74 meeting attendees

Marshall Snively welcomed everyone to the meeting.  He thanked everyone for attending and encouraged everyone to attend regularly and bring a friend along with you.  These meetings are open to all small business owners and non-profit leaders in the City of Lancaster.  Marshall invited everyone to mark your calendars for June 11, when we will celebrate Member Milestone Anniversary Awards.  Please note, this date is the second Wednesday of the month.  Marshall thanked those who attended the Spring Merchant Mixer on Monday which had over 60 attendees.

Marshall Snively expressed gratitude to our Legacy Sponsors for their generous support which enables these meetings along with our Visionary Sponsors on the agenda.   

Dave Aichele extended appreciation to our Community Partners: Millersville University at The Ware Center for hosting our meetings, Discover Lancaster for sponsoring the merchant meetings and Colonial Parking for providing parking in the lot across Prince Street.  

Marshall Snively was very pleased to introduce Stacy Morrissey, the new Team Coordinator for Lancaster City Alliance.  Today is her first day.  He also acknowledged Lori Herr who will be leaving Lancaster City Alliance and expressed the deep appreciation of all present for the passion and dedication she brought to her service and support of the small business community. She will be greatly missed at these monthly merchant meetings.

Marshall Snively introduced Cara Cherry with Fig Lancaster.  Cara shared that The Fig Tree Grants are a fantastic opportunity for small businesses in Lancaster, providing crucial support for growth and development.  If you own a small business in Lancaster City and have a new idea or plan for growth, apply for a Fig Tree grant by May 1^st.  Applications are open to for-profit businesses who have been open one year.  Learn more here

Kathlene Sullivan was excited to announce the Spring ART Walk is just around the corner on Saturday, May 3^rd from 10 AM to 5 PM and Sunday, May 4^th from 12 PM to 4 PM.  Mark your calendars and plan to explore the vibrant art scene in Lancaster City. 

Introductions

• Julie and Albert Ndjee introduced themselves as the owners of Gourmet Market Lancaster located at 101NQ. Their store sells healthy gourmet food, along with providing catering services and cooking classes. 
• DJ Ramsey with the City of Lancaster was pleased to report the new 2025 Visitor Guides are here. Please let him know if you would like a supply for your business.  Contact DJ at dramsey@cityoflancasterpa.gov
• Christine Schneider with Alegre Events announced VeloCity sponsorships are available and auction donations are being collected for this year’s event. Learn more about VeloCity 2025!
• Lauren Knutson with Keel Salon Co. provided a handout announcing their Grand Opening Event on May 3^rd from 1 pm to 3 pm at 147 E. King Street.
• Angela Lauer with Vision Corps shared that planning is underway for this year’s Eye Drop on June 6^th at the Holiday Inn. Get involved – rappel, sponsor, donate party/raffle items.  Go to EyeDrop2025 for more details
• Tara Pflanz with Psychedeli was excited to share they will be opening their location in May on the Tellus Rooftop.
• Nichole Mussa Sabil with Trust Performing Arts Center announced they have two remaining concerts – April 26 and May 1.
• Christine Gable with Vintage Candy invited anyone to stop by at their store at 38 West King Street and mention attending today’s meeting for a free iced coffee or ice cream!
• Shaun Frankel with LEADS was excited to announce the hanging flower baskets around the city will be going up around Mother’s Day.
• Kali Mathieu introduced herself as the owner of Tee Got You LLC. She is a private chef and is planning a farm-to-table pop-up.
• Victoria Abadir with the Lancaster Art Vault was pleased to share their one-year anniversary is coming up. They will be hosting First Friday vendor markets at their studio.
• Frith Rooney with Lancaster Fringe Fest introduced himself. He is planning the first Fringe Festival for May 2026 and is looking for sponsors.  You can contact him at frith@creativelancaster.org to learn more.
• Jo Ellen Wisnosky with Blossoms and Roots Wellness was excited to share she will be celebrating her 15^th anniversary this year.
• Joel Cliff with Discover Lancaster announced their new President, Jeff Vasser, will be starting on Monday.
• Lori Johnson with The Candy Factory provided information on their new location at 812 North Prince Street. They are developing a coworking and social club.  Stay tuned for all the exciting details here!
• Michelle Salinas with Your Language Connection was excited to announce she is celebrating her 25^th year of being in business this month.
• Annie Weeks with Lancaster History invited everyone to drop by The Stevens and Smith Center on First Friday in May from 5 pm and 7 pm for an Open House to see this new exciting space.
• Andy Barnes introduced himself as the new President of PCAD.
• Julia Morrell introduced her new commercial cleaning business, Custom Clean.
• Jean-Marie Merkle with Happy Happy Joy Joy invited everyone to her May 25^th pop-up at 157 E. King Street
• Michael Sturdivart introduced himself as the co-owner of People + Things located at 17 N. Prince Street.
  
  

Member Spotlight:  The Midnight Oil

Sai Parra introduced Evan Farbo, Zoe Carman and Toby Valentine of The Midnight Oil. 
View the full presentation here.

Special Presentation: Defending Your Digital Doors – How to Protect Your Business from Cyber Crime and Ransomware

Marshall Snively introduced Jared Groff, a TCW-GAV expert on cyber-crime and ransomware. He shared essential strategies for safeguarding your digital assets, emphasizing the importance of strong cybersecurity measures.

To contact Jared Groff:

jgroff@tcs-gav.com

717.653.3108

Presentation: Red Rose Reuses – Building A Sustainable Future For All of Us

Marshall Snively introduced Melissa Snavely, Co-Founder of College Park Climate Action Neighborhood and Pam Lazos, author and former Senior Assistant Regional Counsel, U.S. EPA.  They both serve as Co-Leads of Red Rose Reuses. 

View the full presentation here.

MIM Committee Report

Kathlene Carroll Sullivan announced that the Lancaster City Alliance Spring Appeal is underway and will include a text-to-give campaign.   

 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 everyone for their attendance this morning. He encouraged everyone to mark their calendars for the third Wednesday of each month, from January to November, and bring a friend to share in the networking connections. 

Next Merchant Meeting – May 21,  2025 – The Ware Center