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About the author
Steve Coomes
Steve Coomes is a Louisville restaurant industry veteran turned food writer. In his 22-year career, he has edited and written for dozens of national trade and consumer publications including Nation's Restaurant News and Southern Living. A past restaurant critic and food feature writer for Louisville magazine, he pens features for Edible Louisville magazine and is online editor for Food & Dining Magazine. He also serves as ghostwriter for multiple companies in the restaurant segment. Click here to read other articles by Steve Coomes.
Mayor Fischer to serve on IdeaFestival panel discussing impact of local food
Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer will participate in an IdeaFestival panel on Sept. 19 to discuss the results of a first-of-its-kind feasibility study of customer and business purchasing habits around local food.
According to a news release, the groundbreaking research study, conducted as a public/private initiative conceived, developed and funded by non-profit Seed Capital Kentucky and supported by Louisville Metro Government, sought to quantify demand, participation and scope of local food economy. Ultimately, the project’s goal is to define economic potential based on consumer needs and production opportunities.
New York City-based food systems consultant Karen Karp, founder and president of Karp Resources, who coordinated the study on behalf of Seed Capital Kentucky, will be speaking as well and will be available by request for one-on-one interviews after the event. A leading ambassador for the good food movement, Karen works nationally, designing and implementing comprehensive strategies that make good food good business.
Other panelists include John-Mark Hack of Marksbury Farm Market; Christina Shadle, Greater Louisville Inc.’s Economic Development Director-West Louisville; Mary Courtney of Courtney Farms; James Comer, Commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Agriculture; and Mike Bramer, Interim Executive Director of the Downtown YMCA
The panel discussion will be held at 10 a.m. in the MeX Theater in the Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts (501 W. Main Street). The event is free and open to the public, though pre-registration is required, and can be completed at www.ideafestival.com.