Community

Have An Idea For A Pop Up Shop?

February 17, 2015 By Lisa Grigsby

Activated Spaces, an initiative to fill downtown storefronts, is accepting applications for temporary retail, service, and office businesses to open downtown this spring as part of the eighth phase of its Pop-up Project. The project matches business owners and entrepreneurs with downtown property owners who have first-floor storefront space available for occupancy.

Interested retailers or office space seekers should fill out an application, which can be downloaded here: Pop-up-Project-RFP-Spring 2015 and email it to Jen Cadieux at [email protected]. The application deadline is 5 p.m. Friday, March 13. Tenants will be selected the week of March 30, and retailers must be ready to open no later than the end of May.

Lease lengths will range from three to six months. The spaces will have varying lease rates, but will be leased below market value. Activated Spaces volunteers will connect retailers and office businesses with commercial property owners, help make the space move-in ready, and promote the business during such events as First Friday. Selected businesses will negotiate leasing terms directly with the selected property owner, but flexibility for the tenant is a priority.

Activated Spaces volunteers hope to build on the success of the Pop-Up Project’s seven phases. Eleven of the businesses that have opened as part of the Pop-Up Project are still open: Beaute Box, 116 W. Fifth St.; Peace on Fifth, 234 Dutoit St.; American Pi, 41 S. St. Clair St.; Vintage Barbershop, 110 W. Fifth St.; Sew Dayton, 261 Wayne Ave..; Green Baby, 2nd Street Market; Spice Paradise, 16 Brown St.; Hicks’ Barber Shop, 16 Brown St.; Catapult Creative, 133 N. Ludlow St.; Confetti, 42 W. 5th St.; and Ambition Magazine, 131 N. Ludlow St. Since the inception of the project in 2011, more than 13,000 square feet of vacant space has been filled and 29 new jobs have been created.

Commercial property owners interested in offering space to Pop-Up Shop owners should contact Jen Cadieux at 937-224-1518. Once a match is made, a small stipend is available to be distributed at the discretion of the Activated Spaces team to each of the businesses each month for the first three months to assist in off-setting startup costs.

The Pop-Up Project is driven by volunteers from the young professional organizations Generation Dayton and UpDayton with support from the Downtown Dayton Partnership, the City of Dayton, the City of Dayton Neighborhood Mini-Grant program and community volunteers. Activated Spaces is part of the Greater Downtown Dayton Plan, a strategic blueprint for the future of downtown.

Those interested in volunteering with Activated Spaces should e-mail [email protected].

Last Minute Valentine’s Day ideas

February 13, 2015 By Dayton Most Metro

We realize it is the 11th hour and that Valentine’s Day is tomorrow. It’s not to late to make your sweetheart’s day special!

Here our top 10 last minute ideas:

1. Type up 14 Reasons I Love You! (you love them) frame it and present it to them.
2. Visit a Dollar Store and purchase 14 $1.00 gifts. Wrap each one individually.

3. Start your day at the Trolley Stop and enjoy the bloody mary bar and brunch.

4. Go out and see 50 Shades together. Lord knows what may happen from there.

5. Head to Fifth Street Brew Pub for beer & chocolate pairngs.

6. Ice Skate under the star at RiverScape MetroParks. Holding hands as you skate makes it romantic.

7. You can still get tickets for The Dayton Ballet’s Creative Convergeance.

8. Head to The Barrel House and pick up a growler or bottle of wine then head across the street for an Improv Show

9. Shop for the ingredients and make a delicious Italian meal together from scratch. Put on some Frank Sinatra in the background

10. Take in a Cabaret show featuring dance, live music, comedy and theater.

For even more ideas, check our DMM calendar.

The Most Romantic Date Day Dayton Can Offer

February 11, 2015 By Dayton Most Metro

If you’re currently in a relationship, it’s hard to ignore that Valentine’s Day is on a Saturday this year, even if you’re personally not a huge fan of the over-commercialization of ‘love’ that comes with it.

Start off with coffee (or a chai tea latte if you’ve never quite understood the appeal of drinking something that tastes like burnt toast) at Ghostlight, the coziest neighborhood cafe you’ve ever seen. The walls feature rotating art exhibits from local artists and photographers, and owner Shane Anderson is a huge proponent of living local in Dayton. The spot is so popular on weekends that it can be hard to find a seat, but you can usually squeeze in by the bay windows if the tables are all taken, and the couches in the study are extremely comfy.

Don’t fall asleep though, you’ve got a full day ahead. Head to Lily’s Bistro in the Oregon District for brunch, where you’ll enjoy fantastic omelettes and beignets, a New Orleans classic that’s hard to find anywhere else in Dayton. Brunch wouldn’t be complete without mimosas, and owner Emily Mendenhall has got your back.

Hold your partners’ hand — gay or straight, you won’t get judgment here, in one of the most gay-friendly small cities in the country — as you wander through the Oregon District shops. Maybe buy each other a book at Bonnett’s Book Store, or a record at Omega Music. Be sure to say hi to Butters, the resident goat at Eclectic Essential and Cora, the friendly dog at Clash.

Walk down Clay Street to the Urban Krag, a former church converted into a rock climbing gym. The small climbing community in Dayton includes the owner and brewer at Toxic Brew Co., and you’ll find the group very welcoming if you become a regular climber. If you’re both novices, sign up for a belay class and they’ll get you started with renting shoes and a harness and learning the basics of climbing safety. As the light streams through the stained glass windows onto the colorful climbing holds, you and your partner are sure to reach new levels of trust as you try out the many routes and face any fears you may have. And if you’re not comfortable with heights, the gym includes a bouldering section with several beginner routes.

You can clean up in the bathrooms if needed before heading to your next destination: The Neon Movies. Catch an afternoon matinee showing of an independent film that’s sure to provoke lively conversation at dinner. You can also enjoy a beer or glass of wine during the show, and perhaps pick up an old movie poster for $5.

My favorite dinner spot is Wheat Penny, and not just because it’s gay owned and operated. The gourmet pizza restaurant embraces vegetables and treats them with the utmost respect. You’ll notice a cauliflower T-bone on the menu, and I’ll let you visit the restaurant to learn what that entails. The pizza is the main attraction here, along with the infamous eggplant fries that made a huge splash when the restaurant first opened. The house-made sodas are also not to be missed, whether in virgin form or as part of a house cocktail.

After dinner, catch a comedy show at Wiley’s, tucked away in the northernmost spot in the Oregon District. The club recently came under new ownership, and they’ve been working to spruce it up and add variety to the drinks and food menu.

Finally, to close out your day, head to Club Masque for the best DJ and dancing in town. The $7 cover might sound steep, but the drag show downstairs is not to be missed, and the upstairs dance floor with fog machines and a laser show will bring you and your partner close as you bump and grind in time with the beat.

Dayton, Meet Uber

February 6, 2015 By Bryan Suddith

Uber has reached Dayton. Uber, a German word, means over, above or across. In America we have used the word Uber to add emphasis to almost anything we are excited about. Dayton has lots to be excited about with the addition of Uber in the Miami Valley market.

Uber, the app and San Francisco company, was founded in 2009. In its earliest days Uber was a smartphone app tool used to request black car ride service. The app became popular quickly because it allowed the user to track the cars location and estimated time of arrival. Since 2009 the company has grown to service 200 cities in 53 countries around the world. 2012 was the mark of big growth when Uber expanded to allow any qualified driver with a suitable car to drive.

I began to drive for Uber in December of 2014. I had a few friends that were driving part time and making a little cash on the side. The process of applying to join the Uber fleet was tedious, but not difficult. The registration requires an Uber amount of paperwork and a background check. Uber is very cautious and vets drivers and their cars in a very systematic manner. Interior and exterior photos of my vehicle, a 2005 Honda Odyssey had to be submitted along with proof of insurance, vehicle registration; and a copy of my driver’s license had to be submitted online.

New Uber drivers are required to complete a short online training program to become familiar with the Uber app. Uber operates on two mobile apps. The Uber partner app is for drivers. This app allows drivers to log on when they are available and ready to drive. The app alerts drivers when a nearby rider has requested a ride. Drivers have 15 seconds to accept or reject the ride. The app only tells the driver where the pickup spot is. Normally it is within 5-15 minutes of your actual location. The app allows the rider to see the driver’s progress in real time and the driver alerts the rider upon arrival via the app.

For the driver it is a very easy process. Once the rider is in the car the destination address is entered. The app is complete with mapping and turn by turn directions. Once the ride is complete the driver acknowledges arrival to the destination in the app and payment is made immediately. Riders are required to have a credit card on file in the User app. No credit card information is shared between the rider and driver. The app calculates and makes the transaction. Drivers are paid weekly.

Are all riders drunk? No. Most of my riders are not intoxicated. My riders include college students who do not have a car on campus, people out for dinner and drinks, out of town visitors and the occasional late night reveler. More often I carry a small group of friends out for a night together. Uber is easier to request than a cab, normally cheaper and more dependable in the suburbs for a ride when needed.

Is it dangerous? No, not really. Riders are registered with Uber as well. Their identity is confirmed as they have a credit card on file with Uber to cover charges. Both the driver and rider know who to expect at pick up. The drivers photo and license plate number are sent to the rider so they know who to look for.

Recently I was dispatched to a home in Oakwood and my passengers were three teenaged girls. The app was registered in their parents name. The Uber app for riders allows the rider to share their trip with anyone in real time. Once they started their ride with a swipe on their iPhone, their parents were able to watch the ride in real time and see they were dropped off at the correct destination in short order.

Drivers are independent contractors and are responsible for their own gas and maintenance. Uber will also provide a phone for you for a modest $10.00 a month so your personal phone and data plan is unaffected.

In Dayton on a typical Saturday night I will drive 7-8 riders, a total of 150-180 miles and my income will be about $150.00. My expenses are about $15 in gas and 5 hours of time. Not a bad way to make a few dollars spending money.

If you have a car in good shape, clean inside and out, and are interested in driving for Uber, use this referral code (FA2RX) when you register online at Uber.com. As demand increases for this service, the demand for drivers also increases.

Dayton is still a young market for Uber and the ability to drive on your schedule makes this an appealing way to make some extra cash driving around town.

Blush Boudoir Celebrates 5th Anniversary With FIrst Friday Open House

February 5, 2015 By Dayton Most Metro

Blush Boudoir, the Dayton Region’s premiere boudoir and beauty photography studio, is celebrating its five year anniversary at its current location in Downtown Dayton with a special First Friday Open House on February 6th, 2015. “We are so happy with the growth we’ve experienced since moving our studio to Downtown Dayton,” says Tracy Malott – owner and principal photographer. “We’ve had over seven hundred clients walk through our pink doors in that time, and with the help of an amazing team of the area’s top makeup artists, hairstylists and photographers we look forward to making many more women look and feel beautiful in the years ahead.”

Blush Boudoir began two years earlier in West Carrollton when Tracy opened a storefront studio as a place to meet clients of her then-successful wedding photography business. As more brides requested “boudoir” shoots with albums that they could gift to their future spouses, Blush Boudoir was born. And with the need for more natural light and a better location, Blush Boudoir moved to its current location at 120 N. St. Clair Street in Downtown Dayton in February 2010. Soon, Tracy eventually stopped shooting weddings to focus all of her time and energy on boudoir photography.

In order to continue growing Blush Boudoir, Tracy and her boyfriend Billy Pote became business partners in late 2012. The studio has since then grown from one photographer and one makeup artist to a team of four photographers, four makeup artists and three hairstylists. And in 2014, Blush Boudoir opened the Blush Boudoir Lingerie Boutique featuring hand-made pieces by lingerie artist (and past client) Dianne Gallagher. It is open by appointment as well as to the public on the first Friday of every month.

Blush Boudoir is also gaining national recognition. In addition to attracting more and more clients to Dayton from cities like Columbus, Cincinnati and Indianapolis, the national association Professional Photographers of America brought their PhotoVision team to Dayton in 2014 to feature Blush Boudoir as part of their annual “Best of the Best” educational video series that spotlights the top photography studios in the country every year. Also in 2014, Blush Boudoir was invited to be a member of the Association of International Boudoir Photographers.

The Blush Boudoir First Friday Open House will be on Friday February 6th from 6 to 10 pm. In addition to featuring their popular lingerie boutique, Blush Boudoir is proud to host local fashion boutique Bloom who will have several items from their Vandalia clothing boutique available for sale. “We enjoyed joining Blush Boudoir for their First Friday Open House in December,” says Bloom owner Kristy Stephens, “and look forward to doing it again for their five-year anniversary celebration. It is great when local businesses can work together and cross-promote.” Both Blush Boudoir and Bloom Fashion will also be giving away gift cards to lucky guests.

For more information and/or interview requests, please visit BlushBoudoir.com or email [email protected].

Mayor Giving Away Free Circus Tickets

February 2, 2015 By Dayton Most Metro

The Antioch Shrine Circus is coming to town for big shows under the Big Top!

The office of Mayor Nan Whaley is giving away 400 tickets for the performance scheduled for Saturday, February 7, at noon. This family friendly event will be held at the University of Dayton Arena.

The tickets will be available at three City of Dayton recreation centers while supplies last:

* Greater Dayton Recreation Center, 2021 W. Third St.
* Lohrey Recreation Center, 2366 Glenarm Ave.
* Northwest Recreation Center, 1600 Princeton Ave.

Also available will be coupons allowing a free child’s ticket for every adult ticket purchased (tickets will not be sold at recreation centers).

For more information, visit antiochshrinecircus.com, or call 937-228-0052.

No clowning around! Enjoy the Antioch Shrine Circus in Dayton.

“The Woz” Invades The Nutter Center

February 1, 2015 By Dayton Most Metro

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You’re invited to spend the evening with Steve Wozniak this Wed, February 4th at 7pm at the WSU Nutter Center. His keynote address is free and open to the publc.

A Silicon Valley icon and philanthropist for more than thirty years, Steve Wozniak has helped shape the computing industry with his design of Apple’s first line of products the Apple I and II and influenced the popular Macintosh. In 1976, Wozniak and Steve Jobs founded Apple Computer Inc. with Wozniak’s Apple I personal computer. The following year, he introduced his Apple II personal computer, featuring a central processing unit, a keyboard, color graphics, and a floppy disk drive. The Apple II was integral in launching the personal computer industry.

In 1981, he went back to UC Berkeley and finished his degree in electrical engineering/computer science. For his achievements at Apple, Wozniak was awarded the National Medal of Technology by the President of the United States in 1985, the highest honor bestowed on America’s leading innovators.

In 2000, he was inducted into the Inventors Hall of Fame and was awarded the prestigious Heinz Award for Technology, The Economy and Employment for single-handedly designing the first personal computer and for then redirecting his lifelong passion for mathematics and electronics toward lighting the fires of excitement for education in grade school students and their teachers.

Through the years, Wozniak has been involved in various business and philanthropic ventures, focusing primarily on computer capabilities in schools and stressing hands-on learning and encouraging creativity for students. Making significant investments of both his time and resources in education, he adopted the Los Gatos School District, providing students and teachers with hands-on teaching and donations of state-of-the-art technology equipment. He founded the Electronic Frontier Foundation, and was the founding sponsor of the Tech Museum, Silicon Valley Ballet and Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose.

Wozniak currently serves as Chief Scientist for Fusion-io and is a published author with the release of his New York Times best-selling autobiography, iWoz: From Computer Geek to Cult Icon, by Norton Publishing. His television appearances include reality shows Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List, ABC’s Dancing with the Stars and The Big Bang Theory. In 2014, he was awarded the Hoover Medal, a prestigious honor given for “outstanding extra-career services by engineers to humanity.”

Steve Wozniak’s keynote address is presented with support from the Office of the President in conjunction with the Presidential Lecture Series. The Wright State University Presidential Lecture Series was established to advance human justice and promote the university’s commitment to creating a diverse university community and learning environment.

ARC Ohio Dayton Medical Center and Pharmacy Celebrates First Year & $1 Million Campaign!

January 30, 2015 By Dayton Most Metro

Last January AIDS Resource Center Ohio (ARC Ohio) opened its Dayton Medical Center and Pharmacy with the vision of improving the health of patients living with HIV/AIDS in the Miami Valley. The onsite services offered by the center include HIV medical care, primary medical care, medical case management, support groups, and access to housing and other assistance alongside a full-service retail pharmacy.

During its first year, the medical center provided care to 374 patients, exceeding its goal of 300 individuals. The pharmacy filled prescriptions for 600 customers, also substantially exceeding its goal. The AMC Ohio Pharmacy is open to the general public and operates much like a commercial pharmacy. The difference is that 100 percent of the AMC Ohio’s pharmacy profits are used to supplement the costs of other services not fully covered by government grants or community donations—a relatively new approach to non-profit business sustainability and a local example of social entrepreneurship.

“The center is a best-practices model, providing patient-centered care that treats the entire individual. Wrap-around services are proven effective in supporting the full range of our patients’ needs, contributing to the clinical outcomes we are striving for,” says Rich Groger, MD, Medical Director of the ARC Ohio Dayton Medical Center.

CEO Bill Hardy

“With early diagnosis and treatment, today a person with HIV can live a long and healthy life, and is far less likely to transmit the virus—if they achieve viral suppression,” says Bill Hardy, ARC Ohio President and CEO. According to the Ohio Department of Health, 1,500 HIV-positive individuals live in metropolitan Dayton, and another 300 are presumed infected, but not yet diagnosed. However, less than one-third of HIV-positive Americans and Ohioans are getting the care they need, which is why this center is so critical to addressing the HIV/AIDS epidemic locally.

“Once in care, we do whatever is in our power to keep that patient retained in care. Our goal is to get patients into care as quickly as possible after their diagnosis so that we can provide comprehensive treatment,” says Hardy. As a result of its patient-centered model, ARC Ohio patients are achieving viral suppression rates nearly three times the national average. This is tremendous news for the patient and their loved ones, and for the entire continuum of care. Remaining healthy reduces hospitalization and utilization of other, more costly services.

In addition to providing care to HIV-positive individuals, the Dayton Medical Center is also treating HIV-negative adults seeking access to Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP). PrEP is a new HIV prevention approach where HIV-negative individuals at high risk of coming into contact with the virus use a once-daily pill (Truvada) to reduce their risk of becoming infected. PrEP is used along with other prevention methods, such as condoms, and when taken daily as prescribed, PrEP has been shown to be up to 99% effective in preventing HIV infection.

While a few other practitioners in the state are offering PrEP services, ARC Ohio is the only community-based organization providing this service as part of its continuum of care. The PrEP Clinic has been very successful with over 15 patients accessing the service locally since beginning in October. PrEP has gained national support from the Centers for Disease Control, the World Health Organization and AIDS United, a nonprofit dedicated to ending the AIDS epidemic in the US through strategic grant-making, capacity building, formative research and policy. “We view PrEP as an important tool in meeting the goal of reducing rates of infection as outlined by the U.S. National HIV/AIDS Strategy,” added Michael Kaplan, President and CEO at AIDS United. “It’s time for PrEP to take its place among our other proven prevention methods.”

A $1 million capital campaign to cover Phase One of building out and equipping the Medical Center and Pharmacy was also successfully completed this January, with the final, and single largest, gift coming from Premier Health to close out the campaign. “Premier Health is supporting AIDS Resource Center Ohio’s Medical Center & Pharmacy project because it provides healthcare services in the most cost-effective and appropriate setting for the patients that they serve,” states Julie Liss-Katz, Premier Health Chief Government Affairs Officer. Other major campaign gifts included those from CareSource Foundation, The Dayton Foundation, Kettering Family Philanthropies, SC Ministry Foundation and Physician’s Charitable Foundation, as well as gifts from individual major donors.

The ARC Ohio Medical Center & AMC Ohio Pharmacy are located at the Wright Health Building 1222 S. Patterson Boulevard. You can reach the Pharmacy by phone at (937) 424-1440. They are open Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm.

Hannah’s Treasure Chest Executive Director Receives National Nonprofit Award

January 28, 2015 By Lisa Grigsby

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Hannah’s Treasure Chest Executive Director, Sarah Williams

The Nonprofit Leadership Alliance recently presented Sarah Williams, CNP, executive director at Hannah’s Treasure Chest , with the prestigious Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP) of the Year Award. The award presentation took place at the annual Alliance Management Institute—an educational conference geared toward students planning a career in the nonprofit sector. The 2015 event was located at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Years after graduation from Wright State University, Sarah Williams remains involved with their Community Council and alumni association. She is both a resourceful advisor and a champion for the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance program at Wright State.

In 2012, she was named executive director at Hannah’s Treasure Chest—a nonprofit that works to enrich the lives of children in need by providing clothes, furniture, books, and other essential items. “During a time when many nonprofits were struggling to achieve financial goals, this Certified Nonprofit Professional’s leadership helped bring significant growth in donations, allowing the organization to serve even more children,” said Susan T. Schmidt, CNP, president of the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance. “We are proud of the work Sarah is doing to improve the quality of life in her community.”

The CNP of the Year Award, sponsored by the Association of Certified Nonprofit Professionals, is given to an individual who has made meaningful contributions to the nonprofit sector and significant achievements at his or her organization. The 2015 honorees were chosen by an awards selection committee comprised of key Alliance stakeholders, including affiliated faculty members, alumni, nonprofit partners, board members and sponsors. The selection of the award recipients was based on specific criteria for each respective award.

About the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance: Since 1948, the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance has worked to strengthen the social sector with a talented, prepared workforce. Its Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP) credential is the only national nonprofit management certification in the U.S. The Alliance system, which includes 40 colleges and universities, 12 national nonprofit partners and more than 9,000 CNPs, is the largest network in the country working to build a talent pipeline for the social sector.

If you’d like to support Hannah’s join them on Friday, Jan 30th for their 2nd annual “Points for Prizes” Euchre Tournament at Bullwinkiles in Miamisburg.
Every point you score can be used to bid on prizes donated by local businesses at the conclusion of the tournament. $25.00 will cover your entry into the tournament and an appetizer buffet.

Start off with a 10 point bonus by donating $10 or a new/gently used children’s item at the door!

This event will raise operating funds for our mission to enrich the lives of children in need in Montgomery, Greene, Warren and Butler counties. Our operating expenses allow us to clothe a child for a week for as little as $10.00, giving hope to families who are struggling to provide for the very basic needs of their children.

Know a Dayton Community Builder Who Deserves Recognition?

January 21, 2015 By Dayton Most Metro

This award honors a Dayton resident whoexemplifies vision and compassion toward neighborhood and community. The winner will be recognized during the CityLinks Neighborhood Leadership Conference luncheon, held April 10,

2015, at 1700 S. Patterson Blvd. on the University of Dayton River Campus.

Before her passing, Mattie Davis held a major position in organizing the Edgemont Neighborhood Coalition in 1978. She also played a lead role in producing the award-winning Edgemont Solar Garden. Joe Kanak was involved in virtually everyinitiative sponsored by the Northeast Priority Board and Old North Dayton Development Corporation. He was the second recipient of the Mattie Davis Community Builders Award. Following his passing,

Kanak’s name was added to the award in tribute to his memory and legacy. The accomplishments of both Davis and Kanak are an inspiration to Dayton residents and future community leaders.

Do you know someone who exemplifies compassionand dedication to the community? Would you like to nominate that person for their leadership efforts within the city or a neighborhood?

Nominations will be received until Feb. 20, 2015. For questions or more info contact

Char Cook Robinson or call 937-229-4641.

The winner and the nominator will be notified by March 6, 2015

Nominations Now Open for Behavioral Health HOPE & Innovation Awards

January 19, 2015 By Dayton Most Metro

The Greater Dayton Mental Health Foundation is accepting nominations for the Behavioral Health HOPE Award and the Innovation Award for Advancement in the Field of Behavioral Health.

The Behavioral Health HOPE Awards recognizes an individual’s ability to overcome tremendous odds in achieving recovery, the ability to provide hope to others in their journey to recovery and the ability to bring insight for change in the behavioral health treatment community.

The Innovation Award for Advancement in The Field of Behavioral Health recognizes an organization’s or individual’s dedication to the cause of providing innovative leadership in the treatment, planning, funding and prevention of behavioral issues in the community. Additionally, commitment to achieving positive results for the advancement of behavioral health through innovation and the ability to engage others as successful team members.

The nomination deadline is Friday, April 3, 2015 at 5:00 pm.

Nomination forms and submittal instructions are attached. Please contact Lynn Voisard ([email protected] or 443-0416 x 108) for further information and questions.

Awards will be presented at the 3rd Annual Greater Dayton Mental Health Foundation Symposium & Luncheon on Wednesday, May 13, 2015 at Sinclair Community College.

Welcome to The Collaboratory!

January 19, 2015 By Brian Petro

Cities are amazing things. Their growth during the 17^th and 18^th centuries helped lay the foundation for some of the largest leaps in thought in that era, and have continued to be a source of innovation ever since. A conversation in one of the booming coffee houses in 17^th century London lead to the writing of Newton’s Principia; another chat lead to the creation of Lloyd’s of London, the world’s first insurance agency. The Industrial Revolution grew slowly within cities, drawing people in with opportunities for economic growth. The density of people in urban centers helped to spread ideas by developing a fertile environment for it. The more seeds of ideas that are planted in one area, the better the chances those thoughts will bump into each other and spawn completely new, innovative thoughts. The internet may have us more connected to more resources than ever before, but there is still something special about meeting people face to face. Adding a personality and a voice to all those interesting Facebook posts and LinkedIn updates. That is where The Collaboratory, a new place for people to connect, share, and develop, comes in.

The Collaboratory is located at Courthouse Square, the hub of downtown Dayton, and provides a space for everyone to use. There is a wealth of talent in this area, and we are seeing it grow in leaps and bounds. It is being developed in homes and small offices through the city, people working long days on labors of love. The Collaboratory is a space for people who are looking for more tools, a change of scenery, and more access to expert advice on building a business. It is for entrepreneurs who are just starting out and looking for help and for established businesses needing a place to work on larger projects. Being downtown encourages a wider group of people to come and utilize the space, attracting politicians, students, non-profit experts, and civic leaders to interact and develop new ideas to enhance the Miami Valley. It is within walking distance to many resources, like the Metro Branch of the Dayton Public Library, Sinclair Community College, and Boston Stoker. Physically, it offers one of the largest white boards in the Miami Valley, as well as internet access, public and individual tables, and the ability to be reserved for morning and evening meetings. All of this access costs just $5 and a mention on social media!

Connect and collaborate for the cost of a few beers. What could be better?

This venture has been spearheaded by Peter Benkendorf, someone who has believed strongly in this community since he moved here in 2008. He is head of Involvement Advocacy, a group dedicated to encouraging collaborative efforts and creating support systems for those seeking to build a better Dayton. By developing spaces and events that bring people together, better known as Collaborative Infrastructure, Involvement Advocacy is looking to put our city on the map with St. Louis, New York, and Oakland as leaders in innovation. Spaces like this foster interaction with thinkers in diverse industries, ones that may not otherwise have a chance to sit down at a table together. This is where new concepts are developed, ones that can add a fresh sparkle to the Gem City.

Cities are engines for developing new ideas, and Dayton has the talent and imagination to make its own future. The Collaboratory wants to collect that imagination and turn it into businesses, actions, and inspiration to go out and connect with members of your community. There are many places in Dayton you can go outside of your office to get some work done. There are few where you have all of the resources you need to assemble something new. This space will be open on Monday, January 18^th from 10 AM to 4 PM. We look forward to seeing and reporting about all of the phenomenal new ideas to come out of The Collaboratory! What will you be heading downtown to build?

Why You Should Only Buy Your Cookies Directly From A Girl Scout!

January 18, 2015 By Lisa Grigsby

Girl Scout cookie season is well under way. For almost 100 years, Girl Scouts, with the enthusiastic support of their families and communities, have knocked on doors, set up sales tables at stores and community events and hawked thin mints.The $700 million Girl Scout Cookie Program is the largest girl-led business in the country and generates immeasurable benefits for girls, their councils, and their communities.

I admit I was a girl scout. And for those of you who know me, it will come as no surprise that I was determined to sell more cookies than any of the other girls. I went up and down my street, knocking on doors for orders. I called all my relatives and perfected my telemarketing skills. I asked my dad to get his co-workers to buy from me. And he said NO! But he did offer to take me to work so I could ask for the order. I worked hard and sold hundreds of boxes and was sure I’d win the Cookie title.

Well as it turns out, I didn’t. Some little girl named Susie did. She lived down the street from me and I never saw her ask any of our neighbors to buy cookies. I assked her how she did it and she said it was easy-her mom and dad got all the orders for her. I was mad and didn’t think it was fair and complained to my dad about it. He told me life wasn’t fair, never would be, but that I’d really won, and I’d appreciate it some day when I realized that I had gotten much more out of it than Susie had. Not what a 9 year old girl wants to hear. So I’m sure I sulked around for a while, until something else captured my attention.

But now many years later, I get it. My dad was right- I had won! I’d learned how to set a goal, prospect customers, perfect my sales pitch, work on my organizational skills, plan the logistics of delivery, handle money, make change and enjoy quite a few cookies, too!

And that’s why I implore you to only buy cookies from Girl Scouts. I know there are many well intentioned parents that want to help their daughters, and help support the troops so they can put on all the programs they have scheduled; but please help them by letting them sell!

In a recent study by the Girl Scouts Heart of the South, they documented skills the Girl Scout Cookie Program teaches, which girls can apply to everyday life:

85% increased their money management skills as they developed budgets, took cookie orders and handled customers’ money.
83% developed business ethics, learning to fulfill promises to customers and considering how best to contribute to their communities with their earnings.
80% set goals and created objectives to reach them.
77% made important decisions, learning to work as a team to develop a business plan, deciding when and where to sell cookies, and determining what to do with the money they earn.
75% developed people skills, learning to talk to, listen to and work with different kinds of people.

Many successful businesswomen and community leaders say they got their start selling Girl Scout Cookies. So when your local Girl Scouts come calling with this year’s best-selling cookies, remember you’re saying hello to tomorrow’s business leaders.

The Cookies:

COOKIE VARIETIES – $4.00/BOX

Seven varieties of cookies are offered this year: Thin Mints, Samoas, Tagalongs, Trefoils, Do-Si-Dos, Savannah Smiles, and Rah Rah Raisins. New this year, Rah Rah Raisins are hearty oatmeal cookies with plump raisins and Greek yogurt-flavored chunks.

Did you know that Girl Scout cookies have?

No high fructose corn syrup
Are all Kosher
No trans fats
No hydrogenated oils in five varieties
100 percent real cocoa
Nutritious whole grain oats
Two nut-free varieties: Trefoils and Thin Mints contain no peanuts or tree nuts

Additional nutritional information about on the cookies is available here.

All of the proceeds from the cookie sale—every penny—stays within our community to benefit local girls. Girl Scout troops use the money for field trips and community service projects.

Money from Girl Scout Cookies helps the council:

Recruit and train volunteer adults to work with girls.
Provide the financial assistance needed to make Girl Scouting available for all girls.
Improve and maintain camp and other activity sites.
Keep event/camp fees for all members to a minimum.
Sponsor special events and projects.

This story was originally run Jan 2014, but we’ve updated the cookie selections for 2015.

Annual Community Awards Banquet Recipients Announced

January 16, 2015 By Dayton Most Metro

The Beavercreek Chamber of Commerce has a long-standing tradition of recognizing community and Chamber members’ excellence. Each year they honor residents and Chamber members at their Annual Community Awards Banquet.

The Awards Banquet will be held on Friday, January 30, 2015 at the Hilton Garden Inn Dayton/Beavercreek.

We are honored to announce this year’s Beavercreek Chamber of Commerce Annual Community Awards Banquet award recipients:

Beavercreek City Employee of the Year Award

Leslie Heller, Beavercreek Golf Club

Beavercreek Township Employee of the Year Award

Debra White, Beavercreek Township Fiscal Office

Mike Shuman,

Beavercreek City Schools Public Education Award

Mike Shuman, Director of Technology for Beavercreek City Schools

Greene County Career Center Friend of Education Award

Soin Medical Center

Beavercreek Chamber Past Board Chair

Roger Peters, Signs Now

Outstanding Young Person of the Year

Tabitha Guidone, Decoy Art Studio

Jessica Waters, Cupcakes for Camp

Women Owned Business of the Year

Debborah Wallace, Wallace Insurance Services

Young Professional of the Year

Tabitha Guidone, Decoy Art Studio

Chamber Member of the Year

Chris Beck, Beck Law Office

Outstanding Business/Business Person of the Year
Hammond, Stier & Stadnicar
The Beavercreek Chamber of Commerce fosters cooperation between businesses, schools and government for the good of our community. The motto of the Chamber is “Linking Business with Community”. Each year, our award recipients understand and exemplify this motto.

We hope that you will join us to celebrate all of our recipient’s accomplishments. Tickets for the evening are $45 a person and include dinner. Please follow this link for the full menu, sponsorship opportunities, and to register.

Aerospace Professional Development Center at Wright State Takes Flight at Grand Opening

January 16, 2015 By Dayton Most Metro

Wright State celebrated the center’s official grand opening on Friday, Jan. 16, at 8:30 a.m. at 2685 Hibiscus Way, Suite 100, in Beavercreek.

The aerospace and defense industry employs 170,000 people in Ohio and is expected to grow by 20 percent in the next five years.

The Aerospace Professional Development Center will unite education with aerospace and defense industry partners to leverage regional capabilities and build a pipeline of talent that flows seamlessly from higher education to the workforce. This model will ensure that Ohio has the highly skilled aerospace and defense workforce needed by employers today and to shape the community in the future.

The center will serve employees entering the workforce for the first time, transitioning employees and veterans. It will continue to work with Ohio’s aerospace and defense employers, assess the workforce and provide critical career assessments and placement opportunities to grow the defense industry in Ohio.

“The Aerospace Professional Development Center creates opportunities for our region and our state that are unmatched across the nation. We are working to build the most robust workforce in the nation for aerospace and defense companies,” said Dennis Andersh, CEO of the Wright State Applied Research Corporation, an affiliate of the university that supports the Wright State Research Institute and growth in basic and applied research and development.

Cassie Barlow joined Wright State as APDC’s executive director in September 2014. Barlow retired last July as commander at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base’s 88th Air Base Wing following a distinguished 26-year military career. At Wright-Patt she commanded one of the largest air base wings in the Air Force with more than 5,000 Air Force military, civilian and contractor employees.

Barlow earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Georgetown University, a master’s degree in clinical psychology from Chapman University and a doctorate in industrial and organizational psychology from Rice University. She holds two additional master’s degrees in military operational art and science and national security.

The APDC was created in 2012 to help Ohio target the closely related aerospace and defense sectors for growth. Aerospace and defense needs are in fields such as parts manufacturing and supply, research in composites, propulsion and fuel, the development and manufacturing of unmanned aircraft, evaluation and testing, machining and materials and coatings.

“The APDC is working very closely with the Advanced Technical Intelligence Center and the Regional STEM Collaborative to enhance workforce development efforts across the region and state,” Andersh said.

Frigid Temps Could Mean Frozen Pipes for Hundreds in Dayton Area

January 10, 2015 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

Randy Mount, Owner of Ram Restoration has some tips on dealing with busted pipes this winter.

With the cold, frigid temperatures of the past week, comes a problem many of us do not think about. It is the emergency of frozen plumbing pipes. As the temperatures rise back above 32 degrees,hundreds of families and property owners in the Miami Valley will be dealing with flooded rooms, caused by frozen pipes.

The Problem: As temperatures dip into single digits, many pipes in the home began to cool as well. Some pipes are susceptible to becoming fully or partly frozen. When the water in these pipes freezes and expands, it can cause cracks and breaks in some of the strongest pipes. As the pipes thaw, homeowners may find themselves in a situation with water literally coming out of the walls.

We sat down with Randy Mount, Owner and CEO of Ram Restoration of Dayton, who has over 12 years dealing with flooding, and solving such emergencies. “If a homeowner finds themselves dealing with flooding from broken pipes, it is important that they call a licensed restoration company to deal with the problem.” Such companies deal with situations like these every day, and they will work with your insurance agent to make sure things go smoothly, and your property is restored to pre-existing conditions, before the flooding. Randy says his faith based company finds satisfaction to helping those in need: “We show genuine empathy to these homeowners who are going through so many emotions during a difficult, even catastrophic time. We sympathize with their situation and assure them that everything is going to be alright, but it takes time.”

He goes on to say, “One of the most important reasons to use a certified company, is that you want to make sure they provide the proper expertise, equipment and follow through for the job.” Mount explained that if cleanup is not done properly, homeowners can then be subject to mold left behind, due to improper drying techniques. And as we have all heard, mold in your home can lead to a whole host of other nightmarish problems.

The first step is expert assessment of the situation. The next step is water extraction and drying of affected areas. Repairs to pipes are also done during these initial steps.

What the industry call “the putback” is the final step of the process. This includes any repairs to drywall, ceilings, carpets and flooring. In fact a quick response time may save items such the original wood flooring. Some restoration companies only offer water extraction, while others offer construction services too.

Frozen Pipes can cause Splitting, Resulting in Leaks and Flooding

Tips when your house becomes flooded, due to broken pipes:

1) Turn off the main water line as soon as you discover flooding/leaking. Everyone in your house should know where to find the main and turn it off. If it’s heated water that’s coming from the pipe, you should also close the valve attached to your hot water heater.

2) Call a certified restoration company to come to your house. There are even some companies that are available 24/7 and promise to have someone to asses the situation within an hour of the emergency.

3) Contact your insurance agent and inform them of the situation. Getting a claim number and knowing your deductible are important tools in the homeowner’s decision making process.

Are you Insured? Many homeowners may find out, they are not covered from such floods. That is why it is important to comb over your home owner’s insurance policy, and talk to your agent, to make sure you are covered. It is your right to hire whatever restoration company you desire to conduct the work, the insurance companies may suggest a someone, but ultimately, it is the homeowner’s call.

Hopefully you won’t have to deal with such a problem so soon into the new year. But for those who do, maybe you are a little more prepared for what may come.

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