Timeline
2019
First Annual Block Party
We welcomed hundreds of members and supporters to celebrate with us at the future site of Gem City Market with a Block Party in 2018.
Ceremonial Community Groundbreaking @ Annual Block Party
We estimate 500 – 700 members and supporters joined us for our Ceremonial Community Groundbreaking. Burgers were grilled, booths were visited, connections were made. We collected nearly 50 grocery receipts, the best way to find out what you really want to buy and cook, to help us stock our shelves smartly! Over 40 individuals made the decision to join the cooperative as a community-owner. We collected over $800 in Supporter Equity (and CO-OP Dayton gave out over 50 t-shirt thank yous!) About 50 individuals volunteered (receiving potluck dishes, serving food, supporting the grill masters, grilling, and stepping in where ever..Read More
Community Partnership: Teaching Kitchen with Kettering Health
One feature making Gem City Market more than a grocery store will be the teaching kitchen located within the store. Programming will come from community partners including Kettering Health Network.
Capital Campaign Launch and Site Announcement with Ambassador Tony Hall
The future site of Gem City Market announced as 300-400 Salem Avenue, Dayton Ohio 45402 This major investment in the Northwest side of Dayton is aiming to raise $4.2 million, over a third of which has already been committed. Ambassador Tony Hall is Capital Campaign Chair, with honorary Co-Chair Mama Nozipo Glenn. More than 920 memberships have been sold towards the goal of 2,000 by the time the market opens its doors.
Community Feedback Sessions with Architects
Matthew Sauer Architects is responsible for site and building design. Community feedback sessions were held at Dayton Public Libraries as an opportunity for members to review designs, ask questions, and give feedback.
1,000 Members!
1,500 Members!
Community Partnership: Kettering Health Announced 50/50 Employer Match
Kettering Health partnered with Gem City Market to deliver a 50/50 Employer Match. Any Kettering Health employee wanting to become a Community-Owner Member of Gem City Market has just $50 equity contribution because Kettering Health chips in the other $50. The match resulted in over 400 new members.
1st Annual Members Meeting
At our first Annual Members Meeting, we voted in two community elected board members: David K. Greer (3-year term) and Carrie Scarff (2-year term). Carrie and David join the seven existing board members including: Amaha Sellassie (President), Jules Rastiskis (Vice President), Fred Holley (Treasurer), Erica Fields (Secretary), Lela Klein, Rick Carne, and Lowell Harris.
Business Planning
With support from University of Dayton and industry consultants, market studies, surveys, business plan and financial model completed.
Launch the Plan
Held first public meeting to present the business plan and seek feedback from the community. Incorporated Cooperative and began accepting memberships.
500 Members!
Welcome Membership Coordinator: Maya Canaztuj
2015
Community Planning Process
Public Health Opportunity Mapping led to the formation of a food access steering committee.