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  • August 16, 2023

CliffsNotes: An Overview of GU’s Five-Year Plan

Germantown United CDC released the organization’s five-year strategic plan in September 2018. This new plan will help prioritize and advance our work in Germantown now through the year 2023.

We encourage all our partners, neighborhood advocates, and community stakeholders to give the full plan a looksee. We also know 36 pages is a lot to take in 🙂 So if you’re looking for a quick overview of what’s changed, read on!

Biggest Update: Expanding Our Mission

GU has expanded its focus on commercial corridor revitalization and role representing businesses to representing the entire Germantown community. We are increasing our investment in community building, outreach and engagement. The issues prompting this shift are documented in the full plan. The organization’s mission statement now reads:

To promote and facilitate the revitalization of Germantown and its business corridors through a sustainable, creative, and community-driven approach to economic development.

OUR MISSION
Recommitment to Core Values

Core values are the fundamental beliefs of an organization, and help us to determine if we are on the right path and fulfilling our mission by creating an unwavering guide.

GU subscribes to the following core values:

  • Integrity in the performance of service to our community
  • Transparency in communicating with our clients, customers, and constituents
  • Accountability in our stewardship of resources entrusted to GU by funders and stakeholders
GU board members Umi Howard and Guthrie Ramsey talk at ‘For the Love of Germantown’ FUNdraiser 2018 (photo: Jill Saull)
New Activities to Look Out For

A key part of the planning process was identifying opportunities to enhance programming and activities, service delivery, outcomes, and impact. Here are a few things to look out for from Germantown United CDC in the coming years:

More Convening & Civic Engagement

  • Expanded reach into underserved areas of Germantown
  • Facilitation of more community and public service meetings, allowing community members to share concerns, opinions, and ideas while giving GU a platform to be fully transparent about program results, strategies, issues, opportunities, and any other information that may be relevant to the people we serve

Stronger Leadership & Advocacy

GU will exercise more leadership in:

  • Land use, planning, and zoning
  • Redeveloping vacant properties
  • Supporting and attracting investors committed to equitable development
  • Strengthening working relationships with state and city agencies

Improvements You Can See

  • Cohesive branding of Germantown’s commercial corridors, and promotion of the community more broadly
  • Boost Germantown’s commercial corridors with a renewed focus on:
    • Improving city services within Germantown, with special attention to issues that impact quality-of-life, including lighting, sanitation, signage, and human services
    • Physical improvements and development (including use of façade design guidelines to encourage renovations of commercial and key historic buildings, and attacking blight block-by-block)
    • Small business development and attraction
    • Economic development (supporting business growth, workforce development, entrepreneurs)
  • Greater investment in neighborhood stabilization efforts and community wealth-building (promotion and facilitation of affordable housing and homeownership in Germantown, housing counseling services for residents, supporting entrepreneurs and neighborhood-oriented businesses)
Read the plan
Rose Petals Cafe & Lounge – 322 W Chelten Ave (photo: Monique Brand)
Draft designs for 5026-28 Germantown Avenue, created with support from the Community Design Collaborative and Germantown United CDC
Artists Emily Birdie Busch and Alison Dilworth work on a new storefront window display at Bargain Thrift Center – 5261 Germantown Ave., supported by a GU micro-grant. (photo: Emaleigh Doley)
  • August 16, 2023

Germantown United CDC to double staff in expansion

Germantown United CDC plans to double its staff capacity, increasing the organization’s work in commercial corridor revitalization and community building in the Germantown neighborhood. The nonprofit secured two competitive grants that will enable the organization to add two additional full-time jobs in the fall of 2018.

View the job descriptions for Corridor Manager and Neighborhood Advisory Committee Manager at germantownunitedcdc.org/about/careers. 

Read more »»»

  • August 16, 2023

Announcing Dates for 2019 FREE First-time Homebuyer Workshops

Thinking about buying your own home in Germantown? Germantown United CDC now offers FREE monthly first-time homebuyer workshops right here in Germantown through a partnership with Mt. Airy CDC. The full schedule for 2019 follows below.

first-time homebuyer workshop

Learn everything you need to know to become a successful first-time homebuyer! In this three-hour workshop, our experienced and HUD-certified housing counseling staff will cover:

  • How to improve your credit scores and prepare a spending plan
  • The mortgage lending process
  • What’s in a sales agreement
  • Inspections, insurance, and why you need them
  • Available assistance for down payment and closing costs

Schedule

Workshops are Tuesdays at 5:30pm at GUCDC’s office, located at 5320 Germantown Ave (at the corner of W Penn St). All workshops are approximately 3 hours, please plan accordingly.

TUESDAYS
January 22
February 26
March 26
April 30
May 28
June 25
July 23
August 27
September 24
October 22
November 19
December 10

Register online at bit.ly/germantown2019
Or, contact us at 215-856-4303 Ext. 103 or [email protected]

(more…)

  • August 16, 2023

We Are Hiring: Business Development Manager

Germantown United CDC is seeking an outgoing, organized, and community-minded individual to join its passionate team. The Business Development Manager serves as an intermediary between the business owners and commercial property owners in Germantown and City of Philadelphia Departments, such as Commerce, Streets, Police, Parks and Recreation, Public Health, Licenses and Inspections, and technical assistance providers. This is a full-time position, funded primarily through the Department of Commerce’s Targeted Corridor Management Program (TCMP) grant. The Business Development Manager will work in concert with the Commercial Corridor Manager to achieve GUCDC’s mission and implement the organization’s commercial corridor economic development activities, including facilitating the delivery of local access to supportive business programs.

Download the full job description.

To apply: Email your resume and cover letter (Word document or PDF) to Josanne Ford with the Subject: Business Development Manager Job Application. Resumes without cover letters will not be reviewed. This position will be advertised until it is filled.

  • August 16, 2023

Announcement: Cleaning Services in the Central Germantown Business District

Supplementary street cleaning services in Germantown’s central business district will be continued thanks to a partnership between the Germantown Special Services District (GSSD) and Germantown United CDC (GU). This interim service plan aims to support the neighborhood’s merchant community, residents and visitors by providing clean and inviting streets in the heart of Germantown. As part of this collaborative effort, street sweeping–a service provided by the GSSD that was limited due to constraints in recent months, has been secured for an additional eight weeks, three times weekly. Services will continue to be provided by Friends of Germantown Northwest, LLC.

Both the GSSD and GUCDC support merchants and commercial property owners as part of their respective organizational missions.

This interim service plan is being funded by Germantown United CDC, who has reallocated $26,800 awarded to the organization by the Philadelphia Department of Commerce. The funding will also supplement the GSSD’s operational costs through June 30, 2019. During this time, the GSSD will continue its work to reestablish regular year-round services.

“The interim service plan grew from our shared desire to address the immediate and pressing need for clean streets in Germantown’s primary commercial artery,” says Julie Stapleton-Carroll, board president of GUCDC.

“The GSSD’s board of director’s is committed to the development of a long-term and sustainable solution. This collaboration signals a desire on the part of the Germantown Special Services District and Germantown United CDC to work together in the best interest of our community,” added Trapeta B. Mayson, interim board president of the GSSD.

The GSSD and GUCDC thank the Philadelphia Department of Commerce, Mayor Kenney, and 8th District Councilwoman Cindy Bass for their continued partnership and support of our efforts.

Photos courtesy of Friends of Germantown NW

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATIONS

The Germantown Special Services District is a locally directed municipal authority established to supplement services already provided by the City of Philadelphia. The GSSD provides services and activities that improve the cleanliness and physical conditions of the district and improve public safety. The support of property owners, merchants, local partners, city entities and residents are integral to the GSSD’s success. Learn more at germantownssd.com.

Germantown United CDC’s mission is to promote and facilitate the revitalization of Germantown and its business corridors. GUCDC currently holds a contract with the Department Commerce to provide commercial corridor management, a program that facilitates direct outreach to Germantown businesses to connect them with capacity-building and financial resources provided by the City and other organizations. These grant and loan opportunities are vital to launching, renovating and expanding businesses, improving storefronts and interiors, purchasing equipment, installing security systems, and more. Learn more at germantownunitedcdc.org.

  • August 16, 2023

Farewell and Thank You Andrew Trackman

To our community partners and supporters,

It is with a heavy heart that we share the news of Andrew Trackman’s passing on February 26th after a long illness. As our long time Executive Director, Andy was instrumental in nurturing Germantown United CDC from a volunteer board to a fully staffed organization making a big impact in Germantown. He joined our organization first as a board member in 2012 and transitioned into the Executive Director role as our capacity grew.

Andy was tireless in his pursuit of resources for Germantown and built strong relationships across organizations in the neighborhood. He always showed up and always followed through.  

We are hurting and will miss him tremendously. Because of the foundation that he built, Germantown United CDC will continue to be strong and dogged in our quest to build, strengthen and unite the fabric of our neighborhood. We will do this to honor his legacy and the legacy of the neighborhood that he loved. 

Andy stepped down as Executive Director late last year. Earlier this month, as we were preparing to inform the community of this transition, we asked him to put a few words down on paper. What he shared follows below.

 

Andrew Trackman
Andrew C. Trackman
April 5, 1958 – February 26, 2020
Andy’s favorite headshot
by photographer Tieshka Smith

 

Yours in Community,
Julie Stapleton Carroll
Board President

Services

Services
Services will be held Sunday, March 1, 2020 at 11am
Koller Funeral Home
6835 Ridge Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19128

Shiva
Family will welcome shiva visits on Sunday, March 1 following interment until 9pm with minyan at 6pm, and on Monday, March 2 from 3 – 9pm, with minyan at 7pm, 32 E Sedgwick St, Philadelphia, PA 19119.

Obituary
www.kollerfuneralhome.com/obituary/Andrew-Trackman

From the Desk of Andrew Trackman

“I can’t believe it’s been seven years since I joined Germantown United CDC as a Board member, attending a public meeting on February 29 – a leap year, and obviously a year filled with opportunity. In September of that year, I became the acting Board President.  My goal was always to build Germantown United into a functioning organization; a business. I felt that was the only way Germantown could get the community development corporation it needed to do the hard work that was needed. Connecting with all the people associated with Germantown United has been a real honor and privilege; we found each other and recognized that we fit so well in our goals. 

In all small nonprofits and businesses, one thing that always comes up in planning discussions among senior management is, “What if I get hit by a bus?” Unfortunately, that’s what happened to me, and the bus was the West Nile Virus. Because I had been treated for cancer since November of 2017, I must have been more susceptible to West Nile’s effects. West Nile effects the brain; for most of my hospital stay, which began in mid-September 2019, I was pretty out of it. After 4 weeks in the hospital, they determined what it was. I spent two weeks at a rehab hospital, and they got me back on my feet. During this time, I made the difficult decision to resign as full time Executive Director.

I want to thank all past and present Board members. Julie Stapleton Carroll, our Board President, and our Treasurer Mark Sellers have been very hands-on during this situation. Deputy Director Emaleigh Doley, NAC Manager Rhakeim Miller, Business Development Manager Amani Bey and Office Manager Josanne Ford have been keeping the ship afloat; and not just afloat but moving Germantown forward. 

Seven years ago, when I became widowed, and got laid off from my corporate job, I knew I wanted to make a change in my life. My passions: historic preservation, community development, and arts and culture came to the forefront. There is no better place than Germantown where these three things come together.

I really want to thank all of you in the organization and the community for allowing me to work here in Germantown, and to help work on building Germantown United CDC to be that organization that can best serve the community. Thank you again, and please continue to support our work on behalf of Germantown.”

– Andy

It is not length of life, but depth of life.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

In lieu of flowers, and at the request of his family, memorial donations can be made to Germantown United CDC.

Germantown United will be renaming our annual “Pillar of the Community” award to be the “Andrew Trackman Pillar of the Community” award. He was truly that.

Andy, at work

Gallery

Click to expand images.

  • August 16, 2023

We Are Hiring: Business Development Manager

Germantown United CDC is currently hiring. 

Germantown United Community Development Corporation (GUCDC) is seeking an outgoing, organized, and community-minded individual to join its passionate team. The Business Development Manager will implement the organization’s commercial corridor and economic development activities. The position’s primary responsibility is to support Germantown’s small business community by engaging directly with merchants and commercial property owners, and facilitating local access to supportive business programs. Assisting businesses with the application process for COVID-19 relief packages and other grant/financing resources will be an immediate priority. This is a full-time position, funded primarily through the Department of Commerce’s Targeted Corridor Management Program (TCMP) grant.

GUCDC’s mission is to promote and facilitate the revitalization of Germantown and its business corridors through a sustainable, creative, and community-driven approach to economic development. Our territory covers the Germantown neighborhood (zip codes: 19144 & 19138).

Work environment during COVID-19 pandemic: The national response to the coronavirus pandemic requires everyone to work together, especially when it comes to promoting safe business and workplace practices. While important for limiting the spread of COVID-19, social distancing and restrictions on gatherings of people will impact this position’s public outreach activities. At the start, the Business Development Manager’s person-to-person contact, described in the overall responsibilities, will be limited and other outreach methods will be prioritized. As of this posting, the organization’s staff is working remotely. Interviews will be conducted virtually. A degree of adaptability and flexibility will be necessary as we navigate this challenging time.

To apply: Email your resume and cover letter (Word document or PDF) to [email protected] with the Subject: Business Development Manager 2020. Resumes without cover letters will not be reviewed. Position will be advertised until it is filled.

Click the button below to download a PDF of the full job description.

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  • August 16, 2023

Announcing Our New Director of Germantown United CDC

Dear Friends of GU,

These are unprecedented times. As you know, Germantown United CDC tragically lost our Founding Executive Director, Andy Trackman, in late February of this year. Because of COVID-19 we did not get a chance to mourn him and celebrate his legacy – but we will when life begins to return to normal (for now, read our tribute). 

As we thought about our transition and leadership for the organization, the Board made the decision to take the time to assess the state of the organization and opportunities for growth. We hired an external consultant to provide us with an unbiased assessment and recommendations for strengthening our processes, policies and operations. Throughout that engagement she spoke to many of you, our stakeholders. This was a helpful exercise on a number of different levels, and we feel that our future path is strong.

Out of that three-month long process the board concluded that we have our next leader amongst us. Emaleigh Doley has been appointed to the position of Executive Director of Germantown United CDC.

Emaleigh has been the Acting Executive Director since the end of February and has been serving in a leadership position at GU for a number of years. A passionate member of the Germantown community, she works tirelessly to support our community and promote Germantown. 

Please join me in welcoming Emaleigh into this new role. We look forward to the stamp that she will put on the organization and the impact that will be made.

On behalf of the board and staff at GU stay safe, buy local and help your neighbors.

All the best.

Julie Stapleton Carroll
Board President

  • August 16, 2023

Prioritizing the Voices of Our Predominately-Black Community

Dear Germantown Residents & Business Owners,

Our neighborhood and our country are grieving right now, as protests continue to demand justice for George Floyd. Know that the staff and board at GU stand in solidarity with our neighbors in Germantown and other Black communities across the city and nation. We commit to listening to and prioritizing the voices of our predominately-Black community, centering equity in our work, and confronting racism, past and present.

In solidarity, 
Emaleigh Doley
Executive Director, Germantown United CDC

This post was first published in Germantown United CDC’s email newsletter on 06/04/2020. Access an archive of newsletters here.

Illustration by Sacrée Frangine via dezeen.com

  • August 16, 2023

Join the Board of Directors of Germantown United CDC

Germantown United CDC is currently looking for dedicated community members interested in serving on the Board of Directors. The organization is governed by a volunteer board which includes representatives of local businesses, educational and service institutions, and Germantown residents.

The mission of GUCDC is to promote and facilitate the revitalization of Germantown and its business corridors through a sustainable, creative, and community-driven approach to economic development.

If you believe in the mission and value of GUCDC, and would like to contribute your skills and talents, we have a chair for you on our board.

We seek board members who:

  • Are active advocates and ambassadors for the Germantown community.
  • Work collaboratively and can build meaningful partnerships.
  • Champion the importance of exceptional board leadership.
  • Are engaged in identifying and securing the resources necessary for GUCDC to advance its mission.

Committees:

GUCDC is also looking for volunteers to serve on various committees, including: programs, finance, fundraising, and real estate development. Serving on a committee is a good opportunity for volunteers that want to get to know the organization. Call Josanne Ford at (215) 856-4303 ext. 102 or email [email protected] to get started.