Happy Tuesday Daytonians! 

Thanks for spending another week with The Gem, where good times aren’t hard to find. Let’s take a look at what we’ll be covering in this edition… 

• Did You Know: One of Dayton’s Most Beautiful Spring Events Is Back

• Hidden Gems: 3 Guys BBQ, Thai Silver Spoon, Upper Echelon

• Local Events: 5/12 – 5/19

• Computer Love: Why Tech Leaders Are Quietly Betting Big on Ohio’s Future

• Money: GE Aerospace Drops Millions on Dayton’s Future Workforce

• Sports: Dragons Honor Community All-Stars, Raiders Clinch Horizon Crown, Dragons Sweep Whitecaps, Reds Snap Skid

— Tom

Did you know?

One of Dayton’s Most Beautiful Spring Events Is Back 🌸

One of Dayton’s most beautiful spring events is returning to Carillon Historical Park this weekend. Fleurs de Fête takes place May 17th and transforms the historic park into a massive outdoor celebration filled with flowers, wine tastings, live music, local food, and garden-inspired experiences.

Guests will be able to sample hundreds of wines while walking through the park’s 65 acre campus, with live entertainment from the Kim Kelly Orchestra helping set the mood throughout the afternoon. The event has quickly become one of the most unique spring traditions in the Dayton area blending history, nature, and a festival atmosphere all in one place.

Click here to learn more

Hidden Gems

Smoked ribs, candied yams, homemade cake: 3 Guys BBQ in West Dayton 🍗

Smoke arrives before the sign at 3 Guys BBQ & Broasted Chicken, a west-side staple at 2324 N. Gettysburg Ave. with carryout energy and neighborhood pride. The setup stays simple—order online, grab takeout, or settle in—but the board goes deep: smoked beef ribs, turkey ribs, brisket, leg quarters, broasted wings, Philly cheesesteaks, collard greens, candied yams, and homemade cakes.

What makes it stick is the contrast: pit-smoke patience with quick-service swagger. Big portions, crackling chicken, and sweet-smoky comfort make this the kind of no-fuss spot that earns repeat cravings.

Check them out on Facebook

Thai Silver Spoon — Springboro spice, calmly served 🍜

Thai Silver Spoon keeps Springboro’s spice cravings grounded at 249 W. Central Ave., a calm, family-friendly stop with Thai-born chefs behind the wok. The room feels easygoing rather than showy—warm carryout bags at the counter, lemongrass in the air, and regulars easing into dinner after errands.

Plates stay classic and comforting: tom yum sparked with lime, green curry softened by coconut milk, crispy pad Thai, basil stir-fries, and kid-friendly choices for smaller appetites. The promise is simple: fresh ingredients, no MSG, and a quiet homemade warmth that makes weeknights feel cared for.

Check them out on Facebook

Good pours, live music: Upper Echelon in Xenia 🍣

Xenia gets a little evening polish at Upper Echelon Restaurant & Winery, where chef-owner Mark Turner turns 131 N. Allison Ave. into a grown-up room that still feels personal. Live music, private-event energy, and warm check-ins give the place a social pulse without turning it flashy.

Menus range wide, from lobster ravioli and Rasta pasta to salmon dinners, flatbreads, wings, and house wine; the mood is the through-line. Good pours. Easy conversation. A sense that Xenia is cheering for its own. It’s the kind of after-work reset that can become a date-night plan by dessert.

Check them out on Facebook

THE BULLETIN 📌

Want to spread the good word about your business, a project you’re working on, a hire, or just want to say hi to 4500+ Daytonians?

Local Events

MBAC CERTIFICATION BOOT CAMP

• What: Entrepreneurs learn how business certification can open doors to contracts, visibility, and new opportunities.

• When: May 11–12, 11 AM – 1 PM

• Where: Dayton Metro Library Main, 215 E. Third St., Dayton

• How Much: Free; registration required

NEIGHBORHOOD LEADERSHIP NIGHT

• What: Dayton’s leadership institute focuses on cultural and racial harmony, helping neighbors build stronger civic ties.

• When: May 12, 6 PM

• Where: Dayton Metro Library Southeast Branch, 21 Watervliet Ave., Dayton

• How Much: Free

PROCUREMENT ACCESS OPENS DOORS

• What: Small businesses learn how to navigate public purchasing systems and connect with local contracting opportunities.

• When: May 13, 8 AM – 12 PM

• Where: The Upper Deck at The Hub, 31 S Main St., Dayton

• How Much: Free; registration required

REALTOR CLOSERS CONNECT

• What: Real estate pros meet for networking, strategy sharing, and local business-building conversation.

• When: May 13, 11 AM – 1 PM

• Where: Dayton Realtors, 1515 S Main St., Dayton

• How Much: Free

CULTURE KITCHEN: FRANCE

• What: Taste French-inspired flavors and global community spirit during a special evening at 2nd Street Market.

• When: May 14, 5–8 PM

• Where: 2nd Street Market, 600 E Second St., Dayton

• How Much: Free entry; food purchases vary

BIGFOOT TAKES VICTORIA

• What: Expedition Bigfoot stars share wild stories, science, and lore in a family-friendly night at the historic Victoria.

• When: May 14, 7:30 PM

• Where: Victoria Theatre, 138 N Main St., Dayton

• How Much: $30+

BIKE-TO-WORK PANCAKES

• What: Cyclists celebrate National Bike to Work Day with pancakes, coffee, and riverside commuter camaraderie.

• When: May 15, 7–9 AM

• Where: RiverScape MetroPark, 237 E Monument Ave., Dayton

• How Much: Free

HAMVENTION TAKES FLIGHT

• What: Amateur radio fans gather for exhibits, gear, tech, and global chatter at a signature regional spring happening.

• When: May 15 – 17, times vary

• Where: Greene County Fairgrounds, 120 Fairground Rd., Xenia

• How Much: Tickets vary

SPRING FEST IN THE BURG

• What: Miamisburg’s riverfront festival opens with rides, music, vendors, and small-town spring cheer.

• When: May 15 – 17, times vary

• Where: Riverfront Park, 3 N Miami Ave., Miamisburg

• How Much: Free entry 

BRITISH MOTORS MEET

• What: Classic British vehicles roll into Dayton for a charming museum meet packed with chrome and nostalgia.

• When: May 16, 9 AM – 3 PM

• Where: British Transportation Museum, 321 Hopeland St., Dayton

• How Much: Free to browse; registration varies

GEOFF TATE ROCKS ROSE

• What: Geoff Tate brings Operation: Mindcrime’s final chapter to Huber Heights with big rock-theater energy.

• When: May 16, 7 PM

• Where: Rose Music Center at The Heights, 6800 Executive Blvd., Huber Heights

• How Much: $38.50+

BLESSING OF THE BIKES

• What: Motorcyclists gather for a community blessing, fellowship, and two-wheeled spring tradition.

• When: May 17, 10 AM

• Where: Kil-Kare Speedway, 1166 Dayton Xenia Rd., Xenia

• How Much: Free

VEGAN SPRING MARKET

• What: Local vegan makers, bakers, and small businesses fill Courthouse Square with plant-powered neighborhood flavor.

• When: May 17, 12–4 PM

• Where: Courthouse Square, Third & Main Sts., Dayton

• How Much: Free

DCOWA GLOBAL BANQUET

• What: Dayton Council on World Affairs gathers for dinner, conversation, and globally minded community connection.

• When: May 18, 5–8:30 PM

• Where: David H. Ponitz Sinclair Center, 444 W Third St., Dayton

• How Much: $55 – $65

STRESS RESILIENCE RESET

• What: Premier Health shares practical ways to spot burnout, manage stress, and build everyday resilience.

• When: May 19, 11 AM – 12 PM

• Where: Springboro Performing Arts Center, 115 Wright Station Way, Springboro

• How Much: Free

COUNTY COMMISSIONERS SESSION

• What: Residents can follow county decisions and civic updates during Montgomery County’s public general session.

• When: May 19, 1:30 PM

• Where: County Administration Building, 451 W Third St., Dayton

• How Much: Free

Computer Love

Why Tech Leaders Are Quietly Betting Big on Ohio’s Future 🤖

For years, Ohio was seen as part of America’s past but that story is changing fast. Tech leaders and investors are now betting big on the state, saying it has quietly become one of the most promising places to build and scale companies. What makes Ohio stand out is its mix of strong industries like manufacturing, healthcare, and aerospace with a growing wave of startups and AI innovation.

Add in lower costs, top universities, and tighter collaboration between businesses and talent, and companies are finding they can grow faster here than in expensive coastal cities. With more funding flowing in and sectors like health tech, fintech, and industrial AI gaining traction, Ohio isn’t just catching up it’s positioning itself to lead the next wave of tech growth.

Money

GE Aerospace Drops Millions on Dayton’s Future Workforce💰

GE Aerospace is investing millions into workforce training in the Dayton region, doubling down on the city’s strong aviation roots. The funding will support local schools and training programs with hands on learning, modern equipment, and clear paths into high demand jobs like engineering and advanced manufacturing.

Leaders say the goal is simple: keep Dayton competitive as aerospace and defense industries continue to grow. For a region already known as the birthplace of aviation, this move helps ensure the next generation is ready to carry that legacy forward.

Real Estate 🏠

Sports

Dragons Honor Agape for Youth as Community All-Star ⚾

The Dayton Dragons will recognize Agape for Youth during Wednesday’s May 13 game against Lake County at Day Air Ballpark.

Honored through the Community All-Stars program with Flying Ace Express Car Wash, Agape supports foster care, adoption and young adults aging out of care. 

Raiders Clinch Eighth Straight Horizon Crown
Wright State baseball wrapped the weekend with a 17–10 comeback win at Northern Kentucky, taking the series and clinching its eighth straight Horizon League regular-season title.

The Raiders erased a six-run deficit, with Cy Turner homering twice and Gus Gregory adding a three-run shot. Gregory later earned Horizon League Batter of the Week after hitting .600 with three homers and nine RBIs.

Dragons Sweep Whitecaps, Come Home Hot

Dayton caught fire in West Michigan, sweeping six straight from the Whitecaps May 5–10 by scores of 5–4, 4–3, 8–5, 8–0, 5–3 and 8–4.

Now the Dragons return to Day Air Ballpark for a six-game home set with Lake County May 12–17, before opening a road series at Fort Wayne on May 19.

Burns Helps Reds Snap Skid
Cincinnati finally stopped the slide May 9, beating Houston 3–1 at Great American Ball Park to end an eight-game losing streak.

Chase Burns threw six innings of one-run ball, allowing four hits, while Matt McLain drove in two during a three-run fifth. Elly De La Cruz added an RBI single as the Reds found just enough offense.