Welcome: Marshall Snively

Marshall Snively opened the September Merchant Meeting by welcoming attendees and recognizing the strong turnout, including many first-time participants. He encouraged first-time attendees to keep joining the monthly meetings and to invite other members of Lancaster City’s small business community.

Marshall emphasized that the Merchant Meetings provide an ongoing opportunity for local businesses to build connections, exchange information and ideas, and strengthen relationships within the Downtown business community.

Attendees were reminded that complimentary parking for up to two hours is available in the Hager surface lot across from the Ware Center. Those using the lot should scan the parking QR code posted at the Ware Center entrance or outside the Binns Room.

Marshall also recognized Lancaster City Alliance’s Legacy Sponsors, whose ongoing support helps advance the organization’s mission and makes programs such as the monthly Merchant Meetings possible.

David Aichele acknowledged the community partners who help support the monthly gatherings. He thanked Millersville University at The Ware Center for providing the meeting space and for its continued partnership with Lancaster City’s small business community. He also recognized Discover Lancaster for sponsoring the Merchant Meetings and Hager Parking Lots for providing complimentary parking for attendees.

Milestone Award Presentation

Marshall Snively recognized Jeremy Young, Vice President of Community & Economic Development, for 10 years of service with Lancaster City Alliance. Jeremy’s connection to the organization began in 2010 as an Economic Development Intern with the James Street Improvement District, the organization that preceded Lancaster City Alliance.

Marshall highlighted Jeremy’s significant contributions to Lancaster City over the past decade, including his work with business owners, developers, community partners, and City leaders to transform plans and funding into meaningful projects, opportunities, and investments.

On behalf of the Lancaster City Alliance team and Board of Directors, Marshall presented Jeremy with his 10-Year Anniversary Award, recognizing his service, leadership, and lasting impact on Lancaster City.

Special Announcements

City of Lancaster Bureau of Tourism & Promotions September Update presented by Ruby Mundok, City of Lancaster Social Media & Tourism Marketing Manager.
View full presentation here.

One World Festival Lancaster returns Sunday, October 4, from 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. at the Alumni Sports & Fitness Center at F&M College, featuring international food, live performances, family activities, and global merchants. The festival is free to attend, with advance registration encouraged through Eventbrite.

Milestone Awards Special Meeting: The year-end Milestone Awards Merchant Meeting has been rescheduled to Wednesday, December 2, from 8:20–10:00 a.m. in the third-floor Atrium at the Ware Center to accommodate Mayor Arroyo’s schedule. The final Merchant Meeting of 2026 will recognize businesses and organizations celebrating milestone years of service in Lancaster City. This is our largest merchant meeting of the year. We hope to see you all there.

Member Introductions: The 60-Second Connection

September’s member introductions featured a new 60-Second Connection, inspired by a suggestion submitted at the August meeting. Attendees paired with someone they didn’t know well and had one minute to introduce themselves and their business, organization, product, or service—with the simple goal of making the other person want to know more.

At the conclusion of the exercise, attendees were asked to share whether their 60-Second Connection sparked interest, identified a product or service they might use, or revealed a potential new business connection, collaboration, referral, or resource.

Several attendees shared immediate results. Geraldine McGritty of PAVVA Gallery planned to learn more about Julia Adams of Clear Ice & Bitters. At the same time, Steve Walter of TCW-GAV, Inc. said his conversation with Kari Martin of TOAST introduced him to services he could see himself using. Alpha Dog Advertising also discovered new marketing and collaboration opportunities through a conversation with Kristen Simon, Bureau Chief of Tourism for the City of Lancaster.

The group responded positively to the change in format, and the MIM Committee will continue exploring new ways to make the member introduction portion of Merchant Meetings more engaging, valuable, and connection-focused.

Member Spotlight: Reology Studio

Our September Member Spotlight features Mardia Gibson, owner of Reology Studio. Mardia’s journey from event specialist to owner reflects her lifelong passion for hospitality and bringing people together. Today, Reology is much more than an event venue – it’s a creative gathering space for celebrations, individuals, businesses, and community.

🌐View the full presentation here.

Special Presentation: The Lancaster Chamber – Connecting, Growing and Supporting Local Business

Tom Wallace, Director of Business Development for the Lancaster Chamber, shared an overview of the Chamber’s role in strengthening Lancaster County’s business community through connections, resources, professional development, advocacy, and partnerships. He highlighted the Chamber’s extensive reach and programming, including more than 140 annual events and programs, and noted that seven out of 10 Chamber members are small businesses with 25 or fewer employees.

🌐View the full presentation here.

Presentation: Cultivate Lancaster-Growing Lancaster’s Small Business Community

Joella Gamon provided an overview of Cultivate Lancaster and its role as a central hub connecting entrepreneurs, small businesses, and nonprofit leaders with trusted local resources, free confidential mentoring, funding guidance, service providers, and events. She also highlighted the newly expanded Cultivate Lancaster website, designed to help business owners more easily find the right support and navigate next steps at every stage of their business journey.

🌐View the full presentation here.

Presentation: Connecting Millersville Students to Lancaster

Joni Klopp, Senior Director of Admissions at Millersville University, shared an update on the third annual Lancaster Immersion Teams (LIT) Program, returning October through December. She outlined opportunities for local businesses to participate and connect with Millersville students, creating hands-on experiences that introduce students to Lancaster City while supporting the local small business community.

Small business owners who wish to participate in this exciting marketing opportunity that connects their brand with MU students and future invested consumers dedicated to supporting local in the City of Lancaster should contact Joni Klopp via the contact details below.

Learn more: 📧 joni.klopp@millersville.edu   📞 (717) 871-5709

MIM Committee Report & Open Forum: Kathlene Carroll Sullivan

Kathlene again directed attendees’ attention to the Suggestion Box, noting that many recent changes and improvements to the Merchant Meetings resulted directly from attendee feedback. Participants were encouraged to share presentation ideas, format recommendations, and other suggestions for improving the overall meeting experience.

 If you would like a “COMING SOON” sign for a City of Lancaster small business, you can request one here.
 If you are interested in a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for your City of Lancaster small business, please complete the request here.

Closing Comments: Marshall Snively

Marshall Snively thanked everyone for attending and engaging this morning. He encouraged everyone to mark their calendars for the next Merchant Meeting on Wednesday, October 21, 2026.

Next Merchant Meeting – Wednesday, October 21 – Binns Room, The Ware Center for the Arts