March 10, 1999

Illinois Ag Leadership Program

State of Washington

Pike's Peek-ing  Provides Trip Finale

Our last day in Seattle was a morning excursion to the well known Pike Place Market.  Founded in 1907 and then reinvigorated and restored in the 1970's, Pike Place Market's mission is to support Washington State's agriculture while providing a social service to low-income and needy residents of the Market neighborhood.  The class gained a historical perspective of the Market and learned about the unique management and governance that the City of Seattle has in place to keep the Market a successful business enterprise focused on food products.

Shopless in Seattle?  No Way.

Class member Russ Higgins strategizes how to best transport some tasty Seattle salmon back to Morris, Illinois.  The class did their part to contribute to the Pike Market economy by investing in plenty of diverse Washington agricultural products. Twenty percent of revenue generated at the Market is in fish sales.   With more than 100 farmer merchants, 50% of the current farmers are Hmong.

Bon Voyage

As the class traveled from the Market to the airport for our return trip, we reflected on our incredible experience in the Evergreen State.  We witnessed the end of Seattle's 90 consecutive days of rain; we gained an unforgettable exposure to Washington's agricultural and forestry industries; and best of all we established some lifelong friendships with our peers and our new Washington friends.  And now we are left to contemplate our destination for March of 2000 and are anxious to know the ... rest of the story.