Acker finds street festival good for business

A native of White Deer, Texas, Joanna Acker has had a booth at Madison Street Festival since 1994 . CONTRIBUTED

MADISON – Joanna Acker believes Madison differs from other cities by keeping its charm and history while growing into a 21st-century city.

“We have our churches, shopping and grocery located really close. It’s the best of both worlds,” Acker said.

In addition, Madison is an excellent place to raise children and Madison City Schools is the best system in the area, she said.

“My husband and I both grew up in very small towns. Even though Madison was going through a huge growth spurt when we moved here in the 1990’s, it still had the small-town feel,” Acker said.

Ackley thought she would never leave her native Texas. After living in White Deer, she met future husband Bernard at Texas Tech University in Lubbock. After graduation, Bernard worked for Corpus Christi Army Depot on a project that Redstone Arsenal managed.

Project managers offered Bernard a job at Redstone. “Through a whirlwind of events, two months later we had sold our house and were moving. We arrived in July 1993. Now, it would be hard to leave Madison and go back to Texas,” Joanna said.

The Ackers have three children. Charles and wife Karina are parents of Maddox, Liam and Rowan. Mark and wife Katie are expecting in February. Jessica dates her boyfriend Brad.

For 22 years, Joanna has been an independent consultant for Pampered Chef. “Madison is a great place for my business,” she said. As a stay-at-home mom/business woman, Joanna can volunteer as ‘room mom’ and stay active in the community.

“I love the opportunity of Madison Street Festival. I began my business in March 1994 and participated in my first street festival in October. I’ve had a booth since then,” Joanna said.

“The street festival enables me to reconnect with current customers. I always meet new customers and make new friends every year,” she said.

Joanna and Bernard are active in church by singing in choir and serving with the social committee that coordinates special meals.

“We go to La Placita every Monday evening with friends,” Joanna said. “We have been doing this for years.”