2011 updayton projects moving full steam ahead!

Six months ago, more than twenty brave souls stepped forward to commit one year of their time to drive four community and economic development initiatives forward.

Those initiatives were the result of brainstorming sessions held at updayton’s Summit earlier this year. The sessions focused on generating solutions to increase the attraction and retention of young talent in Dayton.

These initiatives seek to build urban vibrancy by increasing nightlife and entertainment in downtown Dayton, spur economic growth through the creation of internship opportunities for local college students, engage immigrants with local people to drive diversity and work with young creative’s to make a local neighborhood a destination spot to live, work and play for young professionals.

After six months, each project has made tremendous progress and impact. Below are some of the key outcomes thus far.

First Friday Scavenger Hunt increases nightlife in downtown Dayton

The Nightlife/Entertainment committee launched the First Friday Scavenger Hunt to enliven the downtown experience by weaving participants through a maze of restaurants, galleries and hot spots using clue sheets. From Olive’s to Lucky’s to the Cannery, the participants have discovered new places to gather, eat and explore. Each exploration ends with an after party for people to socialize and get to know each other.

The next Hunt is set for First Friday December 2! More details to come.

Creating internship opportunities assists with spuring economic growth in region

In less than one month, the jobs committee will launch its test site for a new online internship portal to connect local college students to local internships. Businesses and organizations of all sizes will have access to more than 30,000 qualified and work-ready students from eight local public and private universities.

A public launch is scheduled for early 2012. Be among the first to list your internship! Email Yvette Kelly-Fields at yvette.kelly-fields@updayton.com with your business name and contact information. You will be notified when the site goes live!

Engaging immigrant families with local ones to drive diversity

The Diversity team seeks to help immigrant families successfully transition to life in Dayton by engaging them in family friendly activities with native families and directing them towards resources. It hosted is first gathering in August which brought together people from a range of nationalities and cultural backgrounds. Next, this group is creating a Welcome To Dayton packet that will feature useful items like school, employment and housing information, library resources and coupons to local restaurants for immigrant families to use.

If you are interested in having information included about your program or business, please contact Yvette Kelly-Fields at yvette.kelly-fields@updayton.com.

Making a local neighborhood a destination spot to live, work and play for young professionals

The Neighborhood group has identified the park between the South Park and Oregon District neighborhoods as the new destination spot for young professionals.  Young creatives came together in August for a community clean up to remove debris, overgrown bushes and trees from the area.

Next, the group has planned a major art beautification project of the park for the Spring. Artists, painters and sponsors welcomed. Connect with Yvette Kelly-Fields at yvette.kelly-fields@updayton.com to volunteer or make a donation.