107 meeting attendees

Marshall Snively welcomed everyone to the first meeting of 2026. He thanked the regular attendees for their commitment to these meetings, month after month, which have helped build the strong community we have today. He gave a warm welcome to all the newcomers and encouraged everyone to attend regularly and to bring a friend along.  These meetings are open to all small business owners and non-profit leaders in the City of Lancaster.  

Marshall Snively introduced the newest members to the Lancaster City Alliance team and welcomed them to the meeting.  He recognized Lori Weiler as Team Coordinator and Mary Elizabeth Wagner as Community Engagement Coordinator.

Marshall expressed gratitude to our Legacy Sponsors for their consistent support in driving the Lancaster City Alliance’s mission to foster growth and create lasting prosperity for all in our community. He noted these meetings and the mission of the Lancaster City Alliance is not possible without their generous support.

Dave Aichele 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

Colleen Wagner shared that the Black Excellence Awards Gala, an annual celebration of achievement, culture, and community that honors leaders and organizations whose work strengthens and uplifts our community, will take place on Friday, February 27. She was delighted to announce that one of the 2026 honorees is Marshall Snively, President of the Lancaster City Alliance.

Derek Smith, event coordinator with the African American Cultural Alliance, shared information on this year’s awards, including a complete list of honorees, and encouraged all in attendance to join the 2026 celebration. Learn more about the Black  Excellence Awards Gala and register for tickets here.

Member Introductions

• Allen Mummert and Kulan Brown of WGAL attended their first Merchant Meeting. They shared their interest in connecting with small business owners to help them better identify and reach their target audiences, thereby supporting more strategic, effective business growth.
• Amber Strazzo Righter, Communications Manager for the City of Lancaster, encouraged all present to sign up for Red Rose Alerts to prepare for the winter storm warnings issued for the coming weekend. Sign up for Red Rose Alerts today!
• Ariel Levine, External Engagement Coordinator for the student government at Franklin and Marshall College, attended the meeting to stay connected and explore ways students can remain informed and involved in critical issues and events throughout the City of Lancaster.
• Evan Young, owner of Larkstone, is collecting data on the economic impact of construction sidewalk closures on the small business community. He would like anyone who would like to share their comments, experience, or opinion with him to reach out to him via email at thewaterkingllc@gmail.com
• Lola Omolabi, owner of Hypnotic Pole Fitness, will be hosting a new Pole Work Class on Sunday, February 1, Intro To Pole Work Class.
• Allistair Williams of Lancaster City Today announced the launch of an exciting new AI-focused event at Neighbors Community Center (450 N. Queen Street). Stay tuned for the official launch date—updates will be shared through Lancaster City Today.
• Rachel Skye – launching a local women’s circle – if you know of any organizations that might benefit from confidence building, contact Rachel at hello@rachelskye.com
• Sandy Gambone asked all attendees to save the date for the Water Street Mission Changemakers Conference on Tuesday, March 17, from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the DoubleTree Hilton Lancaster. Learn more and register here.
• Chris Ballentine, Community Relations Manager, Willow Valley Communities, was excited to announce that a new Chef Station – Raggamuffin Kitchen will be bringing bold Jamaican flavors to Southern Market Lancaster in February.
• Olé Hongvanthong, of PhotOle Photography, invited all to the Lancaster AAPI Lunar New Year Potluck at West Art (816 Buchanan Avenue) on Sunday, February 25, from 12:00 to 3:30 p.m. NOTE: Please follow any updates on the Lancaster AAPI and West Art social media in case of delays for this event due to severe winter weather.
• Kristen Simon, Bureau Chief of Tourism, City of Lancaster, announced the 2026 Visit Lancaster City Events Calendar. She also shared that advertisement orders are now being accepted for the official 2026 Lancaster City Visitor Guide! The deadline to apply is February 14. For details, see the 2026 Visitor Guide Advertising Opportunities. Email DJ Ramsay, Communications Manager, at dramsay@cityoflancasterpa.gov to get started.
• Lauren Knutson, owner of Keel Salon at 147 E. King Street, will be featuring a Photo Booth experience in the salon in February.
• Heidi Castillo, co-owner of Mezcla Ice Cream (318 N. Duke Street), was excited to let everyone know to mark their calendars for the season opening of Mezcla Ice Cream on Saturday, March 21!

Member Spotlight: Gourmet Market Lancaster 

Our January Member Spotlight is Gourmet Market Lancaster, a thoughtfully curated market rooted in connection, education, and exceptional food. More than a place to shop, it’s a destination where learning what’s in your food—and how to prepare it—feels empowering, approachable, and delicious.

Owner Julie Ndgee created Gourmet Market Lancaster to educate, celebrate cultural diversity, and foster meaningful connections. Each month, the market highlights a different culture and its cuisine, inviting the community to explore new flavors and traditions. Weekly events are held every Wednesday, including hands-on cooking classes, as well as private corporate events and partnerships with healthcare professionals focused on creating healthy, nourishing meals.

LCA President Marshall Snively encouraged everyone to visit the market if they haven’t already and congratulated Julie on celebrating one year in business.
View the full presentation here.

Special Presentation: Partners in Support: A Collective Update on Our Unhoused Community.

Marshall Snively introduced the special presentation, Partners in Support: A Collective Update on Our Unhoused Community. This presentation highlights how Downtown Lancaster thrives when everyone feels seen, supported, and safe, and how important this conversation is to the health and vitality of those who live and work in our city. This month’s presentation brings together trusted community partners who work alongside our unhoused neighbors every day, each addressing a different piece of a complex challenge.

Partners in Support included:

Lancaster Housing Homelessness Coalition: presented by Deb Jones, Director
28 Penn Square, Suite 100, Lancaster, PA 17603
• What Can I Do: A Practical Guide
• Who They Serve: Stories of Impact
• How To Help: Donate Here
View the full presentation here.

Anchor Lancaster: presented by Patty Eastep, Executive Director.
29 E Walnut St, Lancaster, PA 17602
• What Can I Do: Get Involved
• Who They Serve: Their Mission
• How To Help: Donate Here
View the full presentation here.

City of Lancaster Bureau of Police: presented by Lieutenant Todd Grager and Kelly Haines MSW LSW
• Community Engagement: Police Social Workers
Contact Lancaster City Bureau of Police
39 West Chestnut Street Lancaster, PA 17603
Non-Emergency: 717-664-1180 Administration: 717-735-3300
View the full presentation here.

Lancaster City Alliance: presented by Regina Cooper, Outreach Specialist
115 E. King Street, 4^th Floor, Lancaster, PA 17603
• How To Help: Donate Here
View the full presentation here.

Lancaster County Food Hub: presented by Paige McFarling, Executive Director
812 N Queen St, Lancaster, PA 17603
• What Can I Do: A Practical Guide
• How Can I Serve: Volunteer Your Time
• How To Help: Donate Here
View the full presentation here.

Tenfold: presented by Shelby Nauman, Chief Executive Officer
308 E King St #1, Lancaster, PA 17602
• What Can I Do: Get Involved
• Who They Serve: Success Stories
• How To Help: Donate Here
View the full presentation here.

Water Street Mission: presented by Jack Crowley, President
210 S Prince St, Lancaster, PA 17603
• What Can I Do: Get Involved
• Who They Serve: Stories of Restoration
• How To Help: Donate Here
View the full presentation here.

Community Resources:
Lancaster County Community Meal Program – a network of churches and organizations that provides three free meals every day.
City of Lancaster Bureau of Police Community Resource Card – MIM Committee member Mike Williams of The H&H Group offered to print copies of this card for distribution at the February 18 merchant meeting.

On behalf of Lancaster City Alliance, President Marshall Snively thanked all of the community partners for a clear and candid overview of the challenges facing Lancaster’s unhoused community. He noted that the presentation underscored both the complexity of homelessness and the breadth of human needs involved, while highlighting the essential, collaborative work being done across organizations to respond with care, expertise, and compassion.

MIM Committee Report

Kathlene Carroll Sullivan reminded the group that registration for the February Merchant Meeting will be available through Eventbrite.

 • 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.

Open Discussion

• Karl Gibbons of Third Eye Management Associates asked the panel how individuals and businesses could best support their work. The presenters encouraged attendees to visit their respective websites to learn more about volunteer opportunities and ways to contribute through donations.
• Allistair Williams of Lancaster City Today shared that he has personal experience with being unhoused and offered a heartfelt acknowledgment of Derek at the Lancaster Food Hub. He emphasized the importance of recognizing and engaging the talents within the unhoused community and noted that future panels would be strengthened by including a representative with lived experience.

Closing Comments

Marshall Snively thanked everyone for their attendance this morning. He encouraged everyone to mark their calendars for the next Merchant Meeting on February 18, 2026.  This meeting will be held in the Binns Room.

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