Made Local Marketplace Signs up its 700th Maker

The Made Local Marketplace reached a milestone by adding its 700th craftsperson in mid-April.

The latest maker to join the store is Santa Rosan, and former bike store owner, Denise Amos who makes bicycle themed wallets, coin purses and bags. Denise and her sewn goods are a great fit for the Made Local Marketplace with the upcoming Ironman races, local bike tourism and for Sonoma County residents who love their active bike culture.

"It's funny, I see a theme" said Kelley Rajala, co-owner of the Made Local Marketplace. "Our very first vendor, our Vendor #1 Christine Culver, is also a local bike enthusiast and the former Director of the Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition, who is still selling her bike-related jewelry at the Marketplace."

Says Amos, Vendor #700, "With the encouragement of friends and my husband, it's been a goal of mine to get my products out of my sewing room and into the retail market and I'm excited to be working with the Made Local Marketplace to help make it happen."

To celebrate this milestone the Marketplace will host an Open House, open to the public on Thursday, May 17th from 4-7pm.

The Made Local Marketplace, located at 529 4th Street in Downtown Santa Rosa, (between Mendocino & B Street) is in its 8th year of business, recently moving to 4th Street from its original location on 5th Street. The store opened in December 2010 with just 36 makers.

The growing retail store and local artist showcase has many departments to appeal to its varied customers, tourists and locals alike. These include food items, housewares, garden, textiles, a variety of art, books, jewelry and clothing. The co-owners, Kelley 'the farmer' and Pam Dale 'the weaver' actively help to place makers' goods into other retail stores throughout the North Bay to help makers grow their creative businesses.

They also run the Share Space Cowork Center on 5th Street across from the Made Local Marketplace.

To find out more, please visit www.madelocalmarketplace.com