Notice of Annual General Meeting
We are pleased to share this invitation to the 2025 YLFMS Annual General Meeting and Election of Directors! This year, voting for directors will be online in advance of the meeting and the meeting will be followed by a family-friendly 30th Anniversary Celebration. We hope you are able to join us in person, but if not, we are pleased to offer an opportunity for our members to be involved in this essential part of our organization.
The information below contains:
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- Important Dates
- Board of Directors Voting Process – online, in advance of AGM
- AGM Package, including past minutes, Annual Report and financials
- Link to RSVP to AGM and 30th Anniversary Celebration
- Board of Director Candidate Bios
Important Dates
- June 6: AGM RSVP closes and online vote opens
- June 11: Voting Closes at 11:00am
- June 13: AGM and Party
Board of Directors Voting Process
In consideration of feedback from the membership, the Board of Directors has determined that the means for voting for the upcoming Board of Directors will take place online between June 6th and June 11th in advance of the Annual General Meeting. Results will be announced in-person at the 2025 YLFMS AGM (RSVP required*), set to take place on Friday, June 13th from 6:00pm-6:30pm at the Italian Cultural Centre, 3075 Slocan Street Vancouver, BC V5M 3E4.
How it works:
- Receive Elector ID: All eligible members will receive Simply Voting log-in instructions + unique elector ID to their registered member email when the election opens on June 6, 2025**
- Follow direct link to vote immediately OR create a username/password
- Complete vote by 11:00am on June 11, 2025 when the election closes
- Vote one time for up to 6 candidates (elector IDs cannot vote more than once)
- Successful candidates will be announced in-person at the 2025 AGM
Questions?
- Membership status: monika@eatlocal.org
- Voting Platform and Process: robert@eatlocal.org
- General inquiries: 604-879-3276
PLEASE NOTE:
*It is not necessary to attend the Annual General Meeting in order to cast a vote in the election of directors.
**Only members who were in good standing 30 days prior to the AGM, as of 11:59pm May 14, 2025, are eligible to vote in the election. Only these members will receive a link to vote.
AGM Package
In preparation for the AGM, please review the following documents:
Board of Directors Candidates + Bios
This year, the Board of Directors has six (6) vacancies to fill. The Society is seeking candidates with the following:
Skills and Experience:
- Governance/Board experience
- Non-Profit experience
- Fundraising experience
Characteristics required:
- Commitment to advancing the VFM mission, vision, values and strategic plan
- Collaborative and respectful communicator, adheres to VFM Code of Conduct
- Familiarity with non-profit governance or the ability and commitment to learn
- Familiarity with farmers markets in Vancouver’s diverse neighbourhoods
- An understanding of our regional food system
The following 8 candidates have let their names stand for consideration and have included bios on the following pages:
- Terry Burmas
- Jeremy Dyson
- Bree Hayden
- Ramneek Kingra
- Monique Pongracic-Speier
- Ezra Poplove
- Tushar Shroff
- Bill Tolany
When considering nominees, we strongly encourage those who have a demonstrated history of actively contributing to the VFM community. We really value those with direct experience, such as vendors, past board members, and anyone who has been genuinely close to the community. This naturally includes individuals who have previously served on VFM committees or otherwise dedicated their time and effort to supporting our shared goals. Their existing commitment and insights are invaluable.
Terry Burmas – current Treasurer, elected 2022, seeking re-election
I am writing to confirm my interest in joining the VFM Board of Directors for a second term. Where does the time go? Since joining the board 3 years ago, I have learned a lot about the organization and have enjoyed getting to know a lot of the staff, board members and the vendor community better. I love what VFM stands for and I feel it is a great organization with strong values and contribution to the community.
I feel I can continue to make a positive contribution to this Board and help achieve its goals and objectives for the coming years.
Jeremy Dyson – current Secretary, elected 2022, seeking re-election
I am a current VFM board member who sits on the Executive Committee as Secretary and chairs the Stakeholder Relations Committee.I would like to continue my role to complete some exciting initiatives I’m involved with such as a pilot project with Indigenous Tourism BC and a video project that began last year. As well I’d like to help orient the new “crop” of directors to pass on knowledge, projects and relationships that I have gained and participated in.
I have a strong interest in local food security and have managed non-profit programming and fund development. I was proud to develop and create the Ryall Park Community Garden in New Westminster as a recent project.
I currently volunteer with the Disabilities Foundation and have previously been co-chair of the Vancouver AIDS Memorial Society.
A vote for me is a vote for continuity. I’d appreciate this opportunity to complete the projects I’m involved in right now.
Bree Hayden – seeking election
As a passionate advocate for sustainable food systems and community connection, I’m thrilled at the opportunity to serve on the Vancouver Farmers Markets Board of Directors! Many of you know me from my dedicated journey with VFM, as a loyal shopper, enthusiastic volunteer, Riley Park Summer Market Manager, and ultimately, Development Manager until October 2023. My heart is deeply rooted here.
Currently, as Manager of Philanthropy for Chor Leoni, I leverage my proven track record in fundraising, stakeholder engagement, and strategic relationship building to foster thriving communities. My governance experience includes serving as Chair of the Board at City Gate Co-op, equipping me with essential insights into effective non-profit governance, collaborative leadership, and inclusive decision-making. Additionally, my active membership on Vancouver’s Food Policy Council aligns seamlessly with VFM’s mission to strengthen regional food systems and food security.
I’m excited about contributing my expertise in fundraising, governance, and community engagement to further VFM’s vision.
Ramneek Kingra – seeking election
I bring three years of board experience from both the Whistler and Squamish Farmers’ Markets, where I have been deeply engaged in supporting and advocating for local food systems and small business development. My passion lies in creating strong, resilient local economies by ensuring that farmers, artisans, and food producers have vibrant, well-supported outlets to sell their products. I believe that farmers’ markets are critical platforms for fostering community connection, food security, and economic opportunity.Beyond my board work, I am a strong advocate for municipal support of small businesses, recognizing the important role that local governments and organizations can play in helping them thrive. I see farmers’ markets as essential intersections between local food, commerce, and community engagement.
I am excited about the opportunity to join the Vancouver Farmers Markets (VFM) Board of Directors because it represents a larger, more complex organization where I can expand my governance knowledge and contribute meaningfully to its strategic direction. I am particularly interested in supporting VFM’s future goals and long-term vision, and I look forward to bringing my passion, board experience, vendor experience and commitment to community-based food systems to the team.
Monique Pongracic-Speier – seeking election
Hello, my name is Monique. I’m a long-time attendee of the markets. I started with the Trout Lake market in its early days and went on to the monthly winter market at the Wise Hall, the fledgling West End Market and, more recently, the markets at Kits and Riley Park. I believe that forging connections between local producers and consumers builds solidarity and makes for healthier, more resilient communities.
In my day-to-day life, I am a litigation lawyer at Ethos Law Group LLP, where I focus on constitutional, administrative and Aboriginal law. I have a long history of advising and representing organizations in the not-for-profit sector. I hope to combine my skills with my passion for good food and strong communities, in service of the Vancouver Farmers Markets and the people the markets bring together.
Ezra Poplove – seeking election
I’m excited to apply for the Vancouver Farmers Market Board of Directors, bringing over a decade of firsthand experience participating in and supporting farmers markets across Canada. For 14 years, I’ve performed as a busker (cellist) on the streets of both Ottawa and Vancouver— also spending 6 years performing at the Ottawa Farmers Market and one season here in Vancouver. These experiences gave me a unique perspective on the role markets play in building community, supporting local artists and vendors, and creating vibrant public spaces.
Since moving to Vancouver 7 years ago, I’ve been a devoted VFM shopper. I plan my weekends around the markets and always make a point to visit local markets wherever I travel. I believe farmers markets are not just about food—they are about people, place, and connection. That belief has guided my long-standing involvement as a performer and patron.
Professionally, I’ve worked in sales at Hootsuite for the past 7 years, where I specialized in strategic partnerships and customer engagement, and have recently moved to their product team. I’m confident that my background in relationship-building, along with my deep personal connection to markets, would allow me to contribute meaningfully to VFM’s mission and future.
Tushar Shroff – seeking election
Originally from New Delhi, India, Tushar is a food entrepreneur with a background in finance and a passion for global cuisine. The journey into food began during university in the U.S., where the lack of familiar Indian flavours sparked a deeper connection to cooking. After completing a Master’s in Finance and helping grow the family business in India, Tushar moved to Vancouver and launched Indish Foods Inc. in early 2020.
Since then, Indish has been closely involved with Vancouver Farmers Markets (VFM)—starting as a food truck and evolving into a stall vendor. This journey has created strong relationships with fellow vendors, staff, and market patrons. Indish has also proudly catered VFM’s annual holiday parties since 2021.
With a unique blend of entrepreneurial experience, financial acumen, and a deep understanding of vendor and customer perspectives, Tushar brings a well-rounded voice to the table. A strong belief in food as a vehicle for community, culture, and connection drives Tushar’s approach to business—and to market participation.
Committed to collaboration, growth, and inclusivity, Tushar is excited about the opportunity to contribute meaningfully as a board member and help shape the future of VFM from the inside out.
Bill Tolany – seeking election
Originally from the US, Bill’s first week in BC included trips to three different Vancouver Farmers Markets. He is now a regular at the Kitsilano summer and winter markets.
Bill’s prior work experience includes leadership roles at Whole Foods Market, as the CEO of an independent grocery company that provided direct delivery services to local farmers and small producers, and as a board member and mentor for consumer packaged goods companies. He is particularly interested in helping mission-driven entrepreneurs achieve their goals.
Vancouver Farmers Markets help create a vibrant local community and support small business owners. Bill values being a part of this community and looks forward to contributing to it further.
Thanks to the candidates for their interest.
Your Local Farmers Market Society (YLFMS), dba Vancouver Farmers Markets (VFM)
Established in 1995 as a non-profit society in British Columbia, Vancouver Farmers Markets has grown into one of the largest and most vibrant farmers market organizations in Canada. We create vibrant and welcoming markets that build community, feed people, and support small farms and producers.
We are grateful to operate markets on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and səl̓ilwətaɁɬ / sel̓íl̓witulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.
