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  • August 16, 2023

New 2016 Community Grant Program Application Deadlines, Germantown United CDC Announces 2015 “Fund for Germantown” Micro-grants

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Germantown, Philadelphia, PA (March 31, 2016): In an effort to align grant funding for community improvement efforts with the warmer weather months for outdoor projects, Germantown United CDC (GUCDC) is changing the grant application dates for the Fund for Germantown, the organization’s micro-grant program supporting community-driven beautification projects in Northwest Philadelphia’s Germantown neighborhood. In 2016, the deadlines will be Friday, April 15, and Friday, September 30. Funding guidelines may be found on Germantown United’s website at www.germantownunitedcdc.org. To request an application, email [email protected] or call 215-856-4303.

_FUND_Logo-01Germantown United CDC distributes small grants ranging from $100 to $1000 to local organizations, civic associations, businesses, and individuals seeking to beautify the Germantown neighborhood. The grant program is part of GUCDC’s ongoing efforts to promote and facilitate the revitalization of Germantown’s business corridors through a sustainable, creative, and community-driven approach to economic development.

The focus of the Fund for Germantown is to support projects that will have an immediate physical impact on the neighborhood. The fund provides grants for physical improvements across Germantown including, but not limited to, landscaping, signage, painting, reclaiming empty lots, and waste removal.

Germantown United CDC is proud to announce all 2015 grantees

Since the Fund for Germantown launched, 19 micro-grants have been awarded, with funds supporting a wide range of projects from greening to murals, neighborhood bulletin boards, cleanups and other community-building activities.

In 2015, seven projects were funded in the July 2015 round, and two were funded for the December 31 round.

Winning project ideas from 2015 include:

  • Business owner Lynn Washington will install a ‘Little Free Library’ to the front of Books & Stuff, her bookstore located at 23 W Maplewood Mall.
  • Residents Clint Steib and Villia Lateef will lead their neighbors in a planting and beautification project on the 4500 and 4600 blocks of Greene Street aimed at traffic calming.
  • Artist and photographer Tieshka Smith will launch the Peaceful Places public signage project in Germantown’s storied Penn-Knox neighborhood, next to the Central Germantown business corridor
  • Fitler Academics Plus, a public elementary school in Germantown serving students in grades one through eight located at 140 W Seymour St (at Knox St) will paint ground murals and organized games in the school’s playground
  • West Central Germantown Neighbors civic association will enhance their community orchard and garden project at the Tulpehocken Train Station, a SEPTA Regional Rail station at 333 W Tulpehocken St (off Walnut Ln and Wayne Ave)
  • Support to sustain the ongoing streetscape beautification efforts of Men Who Care of Germantown around their headquarters at 180 East Tulpehocken St (at Morton St)
  • The Imperfect Gallery will install an interactive sidewalk mural outside of the gallery and community space at 5601 Greene St, adjacent to the Maplewood Mall pedestrian plaza and shopping corridor
  • Freedom Gardens, a project by Germantown resident Susan Guggenheim, will connect local gardeners who would like to share their crop free of charge with Germantown residents looking to improve their diets with home-grown produce; Freedom Gardens will be identified by lawn signs and online via Google Maps
  • Support to sustain Chew-Belfield Neighbors Club’s ongoing cleaning and beautification projects in East Germantown

The Fund for Germantown us supported through generous seed funding by local real estate developers Howard Treatman and Ken Weinstein. “We are excited to support these small projects that have a big impact”, says funder Ken Weinstein. “These kinds of initiatives are exactly what we had in mind when we envisioned the Fund for Germantown”, said Howard Treatman. “It’s been great to see how Germantown United has been able to empower the community and leverage grassroots efforts.”

About Germantown United CDC

Germantown United Community Development Corporation is a 501(c)3 organization that was created to promote and facilitate the revitalization of Germantown’s business corridors through a sustainable, creative, and community-driven approach to economic development. Founded in 2011, Germantown United CDC’s focus is to work with residents, businesses and community organizations to create an inspirational vision of Germantown’s business corridors and surrounding neighborhoods, create innovative case studies and sustainable business models to attract green-oriented developers, and recruit forward-thinking investors committed to fostering sustainable economic growth and development for all Germantown residents. Learn more at http://germantownunitedcdc.org.

Contact
Germantown United CDC
Andy Trackman, [email protected]
Emaleigh Doley, [email protected]
Office: 215.856.4303 

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  • August 16, 2023

Germantown Business Info Session: Minding Your Business for Maximum Success, Wednesday, March 9

A panel of experts will discuss the importance of establishing a strong team, solid inventory, well managed operations, and a marketing strategy to achieve success at Germantown United CDC’s next Business Info Session, co-organized by The Business Center for Entrepreneurship and Social Enterprise. The event will be held on Wednesday, March 9th from 9:00 a.m. – 11 a.m. at the Germantown Historical Society, 5501 Germantown Ave (near School House Lane). After the discussion, attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions, talk one-on-one with our presenters and network with other local businesses an entrepreneurs in attendance.

Panelists:

Renee Brandon, Principal, Virtual Chief Marketing Officer, Open Door Expressions

Bill Dorsey, Consultant, The Business Center For EntrepreneurshipStephen Robertson, MBA, Executive Change Management Consultant, The Paradigm Group

Victoria Tyson, Owner, Victoria’s Kitchen

Moderators:

Colette deChalus Lee, Lender Relations Specialist, U.S. Small Business Administration

Steve Oakman, Board President, The Business Center For Entrepreneurship

Pamela Rich-Wheeler,MBA, Executive Director, The Business Center For Entrepreneurship

Who can attend?

Anyone who owns a local business, or is interested in opening a business in Germantown is welcome to attend. Programs are FREE to attend.

About the series

Business Info Sessions are held bi-monthly and feature invited speakers who give brief presentations about resources that can benefit local businesses, and updates on GUCDC’s work as it relates to the local business community. All sessions include time for attendees to network, ask questions, and offer feedback.

gu-bizinfosessionEvent logistics

WHEN

Wednesday, March 9 from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.

WHERE

5501 Germantown Ave Germantown Historical Society (near School House Lane)
Philadelphia, PA 19144

QUESTIONS?

GUCDC Office: 215-856-4303
Emaleigh Doley, Commercial Corridor Manager: [email protected]

GUCDC-Business-Info-Session-03.09.2016-poster

First Niagara Foundation color logo

GU’s Germantown Business Info Session series is made possible with support from First Niagara Foundation.

  • August 16, 2023

GUCDC’s Storefront Activation Program: Pairing Local Artists and Makers with Germantown Businesses

Call for proposals!

We’re looking for low-cost, high impact projects. 

Download the program information below as a PDF file >>

We’re currently accepting proposals for Germantown United CDC’s (GU) Storefront Activation Program – a low-cost, high impact initiative that pairs local artists and makers with neighborhood businesses and property owners to upgrade storefront window displays, and interior spaces visible from the street. The grant program aims to enliven the street for pedestrians, attract more customers to existing businesses, market available commercial properties, and promote Germantown to prospective businesses. If you’re a business and want your storefront redone, or if you’re a maker and have an idea for a project, get in touch with Emaleigh Doley at [email protected].

Examples of Creative Storefronts

sunkissed

clothing store

hardware bearwithus

Above: Inspiration for the Storefront Activation Program. Below: Looking out from inside The Sugar Bowl at 6104 Germantown Ave. The Sugar Bowl is participating in the Storefront Activation Program! Do you have an idea for how to remake their window display? Get in touch today!

IMG_2828

Program Description

Storefront Activation Program
Pairing Local Artists and Makers with Germantown Businesses

Download the program information below as a PDF file >>

Germantown United CDC’s (GU) Storefront Activation Program (SAP) is a low-cost, high impact initiative that pairs local artists and makers with neighborhood businesses and property owners to upgrade storefront window displays, and interior spaces visible from the street.
The SAP supports GU’s efforts to revitalize Germantown’s business corridors by strengthening current businesses, activating street-level storefronts, and improving the overall appearance of the corridor by adding a visual richness to the walkway. The grant program also aims to enliven the street for pedestrians, attract more customers to existing businesses, market available commercial properties, and promote Germantown to prospective businesses.

The Storefront Activation Program will:

  1. Activate 5 or more storefronts (occupied or vacant) located on Germantown Avenue, Chelten Avenue, or Maplewood Mall using temporary or long-term window displays, or interior displays visible from the street, created by Germantown artists
  2. Provide Germantown artists with an employment opportunity
  3. Help business owners of occupied buildings better market their businesses; and help the property owners of vacant commercial buildings market vacant spaces to prospective tenants

What we are looking for:

  1. Eye-catching, creative displays in storefront windows (temporary or permanent)
  2. Displays that generate awareness and draw from the products/services offered by the business, helping to market the business in a unique way; displays can also be seasonal or holiday-themed; Germantown or neighborhood history-related subjects can also be explored
  3. Collaboration with the business/property owner in the creative process; the artist/maker may also work with other artists, students, and community members
  4. Projects that can be implemented quickly and make an immediate impact; the installation timeframe should be short and no more than 10 days

Participating artists and makers will provide:

  1. Design renderings and/or a written summary of the project
  2. Estimated project budget, including stipend and materials
  3. Labor for installation and de-installation (if temporary)

Germantown United CDC will provide:

  1. Financing for the project including full cost of supplies
  2. Artist stipends, based on the agreed-upon budget for each individual project
  3. Serve as an intermediary between artists and business/property owners
  4. Promote the program and completed projects via GU’s website and social media networks, and select press outreach

Project budgets may range from $250 to $2,500.

Projects that re-use and re-purpose materials, and include in-kind donations of supplies and materials are highly encouraged; Germantown United CDC can assist with outreach to potential partners.

The duration of the displays will be determined in part by the each participating business or property owner.

Got questions?

Contact GU’s SAP Project Lead:
Emaleigh Doley, Commercial Corridor Manager

Germantown United CDC
5219 Germantown Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19144
Email: [email protected]
Office: 215-856-4303
www.germantownunitedcdc.org

PNC-logo

This grant is supported by PNC Charitable Trusts, which manages the Rowell Family Foundation.

  • August 16, 2023

Germantown United CDC Receives $25,000 Civic Engagement Grant from Pennsylvania Humanities Council

phc_heart-soul_logo-comboPHILADELPHIA, January 12, 2015 — Germantown United Community Development Corporation (GUCDC) has received a one-year, $25,000 civic engagement grant from the Pennsylvania Humanities Council (PHC) centered on pre-work for a comprehensive neighborhood plan.

Understanding the need for a resident-driven approach to community planning and development, Germantown United CDC has joined forces with the theater-based nonprofit Just Act to connect organized groups of residents operating at the micro level – from block associations to neighborhood civics with limited boundaries – and map both the formal and informal networks currently contributing to community improvement efforts in Germantown. This community network analysis will identify shared values and visions for Germantown, aid in healing historic and invisible divisions, and insure that all parties are well-represented and prepared for their role as stakeholder in the larger effort to revitalize greater Germantown and the neighborhood’s shopping district and commercial sector.

“The information gathered during this civic engagement project will shape Germantown United CDC’s priorities and plans for successful, community-responsive business corridor revitalization,” said Emaleigh Doley, Germantown United CDC’s Commercial Corridor Manager.

Participants in a Story Circle exercise led by the Just Act ensemble.
Participants in a Story Circle exercise led by the Just Act ensemble.

“So much of the work that Just Act undertakes is rooted in creating space for community members to engage in new ways with one another around pressing topics that impact everyone’s lives,” said Lisa Jo Epstein, Executive Director of Just Act. “Our story and theatre-based techniques will mobilize an array of residents to dialogue openly about the needs of Germantown’s business corridor, providing vital information that Germantown United – and city government – can use to insure inclusive community growth.”

PHC’s civic engagement grants support humanities-focused approaches to community development throughout the commonwealth. Germantown joins three other Pennsylvania communities that will receive civic engagement grants from PHC this year: Carlisle, Meadville, and Williamsport.

visit our project page at pahumanities.org

explore other grant communities and see the Pennsylvania Humanities Council announcement

To achieve the greatest impact and broadest reach through the civic engagement grants it awards, PHC has partnered with the Orton Family Foundation to bring its Community Heart & Soul™ method to PHC’s grant communities. Community Heart & Soul is a proven process that empowers people to shape the future of their communities by creating a shared sense of belonging that improves local decision-making and ultimately strengthens social, cultural, and economic vibrancy.

Key to the process is learning what matters most to the community through gathering stories from and engaging as many residents as possible, including those who don’t typically participate in public processes.

“We believe the humanities can inspire people to come together and make a difference in their communities,” said Laurie Zierer, PHC’s executive director. “With storytelling at the heart of planning and development, local values and voices become the foundation for building communities that are connected, innovative, competitive, and strong.”

GUCDC_Corridor_0057_Monique_Brand copy
Central Germantown Business Corridor. Photo by Monique Brand.

About Germantown United Community Development Corporation
The mission of Germantown United Community Development Corporation (GUCDC) is to promote and facilitate the revitalization of the business corridors in the Germantown neighborhood of Northwest Philadelphia through a sustainable, creative, and community-driven approach to economic development. Learn more at germantownunitedcdc.org.

FINAL justACT LOGOAbout Just Act
Just Act ignites public dialogue and action planning using theatre-based tools with collaborating partners invested in making meaningful social and civic change. As a multi-dimensional resource across sectors, Just Act is a distinctive, innovative hybrid of artistic & community engagement. Collaboration and relationship-building are central to Just Act. Through a spectrum of aesthetic, activist and educational tools, Just Act activates creative strategies for groups to collectively imagine, rehearse and plan just actions for making change. Our process advances interpersonal and citizenship skills by bringing out participants’ innate creativity, catalyzing positive relationships among people in places, and between people and places, as well as strengthening personal and community capacity for civic engagement. In all that Just Act undertakes, we strive to enliven empathy and increase understanding and awareness about human interaction, the roles we play within larger systems, and the impact of choices on combating injustice. Learn more at justact.today.

About the Pennsylvania Humanities Council
The Pennsylvania Humanities Council (PHC) connects Pennsylvanians to each other through stories, ideas, and experiences that can change lives and transform communities. PHC champions and redefines the role the humanities play in educating citizens and strengthening communities through programs that create pathways for learning and creativity, spark dialogue and civic engagement, and encourage diversity of expression. An independent partner of the National Endowment for the Humanities, PHC is part of a network of 56 state humanities councils that spans the nation and U.S. jurisdictions. Learn more at pahumanities.org.

About the Orton Family Foundation and Community Heart & Soul
With its Community Heart & Soul™ method, the Orton Family Foundation empowers people to shape the future of their communities by improving local decision-making, creating a shared sense of belonging and ultimately strengthening the social, cultural and economic vibrancy of communities. The Foundation assists the residents of small cities and towns in the use of the Community Heart & Soul™ method, a barn-raising approach to community planning and development that invites residents to shape the future of their communities in ways that uphold the unique character of each place. For more information visit orton.org.

Contacts

Emaleigh Doley
Commercial Corridor Manager
Germantown United CDC
215.856.4303
[email protected]

Mary Ellen Burd
Director of Communications
Pennsylvania Humanities Council
215.925.1005 ext. 121
[email protected]

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  • August 16, 2023

First Look at New Neighborhood Website for Germantown

GermantownUnited-PunkAve-homepage-draft for publicGermantown United CDC is excited to share the design drafts for the long-awaited online business directory and neighborhood website for Germantown, launching in early 2016.

GUCDC received a grant from the Philadelphia Commerce Department to develop the website, which will promote the revitalization of Germantown’s business corridors by formally connecting businesses throughout the corridor and raising awareness and support in the community.

The new website will feature:

  • Business Directory will promote Germantown as a great place to shop and visit, and encourage future investment and revitalization of the commercial corridor; local businesses will have the opportunity to customize their listings!
  • Suggested Itineraries will guide residents and visitors to points of interest in the neighborhood and highlight nearby shops and places to eat within walking distance from these sites.
  • Events Calendar will provide a calendar feature for posting of community events and meetings.
  • Resources for Residents & Businesses will include information specific to businesses, and address the needs of community residents.
  • Maps will highlight destinations that may not be well-known currently in Germantown.
Participants at GU's website workshop helped to guide the look and feel of the site.
Participants at GU’s website workshop helped to guide the look and feel of the site.

The Philadelphia-based website development company P’unk Avenue was selected as the firm to assist in building the website.

As part of the research process, the development team toured Germantown, and interviewed residents, the owners of local businesses, and other stakeholders about amenities, attractions, and businesses in our community, and the potential needs of both residents and tourists when it comes to accessing information online. We also held a small workshop with prospective site users at the Germantown Mennonite Historic Trust.

In the coming months, we’ll be working with Germantown businesses and attractions to get them listed in the business directory. If you have questions, or would like your business listed on Germantown’s new website, contact us.

Design Mockups of This Is Germantown

Please note, this is not the final design of the website. The text and photography included in these mockups may not appear on the final website; the images/text were used to help inform the design process and are placeholders for final images and text. We are looking forward to working with local photographers to source photos for the website and businesses & organizations to create original copy that is reflective of each individual business or organization.

(click to enlarge images or view in a separate window)

draft of the homepage

GermantownUnited-PunkAve-homepage-draft for public

an example of how featured events & neighborhood news will be highlighted

GermantownUnited-PunkAve-events-draft fo public

draft of the business directory section

GermantownUnited-PunkAve-draft for public

an example of how neighborhood itineraries will be featured – community members will have the opportunity to suggest an itinerary!GermantownUnited-PunkAve-itineraries-draft for public

  • August 16, 2023

Attend GU’s FREE Business Info Session on Wednesday, September 16

gu-bizinfosessionGermantown United CDC’s next Business Info Session will be held on Wednesday, September 16 from 8 a.m. – 10 a.m. at the Germantown Historical Society, located at 5501 Germantown Avenue. Speakers include business growth strategist Veronica Woods, and Giana Lawrence, Manager of the Philadelphia Department of Commerce’s Storefront Improvement Program (SIP).

The session will also include an update from GUCDC the neighborhood website we are developing that will highlight Germantown businesses, amenities, and attractions for both residents and visitors.

Who can attend?

Anyone who owns a local business, or is interested in opening a business in Germantown is welcome to attend. This program is FREE to attend.

About the series

Business Info Sessions are held bi-monthly and feature invited speakers who give brief presentations about resources that can benefit local businesses, and updates on GUCDC’s work as it relates to the local business community. All sessions include time for attendees to network, ask questions, and offer feedback.

More about the speakers

VeronicaWoods_image_lowres3Veronica Woods will speak on topics related to strategic planning, implementation best practices, and new product launches. She works with business leaders that have taken a stand to move to a new level of business growth, and guides businesses looking to implement strategies to serve new clients, form new strategic partnerships, or expand into larger markets. Read more: www.vwoodsenterprises.com

SIPGiana Lawrence works with the City of Philadelphia’s Department of Commerce as the Manager of the Storefront Improvement Program (SIP). The purpose of SIP is to encourage businesses and property owners within targeted neighborhood commercial corridors, like Germantown, to improve their storefronts, making these areas more attractive to shoppers and growing their vitality and economic performance. The program reimburses owners up to 50% of the total cost of eligible improvements, for a maximum reimbursement of $10,000 for a single commercial property or $15,000 for a multiple address or corner business property. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Read more: business.phila.gov/storefront-improvement-program

Event Logistics

WHEN

Wednesday, September 16 from 8 a.m. – 10 a.m.

WHERE

Germantown Historical Society
5501 Germantown Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19144

QUESTIONS? 

GUCDC Office: 215-856-4303
GU’s Corridor Manager Emaleigh Doley: [email protected]

First Niagara Foundation color logo
GU’s Business Info Session series is made possible with support from First Niagara Foundation.

  • August 15, 2023

We Are Here: COVID-19 Community Update

We hope this message finds you healthy and safe during this crisis. 

The city has been grappling with community spread of COVID-19 in Philadelphia for over two months now. We need to be vigilant and keep taking precautions to prevent spread of the infection to our families, friends, and neighbors here in Germantown.

Germantown United CDC is compiling resources available to help our community sustain the COVID-19 pandemic. As a service to residents and the local business community, we have published a new page on our website where you can access this vital information.

https://vra.rnu.mybluehost.me/covid-19/
click to access COVID-19 Germantown Resources

How to reach us

GUCDC staff members began working remotely in mid-March and will continue to do so until it’s safe to reopen our office. Staff are available to answer questions and help Germantown residents and business owners navigate and access resources that have been made available in response to the pandemic. To speak to a member of our staff, call the office at 215-856-4303 and leave a detailed message. Staff can access voicemail remotely and will return your call promptly. We will make ourselves available to you by phone and through virtual video/chat meetings.

Staff contact list

Emaleigh Doley
Executive Director
Ext. 101 | [email protected]

Josanne Ford
Administrator
Ext. 102 | [email protected]

Rhakeim Miller
Neighborhood Advisory Committee Manager
Ext. 103 | [email protected]

  • July 21, 2023

Germantown United Community Development Corporation A Finalist For National Trust for Historic Preservation Grant

Presented by National Geographic & American Express

Vote for Germantown, the only finalist in the entire state of Pennsylvania, to receive up to $150,000 in grant funding from American Express.

DOWNLOAD PDF of PRESS RELEASE >>

PHILADELPHIA — September 25, 2017 … As a finalist in the Partners in Preservation: Main Streets campaign, Germantown United Community Development Corporation encourages the public to visit VoteYourMainStreet.org/Germantown to help Germantown United CDC secure funding to preserve two buildings on Germantown Avenue’s business corridor: Parker Hall (5801 Germantown Ave) and John Trower’s building (5706 Germantown Ave). Germantown is the only neighborhood in Philadelphia and the entire state of Pennsylvania participating in this competition.

With the awarded funds, this project will provide necessary facade and structural improvements to these two significant 20th-century African-American historic sites. The history of both buildings dates to the 1870s. Today, Parker Hall contains the office of Dr. Althea Hankins, MD, and the ACES Museum, which pays tribute to multi-ethnic contributions to the U.S. Military in WWII. The museum hosts veterans groups from throughout the country. John Trower’s building is home to the Crab House restaurant, a popular local business. Restoring these facades will benefit these businesses, bolster the historic appeal of Germantown, and increase community pride by highlighting the contributions of African-Americans to the history and culture of this country, in an underserved African-American urban community.

Germantown United CDC’s mission is to promote and facilitate the revitalization of Germantown and it’s business corridors through a sustainable, creative and community driven approach to economic development. GUCDC believes that Germantown’s history and built environment are economic assets upon which to rebuild Germantown’s economy and create equitable economic development. After decades of decline, there are signs of improvement and vibrancy in Germantown.

Partners in Preservation is a community-based partnership, created by the National Trust for Historic Preservation and American Express, to raise awareness of the importance of preserving historic places and their role in sustaining local communities.

Partners in Preservation: Main Streets will award $2 million in grant funding from American Express to Main Street districts in need of preservation support across America. The public will determine which sites will receive funding by voting for their favorite main streets through October 31 at VoteYourMainStreet.org, the online voting portal hosted by National Geographic Travel.

Partners in Preservation: Main Streets Open House Weekend  

Germantown United CDC will host a public Open House Weekend event at their new storefront office, located at 5320 Germantown Avenue, on Saturday, October 7 from 1 p.m. – 6 p.m. to highlight the importance of Main Street preservation efforts in Philadelphia. The Open House will coincide with the Revolutionary Germantown Festival, a neighborhood-wide event honoring the legacy of the Battle of Germantown. Germantown United CDC is one of 25 historic Main Street districts across the country participating in the Partners in Preservation: Main Streets Open House Weekend.

Why Main Street Matters

According to 2016 data from Main Street America, investments in Main Street districts have a significant impact on local economies – encouraging real estate development as well as the creation of new businesses and jobs. In 2016, $4.65 billion reinvested in Main Street improvement programs resulted in 8,042 building rehabilitations, 5,616 business openings, and 27,462 new jobs.

Furthermore, according to a recent study from Morning Consult of 2,201 Americans commissioned by American Express, 79 percent of Americans say that preserving Main Street is important. Additionally, 79 percent of Americans say that the idea of Main Street is what makes America beautiful. Main Street is also seen as vital in connecting Americans to their local community – 82 percent of Americans say that Main Street is important to their ability to socialize with others in a community. A similar amount, 86 percent, say that Main Street is important to the well-being and the enjoyment of a community.

For more information and to vote daily for Germantown United CDC through October 31, visit VoteYourMainStreet.org and share the love via social media using #VoteYourMainStreet and #VoteGermantown.

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Media Contact:
Jack Cotter
[email protected]
215.867.8060

About Germantown United Community Development Corporation

The mission of Germantown United Community Development Corporation (GUCDC) is to promote and facilitate the revitalization of Northwest Philadelphia’s Germantown neighborhood and its business corridors through a sustainable, creative, and community-driven approach to economic development. Learn more at http://germantownunitedcdc.org.

About Partners in Preservation

Partners in Preservation is a program in which American Express, in partnership with the National Trust for Historic Preservation, awards preservation grants to historic places across the country.

Through this partnership, American Express and the National Trust for Historic Preservation seek to increase the public’s awareness of the importance of historic preservation in the United States and to preserve America’s historic and cultural places. The program also hopes to inspire long-term support from local citizens for the historic places at the heart of their communities.

About American Express

American Express is a global services company, providing customers with access to products, insights and experiences that enrich lives and build business success. Learn more at americanexpress.com, and connect with us on facebook.com/americanexpress, instagram.com/americanexpress, linkedin.com/company/american-express, twitter.com/americanexpress, and youtube.com/americanexpress.

Key links to products, services and corporate responsibility information: charge and credit cards, business credit cards, Plenti rewards program, travel services, gift cards, prepaid cards, merchant services, Accertify, corporate card, business travel, and corporate responsibility.

About the National Trust for Historic Preservation

The National Trust for Historic Preservation, a privately funded nonprofit organization, works to save America’s historic places: www.savingplaces.org.

About Main Street America

Main Street America has been helping revitalize older and historic commercial districts for more than 35 years. Today it is a network of more than 1,600 neighborhoods and communities, rural and urban, who share both a commitment to place and to building stronger communities through preservation-based economic development. Main Street America is a program of the nonprofit National Main Street Center, Inc., a subsidiary of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

About National Geographic Partners LLC

National Geographic Partners LLC, a joint venture between National Geographic Society and 21st Century Fox, combines National Geographic television channels with National Geographic’s media and consumer-oriented assets, including National Geographic magazines; National Geographic Studios; related digital and social media platforms; books; maps; children’s media; and ancillary activities that include travel, global experiences and events, archival sales, catalog, licensing and e-commerce businesses. A portion of the proceeds from National Geographic Partners LLC will be used to fund science, exploration, conservation and education through significant ongoing contributions to the work of the National Geographic Society. For more information, visit http://www.nationalgeographic.com/ and find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google+, YouTube, LinkedIn and Pinterest.

  • July 21, 2023

Germantown United Community Development Corporation Wins Preservation Grant

GERMANTOWN UNITED COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION WINS PRESERVATION GRANT FROM THE NATIONAL TRUST FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION & AMERICAN EXPRESS

Germantown wins $160,000 in grant funding from American Express.

PHILADELPHIA — November 6, 2017 … To commemorate the 40th anniversary of the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s work to revitalize America’s Main Streets, the National Trust joined with American Express, National Geographic, and Main Street America for Partners in Preservation: Main Streets, a community-based campaign to raise awareness about the importance of preserving America’s Main Street districts.

The Open Doors in Germantown project, led by the Germantown United Community Development Corporation, finished in first place out of 25 main street districts in a nationwide popular voting competition from September 25 through October 31, and earned a $150,000 grant for historic preservation. Germantown also won an additional $10,000 grant for increasing its vote total by the highest percentage during a one-week voting challenge.

The 11 winning historic sites will receive a total of $1.5 million in grants to fund their respective preservation projects. An additional $500,000 in grants was provided to the nonprofit partners of the 25 main street communities that participated in the program at the outset of the campaign to help raise awareness about their preservation needs.

The Germantown United Community Development Corporation intends to use the funding to provide structural improvements to two buildings on Germantown Avenue’s business corridor: Parker Hall (5801 Germantown Ave) and John Trower’s building (5706 Germantown Ave), both significant 20th century African-American historic sites. Parker Hall was an integrated social hall that served as a USO-like facility during World War II for African American soldiers. The eponymous John Trower building was operated by a well-known businessman and philanthropist who was considered the wealthiest African-American in the U.S. Both buildings will continue their current uses. Today, Parker Hall contains the office of Dr. Althea Hankins, MD, and the ACES Museum, which pays tribute to multi-ethnic contributions to the U.S. Military in WWII. The museum hosts veterans groups from throughout the country. John Trower’s building is home to the Crab House restaurant, a popular local business

Restoring these facades will benefit these businesses, bolster the historic appeal of Germantown, and increase community pride by highlighting the contributions of African-Americans to the history and culture of this country, in an underserved African-American urban community.

Germantown United CDC’s mission is to promote and facilitate the revitalization of Germantown and it’s business corridors through a sustainable, creative and community driven approach to economic development. GUCDC believes that Germantown’s history and built environment are economic assets upon which to rebuild Germantown’s economy and create equitable economic development. After decades of decline, there are signs of improvement and vibrancy in Germantown.

Why Main Street Matters

According to 2016 data from Main Street America, investments in Main Street districts have a significant impact on local economies – encouraging real estate development as well as the creation of new businesses and jobs. In 2016, $4.65 billion reinvested in Main Street improvement programs resulted in 8,042 building rehabilitations, 5,616 business openings, and 27,462 new jobs.

Furthermore, according to a recent study from Morning Consult of 2,201 Americans commissioned by American Express, 79 percent of Americans say that preserving Main Street is important. Additionally, 79 percent of Americans say that the idea of Main Street is what makes America beautiful. Main Street is also seen as vital in connecting Americans to their local community – 82 percent of Americans say that Main Street is important to their ability to socialize with others in a community. A similar amount, 86 percent, say that Main Street is important to the well-being and the enjoyment of a community.

For more information and to vote daily for Germantown United CDC through October 31, visit VoteYourMainStreet.org and share the love via social media using #VoteYourMainStreet and #VoteGermantown.

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About Germantown United Community Development Corporation

The mission of Germantown United Community Development Corporation (GUCDC) is to promote and facilitate the revitalization of Northwest Philadelphia’s Germantown neighborhood and its business corridors through a sustainable, creative, and community-driven approach to economic development. Learn more at http://germantownunitedcdc.org/.

About Partners in Preservation

Partners in Preservation is a program in which American Express, in partnership with the National Trust for Historic Preservation, awards preservation grants to historic places across the country.

Through this partnership, American Express and the National Trust for Historic Preservation seek to increase the public’s awareness of the importance of historic preservation in the United States and to preserve America’s historic and cultural places. The program also hopes to inspire long-term support from local citizens for the historic places at the heart of their communities.

About American Express

American Express is a global services company, providing customers with access to products, insights and experiences that enrich lives and build business success. Learn more at americanexpress.com, and connect with us on facebook.com/americanexpress, instagram.com/americanexpress, linkedin.com/company/american-express, twitter.com/americanexpress, and youtube.com/americanexpress.

Key links to products, services and corporate responsibility information: charge and credit cards, business credit cards, Plenti rewards program, travel services, gift cards, prepaid cards, merchant services, Accertify, corporate card, business travel, and corporate responsibility.

About the National Trust for Historic Preservation

The National Trust for Historic Preservation, a privately funded nonprofit organization, works to save America’s historic places: www.savingplaces.org.

About Main Street America

Main Street America has been helping revitalize older and historic commercial districts for more than 35 years. Today it is a network of more than 1,600 neighborhoods and communities, rural and urban, who share both a commitment to place and to building stronger communities through preservation-based economic development. Main Street America is a program of the nonprofit National Main Street Center, Inc., a subsidiary of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

About National Geographic Partners LLC

National Geographic Partners LLC, a joint venture between National Geographic Society and 21st Century Fox, combines National Geographic television channels with National Geographic’s media and consumer-oriented assets, including National Geographic magazines; National Geographic Studios; related digital and social media platforms; books; maps; children’s media; and ancillary activities that include travel, global experiences and events, archival sales, catalog, licensing and e-commerce businesses. A portion of the proceeds from National Geographic Partners LLC will be used to fund science, exploration, conservation and education through significant ongoing contributions to the work of the National Geographic Society. For more information, visit http://www.nationalgeographic.com/ and find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google+, YouTube, LinkedIn and Pinterest.

  • October 30, 2019

Germantown United CDC to assist Maplewood Mall businesses during construction

During the Maplewood Mall Reconstruction project access to the businesses on the street, and the general unsightliness of a construction site, may be a hindrance to businesses’ ability to attract customers and foot traffic. Germantown United CDC is contracted to advertise the Mall as “open for business” during construction and will be providing marketing and advertising support specifically to businesses on the Mall.

The marketing campaign will feature professionally designed and customized materials, including:

  1. Print brochures/postcards/flyers
  2. Sign fabrication and installation (street signage/banners)
  3. Social media and print advertising

Work on the marketing campaign is set to begin in November 2019. The organization applied for and received a Corridor Enhancement Grant from the Department of Commerce specifically to support this campaign.

Germantown United CDC has also setup a Maplewood Mall Reconstruction project page for the community where you can find up-to-date information on the project.