Jeri Lynn Schulke became the executive director of the Chapel Hill Downtown Partnership in January, after previously serving as its interim leader and its director of arts and culture.
There are three full-time staffers on the team, including Schulke. Carter Hubbard is the director of operations and business services, and Stephanie Cobert is the director of marketing and engagement. All of them have a background in the arts or in museum work. Plus, there’s a part-time marketing/content creation team member who works about 10 hours per week.
Jeri Lynn Schulke, Executive Director; Stephanie Cobert, Director of Marketing and Engagement; Carter Hubbard, Director of Operations and Business Services.
The Partnership’s offices are located above Johnny T-shirt downtown, on the 100 block of East Franklin Street.
“We’re in a university-owned property, which is life-saving for us,” says Schulke. “… We pay utilities. We pay a rent that’s very nominal.”
The Partnership got its start about 20 years ago, with a mission of supporting the downtown district, which now consists of more than 200 businesses. What does that look like exactly?
“We advocate for their needs with the town or the university or whoever. We are a liaison between their needs and resources that are available in the community or beyond,” Schulke says. “Then, on top of that, is marketing. That’s something we’re working toward this year, getting away from just social media. Developing a game plan for marketing that’s all-encompassing.”
The Partnership also manages a team that cleans downtown. And they occasionally host, sponsor, or partner on special downtown events.
“Every day, we interact with the town in some capacity, some department. Whether it’s about safety or waste management or public works, there’s always some department that we’re passing information back and forth about,” she says.
Haven’t been downtown in awhile? Look for new offerings in the 100 block of East Franklin Street by the end of the summer, including a new Starbucks underneath Top of the Hill, Pulp Juice and Smoothie Bar, Zayka Indian Grill and Bar, and VooDoo Wing Company.
“I think there are businesses out there that have done their due diligence and seen that maybe this is a good bet, to be in this area,” Schulke says. “There’s going to be more people working down in this area. Eventually more people living down here. They’re looking at what’s happening and saying, ‘Let’s make a go of it, and let’s do it here.’ Which I think bodes well for the efforts that the town has been making and putting forth with the Innovation District and the new parking deck and in putting a lot of attention in downtown.”
Schulke, who previously worked as the producing artistic director for The ArtsCenter in Carrboro and a producing associate at Playmakers Repertory Company, thinks of downtown as an ecosystem – a living, breathing organism that changes over time, due to varying factors. Currently, fewer students are downtown than has been the case in the past because they rely more on Door Dash and other delivery services that bring food to them. Plus, campus has added more varied food options, which means students don’t go out as much.
“They’re not venturing out as far,” she says. “There aren’t as many students in Carrboro or the West End [of Franklin Street] as there used to be.”
Downtown has lost some of its iconic spots over the years, such as Pepper’s Pizza, Linda’s Bar and Grill, Crook’s Corner, and Ye Olde Waffle Shoppe. But Schulke says that existing places fill the void in their own way.
“These places that are here now will mean something to these [students],” Schulke says. “The one thing that’s constant is change.”
Thinking futuristically, Schulke says that as more people live and work downtown, more retail options will crop up.
Previously, the Partnership focused heavily on economic development efforts, including recruiting new businesses, but Schulke says that’s somewhat redundant when the town and the county have economic development teams. Her team is more committed to marketing the businesses that are already here – for example, this summer they launched a summer hotline. Call 919-338-1331 to hear what’s hot and happening every day this summer. Messages are updated weekly and recorded by the business owners themselves.
By being a certified living wage employer, the Partnership hopes to inspire other downtown businesses to emphasize a work-life balance among team members. “We try to just really be mindful of taking care of ourselves,” says Schulke. “Everybody here has a family of some sort that needs attention or taking care of. And we believe that’s really important for people – that work-life balance.”
On Labor Day afternoon (Sept. 2 from 2 to 6 p.m.), we’re hosting a concert fundraiser at the beautiful Pluck Farm!
A second annual event, the Labor Day Concert for Living Wages will be fun for the whole family: Enjoy games, an 18-hole disc golf course, gorgeous scenery, and delicious cuisine from food trucks.
The concert will feature performances by Abakua Latin Music, Deja Belle, and Deep Chatham Ramblers.
We will announce our food trucks and other details ASAP, so check this space!
No RSVP is required. A $20 donation is suggested to help OCLW compensate the musicians. 10% of Steel String purchases will support OCLW’s mission. Donations to Orange County Living Wage are encouraged – help us continue to lift wages for the entire community!
This will be a great occasion to celebrate workers and remind our community why we must keep fighting for an economy that works for all.
Interested in sponsoring? Contact debbie@orangecountylivingwage.org.
Dr. Shaina Holman, who moved to Chapel Hill as a teen and attended East Chapel Hill High School, always pictured herself in a career related to medicine or research.
When she went to Duke University, she thought about becoming a surgeon, knowing she is good with her hands. But she wasn’t too keen on the rigor of being constantly on call.
While doing a project for her ethnobiology class in Costa Rica, she saw how dentistry combined her love for people and her love of science, research, art, and community impact.
It started to all click. She could be an entrepreneur, while working regular hours and building a desirable life. She could help underserved communities that don’t have access to regular dental care.
Dr. Holman
In late 2017, Dr. Holman launched her practice – Holman Family Dental Care – on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. “I had one assistant and one office manager,” she says. She paid a living wage from the jump. The practice grew quickly, as nearby businesses moved out and she was able to acquire more space.
“It’s been drinking out of a firehose since the beginning,” she says. To what does she attribute this ascent?
“I used social media a lot early on to let people get to know me personally and share my value system,” she says. Patients made it clear – they wanted to see her. It wasn’t just about her practice accepting their dental insurance. It wasn’t about the location. It was a personal connection. Word spread throughout the community.
“I stick out quite a bit,” says Dr. Holman. She is younger than most other dentists. She is of Indian descent. And she makes it clear that social justice and human rights are a top priority, even when that means a social media post about LGBTQ+ rights garners some nasty responses.
The practice accepts Medicaid. “I’m one of the only dentists in Chapel Hill who will see adults on Medicaid,” she says. “That’s a problem.”
Whitnee Baldwin
But she acknowledges the challenges of accepting Medicaid. The practice loses money because the reimbursement doesn’t cover what a hygienist is paid during a cleaning. And accepting Medicaid can be stigmatized. “If someone doesn’t want to come to my office because I accept Medicaid, that’s OK,” Dr. Holman says. “They are not my people.”
The team also volunteers at pop-up health care clinics, working to combat the grim statistic that multiple counties in our state have no dentists at all.
Dr. Holman’s team is 26 people strong – four dentists, including herself; nine assistants; five hygienists; and eight front office workers. Five current team members joined the practice in its first year, including the office manager, Whitnee Baldwin who started on day one.
The team prioritizes customer service and strives to make the environment a welcoming one. They offer 24/7 online scheduling, and many patients like that they can make an appointment for as early as 7 a.m.
Dr. Holman was just named 2024 Businesswoman of the Year by the The Chamber for a Greater Chapel Hill-Carrboro.
She was joined at the awards ceremony by her husband, Trevor – who was her high school sweetheart and who also won a Business Excellence Award from The Chamber in 2022 – and the oldest of their three children, Shreya. In receiving the honor, Dr. Holman was struck that the little things she does to improve her business are apparent to others. “I tend to keep my head down and be really critical of myself and think of how I can do things better,” she says. “It’s nice to know that people notice.”
When her practice first opened, it took a few months to become profitable, but she told staffers: “As soon as I start making a little money, I’m going to get you guys health insurance and 401ks.” She kept her promise.
“Having good people means paying people well, good benefits, treating them well,” she says. “When you’re trying to recruit good employees and patients, you have to communicate your value system around that.”
Our first Chili Cook-Off on April 28 was truly a community collaboration and a big win for fair wages.
We heard over and over how each chili was amazing – all had incredible flavor and the offerings represented quite a variety.
Pro contestants: Kelby Grubbs – Pantana Bob’s; Alexis Lawson – Chef Lex; Vimala Rajendran – Vimala’s Curryblossom Cafe; and Mark Overbay – Big Spoon Roasters.
Amateur contestants: Craig Romaine; Laura Malinchock (representing PORCH); Mike Madden; and Dana Hanson.
Congratulations to our winners!
Pro People’s Choice: Chef Lex
Pro Judge’s Choice: Big Spoon Roasters
Amateur People’s Choice: Dana Hanson
Amateur Judge’s Choice: Dana Hanson
Our judges were: Paxson Wojcik, Rob Landry, and Duwe Farris from the UNC Men’s Basketball Team; Carrie Brogren – founder of the Chapel Hill Carrboro Foodie Group, Jason Merrill – Carrboro Town Council Member; and our very own, Allanah Hines – Chief Culture, Engagement, and Impact Officer at Weaver Street Market and OCLW Board Member and Vice Chair.
Thank you to our sponsors – all are certified living wage employers:
Gold Sponsors: Bonneville Electric, Beer Study Shop & Drink
Silver Sponsor: Weaver Street Market
Bronze Sponsors: Carolina Jewelry Appraisers, Franklin Street Yoga Center, Chapel Hill Children & Adolescents’ Clinic
Thank you to the employers who came out and set up a table to get to know our guests: Weaver Street Market, Latino Community Credit Union, PORCH, Cedar Grove Law,
Generous employers who offered goods and services for our incredible raffle. Donations were made by: Rumors, Belltree Cocktail Club, Starfish Bakery, Breakaway Cafe, Cedar Grove Law, Vimala’s Curryblossom Cafe, Open Eye Cafe, Carolina Jewelry Appraisers, Franklin Street Yoga Center, Ten Mothers Farm, University of North Carolina Press, Weaver Street Market, FRANK Gallery
The Local Reporter offered this thorough preview of our event.
OCLW has talented communications folks who work with us. Andrea Cash is our Communications Coordinator and was integral in getting the word out about our event. Tom Simon donates his time and talents throughout the year taking amazing photos of our employers, their employees, and our events.
Volunteers are key to the success of any non-profit organization or event. We couldn’t have done this without the help of dedicated OCLW volunteers Aaron Van Son, Brian Crawford, and Madison Mignola. A special thank you to our event volunteers Craig Romaine, Meghan Kuder, and Brenna Kuder (of Cedar Grove Law).
OCLW’s incredible Board of Directors and volunteers made the event possible. Susan Romaine, Allanah Hines, Megan Overbay, Cosby Dudley, and Susan Attermeier were integral from set up to clean up. Jason Nunoo, Victoria Freeman, and Itza Salazar weren’t able to join us but were with us in spirit.
Thank you to certified living wage employers – Town of Carrboro and the Carrboro Farmers Market – for the perfect space to host the event. Thank you to Charles Harrington, Carl Freeman, Kristen Benoit, and especially Dianah L Alston-Sanders and Lt. James L Walker for being so easy to work with in planning this – plus Officers Joe Thomas and Erasmo Velazquez for working our event on their days off.
Thanks to Allanah Hines, Megan Overbay, Susan Romaine, Brian Crawford, Victoria Freeman, and Debbie Horowitz for contributing “bake sale” items.
Steel String Brewery served beer that paired perfectly with chili. And a special thanks to Cruel Country for performing.
Love Vimala’s Curryblossom Cafe or always wanted to try it? Here’s your chance! Vimala has generously donated three meals for a silent auction to benefit OCLW! More information and make your bids HERE. Bidding closes Friday, May 17, 2024 at 5 pm.
We want your feedback! What did you like? What could we improve for next year? Please take a few moments to offer your feedback. Fill out the form, and we’ll enter you to win a $25 gift card to Open Eye Cafe AND a Chili Cook-Off or OCLW T-shirt – your choice. You can also contact Debbie Everly at debbie@orangecountylivingwage.org to purchase either t-shirt.
A huge thanks to all who attended! Save the date for our fall fundraiser – our second annual Benefit Concert for Living Wages – on Labor Day at Pluck Farm.
Our thanks to 97.9 FM WCHL for spreading the word about our recently certified living wage employers. Have a listen the short clips below to learn more about these businesses and organizations – and please support them as you can!
Transplanting Traditions Community Farm
Orange Congregations in Mission
Carolina Advocates for Climate, Health, and Equity
At Orange County Living Wage, we are committed to supporting certified living wage businesses and organizations by offering resources and assistance that may not be readily available. We are dedicated to understanding the specific needs and challenges of the local economy, offering personalized support and resources to address your concerns.
Through workshops, networking events, and toolkits, we empower living wage employers to create positive change within your organizations and communities. By leveraging our collective knowledge and resources, we can make a meaningful impact on the lives of employees and the success of all businesses across Orange County.
We look forward to expanding what we can offer you and your employees. Let us know what we can provide to ensure your business/organization and workers thrive.
At Orange County Living Wage, we believe that every business, regardless of size, has the potential to make a difference. Together, we can build a more equitable and prosperous future for all.
We encourage you and your employees to sign up for these upcoming OCLW events:
OCLW Employee Workshop: May 14, 2024, 6:30 pm
Join us for an evening of Financial Literacy led by William M. Fisher, Community Impact Officer at Coastal Credit Union.
Are you tired of feeling like your paycheck disappears before the month even begins? Do you dream of a future where financial stress is a thing of the past? You’re not alone.
In today’s challenging economic climate, managing money wisely is more important than ever. That’s why we’re here to provide you with the tools and knowledge you need to take control of your finances and build a brighter future for yourself and your loved ones.
Throughout this workshop, we’ll explore practical strategies for stretching your paycheck further, creating a budget that works for you, and finding opportunities to save and invest, no matter how small your income may be. We’ll also discuss understanding credit, navigating financial institutions, and planning for unexpected expenses.
Our goal is to empower you with the skills and confidence to make informed financial decisions, even on a tight budget. Together, we’ll break down barriers and pave the way toward a more secure financial future for you and your family.
OCLW Employer Workshop: August 13, 2024, 6:30 pm
Are you looking to take your personal financial management skills to the next level? Our tailored Financial Literacy Workshops offer a unique opportunity for employers like yourself to enhance your understanding of key financial principles and strategies, empowering you to make informed decisions both in your professional and personal life.
In today’s fast-paced world, the ability to navigate complex financial landscapes is more crucial than ever. Whether you’re aiming to optimize your personal investments, plan for retirement, or simply gain a better understanding of managing your finances, our workshops are designed to provide you with practical tools and insights to achieve your goals.
During our workshops, you’ll delve into a range of topics, including budgeting, saving, investing, understanding credit, and planning for the future. Our expert facilitator will guide you through interactive sessions tailored to your specific needs and objectives, ensuring that you come away with actionable strategies to drive your financial success.
By investing in your own financial literacy, you’ll not only enhance your personal financial well-being but also set an example of financial leadership within your organization. Moreover, the skills and knowledge you gain will directly benefit your company, enabling you to make sound financial decisions that drive growth and prosperity.
Please spread the word to your employees about the May 14 event.
Please contact debbie@orangecountylivingwage.org for more information about these events and to learn about sponsorship opportunities.
Get ready to fire up your taste buds! In the spirit of camaraderie and culinary excellence, the Orange County Living Wage’s Chili Cook-Off fundraiser invites participants and attendees alike to savor a diverse array of tantalizing chili recipes crafted by talented cooks from across the community. Whether you’re a seasoned chili aficionado or simply looking to support a worthy cause, this event promises a delightful day filled with warmth, flavor, and the opportunity to make a meaningful difference.
WHEN: Sunday, April 28, noon to 3 pm
WHERE: Carrboro Town Commons (301 West Main St., Carrboro)
FEATURING: Live music by Country Cruel, a bake sale, and beer from Steel String Brewery (a living wage employer!)
JUDGES: Carrie Brogren, founder of Chapel Hill Carrboro Foodies; Paxson Wojcik, Rob Landry, and Duwe Farris, UNC men’s basketball players; Jason Merrill of Carrboro Town Council
We will have a Pro division for the chef who gets paid to prepare food for others at restaurants, camps, universities, corporate kitchens, etc. We are excited to announce that our Pro participants include Vimala Rajendran of Vimala’s Curryblossom Cafe; Mark Overbay from Big Spoon Roasters; Alexis Lawson, also known as Chef Lex; and Kelby Grubbs of Pantana Bob’s.
An Amateur division is for the talented home cook.
Get more information and sign up to enter the competition.
Thank you to our sponsors: Beer Study, Bonneville Electric, Carolina Jewelry Appraisers, Chapel Hill Children and Adolescents’ Clinic, Franklin Street Yoga Center, Weaver Street Market.
Would you rather taste than prepare the food? Buy tickets and join us as an attendee. Tickets range from $10 to $50.
We also need volunteers to complete various tasks during the event and bakers willing to donate some goods.
Living Wage Employers: Want to sponsor, table at the event, or provide items for our raffle? We’d love to have your participation! Please contact debbie@orangecountylivingwage.org.
Starting April 1, 2024, Orange County Living Wage will implement a new application fee to support the staff and infrastructure necessary to maintain and expand our programming.
The fee structure:
Employers with 0-9 employees: $50
Employers with 10-49 employees: $100
Employers with 50 or more employees: $200
Employers will pay the fee at the time of the application for certification – or at the time of re-certification, which is required every two years to stay in the program. Once an application is submitted, employers will be directed to a payment processing link. Applications will be processed once the non-refundable fee is paid.
If employers become official program sponsors of OCLW, the application fee is waived. Contact debbie@orangecountylivingwage.org to learn more about sponsorship packages.
Note: If re-certification is due between now and June 30, 2024, employers can go ahead and fill out the application by March 31 to re-certify early and avoid the fee.
All certified employers receive:
- Certification Bundle: a framed certificate, OCLW decal, car magnet, breakroom poster, and a PDF of certificate to use for marketing and grant purposes
- Website Bundle: business/organization name added to OCLW online directory of certified employers and the ability to submit unlimited postings to the OCLW job board
- Marketing Bundle: a marketing toolkit to help with social media and newsletters, a workplace photo shoot with a professional photographer, a foam board or framed poster with an image of and quote from a living wage employee, a listing in the Directory of Employers brochure, an announcement of all new certifications on WCHL, a social media post by OCLW announcing certification or re-certification, a social media post per quarter announcing events, free tabling opportunities at all OCLW fundraising events, free marketing opportunities during International Living Wage Week. For retailers: a free option to be included in the National Living Wage Holiday Buying Guide.
- Programming Bundle: an invitation to all of OCLW’s employer roundtable networking events and all employer/employee workshops
“Since our inception in 2015, it’s been free to become living wage certified, and we have been proud to certify 371 businesses and organizations over the years,” says OCLW Director Debbie Everly. “As our organization expands – and as we move forward with our strategic plan over the next couple of years – we must reevaluate our model in order to better serve the OCLW community and the community at large.”
Questions about this change? Reach out to info@orangecountylivingwage.org.
Orange County’s living wage has been updated for the new year: $17.65 per hour. Aaron Keck of 97.9 The Hill WCHL and Chapelboro.com chatted with Orange County Living Wage’s Debbie Everly and Allanah Hines about this increase. Listen here.
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