Section 4 Project Team & Outside Support
Team: Names, titles, roles
13. Please provide the names and titles of the critical members of your organization and their role in the project.
Answer:
City of Schenectady (applicant)
- Alexandria Carver, Director, City of Schenectady Department of Development
Role: Ms. Carver will oversee grant administration and compliance, supported with high level oversight by the City (in-kind labor)
- Anthony Ferrari, Commissioner of Finance & Administration
Role: Provide high level financial oversight (in-kind labor).
Under a formal subcontract with the City of Schenectady, the Electric City Community Grocery will implement the capital project and start up of the new community grocery.
- Eric Johnson, ECCG Board President
Role: Capital project oversight, manage and review project forecast and budget, approve contracts and payment (in - kind labor)
- Rick Mausert, ECCG Vice President
Role: Participate in day to day activities and act as point of contact for details associated with the capital project, preliminary signoff of work package completion, provide support to Eric Johnson as needed (in-kind labor)
- Alex Mytelka, Board Member
Role: Provide community updates for progress, pre-opening marketing strategy and implementation (in-kind labor).
- New Hire: General Manager
Role: Store set-up, staffing, operational implementation, systems deployment, POS, Inventory management, policy implementation. This position will be funded through alternative sources.
Organizational Experience
14. Describe your organization’s experience in grant administration, construction management, food procurement and logistics, developing and fostering project partnerships and/or conducting community outreach.
Answer:
The City of Schenectady (applicant) will be responsible for grant administration, and oversight of project implementation by ECCG. The City provides services for 65,000+ residents, administers an annual budget of over $115MM (2025), and supports 612 municipal employees. City staff has extensive experience implementing large projects successfully, utilizing municipal funds, various grant sources, and private support. A federally designated Entitlement Community, the City’s Development Department administers over $3 Million in HUD funding each year to support infrastructure projects, public services, human services, housing, and workforce development efforts. City staff recently administered a $10MM American Rescue Plan Act grant, managing the construction/opening (June 2024) of its Central Park Swimming Pool.
The Electric City Food Cooperative, Inc., now Doing Business As (DBA) the Electric City Community Grocery (ECCG), was incorporated in New York State in 2013 as a not-for-profit (Type D) Cooperative Corporation. The co-op has over 1,120 Member-Owners, and its member-elected board has extensive experience in project planning and the grocery business.
ECCG Board President Eric Johnson has served on the Board of two food cooperatives in Denver. He is known for developing high performing teams through his professional work as a Project Manager. Over 25 years, his projects have been increasingly complex and highly successful.
Vice President Rick Mausert has been in Food Retail for over 47 years including: 41 years with Price Chopper Supermarkets (20 years operations, 10 years merchandising marketing, 11 years engineering purchasing), and 6 years at Honest Weight Food Coop as Chief Cooperative Officer.
Board member Alex Mytelka has 10 years as a member and employee at Honest Weight in Albany, progressing from barista, to bookkeeper, to center store manager, and marketing manager. He currently works for NCG where he supports 164 co-ops operating in 39 states.
Outside Partnerships
15. Do you have outside partners and what is their role in the project?
Answer:
In addition to the City’s primary (subcontracted) partner ECCG, the Core Development Team includes private and public sector partners and consultants, whose combined strengths will bring the community grocery to fruition.
Schenectady County Metroplex Development Authority (Metroplex)
Established as a public benefit corporation by the State of New York in 1998, Metroplex is responsible for instituting a comprehensive, coordinated program of economic development activities in the Route 5 and Route 7 corridors of Schenectady County, with a focus on downtown Schenectady. Metroplex actively supports ECCG in real estate negotiations and business development, consistent with local and regional economic development plans. Metroplex meets weekly with the ECCG Site Committee.
Cass Hill
As the owner of buildings at 271 State Street, Cass Hill is committed to being the landlord for ECCG. Cass Hill participates in regular meetings of the ECCG Site Committee.
C2 Architecture
C2 is a commercial architecture firm that specializes in working with community stakeholders to create spaces that make an impact. The firm has extensive experience in design and development of grocery stores.
National Co+op Grocers (NCG)
ECCG is partnering with NCG for consulting services from the feasibility stage through the store opening, including business, feasibility and operations planning/development and construction predevelopment. NCG has a robust support services arm focused on start-ups and store optimization.
ECCG will also continue partnering with regional vendors, community-serving organizations, and elected leaders in the development of an equitable, resilient, and regenerative food system. Our collaborative approach is reflected by our Letters of Commitment from key partners, and participation in the Schenectady County Food Council.
Commitment Letters
16. Please provide commitment letters from partnering businesses, organizations, and/or producers.
