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2019 Board Election

Board Election Candidates

Below are the nominees for the opening Gem City Market Community-Owner Board Seat.

In-person voting will take place at the annual members’ meeting on MAY 23rd, 2019.

(Full Details Here.)

Absentee Voting

Nominations will be announced Friday, April 26th. The 3-week absentee voting period will begin once the candidates are announced.

Absentee ballots can be cast in one of two ways: Dropped off at Central State University Dayton Campus (840 Germantown St 45402) between the hours of 9-5, Monday to Friday with a photo ID to confirm membership for the voter.

OR

Emailed to [email protected]  from the email that is registered with your Gem City Market membership.

Only members in good standing may vote, and if you vote absentee you will not be able to vote in person at the meeting.

The last day to turn in your absentee ballot will be Friday, May 17th.


 

  • Shavelta Harding

    Resident Monitor at Volunteers of America

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    How many years have you lived in the Dayton area?

    35 years.

    Please provide us with a personal statement that explains what connects you to Gem City Market and what motivates you to run for the board.

    As a child I grew up in Dayton Ohio near the old art store next to the police station, and I even ate meals at Longfellow after school to stay out of the mean streets where crime and drugs ravaged my childhood streets. Right outside my backdoor I could see opportunity and despair. I lived in Edgewood courts apartments, and that was located near an old grocery store called many names, but I knew it as METRO MARKET. During the years businesses came and left, but tragic changes occurred when that grocery store left the neighborhood from being just within walking distance. My friends then moved and many other forms of what now seems to be strategic. I am overwhelmed with the many avenues that Gem City Market is taking and I see all the possibilities that I can fathom. I want to be apart of the many brains used to create this pleasant masterpiece I vivid imagine in my world, in my town, in my backyard. It is essential to keep us thriving as a village.

    What role do you think Gem City Market will play in Dayton's future?

    It will be the Mecca of the city. It is imperative to the health of our lives and our children to come.

    In what ways are you working to contribute to, and improve, the Dayton community?

    I am a member that is constantly spreading the word to invest and be come an owner as well.

    If you were speaking to a prospective owner or shopper, how would you explain to them why they should support and shop at Gem City Market?

    It is a company owned by the people it will benefit. It is a must to have your hand in history!

    Which of our Principles resonates with you most and why? (Click here to view)

    I can really relate to the participatory management principle because that reminds me of the best part of being a manager in my past careers. I loved being hands on and engaged seeing the bigger picture as we work toward a common goal.

    (Optional) The Gem City Market Board has expressed that the following experiences or skills will enhance the effectiveness of the future board: financial management, retail management, small business ownership or management. Do you have any of these skills? If so, please explain.

    Yes. I obtain all of these skills in some sort of shape and fashion throughout my work history and life experiences. I have been a retail manager for over a decade. I have learned how to budget a life and savings for myself and four children while working two jobs and enrolled in school for nursing, but only after completing an associates degree in business administration. I am currently still working on the small sales of my handmade clothing. Sewing is one of my most passionate present and future endeavors!

    Resident Monitor at Volunteers of America
  • Tawneisha Blackmon

    Nursing Specialist for Fidelity Health Premier Network

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    How many years have you lived in the Dayton area?

    32 years.

    Please provide us with a personal statement that explains what connects you to Gem City Market and what motivates you to run for the board.

    Growing up in Dayton I've seen a lot of businesses come and go. With Gem city market, I see a potential. I believe that, not if, but when successfully built, Gem City will not only will bring healthy food to the community yet endless job opportunities. Overall, this is a great plan. I will love to be a part of helping to serve Dayton healthy food and strengthening the job market. That's why I'm running for the board position.

    What role do you think Gem City Market will play in Dayton's future?

    I believe strongly that Gem city will become the city's leader in providing healthy food.

    In what ways are you working to contribute to, and improve, the Dayton community?

    One way, will be to ensure that no one goes hungry.

    If you were speaking to a prospective owner or shopper, how would you explain to them why they should support and shop at Gem City Market?

    Gem City Market is geared towards making sure the community haves excess to healthy foods. Also shopping with Gem City helps to strengthen the city of Dayton economically

    Which of our Principles resonates with you most and why? (Click here to view)

    Open Admission. Regardless of bias and religious beliefs, I do believe everyone should have an opportunity to be involved in helping the community grow with this wonderful plan.

    (Optional) The Gem City Market Board has expressed that the following experiences or skills will enhance the effectiveness of the future board: financial management, retail management, small business ownership or management. Do you have any of these skills? If so, please explain.

    Being team lead at my place of employment gave the experience of assisting and directing crew so that are residents got the proper care that they need.

    Nursing Specialist for Fidelity Health Premier Network
  • Courtney Clayton

    Practice Manager with Kettering Health Network

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    How many years have you lived in the Dayton area?

    30 years.

    Please provide us with a personal statement that explains what connects you to Gem City Market and what motivates you to run for the board.

    As a Dayton resident I am very excited about the market. I had the opportunity to help plan the block party last fall and enjoyed meeting new people in the community and operating a booth. I want to continue to help build awareness for the market and be a part of our community coming together in a positive way. Dayton needs this market to help eliminate our food desert and give residents the opportunity to buy healthy food at affordable prices. I want to work with the board to help make this goal a reality.

    What role do you think Gem City Market will play in Dayton's future?

    I believe it will give residents the opportunity to bring positive change. It will be a positive message to the community and local businesses that there is opportunity for growth on the west side of the city. The market will bring the community together and it will spur further economic growth.

    In what ways are you working to contribute to, and improve, the Dayton community?

    I joined the Dayton Public Schools Foundation board last fall. As a board member I am helping bring awareness to the foundation and raising funds to support teacher grants. I am also on the marketing committee; we are helping organize a 5k. In addition, I have volunteered at the House of Bread and Homefull.

    If you were speaking to a prospective owner or shopper, how would you explain to them why they should support and shop at Gem City Market?

    I would explain how the market is designed to provide quality, affordable, groceries to the community. I would also describe how becoming a member of the co-op gives them voting power to make decisions regarding the production and distribution of food.

    Which of our Principles resonates with you most and why? (Click here to view)

    Democratic Governance: I support the principle of worker-owners being treated equally and having a voice in the governance of the market.

    (Optional) The Gem City Market Board has expressed that the following experiences or skills will enhance the effectiveness of the future board: financial management, retail management, small business ownership or management. Do you have any of these skills? If so, please explain.

    I completed courses in finance while earning my MBA and I currently manage the finances of medical practice. I have also managed the finances of a service line within multiple hospitals. I have 6 years of retail experience in various roles (scheduling, stocking, ordering, training, etc.). I do not own a business; however, I am currently managing a medical practice with 26 employees and 3 locations.

    Practice Manager with Kettering Health Network
  • Aisha Ahmed

    Realtor with Bella Realty Group

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    How many years have you lived in the Dayton area?

    1 year.

    Please provide us with a personal statement that explains what connects you to Gem City Market and what motivates you to run for the board.

    I am interested in becoming a Community Representative for Gem City Market. I have extensive experience working with diverse communities and local business partners. As a Community Engagement Scholars from University of Minnesota. I have gained organizational and leadership skills. Also, as a Realtor, my business model is forced on community development. With my unique major; Speech-Language-Hearing Science (SLHS) and minor in Social Justice. I am certain that your organization will benefit from my skill and experiences.

    What role do you think Gem City Market will play in Dayton's future?

    Building community with a sense of ownership.

    In what ways are you working to contribute to, and improve, the Dayton community?

    Educating individuals about the homeownership process.

    If you were speaking to a prospective owner or shopper, how would you explain to them why they should support and shop at Gem City Market?

    By choosing Gem City Market, you are supporting a local business that is making a positive change in Dayton.

    Which of our Principles resonates with you most and why? (Click here to view)

    Open Admission resonates with me the most because I personally know how it feels to be discriminated. Open Admission creates a safe & welcoming environment for all.

    (Optional) The Gem City Market Board has expressed that the following experiences or skills will enhance the effectiveness of the future board: financial management, retail management, small business ownership or management. Do you have any of these skills? If so, please explain.

    Realtor with Bella Realty Group
  • Kim Johnson

    Self-employed Sales Entrepreneur

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    How many years have you lived in the Dayton area?

    50

    Please provide us with a personal statement that explains what connects you to Gem City Market and what motivates you to run for the board.

    What connects me to Gem City Market is my love for fresh food. It is a pleasure for me to frequent farmer’s markets, supporting local business owners and in turn enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables at my table. Many years I have instilled healthy eating habits for my family and it is with a great honor that I now have the opportunity to not only be a part of the foundation for a market in my community, but also to become a servant leader a part of something that I am very passionate about. Healthy food and healthy lifestyles lead to a healthy and thriving community and that is why I am running as a member of the Gem City Market’s Board.

    What role do you think Gem City Market will play in Dayton's future?

    Gem City market will certainly help our senior citizen community that lives within walking distance and it will draw in the downtown community as well. I have great hopes that the Gem City Market will expand and open more co-ops in the community.

    In what ways are you working to contribute to, and improve, the Dayton community?

    As a Precinct Captain for Dayton 21-A, for two terms, I ensure that our voters exercise their right vote and as a result 99.9% of my constituents have come to the polls and voted. As an American Legion Auxiliary Member, I support our military families who are experiencing homeless and disabilities.

    If you were speaking to a prospective owner or shopper, how would you explain to them why they should support and shop at Gem City Market?

    As a member, I am promoting the ability for those in my community the opportunity to become a member/owner. This is not only a great moment in my life, but is a blessing for many generations to come.

    Which of our Principles resonates with you most and why? (Click here to view)

    The Principle of Open Admission resonates with me mostly because of my studies and past/current experiences of the civil rights movement.

    (Optional) The Gem City Market Board has expressed that the following experiences or skills will enhance the effectiveness of the future board: financial management, retail management, small business ownership or management. Do you have any of these skills? If so, please explain.

    I will enhance the effectiveness of the future board, by using my skill set of troubleshooting, negotiations with vendors, and great liaison to the community as a small business owner and community organizer.

    Self-employed Sales Entrepreneur
  • William Hollibaugh

    Operations Manager for FedEx Ground

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    How many years have you lived in the Dayton area?

    4 years.

    Please provide us with a personal statement that explains what connects you to Gem City Market and what motivates you to run for the board.

    As a resident of Dayton in the Five Oaks neighborhood I have spent the last 4 years driving 15 minutes or more to buy quality groceries for my young family. I know how badly needed this project is needed for the community, and for more than just the groceries that it would provide. I seek to run and represent Gem City Market as a member of the board because I am passionate about seeing Dayton grow for the better. I have ideas and opinions about the state of the city and I feel that getting involved and bringing my work and life experience to bear will make the Gem City Market a greater success. I am proud that local citizens are pushing for something good that will transform the whole community. I’d like to be a leader of this change.

    What role do you think Gem City Market will play in Dayton's future?

    My hope is that Gem City Market will improve the lives of our community, granting them access to quality food. I also hope that it impacts local residents, impressing on them the realization that members of the community care more than anyone else to make Dayton great. I hope that the success of Gem City Market will spur the minds and innovation of other Dayton residents and perhaps we can continue to turn the boroughs of Dayton (outside downtown) into better and community centered opportunities. I want to see Gem City Market the example set for not just Dayton but the nation, in how private and public interests can bring about betterment for the community. And it starts with people who understand this idea and whom are willing to communicate it.

    In what ways are you working to contribute to, and improve, the Dayton community?

    Volunteering and supporting the mission of Daybreak, Center for Youth; representing FedEx in the community. Buy a house in Five Oaks and a house in Hillcrest and made them into homes. Walk and live in the neighborhood. Be a good neighbor. Picking up trash and sticks on my street. Trying to do my part to make it a nice cleaner place.

    If you were speaking to a prospective owner or shopper, how would you explain to them why they should support and shop at Gem City Market?

    Gem City Markets offers two main things: local groceries, and local representation. Gem City Market [will have] fresh food and meats things that help to feed your family. But more than that Gem City Market is something for us by us. It is Dayton people helping Dayton people. When we support it, it only makes Dayton a better place for all.

    Which of our Principles resonates with you most and why? (Click here to view)

    Principal 4. Instrumental and subordinate nature of capital. This concept is resonates to me because I feel all too often business decisions and capital is expended on the basis of where to maximize profit. And while I agree in the fundamental idea of free markets, I feel that society today is over saturated with businesses and interests that only care for the capitalists in society. That Gem City Market will be an organization founded to benefit the working class, over the capitalist class will be of great value to society. Moreover the business that Gem City Market provides is fundamental to all classes of life, food. This is a necessity that is better governed and managed in a democratic way by labor. When combined with a super local community focus I feel that emphasis of Gem City Market’s love of man over capital is perhaps one of its strongest defining qualities.

    (Optional) The Gem City Market Board has expressed that the following experiences or skills will enhance the effectiveness of the future board: financial management, retail management, small business ownership or management. Do you have any of these skills? If so, please explain.

    I currently work in management at FedEx and have experience in developing and managing team members within an organization. I've worked in small businesses before, and in fact all my experience prior FedEx was primarily with smalls businesses; Midwest Academy, Minority Health Coalition of Vigo County, Reynolds & Company. My greatest contribution to Gem City Market would be my passion to see it succeed. I would bring all I know, and plan learn many new things too.

    Operations Manager for FedEx Ground
2019 Board Nominees
  • Shavelta Harding
  • Tawneisha Blackmon
  • Courtney Clayton
  • Aisha Ahmed
  • Kim Johnson
  • William Hollibaugh

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