton Mall’s free speech area.
Market on the Mall, a certified farmers market in Fresno’s historic Fulton Mall, will offer a variety of locally produced foods including ethnic and specialty vegetables, herbs, and fruits sold by minority and immigrant growers new to farmers markets as well as by experienced vendors, and is made possible by a grant to EOC from the USDA’s Agriculture Marketing Service
Market on the Mall will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Wednesday and Friday through the fall. The Market’s location and hours of operation make it convenient for tens of thousands of downtown workers, jurors, hotel guests, FAX bus riders, and EOC clients.
The farmers market will have a wireless debiting system allowing customers to use their Electronic Benefit Transfer(EBT)/food stamp cards. WIC/Senior WIC vouchers will also be accepted.
Fresno County EOC will continue to accept applications from interested vendors throughout the year.
For more information contact Jensen Vang at (559) 263-1583 or via email at Jensen.vang@fresnoeoc.org.
Greening Fresno's Businesses: Eco-Systems Fresno was recently rated the number one recycler in the country (click here to read article) - in large part due to its mandatory recycling ordinance. This ordinance, adopted in 2005, requires all residential and commercial property owners within the city's limits to have recycling services.
This is where Eco-Systems, a state certified collection recycling business, steps in. The company (and Fresno CDFI client), which serves businesses in the Fresno and Clovis area, provides customers with a simple turn key recycling program that does not require any out of pocket expenses. In fact, Eco-Systems even offers employers a cash incentive for placing a recycling container in their office or breakroom.
Owner Kong Vang started the business after seeing an opportunity. "There really weren't any services that focus just on the collecting of bottles and cans used by employees at large companies," says Vang. "Employers love the fact that we're helping them meet recycling goals, and the money they get back can help pay for employee perks."
We salute Eco-Systems for helping Fresno's businesses to go green!
Contact Eco-Systems: kvang102@comcast.net / 559 287-2098 Recycling Resources:
http://www.1000friendsoffresno.org/recycling.html
Now is the Time to Save An important part of every budget is the ability to save money. In general, it's recommended that a minimum 10% of net income be applied toward some form of savings. If this amount isn't feasible, consider a different amount as long as some money is saved each month.
In any 10 year period an average of 75% percent of families will experience a major financial crisis. The unexpected can come at any time, in any form -- loss of a job, reduction in hours at work, illness, or divorce are just some examples of the causes of financial problems that can adversely affect one's current standard of living. Fresno CDFI's IDA (Individual Development Accounts) program helps small farmers and students aspiring to work in the agricultural sector save towards their goals. For each $1 saved, the program matches it by $2. Participants have used the funds to purchase farm equipment, farm vehicle, farm supplies, land lease, soil preparation including fumigation, post-secondary education expenses such as tuition and books. Saving tips from www.AmericaSaves.org
http://www.americasaves.org/resources/savings_tip.asp
The Ascent of Money traces the history of finance If you're looking for a fascinating and comprehensive look at how our modern system of money and credit began - spend a couple of hours viewing The Ascent of Money.
The film traces the evolution of money and demonstrates that financial history is the essential back-story behind all history. “Everyone needs to understand the complex history of money and our relationship to it,” says film producer Niall Ferguson. “By learning how societies have continually created and survived financial crises, we can find solid solutions to today’s worldwide economic emergency.” As he traverses historic financial hot spots around the world, Ferguson illuminates fundamental economic concepts and speaks with leading experts in the financial world. The film is available for free viewing online here. You have received this email because you are subscribed to the Fresno CDFI eNews List. Click below to change your subscription or unsubscribe from this list:
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