Today we’d like to introduce you to Adam Kody.
Hi Adam, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
As a former undergrad of Ohio University, I have always loved Athens and its committment to local food. But it wasn’t until I left that I discovered what ACEnet was, and realized there was one place acted as a community hub for all of the incredible entrepreneurial activity that happened in the Athens area. Once I toured the ACEnet Food Ventures Center and saw so many local businesses sharing that space, it all clicked in place for me. That was 2016, when I joined the ACEnet team in my original role as Kitchen Manager, through today in my current role as Director of Operations.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Smooth roads don’t exist in the nonprofit world! But that’s what makes this work exciting- it’s always dynamic, there’s always a new challenge waiting, a new skill to learn, a new partner to collaborate with. Truthfully, one of the biggest struggles has occurred within the past year at ACEnet, as we saw an innovative, transformational federal grant program that was set to guide our work for the next 5 years be frozen and, eventually, terminated. Mulitple team members had to be let go, and many of the clients we work with were left hanging. At the same time, ACEnet celebrated it’s 40th year this year, mean we have had plenty of milestones to celebrate as well.
We’ve been impressed with ACEnet, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
The Appalachian Center for Economic Networks- better known as ACEnet – has been providing wraparound business support services to the Appalachian counties of Ohio since 1985. With an initial focus on supporting cooperative/worker-owned business structures, ACEnet began supporting all businesses, with a particualr focus on food & ag small businesses, in the early 90s. The excitement and momentum that this work created led to the eventual opening of the 9,000 sq ft. Food Ventures Center, a shared-use commercial kitchen and one of the first of its kind in entire country. Eventually, ACEnet leadership purchased another property in Nelsonville, Ohio. This property included a 98,000 sq ft warehouse, formerly owned and operated by Rocky Boots. Today, between both campuses, these facilities are home to upwards of 50 small businesses including dozend of food businesses, a wood manufacturing center, a wellness cooperative, and countless other activities. Combine this unique infrastucture with our incredible team of program and facilities staff, and you will see a truly special organization focused on economic resiliency in a part of the state that thrives on entrepreneurship.
Pricing:
- $50 intake fee to work with ACEnet
- Access to kitchen is hourly and varies based on what equipment is being used
- We also offer marketing and branding services
- All our rates can be found here: https://acenetworks.org/services/new-clients/fees-and-service-rates/
Contact Info:
- Website: https://acenetworks.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/acenetathens
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/acenetathens
- Twitter: https://x.com/acenetathens
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmkrFifQxfhkXv5PGZ1GSiA
