Lancaster City Merchant Meeting Minutes
January 18, 2023 – 8:30 am
The Ware Center –The Binns Room
60 in attendance
Marshall Snively welcomed everyone to the first meeting in the New Year. He encouraged everyone to attend our monthly meetings, which are held on the third Wednesday of each month, except for December. We have an exciting year planned for meeting presentations.
Marshall thanked our Legacy Sponsors for their generous support, which makes these meetings possible, along with our Visionary Sponsors listed on the agenda. Dave Aichele thanked our community partner Millersville University at The Ware Center, for providing this wonderful meeting space and Colonial Parking for providing parking vouchers for free parking in the lot across from The Ware Center.
Member Introductions
Member Spotlight
Kathlene Sullivan introduced Timm Wenger, owner of Wanderlust Coffees. Timm partnered with Commonwealth Kitchen to brew today’s coffee for everyone’s enjoyment. View the full presentation here.
Presentation on 2023 Visit Lancaster City Experience Guide & Mobile App Listing
Marshall Snively introduced DJ Ramsey, Communications Manager, Department of Neighborhood Engagement for the City of Lancaster, to provide details about the exciting new marketing partnerships offered by the Lancaster Office of Promotion. View the full presentation here. View the handout with information and pricing here. To contact DJ Ramsey, email him at DRamsay@cityoflancasterpa.gov
Special Presentation – Update on Outreach Efforts in the DID
Marshall Snively introduced Regina Cooper, Outreach Specialist, who shared an update on outreach efforts in the DID. View her presentation here. Dave Aichele shared that Lancaster City Alliance partnered with the City of Lancaster to provide an outreach specialist who is dedicated to working exclusively in the City assisting those needing help. Dave introduced Danny Torres, the Operations Manager for the Ambassadors and Clean Team.
Phone numbers for both Regina and Danny are:
• Outreach Specialist, Regina Cooper – 717.606.4369
• Operations Manager Danny Torres – 484.724.1517
A question was raised about addressing panhandling. Captain Kurt Miller with the Lancaster City Police explained HOW the city ordinance is written. It’s not against the law to stand holding a sign. They are not allowed to stop traffic, be aggressive or stand next to an ATM. He encouraged anyone who sees this type of activity to call 717-664-1180 and ask to speak to an Officer to make a report. If an officer is not available at that time, ask for a callback or for an officer to visit your place of business.
Regina Cooper shared that giving them money is not helping the unsheltered individuals. There are meals available seven days a week. Dave Aichele suggested that it is better to provide assistance or donate money to the organizations that are providing services to those in need.
MIM Committee Report
Kathlene Sullivan reported that the March special presentation will be on creating effective video marketing on a budget with your smartphone. She also encouraged all merchants to complete the holiday survey listed below to assist with holiday planning this year.
Closing Comments
Marshall Snively thanked everyone for their attendance and encouraged everyone to come next month.
Next Merchant Meeting –February 15, 2023 – The Ware Center
Please let us know the Anniversary of your business by completing
the following short survey.
Add value to your business with Downtown Dollars Gift Certificates! Merchants interested in participating in the program should contact Lancaster City Alliance via email at info@teamlanc.org or by calling 717.394.0783.
As a non-profit organization, the Lancaster City Alliance relies on the commitment of our generous corporate sponsors. Our 17 Visionary Sponsors demonstrate their commitment to the City’s collective good through their contribution to the Lancaster City Alliance. Thank you to Baker Tilly, Barley Snyder, City of Lancaster, Discover Lancaster, Ecklin Development, Irex Contracting Group, Lancaster County Solid Waste Management Authority, Murray, Orrstown Bank, PNC Financial Services, PPL Electric Utilities, The M&T Charitable Foundation, S&T Bank, UGI Utilities, Inc., Warehouse District, Willow Valley Communities, and Woodstream.