• Welcome: Marshall Snively

Lancaster City Alliance President Marshall Snively opened the meeting by noting that this was the largest Merchant Meeting on record. He welcomed attendees and emphasized the significance of the Milestone Awards, which celebrate more than 50 exceptional businesses whose longevity, achievements, and contributions strengthen the economic vitality and character of Lancaster City.


Marshall recognized a truly extraordinary milestone. This year, First Reformed Church marks its 290th anniversary—a remarkable legacy that began more than four decades before the birth of our nation. For nearly three centuries, the church has stood as a place of faith, service, and community in Lancaster, reminding us that the institutions that endure the longest are those that continue to care for and uplift the people around them. It is a privilege to celebrate this historic anniversary alongside the many businesses being honored today.

Marshall then welcomed Mayor Jaime Arroyo to join us today to present these awards and invite him to say his own words of welcome.

Mayor Jaime Arroyo thanked the Lancaster City Alliance for hosting the event and recognized the resilience, ambition, and entrepreneurial spirit that make Lancaster City and Lancaster County exceptional. He noted that Lancaster City serves as a driving force for the region’s economy and is widely regarded as a model for communities across Pennsylvania.
 

Marshall thanked our Legacy sponsors, asking them to stand to be recognized, including Rachel Marlowe and Mike Weztel of Franklin & Marshall College, John Lines from LGH/Penn Medicine, and Matthew Cristino from M&T Bank. Through their generous support, Lancaster City Alliance can ensure that Lancaster City flourishes and everyone shares in its success.

David Aichele, Executive Director of the Downtown Investment District (DID), thanked the Lancaster County Convention Center for hosting this special Milestone Award Meeting.  He also thanked Josh Nowak, General Manager of the Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square, and his extraordinary team for their exceptional hospitality and attention to detail provided for the event.  He acknowledged the technical production services provided by Encore Global and, finally, thanked Larry Cohen and the Lancaster Parking Authority for generously donating parking passes for the milestone honorees, and Chris Ballentine of Willow Valley Communities for arranging the courtesy parking in the Southern Market parking lot.

• Special Announcements

  Pride Month
  

  Marshall Snively recognized June as Pride Month, a time to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community, honor those whose courage and advocacy have advanced equality and inclusion, and reaffirm Lancaster’s commitment to being a welcoming community for all. He also reminded attendees that Lancaster’s 18th Annual Pride Festival would take place on June 21 at Penn Medicine Park and wished everyone a joyful and safe celebration.
  🌐Learn more here.

   

  VeloCity 2026

  Colleen Wagner, LCA Vice President for Administration & Relations, announced the return of VeloCity 2026 on Thursday, September 24, at Tellus360. She described VeloCity as Lancaster City Alliance’s largest fundraiser and one of the most anticipated events of the year, bringing together city leaders, community partners, small business owners, and residents in support of a vibrant downtown. Colleen shared that this year’s theme, Lancaster – Stronger Together, will be reflected throughout the evening, with several exciting surprises already in development. She encouraged attendees to explore sponsorship opportunities and invited interested businesses and organizations to contact her directly to discuss sponsorship levels and benefits.
  
  Colleen is available to discuss the sponsorship level that would fit your business or organization. Reach out to her at cwagner@teamlanc.org.  Explore the 2026 Velocity Sponsorship Opportunities Here
  
  

  Kathlene Carroll Sullivan, LCA Digital Media & Engagement Manager, shared that the VeloCity Silent Auction is one of the many ways the organization raises funds to support its programs and initiatives throughout the year. She noted that all proceeds from VeloCity are invested directly into programs, events, and marketing initiatives that benefit Lancaster City’s small business community. She encouraged attendees to help make the 2026 auction the largest and most successful to date by considering donating an item, service, experience, or gift certificate. Those interested in supporting the auction or learning more about donation opportunities were invited to contact Mary Elizabeth Wagner, LCA Community Engagement Coordinator, at mwagner@teamlanc.org.
  
  

  
  

  Downtown Lancaster Business & Experience Survey

  Jeremy Young, LCA Vice President of Community & Economic Development, shared information on the Downtown Lancaster Business & Experience Survey.  He encouraged everyone to take part in the Downtown Lancaster Business & Experience Survey. As Downtown continues to grow and evolve, we want to hear directly from the people who live here, work here, own businesses here, and visit regularly. The survey explores what people love most about Downtown Lancaster, what they would like to see more of, and what challenges may prevent them from spending more time downtown.
  
  

  The survey has been extended through Friday, June 19, and participants can enter to win either a $50 Visa Gift Card or $50 in Downtown Dollars. Your feedback truly helps shape future conversations, investments, and initiatives in Downtown Lancaster.
  🌐Survey available in English.  🌐Survey available in Spanish.

   

   

  Member Introductions

  • Melissa Ressler, executive Director of the Central Market Trust, reminded all that the annual Strawberry Festival at Lancaster Central Market is happening this Saturday, June 13, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
  • Josh Funk, President/CEO of TFB Hospitality and co-owner of Annie Bailey’s Irish Public House, was delighted to announce that Annie Bailey’s opened on Wednesday, June 10, for lunch for the first time since Covid! They will be serving lunch Wednesday through Friday from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
  • Jon Heinly, Director of Donor Advising at the Lancaster Public Library, urged all present to “Vote Yes on Libraries.” There is a campaign to establish property tax funding for Lancaster County’s library network. 🌐Ballot referendum information is available here.
  Jon also reminded all that the “Big Book Sale” is next weekend, from Saturday, June 20 – 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. • Sunday, June 21 – 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. • Monday, June 22 (HALF PRICE DAY) – 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. at the Franklin & Marshall College Alumni Sports & Fitness Center (931 Harrisburg Avenue,17603)
  • Rachel Skye let the attendees know that her next “Fierce Woman’s Circle” will take place on Wednesday, June 16, at Urban Art House (430 W. Orange Street). The event is a brave space for women who know who they want to be and keep getting in their own way. 🌐Learn more and register here.
  • Alex Piazza, familiar to many in the room from his role at the Lancaster Chamber, introduced himself in his new position as Director of Business Development at Peaceful Homes Property Management.
  • Kristen Simon, Bureau Chief of Tourism for the City of Lancaster, hoped that all would share the news of the World Cup Watch Party in Binns Park this Friday, June 12, from 6:00 to 11:00 p.m. in Ewell & Binns Park.
  • Victoria Abadir, owner & founder of Lancaster Art Vault, invited everyone to attend Paint the City on Saturday, June 13, from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.!
  • Jason Konopinski, Marketing & Business Engagement Manager for Shumaker PDT, let the group know that he would be leaving Shumaker soon to accept the position as Director of Development at Arch Street Center.
  • Lola Omolabi, owner of Hypnotic Pole Fitness (211 N. Ann Street), was excited to announce that she will be hosting a first anniversary celebration on Saturday, June 13 at 7:100 p.m. – all are invited.
  
  

• Special Presentation: A Cornerstone of Revitalization

  Lancaster City Alliance was honored to welcome Lancaster County Convention Center Authority Executive Director Kevin Molloy as the featured presenter for this special Milestone Awards Meeting. It was especially fitting that the gathering took place in Freedom Hall, as the Lancaster County Convention Center has served as a cornerstone of downtown revitalization, tourism, and economic growth for the past 17 years. Kevin provided attendees with a comprehensive update on the Convention Center’s performance, highlighting record-setting attendance, a strong calendar of upcoming events, the successful opening of Commons on Vine, and future development opportunities. He also shared insights into the significant economic impact the Convention Center continues to generate for Lancaster City and Lancaster County, reinforcing its role as a vital driver of business activity, visitor spending, and community investment.

  🌐View the full presentation here.
  
  

  June Milestone Awards

  We celebrated 53 local businesses—marking milestones from one to 125 years—as shining examples of dedication and community spirit in Lancaster. We were delighted to have Mayor Jaime Arroyo join us in presenting these awards. Congratulations to all 2026 Milestone Award recipients. Your resilience and commitment continue to shape and strengthen our city’s vibrant business landscape.

  🌐View the full Award List here.
  
  

  Special Recognition Award
  

  
  We had the rare privilege of recognizing an institution whose history reaches back beyond the founding of our nation itself. This year, First Reformed Church celebrates an astonishing 290 years of service to Lancaster. Founded in 1736—more than four decades before the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
  
  From generations of worshippers and civic leaders to its enduring commitment to serving neighbors in need, First Reformed Church has remained a steadfast presence in the heart of our city. While many organizations measure their impact in years, First Reformed Church measures its legacy in centuries. It was our honor to recognize and celebrate this remarkable 290-year milestone.
  
  

       Closing Comments: Marshall Snively

Marshall Snively thanked everyone for joining us for this special celebration of the individuals whose vision and commitment continue to make Lancaster a remarkable place to live, work, and do business.

He offered congratulations again to all Milestone Award honorees, noting their success helps write the ongoing story of our city.

We look forward to welcoming you back on Wednesday, July 15, when we return to the Binns Room at the Ware Center for the Arts. We will be joined by leaders from Discover Lancaster and Visit Lancaster City for a timely conversation about tourism and the significant role visitors play in supporting Lancaster’s businesses, cultural assets, and local economy.

Next Merchant Meeting – July 15 – Binns Room, The Ware Center for the Arts