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Downtown Dayton Partnership Names New President

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The Downtown Dayton Partnership has announced that the executive search committee has selected the organization’s next president. Katie Meyer will succeed Sandy Gudorf and lead the DDP as it works to continue the positive momentum downtown.

Katie has spent her career developing solutions to social and economic needs in cities. Since 2019, she has served as the policy and program manager for UniCity, altafiber’s smart city division based out of Dayton. In this role, she has worked with municipalities and organizations on technology solutions, policy, strategy, implementation, and data analysis.

Prior to joining altafiber, she served for nine years as the executive director of Renaissance Covington, where she promoted the economic revitalization of Covington, Kentucky’s historic downtown through business attraction, cultural vibrancy, and creative placemaking. Under her leadership, more than $150 million was invested in property rehabilitation, 20+ businesses opened each year, and Covington’s downtown housing inventory skyrocketed.

Katie earned her M.S. in Urban Policy Analysis and Management from The New School in New York City. She also holds a B.A. in Political Science and Journalism from the University of Kentucky. She is the recipient of numerous awards for her work and her volunteer efforts, and she serves on and leads a wide variety of community initiatives and boards.

Katie is thrilled to have the opportunity to lead the Downtown Dayton Partnership during such an exciting time for our city. She comments: “I already have a deep love and appreciation for the Dayton community and look forward to building on the organization’s momentum towards social and economic vibrancy alongside the staff and many dedicated stakeholders.”

The selection of Katie Meyer is the result of an extensive national and local search for the next DDP president, overseen by a search committee of the DDP Board of Trustees with input from community leaders, partners, and DDP staff. The search committee and the people she met with during the interview process loved Katie’s experience, energy, connections to the region, and commitment to the urban experience. The committee reviewed an extensive pool of strong candidates, and believes that Katie brings the right combination of skills and knowledge to work with the staff and volunteers to accelerate downtown Dayton’s progress.

Katie is expected to join the DDP on September 5.

Retail Lab Accepting Applications Deadline July 13

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The Downtown Dayton Partnership (DDP), along with its small business development partners, is inviting business owners to apply to the Retail Lab small business accelerator program, presented by Fifth Third Bank. Launched in 2020, the Retail Lab is an intensive 12-week experience for business owners aiming to launch or grow their first-floor business in downtown Dayton. Applications will be accepted through July 13.

The Retail Lab has two main goals: To continue energizing downtown with vibrant storefronts, and provide a supportive pathway into the downtown market for emerging first-floor entrepreneurs, especially women-owned and minority-owned businesses.

“We’re very pleased at the results this program has produced so far in its first four cohorts,” said Sandra K. Gudorf, president of the DDP. “With these new mixed-use spaces emerging, there is an opportunity to take new business ideas and budding entrepreneurs and show them the support network available in our community to grow or launch their own commercial ventures.”

Kia Wilson of Me’ Yanna Berry Co.

The Retail Lab will provide a series of workshops, focused one-on-one sessions and a public speaking event that connects the participating businesses to people, ideas, capital and resources to help them thrive and grow in downtown Dayton. Weekly workshops will include facilitated instruction and work sessions with mentors, and the program will culminate with a pitch competition.

Eligible businesses include boutiques, shops, cafes, galleries and restaurants – any consumer business that adds to the vibrancy of downtown’s sidewalks. Applicants should either be located in downtown Dayton or aiming to launch downtown in the next 6 to 12 months. Ideal applicants will have had a year or so of sales online and/or pop-up events. Interested small business owners can find more information, including the program application, at DowntownDayton.org/retail-lab. Applications for the Downtown Dayton Retail Lab will be accepted through July 13, with classes slated to begin in August. Workshops will be held in person at the DDP office at 10 W. Second St.

Owners Keon McCarroll and Shanti Sancho at the April ribbon cutting for Sole Touchers

“Since the launch of the program in 2020, the Retail Lab has graduated 37 people through the program,” said Val Beerbower, director of first-floor development and business marketing with the DDP and coordinator of the Retail Lab program. “We’re especially proud of the fact that 35 of those 37 businesses are woman-owned, and/or minority-owned businesses. We plan to continue efforts to create equitable economic opportunities through programs like the Retail Lab.”

Participation in the 12-week program is provided at no cost, and in addition to the support businesses receive through the workshops, each participant is eligible for up to $2,500 in professional services from creative, legal, and financial firms to advance their business.

 

Holiday Bonus Buy Deal: Buy $50 in Downtown Dollars, Get $25 for Free

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The Downtown Dayton Partnership is again offering a special bonus buy deal for those who purchase Downtown Dollars. Starting Thursday, November 18, at 12 p.m. noon, for every $50 Downtown Dollars purchased, an extra $25 of Downtown Dollars will be delivered in a separate e-gift card to the buyer.

Downtown Dollars is one e-gift card that is redeemable at more than 80 participating businesses in downtown Dayton, including restaurants, pubs, retailers and services. A full list of the businesses and a link to purchase Downtown Dollars is available at www.downtowndayton.org/dollars.

“Downtown Dollars are redeemable at more than 80 independent, local businesses that offer food, drinks, shopping and more,” said Sandra K. Gudorf, president of the Downtown Dayton Partnership. “They make a great holiday gift for anyone on your list, and this deal gives you a little holiday cheer for yourself, too!” Gudorf added, “Our local, small businesses still need our help as we emerge from the pandemic, and Downtown Dollars are a great way to support them and keep your shopping small and local this holiday season.”

The bonus Downtown Dollars will be delivered to the purchaser in separate $25 gift vouchers from their $50 purchases. The $50 Downtown Dollars e-gift card purchased by the customer does not expire, but the $25 bonus card(s) will expire if not used before December 31, 2021. This promotion is capped at a maximum of four Bonus Buys per customer.

The $25 bonus buys are limited, and are only available while Bonus Buy funds last – so be sure to grab your Downtown Dollars now before this special offer is gone!

Downtown Dollars gives access to the best shopping, dining and entertainment in Downtown Dayton with one card, conveniently stored on a phone or other mobile device.

When you purchase Downtown Dollars for yourself, or to give to others as a gift, the e-gift card is delivered via email or text message. Benefits of the Downtown Dollars e-gift cards include:

    • Downtown Dollars are accepted at more than 80 participating merchants in Downtown Dayton.
    • No monthly inactivity fees.
    • Your Downtown Dollars balance is listed directly on the card, and is updated as you use your card.
    • Purchasing cards is fast, personalized and instantaneous – great for gifts!
    • Monthly reminders are sent via email and/or text message to help customers remember they have the gift card available for use.

Go to the Downtown Dollars webpage to purchase your e-gift card for yourself or to send as a gift. Choose the amount, and it will be delivered by email or text message. To learn more about how to redeem your gift cards at participating businesses, visit our website for details and other frequently asked questions. For a complete list of downtown’s businesses, a dining guide, parking maps and more, visit www.downtowndayton.org.

Deadline Approaching for Entrepreneurs to Apply to Retail Lab

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The Downtown Dayton Partnership (DDP), along with its small business development partners, is inviting business owners to apply to the third session of the Downtown Dayton Retail Lab small business accelerator program. The Retail Lab is an intensive 12-week experience for business owners aiming to launch or grow their first-floor business in downtown Dayton. Applications will be accepted through July 22.

The Retail Lab has two main goals: To continue energizing downtown with vibrant storefronts, and to provide a supportive pathway into the downtown market for emerging first-floor entrepreneurs, especially woman-owned and minority-owned businesses.  The Downtown Dayton Retail Lab will provide a series of workshops, pitch opportunities, and services that connect the participating businesses to the people, ideas, capital, and resources that will help them thrive and grow in downtown Dayton. Weekly workshops will be held downtown.

Eligible businesses include boutiques, shops, cafes, studios, and restaurants – any consumer business that adds to the vibrancy of downtown’s sidewalks. Applicants should either be located in downtown Dayton or aiming to launch downtown in the next 6 to 12 months. Interested small business owners can find more information, including the program application, at DowntownDayton.org/retail-lab. Applications for the Downtown Dayton Retail Lab will be accepted through July 22, with the program slated to begin in August.

 

The Retail Lab leverages support from many business resource partners including the Entrepreneurs’ Center, the Miami Valley Small Business Development Center, Five Rivers MetroParks – 2nd Street Market, Launch Dayton, and The Hub at the Dayton Arcade. “Building a successful business is full of challenges, but the Retail Lab equips participants with a network of peers and resources who can help them move forward faster,” said AJ Ferguson, director for entrepreneurship and innovation with the DDP and coordinator of the Retail Lab program.  “The Retail Lab was an amazing experience. Not only did I learn about areas of improvement for my business but I was able to make connections with fellow business owners,” said Lindsey Deck, a previous Retail Lab participant and owner of Space Three fitness studio in downtown Dayton.

 

Participation in the 12 week program is provided at no cost, and in addition to the support businesses receive through the workshops, each participant is eligible for up to $1,500 in services from creative, marketing, and operations consultants to implement a strategic improvement in their business.

July 2021 | Application & Selection Process
Deadline to apply: Thursday, July 22, 2021 at 11:59pm
August – October 2021 | Weekly Workshops (tentatively Tuesdays from 9am to 11am)
November – January 2021 | Capstone Project with Service Provider Support
February 2022 | Demo Day Presentations

Questions about the Retail Lab should be directed to AJ Ferguson, ferguson@downtowndayton.org, or call (937) 681-9793.

 

Downtown Dayton Retail Lab Accepting Applications

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After a successful first-round of the Retail Lab small business accelerator program, The Downtown Dayton Partnership (DDP), along with its small business development partners, is inviting business owners to apply to the second session of the program. The Retail Lab is an intensive 12-week experience for business owners aiming to launch or grow their first-floor business in downtown Dayton, and applications will be accepted through February 3.

 

The Retail Lab has two main goals: To continue energizing downtown with vibrant storefronts, and provide a supportive pathway into the downtown market for emerging first-floor entrepreneurs, especially women-owned and minority-owned businesses.

“As we emerge from the pandemic and the impacts of the economic shutdown, there is an opportunity to take new business ideas and budding entrepreneurs and show them the support network available in our community to grow or launch their own commercial ventures,” said Sandra K. Gudorf, president of the DDP.

 

The Downtown Dayton Retail Lab will provide a series of workshops, pitch events, and pilot opportunities that connect the participating businesses to the people, ideas, capital, and resources that will help them thrive and grow in downtown Dayton. Weekly workshops will be held virtually and include facilitated instruction, work sessions with mentors, and occasional in-person activities with appropriate health precautions.

Eligible businesses include boutiques, shops, cafes, studios, and restaurants – any consumer business that adds to the vibrancy of downtown’s sidewalks. Applicants should either be located in downtown Dayton or aiming to launch downtown in the next 6 to 12 months. Interested small business owners can find more information, including the program application, at DowntownDayton.org/retail-lab. Applications for the Downtown Dayton Retail Lab will be accepted through February 3, with the program slated to begin later in February.

 

The Retail Lab leverages support from many business resource partners including The Entrepreneurs Center, the Miami Valley Small Business Development Center, Five Rivers MetroParks – 2nd Street Market, Launch Dayton, and The Hub at the Dayton Arcade.

“In 2020, the first cohort of 11 Retail Lab participants experienced how a community of entrepreneurs and resources can take an initial business plan to the next level of success, and we look forward to providing that same opportunity to a new group of Dayton entrepreneurs,” said AJ Ferguson, project manager with the DDP and coordinator of the Retail Lab program.

“The Retail Lab experience has given our business the necessary tools to make sure we are set up to succeed, and the opportunity to work with other businesses and collaborate on ways we can support each other,” said Vanessa Llyod, a previous Retail Lab participant and owner of A+ Cleaners in downtown Dayton.

 

Participation in the 12 week program is provided at no cost, and in addition to the support businesses receive through the workshops, each participant is eligible for up to $2,500 in professional services from creative, legal, and financial firms to advance their business.

 

Questions about the Retail Lab should be directed to AJ Ferguson, ferguson@downtowndayton.org, or call (937) 681-9793.

 

Play Downtown Dayton Winter Bingo!

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The Downtown Dayton Partnership (DDP) has introduced a new way to explore downtown and create a citywide adventure with the Downtown Dayton Winter Bingo card. The game begins today and players can complete a bingo of challenges for the chance to win downtown Dayton prizes through Feb 15th.

Players will complete “challenges” that will have them exploring downtown Dayton dining, arts, culture, shopping and entertainment. The challenges include opportunities to explore in-person following social-distancing guidelines, or tasks that can be completed online from home. If they complete five challenges in a row on the game card  to make a “bingo,” players can submit their card into the drawing to win prizes. Join in the fun at our Facebook event page here.

“We hope people take the chance to explore downtown, support our small business community, learn about a new spot in downtown Dayton, and continue to safely visit downtown restaurants, shops, arts galleries and more in the new year” said Sandra K. Gudorf, president of the Downtown Dayton Partnership.

The full bingo board of challenges is available at the Downtown Dayton Winter Bingo page.

HOW:  Do it, capture it, submit it!

  • Complete 5 squares in a row (horizontal, vertical, or diagonal) to make a bingo.
  • Snap a photo or take a screen grab to prove that you completed the task. All tasks MUST be completed using a downtown Dayton business or location.
  • Email your final completed bingo entry and supporting proof to intern2@downtowndayton.org to be entered to win prizes from the Downtown Dayton Partnership. See submission rules below.

 

PRIZES: To be eligible for prizes, you must submit your completed bingo on or before Monday, February 15, 2021.

Grand Prizes – At the end of Winter BINGO, five winners will be chosen to receive a Downtown Dayton Prize Pack, which includes more than $100 in gift cards to downtown restaurants, bars, and retailers.

RULES: How to submit your bingo:

Following the rules below, email your submission to: intern2@downtowndayton.org on or before Monday, February 15, 2021

  • Only submit a full bingo (five completed tasks in a row).
  • Only one entry per person.
  • All bingo tasks should be submitted in one email. The email needs to include the following:
  • A screen grab or photo of your bingo card with your 5 completed tasks marked off.
  • Proof* of your completed tasks either in the body of the email, or as attachments to the email. Read on for Proof* of Completion rules.
  • Your name, contact phone number, and email

 

*PROOF of bingo square task

Virtual (purple): Take a photo or screen grab of your completed social media or website task (example: screen grab the website you explored, or the new Facebook page you “like”). Include that picture as part of your final email submission.

 

Support Local (teal): Take a picture of yourself completing the task (example: snap a selfie while you’re at the local coffee shop). Include that picture as part of your final email submission.

 

Get Out & Explore (navy): Take a picture while you’re completing the task. (example: snap a selfie in front of a downtown mural). Include that picture as part of your final email submission.

 

For more information, including helpful tips on places to visit to complete some of the bingo challenges, visit the Downtown Dayton Partnership website. Here you can find the pages for OPEN* downtown Dayton restaurants, OPEN* retail, OPEN* things to do, Find it Downtown guides and downtown Dayton self-guided tours.

 

Highlights from the DDP Annual Meeting

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The Downtown Dayton Partnership (DDP) hosted its annual review of progress in the Special Improvement District (SID) at the Grande Hall at Liberty Tower on Wednesday, Nov. 13. Property owners, business leaders, and community partners gathered in the newly renovated Art Deco-inspired event space as DDP staff and guest speakers took to the stage to highlight progress in the urban core.

Highlights from the event included brief presentations from Lisa Wagner, executive director at Levitt Pavilion; Mark Donaghy, chief executive officer of the Greater Dayton Regional Transit Authority; and Paula Willis, co-owner of Now & Zen DIY Studio, a local retailer in the St. Clair Lofts. Attendees were treated to an education leadership chat with Chaminade Julienne Catholic High School President Dan Meixner and University of Dayton President Dr. Eric Spina. The evening closed with an update from downtown developers David Neal from the Windsor Companies, with the latest news from the Fire Blocks, and Jason Woodard, providing details about projects with his Woodard Development and partners at Crawford Hoying in Columbus. Shannon Isom, president and CEO of the downtown YWCA, moderated the discussion, and had her own updates to share about the $17 building renovation for residents at the women and family shelter.

From this year’s presentation, big numbers came out of the SID:


Public and private-sector investments completed and in the pipeline total about $1.81 billion.

Investments in downtown’s core have been gaining traction since 2010, with more than $700 million in projects completed and in the pipeline.

Downtown enjoys the highest occupancy rate at 97.4% despite the build boom of new housing units, with no plans for slowing down. There are 214 housing units currently under construction. The Fire Blocks apartments will soon welcome their first residents.

In 2019, 36 new businesses opened downtown. That’s a total of 1,400 new jobs in downtown’s core just since the beginning of the current SID period in 2015. First-floor tenancy has been booming with more than 97,000 square feet of vacant first-floor space filled since the launch of the Greater Downtown Dayton Plan in 2010.

The evening closed with an update from downtown developers David Neal from the Windsor Companies, with the latest news from the Fire Blocks, and Jason Woodard, providing details about projects with his Woodard Development and partners at Crawford Hoying in Columbus. Shannon Isom, president and CEO of the downtown YWCA, moderated the discussion, and had her own updates to share about the $19 building renovation for residents at the women and family shelter.