WFM's Lori Cochran-Dougall Named First Citizen

Westport, Conn — The Westport/Weston Chamber of Commerce has named Lori Cochran-Dougall, Executive Director of the Westport Farmers' Market, First Citizen of the Year. Cochran-Dougall will be recognized at a gala dinner to be held on Wed., June 12 at the Westport Inn.

“Each year the board looks for one nonprofit and one traditional business person to represent what is best in our town for their work ethic, generosity and how they approach business,” said Matthew Mandell, Executive Director of the Chamber. “Ms. Cochran-Dougall has made a weekly event a beloved happening. As head of Westport’s Farmers’ Market she has made it not just about the business of selling wonderful produce and organic goods, but a place to meet, learn and have lunch.”

“Anyone familiar with the Westport Farmers’ Market (WFM) knows that one of the reasons for its phenomenal success is the powerhouse who runs the market, Lori Cochran-Dougall. From day one of her tenure as executive director, Cochran-Dougall has been on a mission to make the market more than a place to buy produce” says Bill Taibe, WFM Board President.

“In addition to a belief that supporting local farmers and makers is simply good business, WFM has a responsibility and opportunity to serve the community that supports its mission – to be a food hub and beacon of hope for those needing a helping hand” says Cochran-Dougall. 

The learning and teaching aspect is what sets WFM apart from most farmers’ markets. Each week the market runs a children’s activity and features a not-for-profit organization. Once a year, kids of all ages participate in Young Shoots, a photography contest supported by WFM in conjunction with the Westport Center for the Arts.

But it is Cochran-Dougall’s work connecting the WFM and the Westport-area community that elevates her stature among market managers. She has forged partnerships with for-profit and nonprofit entities committed to issues of food justice and security. And she has poured her heart and soul into creating programs such the WFM Farmer to School to Community program and the Farmer to Veterans to Community program – both of which have a tangible impact on those in need.

“Receiving this award is an honor on so many levels especially coming from the Chamber of Commerce who is a core component of our community,” said Cochan-Dougall. “Westport embraces people who are willing to try something new. I am truly grateful for having the privilege to serve our community and the acknowledgement of my commitment and hard work.”  

Tickets for the dinner are available through the chamber and cost $80 per person.  Tables of 10 are also available.   Information can be found at www.westportwestonchamber.com.

The Westport Famers’ Market

The Westport Farmers’ Market is committed to providing fresh, local, healthy and seasonal food. We aspire to create a fun, safe and healthy community environment for education and socialization. Our mission is to increase awareness, knowledge and support for local producers focused on sustainable and healthy growing practices.

The Westport Farmers’ Market receives philanthropic support from: Aitoro, Boxcar Cantina; Cohen and Wolf; Club Pilates Westport; CTBites; Doc’s Maple; Earth Animal; Eileen Fisher; Farah’s Farm; Fleishers; Fresh Direct; Gault; Gilbertie’s Herbs & Garden Center; Jesup Hall; Neat Capital; Newman’s Own Foundation; Saugatuck Rowing Club; Sugar & Olives; Westport Sunrise Rotary; Terrain ; Wave Hill Breads; and Wells Hill Farm.

For more information, visit www.westportfarmersmarket.com, or email director@westportfarmersmarket.com. Find WFM on FBInstagram, and Twitter, too.

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Submitted by Fairfield, CT

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