New manager named at Charlotte Farmers Market

Fred Cole was recently hired as the new manager at the Charlotte Regional Farmers Market, one of four markets operated by the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services across the state. Cole replaces Arlene Haigler, who has been serving as acting manager since 2012, when longtime manager Frank Suddreth retired.

Before coming to Charlotte, Cole, 61, was the general manager of Capital District Cooperative Inc., a farmers market in Menands, N.Y. He was responsible for increasing the number of vendors at the market, growing the market occupancy rate from 70 percent to 100 percent. In addition, he oversaw enhancement and building renovation projects on the 28-acre market grounds that increased retail traffic and improved food safety.

Cole earned a business administration degree from Schenectady Community College. He also served in many community and industry groups, including as a board member of the National Association of Produce Market Managers, a member of the Albany-Colonie Chamber of Commerce, president of the Hudson Shores Rotary Club, and a volunteer with the Muscular Dystrophy Association, New York Special Olympics, American Heart Association and The Regional Food Bank.