David K. O’Neil, the global public market expert is coming
to QVM for discussions early in April. His experience with over 200 US and
international markets is highly regarded.
“David K. O’Neil is an expert in the development of public markets
and their local economies. He has been a consultant for over two hundred
historic and new market projects, working with would-be entrepreneurs
(including vendors, immigrants, minorities and farmers who had no previous
entrepreneurial experience) to develop businesses that make money. Recent work
includes projects in New Orleans (LA), Chicago (IL), Anchorage (AK), Dubai (UAE), Oakland (CA),
Moscow (RUS),
Detroit (MI), Charleston (SC), Ninotsminda (Rep. of GA), Roanoke (VA),
Washington (DC), Boston (MA), Flint (MI) and Florianopolis (BRAZIL).
Mr. O’Neil is also a Senior Associate at
Project for Public Spaces (PPS)
in New York City and works with a network of individuals and groups that plan,
design, develop and operate markets. With PPS, he recently
completed research for the Ford Foundation to help markets become stronger
vehicles for upward mobility and social integration. As the former General
Manager of Reading Terminal Market in Philadelphia, he created and directed the
overall market revitalization for ten years from 1980-1990. After Reading
Terminal Market, he traveled the ancient trade routes of Asia, studying markets
in cities and remote areas, walking over a thousand miles.”
“What O’Neil has
is an instinctive sense of the need to sustain the life of the city within the
market.” – Diversions
Magazine