Title
Honoring and congratulating the Reading Terminal Market for garnering outstanding recognition as the Best Public Market in America.
Body
WHEREAS, One of America’s largest and oldest public markets, the Reading Terminal Market serves as a public trust providing a venue for independent local businesses to showcase the Philadelphia region’s culinary bounty and cultural diversity. Housed since 1893 in a National Historic Landmark building, the Market offers an incredible selection of over 75 small, family-owned businesses serving farm fresh produce, meats and poultry, plus the finest seafood, cheeses, baked goods, confections, flowers, jewelry and crafts; and
WHEREAS, The Market is managed by a non-profit tenant of the Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority, which has owned the historic Reading Terminal since 1990. In 2014, the American Planning Association named Reading Terminal Market as one of the 10 Great Public Spaces in America and in 2021, 2022, and 2026 the Market was voted Best Public Market by USA Today’s 10Best; and
WHEREAS, The Reading Terminal Market has received these awards under the visionary leadership of Annie Allman, CEO and General Manager, and Brent Crossrow, Director and Board Chairman. The Market has a dedicated mission “To preserve the architectural and historical character, and function, of the Reading Terminal Market as an urban farmers' market; To provide a wide variety of produce, meat, fish, bakery and dairy products, and other raw and prepared food, brought to a public market in the center of the City by farmers, growers, producers and chefs; To maintain an environment that recognizes and celebrates the diversity of our citizens and fosters their interaction; To strengthen the historic link and mutual dependency of our rural and urban communities; and to achieve this while preserving the financial viability and achieving self-sufficiency for the Market;” and
WHEREAS, The Reading Terminal Market is the most visited site in Philadelphia and brings together lifelong Philadelphians and visitors alike to experience the delicious aromas wafting through the aisles, laughter and wonder echoing across storefronts, and vibrant visuals from all angles. It is a magical place where visitors are introduced to new foods and experiences, and where small, family-owned businesses are given the opportunity to thrive and grow, truly accomplishing their mission; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Hereby honors and congratulates the Reading Terminal Market for garnering the outstanding recognition as the Best Public Market in America.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this Resolution be presented to the Reading Terminal Market as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body.
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