We regret to inform the Germantown community that our annual For the Love of Germantown celebration has been postponed. Fear not: the fundraising event will be rescheduled in 2020. We sincerely apologize for any disappointment this may cause and look forward to celebrating Germantown with you next year. We hope that you will grace the occasion with your presence (or sponsorship) when it is held, date to be announced.
Germantown United CDC is excited to introduce new team member Rhakeim Miller to the Germantown community.
Rhakeim Miller is an experienced grassroots organizer and coalition-builder, with over 10 years of public service as a staffer in city and state government. Rhakeim is a neighborhood resident, raising a young family in the community, and thrilled to have the opportunity to apply his professional expertise in business and housing in Germantown.
The two join longtime staff members Andrew Trackman, Executive Director, Emaleigh Doley, Corridor Manager, and Administrator Josanne Ford, who began working with GU in the summer of 2018. GU is governed by a volunteer board of directors comprised of Germantown residents and representatives of local business, educational and service institutions. Learn more about the staff and board.
Rhakeim Miller, Neighborhood Advisory Committee Manager
Rhakeim will serve as Germantown United CDC’s first Neighborhood Advisory Committee Manager. The organization is now participating in the Neighborhood Advisory Committees Program, commonly referred to as NAC, an extension of the City of Philadelphia’s Division of Housing and Community Development (DHCD). The NAC Program serves Philadelphia’s low- and moderate-income neighborhoods. NACs provide resources and referrals that address numerous problems that lead to homelessness, and engage residents with activities that support the City’s core objectives, including:
The Germantown neighborhood has not had an active NAC for several years, and we are excited to be reviving this much-needed resource under Rhakeim’s leadership.
Throughout his career, Rhakeim has worked with civic leaders, policymakers, and business owners to institute community investment programs and practices his commitment to housing preservation and economic development by advocating for impactful neighborhood improvements that benefit established and new residents. As a small business owner raising his family in Germantown, Rhakeim has a personal commitment to the continued positive change in the community. He is also an avid runner (you can often catch him running down Germantown Ave) and has a love for art museums.
Germantown United CDC grew out of a grassroots movement to protect Germantown from a shortsighted development. The organization was founded in 2012, hired it’s first executive director in 2014, and will soon be operating with four full-time and one part-time employees as of January 2019.
In 2018, GU adopted a new five-year strategic plan, which sharpened the organization’s mission, assessed program activities, and looked for opportunities to enhance its community building and economic development work through the year 2023. The organization’s mission statement now reads:
The mission of the Germantown United CDC is to promote and facilitate the revitalization of Germantown and its business corridors through a sustainable, creative, and community-driven approach to economic development.
GU has already achieved several of the recommendations set forth in the plan, including increasing its work around housing, from foreclosure prevention to pre-purchase and home-ownership counseling. (For a CliffsNotes version of what’s changed, click here.)
As we enter into the New Year, the board and staff of GU would like to acknowledge and thank our many community partners, stakeholders, and constituents who have shaped the organization, and support our mission and vision for a strong and united Germantown.
Germantown is one of 25 historic Main Street districts across the country participating in the Partners in Preservation: Main Streets Open House Weekend. To celebrate, Germantown United CDC will host an Open House on Saturday, October 7 from 1 p.m. – 6 p.m. at the organization’s first storefront office, located at 5320 Germantown Avenue, at the corner of W Penn Street. We invite you to come by and see our new headquarters. The Open House will also coincide with the Revolutionary Germantown Festival, a neighborhood-wide event honoring the legacy of the Battle of Germantown. We’ll have some light bites, activities, and a voting booth for you to place your daily “Vote Your Main Street” votes for Germantown. RSVP on Facebook >>
Reminder! Give a boost to local businesses. #VoteGermantown daily five times a day now through October 31 via VoteYourMainStreet.Org/Germantown. Tell your friends! Vote today (and every day) >>
The Germantown Market Square Pop-Up Farmers Market will be held on Sunday, October 8 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Market Square Park, located at 5501 Germantown Ave (between School House Ln and Church Ln). The market will feature goods from Wild Flour Bakery, Sweet LadyBug Gluten Free Bakery, Weavers Way Co-op, Lancaster Hummus Company, Germantown Kitchen Garden, and more.
Why a pop-up farmers market? Germantown United CDC, Weavers Way Co-op, and Greener Pastures are assessing the level of interest of consumers in the community for a permanent weekly farmers market. Come experience the pop-up! For more information: 215-856-4303 or [email protected].
Can’t attend? Take this short survey and help us gather information and build a market that provides the products and services you desire. Survey >>
We at Germantown United CDC are thrilled to announce that we are moving into our first storefront office located at 5320 Germantown Ave, at the corner of W Penn Street. This space that has been vacant for nearly a year. We are looking forward to activating this corner and sharing this block of the Avenue with so many great Germantown businesses and attractions, including: Perfectly Flawless Boutique, Bargain Thrift, Grumblethorpe, Sandalwood Yoga, Gtown Tees, Count On Me 123 Learning Center, Pizzeria Nonna, Trinity Lutheran Church, Tastie’s, Angie’s Dominican Power Salon, Philadelphia Spine Associates, Around the Clock Home Healthcare, Hosley Temple CME, The Police Athletic League, Germantown Boys & Girls Club, Germantown Friends School, and more! Right now we’re busy moving boxes, putting together furniture, and getting settled. We’ll be hosting an Open House for the community in the fall. Date TBD. Stay tuned!
Germantown United CDC’s next Germantown Business Info Session, organized in partnership with The Business Center, will be held on Wednesday, September 20 from 8 a.m. – 10 a.m. at the Germantown Life Enrichment Center, located at 5722 Greene Street (across from Vernon Park). Start your day with us! Refreshments will be provided.
Activate Your Storefront, and Use Marketing & Social Media to Increase Business
Learn about the storefront improvement program and resources available to Germantown businesses to make façade renovations, and get tips on representing your business online.
Anyone who owns a local business, or is interested in opening a business in Germantown is welcome to attend. This program is FREE. To RSVP call Germantown United CDC at 215-856-4303 or email [email protected].
Germantown 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 talk with Germantown United CDC staff members.
GU’s Germantown Business Info Session series is made possible with support from First Niagara Foundation.
Germantown United CDC is partnering with the Community College of Philadelphia and a diverse and collaborative team working to support the micro-businesses and small companies in Philadelphia.
The Power Up Your Business program has two levels of participation for entrepreneurs:
In collaboration with Power Up, Germantown United CDC will host an exclusive Power Up information session in Germantown this fall for existing small business owners. Date TBD. Stay tuned! Learn more about Power Up Your Business programming >>
A new farmers market is being proposed for Germantown. Weavers Way Co-op, Greener Pastures, and Germantown United CDC are trying to assess the level of interest of consumers in the community for a farmers’ market. Providing answers to these questions will help gather information and build a market that provides the products and services you desire. Take this short survey >>
Germantown United CDC’s next Germantown Business Info Session, organized in partnership with The Business Center, will be held on Wednesday, July 19 from 8 a.m. – 10 a.m. at the Germantown Life Enrichment Center, located at 5722 Greene Street (across from Vernon Park). Start your day with us! Refreshments will be provided.
How to Define Your Target Market
Who are your customers in Germantown? Learn about the consumers living and shopping in Germantown, and define the target market for your business.
SPEAKERS: Rojer Kern, Philadelphia Department of Commerce; and Meg Sowell, Real Estate Strategies, Inc.*
***Germantown United CDC has been working with Real Estate Strategies, Inc. (RES) to conduct a market study and develop a revitalization strategy for the Chelten Avenue commercial corridor in Germantown. The purpose and objectives of this study are to explore opportunities to strengthen and diversify the mix of commercial uses in the corridor, the potential to reuse vacant or underutilized properties, business and job attraction strategies, and available sources of funding to support recommended revitalization strategies. At the Business Info Session on July 19, Meg Sowell will speak about her findings thus far.
Anyone who owns a local business, or is interested in opening a business in Germantown is welcome to attend. This program is FREE. To RSVP call Germantown United CDC at 215-856-4303 or email [email protected].
Germantown 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 talk with Germantown United CDC staff members.
GU’s Germantown Business Info Session series is made possible with support from First Niagara Foundation.
Germantown United CDC is pleased to announce the second annual recipients of the organization’s Pillar of the Community award are civic advocate Reverend Chester Williams of the Chew and Belfield Neighbors Club and business leader Suzanne Quinn of Bargain Thrift Center.
With this award Germantown United CDC acknowledges those among us who have significantly contributed to the betterment of our community. Rev. Chester Williams is a dedicated roll-up your sleeves guy doing everything from networking with politicos to tutoring adults, to cleaning up the neighborhood and running Chew and Belfield Neighbors Club. Bargain Thrift Center is a stalwart mainstay in our community, thanks to owner Suzanne Quinn. The second-hand shop opened in 1985, and remains one of Philadelphia’s favorite thrift stores. Bargain Thrift is a buzz with shoppers and activity day in and day out, and is an important and positive part of Germantown’s business community.
As dedicated and steadfast champions for Germantown the award recipients embody the values of GUCDC. Toast the honorees with us at For the Love Of Germantown! Fundraiser on Thursday, April 27th at Rittenhouse Soundworks. Tickets are now on sale >>
“I love being a part of such a tight knit, vibrant, and historic neighborhood. The best part of my job is the people, and I’m so grateful for the relationships I’ve developed over so many years with customers and staff.” – Suzanne Quinn
Born and raised in Philadelphia, Suzanne Quinn graduated from Temple University (1992) with BA in Economics & International Business. Her father, George Chase, opened his first resale business in Germantown in 1977. Quinn began working in the shop at Germantown Avenue & Queen Lane in 1985 during summer breaks. Suzanne is married (Bill) with two teenage daughters (Brooke and Devon).
As a family-owned business, the core tenants of Bargain Thrift Center are a sense of community and family. Bargain Thrift Center is a place where many of the staff know customers by name and where everyone is welcome to shop in a clean, comfortable atmosphere. Whether you’re looking to snag a unique piece of home decor, a great pair of name brand jeans, or just need a practical kitchen item, Bargain Thrift Center is your source for affordable, quality goods and hidden gems just waiting to be discovered. From the Premium Goods Pop-Up Shop, to the $1 or less clothing section at Bargain Thrift Warehouse Outlet, the store has something for everyone.
Stop by one of Quinn’s two retail locations on Germantown Avenue and see for yourself why Bargain Thrift Center continues to be one of Philadelphia’s leading thrift stores.
BARGAIN THRIFT CENTER
5261 Germantown Avenue (at Queen Lane)
Open Monday-Saturday
10:00am-5:45pm
p: 215.849.3225
What you’ll find here: Brand name clothing and accessories, jewelry, housewares, linens, toys, games, books, artwork, vintage and collectibles.
BARGAIN THRIFT OUTLET WAREHOUSE
4530 Germantown Avenue (at Berkley Street)
Open Wednesday-Saturday
10:00am-5:00pm
p: 215.843.1300
What you’ll find here: All clothing, accessories, small housewares, and bric-a-brac for $1 per piece or less.
Rev. Chester Harold Williams works tirelessly to help his community, located in the Northwest section of Philadelphia. While “pastoring” is his number one calling, Rev. Williams wears many hats. He has served for over 30 consecutive years as Block Captain for the 6200 Block of Chew Avenue in East Germantown. Established in 1981, Rev. Williams is Founder and President of the Chew and Belfield Neighbors Club, Inc., serves as the Committee Person representing constituents residing in the 59th Ward, 10th Division, and works on countless issues that impact his community. He partners with neighboring civic groups, and works diligently to get the voices of his homeowner and renting neighbors heard and their needs addressed.
Recent issues he has represented his community on include: the replacement of SEPTA’s ailing Chew Avenue Bridge (at Walnut Lane) and improved safety measures at the SEPTA’s Washington Lane Regional Train Station; flooding in area homes and streets; identifying greening opportunities in the neighborhood; job opportunities, including for ex-offenders; rallying the community about the dangers of drugs; promoting exercise thru Happy Hollow’s boxing program; working within the area’s business corridor; and helping the Homeless.
Rev. Williams was the 5th child of 10 children, born to Tal and Florence Williams. He was born on December 24, 1946 on an Army Base in Pittsburg, California. He became an Ordained Minister during his high school tenure. Respectfully known as Rev. Williams, he served his nation in the Vietnam War from 1967-1969 as a Combat Medic in the Big Red 1/18th Infantry of the United States Army. He received numerous medals, among them, the United States Purple Heart, and was honorably discharged. In 1970, shortly after his return home from the war, he was called to the position of Ruling Elder, under the direction of Bishop H.D Wilson, in Winston Salem, North Carolina. Rev. Williams worked the majority of his professional career as a Custodian and was later promoted to the position of Acting Supervisor of Mail Handlers for the U.S. Postal Service.
In serving both his nation and community, Rev. Williams has received numerous forms of recognition for acts of bravery, outstanding leadership, and community service.
Rev. Williams’ life Moto is, “You have not, because you ask not.”
He is on a continuous journey to better himself spiritually and encourages others to do the same. Rev. Williams is always concerned with spreading good news throughout his community. He considers himself simply as, “One crying in the wilderness, spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ.” He is the proud father of Bryan Williams and Dontay Williams, ages 26 and 22.
Join us at Germantown United CDC’s annual fundraiser For the Love of Germantown! on Thursday, April 27 from 6 – 9 p.m.
This year’s party will be held at Rittenhouse Soundworks (219 W Rittenhouse St), a hub for live music housed in a former Chrysler automotive shop turned recording studio. Come out and socialize with your neighbors and supporters of this artistic, historic, and diverse neighborhood, bid on one of a kind auction items, and enjoy good music, food, and cheer! Tickets are now on sale >>
Show your support for the Pillar of the Community participants.
Use Code: PILLAR to receive 33% off your ticket purchase.
Event registration is $75.00.
First-time attendee tickets available for $35.
