83 meeting attendees

Dave Aichele welcomed everyone to the meeting. He thanked everyone for attending and reminded everyone that the Merchant meetings are about connection, conversation, and shared insight. 

Dave expressed gratitude to our Legacy Sponsors for their consistent support that sustains the mission of Lancaster City Alliance – events like these and monthly merchant meetings would not be possible without their generous commitment. 

Colleen Wagner extended appreciation to our Community Partners: Millersville University at The Ware Center for the Arts for hosting our meetings, Discover Lancaster for sponsoring the merchant meetings, and Colonial Parking for managing the surface lots and providing free parking in the lot across Prince Street.  

Elspeth Moffatt reviewed the Great Meeting Guide with the group to ensure a successful meeting

Special Announcements

Rachel Marlowe, Director of the Admission Visit Experience & Lombardo Welcome Center at Franklin & Marshall College, shared details about upcoming Spring Admitted Student Events. These programs welcome newly admitted students — both committed and prospective — along with their families. Rachel noted this as a valuable opportunity to showcase Lancaster City and encouraged partnerships with the small-business community to help draw visitors to the city during March and April. For more information, contact Rachel Marlowe at rmarlowe@fandm.edu

Johnathan Edwards, Business Services Manager at Pennsylvania CareerLink Lancaster County, shared details about PA CareerLink® Lancaster. His team helps job seekers, young adults, and employers access the tools, training, and support they need to succeed. Whether you’re looking for a job, growing your skills, or hiring talent for your business or organization, PA CareerLink has the resources to provide support. Jonathan also invited all present to an upcoming Employer Lunch & Learn on Thursday, March 26, at Silverball Arcade, focused on work-life balance, wellness, and practical strategies to stay productive and avoid burning out. Register for that free event here.

Olé Hongvanthong, founder & owner of PhotOle Photography and member of Lancaster Asian American Pacific Islanders, shared details about the upcoming Lunar New Year Festival — a vibrant, family-friendly celebration ringing in the Year of the Fire Horse. This dynamic event honors Lunar New Year traditions while celebrating culture, community, and connection. The event, hosted annually by the Lancaster AAPI, was rescheduled due to winter weather conditions to Sunday, March 1, from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. in Elwell Plaza and Binns Park.  It’s a free event that welcomes all. Help keep this event free of charge for years to come with a donation to the Lancaster AAPI.
On a personal note, Olé recounted that the Lunar New Year is a time of good fortune and prosperity. He recalled vivid memories of receiving the traditional New Year red envelope as a child. He asked if anyone in the audience was born in the Year of the Fire Horse. One attendee raised her hand, and to her delight, Olé presented her with her own New Year red envelope and all the auspicious good fortune that it carries.

Member Introductions

• Amber Strazzo Rider, Communications Manager, City of Lancaster, advised that snow was a possibility for this weekend and strongly encouraged everyone to sign up for Red Rose Alerts to stay updated on all City of Lancaster information and alerts.
• Quinn Sullivan introduces herself as the new manager (and new to Lancaster) of Seasons Olive Oil & Vinegar Taproom at 42 W. King Street.
• Ariel Levine, External Engagement Coordinator for the student government at Franklin and Marshall College, attended the meeting along with the President of the Student Council and Chair of the External Engagement Committee, looking to connect students with local businesses and get them involved with the downtown small business community. Connect with these F&M students at alevine2@fandm.edu, apurchitch@fandm.edu
• Discover Lancaster President Jeffrey Vasser was excited to share that the City of Lancaster is officially in the running for America’s Favorite Small Town! PARADE Magazine is celebrating America’s 250th birthday by spotlighting the small towns that make this country shine—and Lancaster made the cut! You can vote daily from all valid email accounts through February 28! You can share posts from Lancaster City Alliance or Visit Lancaster City on their social media.  Let’s WIN this – VOTE here!
• Eliel Garcia, manager of Hamilton Watch Lancaster, was excited to announce that Hamilton Watch is teaming up for the international debut of Resident Evil Requiem for a double limited-edition watch collaboration on Friday, February 27, at Hamilton Watch Lancaster (149 N. Duke Street) from 3:00 to 7:00 pm. All are invited.
• Evan Young, co-owner of Larkstone, let the group know that he would be inspecting a property that is now lease-ready on the 100 block of W. King Street. He invited any interested individuals in the group who are also eager to see this block developed to attend with him. Evan also expressed concern about future sidewalk closures and hoped that provisions could be made to open sidewalks on weekends.
• Bert Flores, owner of Bert & the Elephant, announces that he is running a raffle at the restaurant for a chance to win a trip to Belgium! Learn more about how you can earn a chance to win a place on Bert’s Tour of Belgium here.
• Jon Heinly, Director of Donor Advising at the Lancaster Public Library, shared that the Book Blaster Reading Challenge is still going strong until Saturday, February 28. Participation is simple. Patrons, ages 18+, are invited to pick up a Book Blasters book tracker bookmark at the Lancaster Public Library. For every book you read, you get a punch on your book tracker bookmark. Once the card is complete/fully punched, turn it in for a nifty Book-It-inspired button and a $10 gift card to Decades.
• Michael Wherley, owner at Keystone Claws Nail Studio (710 Columbia Avenue), was delighted to announce that his team is growing and there is no better time to book an appointment. The weather may be dreary, but your nails can look fabulous! Booking and services at Keystone Claws.
• Lola Omolabi, owner of Hypnotic Pole Fitness, announced that she will host a One-Year Anniversary Showcase on March 2.

Member Spotlight: The H&H Group

With nearly 20 years at The H&H Group and close to 30 years in the printing industry, Mike Williams, President & CEO of THE H&H Group, brings deep expertise and an unmistakable enthusiasm for his work. Mike proudly leads The H&H Group — a Lancaster-based printing company serving clients locally and beyond for more than 25 years — guided by a strong purpose statement of Significance and core values that include:
• Relationships – Others matter
• Integrity – Doing what is right
• Problem-Solving – Rising to the occasion.
View the full presentation here.

Special Presentation: Fueling Your Future – Funding Pathways for Small Business Success

At February’s Merchant Meeting, presenters from ASSETS and finanta shared insights on funding options available to businesses at all stages of growth. The session highlighted how Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) expand access to capital, addressed common funding myths, and reviewed credit readiness and required documentation.

Attendees also learned about flexible loan products, credit-building tools, and technical assistance, with an emphasis on preparation, planning, and choosing the right financial partners for long-term stability.
Presented by Denzel Brown (ASSETS), Yessenia Maldonado, and Deb Joyce (finanta Lancaster-Lebanon).
View the full presentation here.

Presentation: Exploring a Single-Use Plastic Bag Ban in Lancaster City

City Councilor John Hursh led an informational discussion on a potential single-use plastic bag ban in Lancaster City. He clarified that no legislation has been proposed and emphasized the City’s commitment to gathering merchant and community feedback before considering any action.
Attendees reviewed background data on plastic bag usage, environmental impacts, and outcomes observed in other Pennsylvania municipalities. The City also shared concepts to explore, including a point-of-sale bag ban, a 180-day grace period, and an education-first approach.
 • Merchants are encouraged to participate in the survey launched in partnership with Lancaster City Alliance.
➡️ View the complete presentation here. 
👉 Take the survey today and ensure your voice is part of the conversation!

MIM Committee Report

Kathlene Carroll Sullivan encouraged everyone to mark their calendars for the March Merchant Meeting on Wednesday, March 18.

The meeting will feature a single valuable presentation from the City of Lancaster Public Works Department. The special Presentation is titled “Vision Zero in Action: Designing Lancaster’s Streets for Safety and Prosperity.” Learn about Lancaster’s 2-Way Street Restoration and Street Design Guidelines.

The City is currently assessing the feasibility of restoring two-way traffic on one-way streets and developing innovative design guidelines as part of its Vision Zero and Safe Streets for All initiatives. Street designs are guided by real-world business use, ensuring that curb space, access, and flexibility align with operational needs such as deliveries and outdoor service.

This is your chance to hear the latest updates, understand what’s being considered, and share your feedback. 
➡️ The first invitation to the March Merchant Meeting will drop on Tuesday, February 24.

 • 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

Dave Aichele thanked attendees for their participation and encouraged everyone to mark their calendars for the next Merchant Meeting on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, in the Binns Room.

Next Merchant Meeting – March 18, 2026 – The Ware Center for the Arts│Binns Room