Corporation for Findlay Market – Annual Report 2022

ANNUAL REPORT Corporation for Findlay Market

DEAR FRIENDS,

Findlay Market is more than a grocery store, a weekend hangout spot, or a group of small businesses. Findlay Market is YOU, the community who shows up to support us day after day. The Corporation for Findlay Market (CFFM) has been able to implement innovative programs and initiatives over the past fiscal year, and it is all because of the amazing people who generously and consistently support our work.

We built upon the success of Findlay Kitchen, our shared-use incubator kitchen designed to help businesses start, grow and scale, by embarking on a new program to even more deeply support food entrepreneurs. Findlay Launch, the region’s first Storefront Accelerator, has already achieved success, giving its first graduate, The Empanada’s Box, the experience and opportunity to grow into their own permanent storefront in Covington.

We continue to support our low-income shoppers by providing resources and education around SNAP and Produce Perks benefits, as well as by building out our Findlay Market Shopping App platform to accept SNAP and EBT benefits so that low-income households are able to experience the convenience and dignity of shopping online just like anyone else. In addition, we have partnered with Produce Perks Midwest to provide Produce Prescription (PRx) bags to qualifying low-income individuals, dropping off healthy, fresh market produce to their doorsteps free of charge.

City and state funding has allowed us to upgrade aging market infrastructure with new, more energy efficient equipment. Our many small businesses are now able to continue operating without the fear of outdated refrigeration breaking down. In addition, we continue to focus on our fundraising efforts, and raised 39% more in contributions, grants and fundraising in fiscal year 2022 than in fiscal year 2021.

Community is a core aspect of Findlay Market, and we are pleased to have welcomed 10 new businesses to the Market District over the last fiscal year. In addition, we hosted more than 40 events and 150 music performances, planted nearly 2,000 flowers across the Findlay Market District, and continue to work with community partners to keep the area safe, clean and beautiful for everyone to enjoy.

Findlay Market is more than a grocery store, a weekend hangout spot, or a group of small businesses. It is a true community gathering place where we hope all, including yourself, feel welcome. If you haven’t been down in a while, we encourage you to swing by and check out the market’s everexpanding offerings, and if you are a regular shopper, we can’t wait to see you soon.

Sincerely,

Kelly Lanser Lia Braaten-Hager Interim President & CEO Corporation for Findlay Market Board Chair Corporation for Findlay Market Design Vice President, Global Home Care, Procter & Gamble

WHO WE ARE

OUR MISSION

Historic Findlay Market connects farmers, producers, sellers and customers in a dynamic, diverse public marketplace.

OUR VISION

Historic Findlay Market is our region’s premier destination for local food and artisan products, a dynamic public gathering place, and a vital community asset.

OUR CORE VALUES

Local

We value freshness above all, emphasizing a variety of locally grown food and unique, locally created products sold by people we know as friends and neighbors. We embrace our role as a vital anchor for a strengthened central city and Over-the-Rhine.

Authentic

We value genuine human connections and social interactions that a vibrant, dynamic public marketplace promotes. We value the diversity in all definitions that exists among our merchants and our shoppers.

Value-minded

We believe in providing our shoppers fresh, high quality foods at fair prices and a rich product array that will satisfy a wide range of shopper needs. We provide an inclusive shopping experience that is unparalleled in our region.

Entrepreneurial

We create a supported environment for diverse startup businesses and the growth and sustainability of locally owned and managed businesses.

Responsible

We honor our role as stewards of a thriving landmark and demand integrity in our interactions with our shoppers, merchants, employees, volunteers, and community partners.

DID YOU KNOW?

Did you know that the Corporation for Findlay Market (CFFM) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization? In addition to day to day operations, CFFM is focused on improving sales and profitability for Findlay Market merchants, attracting a diverse group of new merchants to Findlay Market and the surrounding business district, as well as helping new businesses start, grow and scale.

Situated in the Over-the-Rhine (OTR) neighborhood, a low-income census tract, Findlay Market caters to shoppers of all socioeconomic backgrounds, and has a robust collection of assistance benefits resources to ensure all EBT eligible shoppers are able to take full advantage of the available programs. CFFM aims to preserve and expand the connection with the OTR neighborhood, the Cincinnati community, and its shoppers by supporting cultural and income diversity at Findlay Market and ensuring the Market District serves a diverse population.

ACCOLADES

2022 GREATER CINCINNATI NONPROFIT OF THE YEAR AWARDS:

Best Farmers Market

OTR MADE AWARDS 2022:

Business of the Year

Corporation for Findlay Market

Employee of the Year

Sam Stewart-Campbell

2022 CITYBEAT BEST OF CINCINNATI AWARDS:

Best Farmers Market

Best Free Attraction

Best Old Thing

Best Place to Take a Visitor

Best Return of the Shillito Elves

FINDLAY MARKET VENDOR 2022

CITYBEAT BEST OF CINCINNATI AWARDS:

Blue Oven Bakery

Best Farmers Market Food Stall

Churchill’s Fine Teas

Best Tea Shop

Eli’s BBQ

Best BBQ, Best Findlay Market Vendor

ETC Produce + Provisions

Best Local Produce Hookup

Goose and Elder

Best Seinfeld Salad

Harmony Plant Fare

Best Meat Free Italian Sub

High Five Salon

Best Hair Salon

Mighty Good

Best Place To Get A Meat and 3 Sides

Pho Lang Thang

Best Vietnamese Noodles, Best Soup

Rooted Juicery

Best Smoothie Bar

SKT Ceramics

Best Place To See Artists Work

Taste of Belgium

Best French Fries

FINDLAY KITCHEN

Salimah Abdul-Hakim had the dream of opening her own restaurant since her childhood. In 2018, she officially launched her business, Soleil Kitchen. Soleil Kitchen’s growth has been exponential. “Our growth has been so remarkable. Getting to work with athletes and companies like P&G and Children’s Hospital has been such an amazing journey,” she says.

According to Salimah, Findlay Kitchen has been an instrumental part of the success of her business. “When you’re first starting out, reality starts to set in with finances and capital, and trying to secure your own brick and mortar storefront, so being able to have a space that you can rent by the hour with a very supportive community behind you is a very amazing experience,” she says.

Salimah’s goals for the future are to eventually open her own brick and mortar restaurant. “It won’t be like a traditional restaurant concept, but we’ll get into that one day,” Salimah says with a giggle. She also hopes to acquire a food truck to provide cost effective but healthy and delicious meals to those in economically disadvantaged neighborhoods.

Salimah’s advice for young black food entrepreneurs looking to get into the food industry is to be who you authentically are with your business and not feel pressured to be an idea of what you think you should be. “Your customers are going to gravitate towards your brand when they can relate to you and see you as exactly as you are,” she says.

FINDLAY LAUNCH

Lucas Nunez of The Empanada’s Box, one of the first two storefront residents to join Findlay Launch, has always wanted to own a food business with his family, and credits Findlay Launch with being able to do so years before they otherwise would have been ready. “It was an incredible opportunity,” says Lucas. “Through their support and help, we’ve been able to create a business from the ground up in just two years, which is pretty hard to do when you really are starting from scratch.”

While their food was always delicious, none of them had much business experience before joining the program. “In the beginning, you’re so focused on making delicious food that you’re not necessarily thinking about the other parts of the business,” Lucas says. Findlay Market recruits a team of experts — ranging from successful restaurateurs to financial planners — to mentor the students. Instructors include Frannie Kroner, chef and CEO of Sleepy Bee, and her colleague Emma Cotter. “Most people don’t go to culinary school to learn how to run a business. You’re there to cook,” says Frannie. “I thankfully had some incredible teachers along the way, but most people don’t pick up the operations side of things until they’re forced to work in it and figure it out. Emma and I take a lot of pride in being able to share our experiences.”

Findlay Launch focuses on BIPOC, women and immigrant-owned businesses who traditionally have higher barriers to starting a food business; the goal is to create greater equity in the food industry. “There’s clearly an access gap in our communities,” says Frannie. “Emma and I both feel like acknowledging that and trying to share our resources and share our knowledge as best we can to help dismantle some of those issues around access and equity.”

The Empanada’s Box has officially graduated from Findlay Launch, and now has their very own spot in Covington next to Braxton Brewery. They are grateful for all that the Corporation for Findlay Market has done for their business, saying, “Findlay Market has definitely been a big part of our journey and hopefully always will be. Eventually, we do still want to go back to the market and have our own location there as well.”

100%

Cohort

Graduation rate from the 9-week food entrepreneur course “Growing Into

BIPOC

Graduates of our May 2022 cohort include Daliah, who says, “I grew up in Cincinnati. Before starting this program, my life was in shambles. I didn’t have a clear direction or path laid out for me. One thing I have learned [in the program] is how to properly use a knife and work together as a team. I’ve also learned how to cook a lot of dishes from scratch, which is completely new to me!” Her favorite dish to cook is stuffed salmon, and she has found employment post-graduation at Hard Rock Casino.

Another graduate, Jamil, says, “I’ve made a lot of sacrifices to be where I’m at today. Before the program, I was surrounded by violence and uncertain what would become of me. After being here, I know there’s more out there in this world for me. Through the culinary program, I have learned how to be more patient with myself and others thanks to my chef instructor. I’ve also learned how to work well with others and share in the successes of the team.” His favorite dish to cook is garlic and herb roasted shrimp.

“After being here, I know there’s more out there in this world for me.”

— Jamil Findlay Culinary Training Graduate

Findlay Culinary Training program graduates

Findlay Culinary Training

Culinary

SMALL BUSINESSS SUPPORT

Cincinnati native, Susannah Tisue, has always been attracted to the hustle and bustle of urban life. After six years in New York, Susannah made the move back to Cincinnati where she now has a permanent home for SKT Studio at Findlay Market, and a new studio space in Walnut Hills.

To Susannah, Findlay Market is the cultural core of Cincinnati where people from all different walks of life come together. After her first weekend at Findlay Market, Susannah was hooked instantly and knew that this was the new home for SKT Ceramics.

“I loved the community and vibrancy of the area,” Susannah begins, “I love that I’m so much part of the market (with the rollup space). I’m just a stone’s throw away from the smell of Makers Bakers’ cinnamon rolls.” Susannah has loved getting to meet the individual shop owners and learning of their passions while also connecting on a personal level with her customers.

Despite her business growth feeling gradual over the years, Susannah says that the growth and change is an extreme switch to her customers who first met her in her early days in the pop up tent at Findlay Market. “It’s fun to look back and see how much we have invested in the market but also how the market and community have invested in us.”

“It’s fun to look back and see how much we have invested in the market but also how the market and community have invested in us.”

— Susannah Tisue Owner, SKT Ceramics

INVOLVEMENT

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT - KAROLINA LORRY

In 2021, Karolina Lorry was new to Cincinnati, and decided to volunteer at Findlay Market. She loved meeting all the event attendees, and even found a friend in Barb Terry, a longtime supporter and volunteer. They now frequently volunteer at the same events together, and spend time going out to eat together when they’re not volunteering! Karolina says she likes volunteering for the market because, “It makes me feel part of the community. I feel I belong here.” When asked what she finds most meaningful about volunteering at Findlay Market, she says, “It has been the heart of Cincinnati for a very long time. It feels like an inclusive place. And the market is the result of resilient, optimistic people who never gave up believing in it despite the ups and downs over the decades. That’s inspiring!”

— Karolina Lorry Volunteer

INVOLVEMENT MATTERS

DONOR SPOTLIGHT - PAUL HOARSTON

Paul Hoarston, a member of the Friends of Findlay Market, is a golf course superintendent and lives in Ft. Thomas. He signed up for the membership as soon as it launched in 2021 in honor of his late father who always came to the market. To Paul, Findlay Market is iconic of Cincinnati’s heritage - it’s part of the city.

“If we would ever lose the market, the city would lose its identity,” says Paul.

Paul loves coming to the market because it’s convenient and the vendors are awesome. His routine vendors he likes to visit are Luken’s Poultry, Fish and Seafood, Neil Lukens Meats, Mackies Meats, PetWants, Dean’s Mediterranean Imports, and Madisons, but he says he can’t choose a favorite.

Paul experienced the storefront opening ceremony for The Empanada’s Box and Herban Vegans and tells us what an exciting experience that was for him. He loves to support the local businesses and farmers, volunteer for Findlay Market’s annual Christmas Tree Sale, and grow his relationships with the vendors.

“I recommend Findlay Market to everyone. I love when it’s a nice day and the music is playing,” says Paul. While he loves the nice sunny days at the market, he also loves the market during the holiday season because he picks out unique gifts from the popup tents that line the side streets.

“If we would ever lose the market, the city would lose its identity.”

— Paul Hoarston Donor

FINANCIALS

REVENUE

Grants

$745,918.00

$250,858.00

$122,891.00

$1,103,212.00

$129,716.00

Other $1,452,961.00

Total $5,131,780.00

EXPENSES

Occupancy $601,679.00

$2,540,861.00

$247,936.00

$246,604.00

$81,311.00

$156,672.00

$180,389.00

$235,249.00

Other $236,197.00

Total $4,526,898.00

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Roula Allouch is the daughter of Syrian immigrants and grew up in Northern Kentucky. As a child, she loved visiting her aunt in the “big city” of Cincinnati and going to Findlay Market with her family. She now works as an attorney for Graydon Law.

“I really appreciate what the market brings to the community and how it supports diverse backgrounds,” she says. Roula is most proud of Findlay Kitchen because it gives local and small business entrepreneurs the opportunity to experiment with the work they do.

“I have a friend who is a Syrian refugee, and she always had a dream of owning her own restaurant. Findlay Kitchen has helped her with that process and has given her the opportunity to follow her dreams,” says Roula.

Roula strongly believes in empowering people and providing opportunities to people of diverse backgrounds who might have less access to the things that would enable them to do what they want to do. “I love the energy of the market - the spirit that people have here. I hope to see it grow even more and be more present in the surrounding community,” says Roula.

“I really appreciate what the market brings to the community and how it supports diverse backgrounds”

— Roula Allouch Board Member

DIRECTORS

Kelly Adamson

OTR Chamber of Commerce, Executive Director

Roula Allouch

Graydon Law, Attorney

Lia Braaten-Hager, Chair

Procter & Gamble, Design Vice President, Global Home Care and Director of Design, Home Care and Duracell

Jason Combs, Treasurer

E.W. Scripps Company, Chief Financial Officer

Wynne Curry

The Seven Hills School, Retired

Leo D’Cruz

Reverb, CoFounder | Chief Strategic Officer

Asa Featherstone IV

Asa Featherstone Creative, LLC., Visual Artist

Rick Findlay, Secretary

OneSource Center for Nonprofit Excellence, Consultant

Charles Gerhardt, Past Chair

Government Strategies Group, President and Chief Executive Officer

Rico Grant Entrepreneur & Founder, Paloozanoire, SoCap Accelerate, Gallery At Gumbo

Colin Groth, At Large Executive Committee Member StriveTogether, Executive Vice President, Strategy and Development

Mark Haggard

Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Retired

Todd Immell Deloitte, Managing Director

Krutarth Jain Champlin Architecture, Principal

Rob Linneman Santen & Hughes, Partner

Kathleen MacQueeney

KR Hospitality Group, Owner | Principal Consultant

Bob Maly

Great American Insurance Company, Retired

Pete Metz

Cincinnati Regional Chamber, Director, The Connected Region

Bryn Mooth Freelance Journalist, Copywriter and Editor

Morgan Mulvihill TFL Brands, Inc., General Manager

Tarita Preston, At Large Executive Committee Member Tarita Preston LLC., Chief Coach

Mary Stagaman

Mary Stagaman LLC., Principal

Deana Taylor, Vice Chair

Visit Cincy, Vice President Human Resources and Employee Engagement

Maurice Wagoner

OTR Community Housing, Maintenance; OTR Community Council, President

Lincoln Ware Radio One, Talk Show Host