Welcome: Marshall Snively

Marshall Snively welcomed everyone to the meeting, thanked everyone for attending, and reminded everyone that the Merchant meetings are designed as a place where Lancaster City’s small business community can connect, share ideas, and support one another. He noted many new faces in the room and hoped they would make this a regular meeting on their calendar and bring a friend along next month. Marshall also reminded attendees that parking in the surface lot across the street from the Ware Center is sponsored. If you park there, parking is complimentary for two hours, but be sure to scan the QR codes on the signs at the entrance to the Ware Center and at the entrance to the Binns Room.

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

David Aichele thanked our community partners. Appreciation was expressed to Millersville University at The Ware Center for their continued support of Lancaster City’s small business community and for hosting the monthly meetings. Appreciation was noted to Discover Lancaster for sponsoring the gatherings. He also thanked Hager Parking Lots for providing complimentary parking for today’s meeting.

Kathlene Carroll Sullivan reviewed the Great Meeting Guide with the group to ensure a successful meeting. She also shared a brief refresher on these meetings.  The monthly Merchant Meetings are focused solely on supporting, informing, and connecting Lancaster City businesses and programs. She also asked attendees to silence their cell phones.

Special Announcements

Elspeth Moffatt, Lancaster City Alliance Director of Communications, announced that the 10th annual Lancaster Craft BeerFest will take place Saturday, August 22, at Ewell Plaza and Binns Park, featuring beer tastings, live music, food, and vendors, with proceeds benefiting the community-focused work of Penn Square Rotary.

Kathlene Carroll Sullivan, LCA Digital Media & Engagement Manager, encouraged attendees to mark their calendars for Fall Lancaster City Restaurant Week, September 14–20, and support participating independent restaurants – including several first-time participants – by revisiting a favorite or discovering something new. Explore all the participants on the LCRW Fall website.

LCCCA│LCA JOINT BUSINESS SURVEY

Elspeth Moffatt invited attendees to participate in the Lancaster County Convention Center Authority and Lancaster City Alliance’s Joint 2026 Business Survey, a brief biennial survey designed to assess Lancaster City’s economic health and identify the challenges and opportunities facing the local business community. Complete this brief survey here.

CITY UPDATE: CAPITAL DAY PRESENTATION

Capital Day will be celebrated on Saturday, September 26, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in Penn Square. Tim Austin of ColabXYZ, a member of the Keystone Project Board organizing the event, joined Planning Committee members Justina Latura, owner of The Vine Bar, and Amy Harcourt of ColabXYZ to share details about the day’s activities and events.
View the full presentation here.

VELOCITY SILENT AUCTION 2026

Kathlene Carroll Sullivan, LCA Digital Media & Engagement Manager, highlighted the importance of the VeloCity Silent Auction, noting that proceeds directly support Lancaster City Alliance programs, events, and marketing initiatives benefiting the city’s small business community. Attendees were encouraged to help make the 2026 auction the largest and most successful yet by donating an item, service, experience, or gift certificate. Those interested in donating or learning more were invited to contact Mary Elizabeth Wagner, LCA Community Engagement Coordinator, at mwagner@teamlanc.org or (717) 940-1827.

Member Introductions

• John Heinly, Director of Donor Advising for the Lancaster Public Library, let everyone know that he and Elyse Pollock were collecting signatures from City of Lancaster residents in support of adding a library funding measure on the November ballot. Anyone interested in supporting the Vote Yes 4 Libraries petition could see them after the meeting.
• Austin Evlyn from ASSETS let the group know that he has valuable loan products available to assist small businesses, some starting at 0% interest. Interested in learning more about the financial services from ASSETS Lancaster? Reach out to Austin at austine@assetspa.org
• Megan Witkovsky, Patron Connections Director for Prima Theatre, was excited to let the group know about a new production that features guest stars from the community in a theatrical performance that unfolds with you.
Learn more about BLANK here

• Michelle Salinas, owner of Your Language Connection, was pleased to let the group know that she will be adding two to three new interns to her company. She made this happen through local universities; thanks to the information she learned from our March 2025 Special Presentation: How Interns Can Benefit Your Business!
• Sara Gallo, of Sara Gallo Custom Jewelers, was delighted to announce to the group that she had just moved her business to Gallery Row. You can now find Sara at 146 N. Prince Street.
• Ken Mueller, PR & Development Manager for the Occupational Development Center of Lancaster County, let everyone know that they will be hosting the 3rd Annual Robert L. Richards Memorial Golf Tournament to benefit the ODC at Crossgates Golf Club on Saturday, September 25. They are seeking golfers, sponsors, and anyone interested in donating. The tournament was created to raise funds to help Adults with developmental disabilities continue to find jobs they love.
• Katy Mauer, Market Manager, introduced Kearasten Jordan to the group as the new Marketing and Development Manager for Lancaster Central Market. Welcome and congratulations!
• Kevin Molloy, Executive Director of the Lancaster County Convention Center Authority, encouraged attendees to scan the QR code and complete the business survey conducted in partnership with Lancaster City Alliance. The survey seeks feedback on the Convention Center’s impact on local businesses and will help the LCCCA strengthen its service to Lancaster City’s small business community.
• Rachel Skye reminded everyone that her Fierce Women’s Circle meets on the third Wednesday of each month at Urban Arts House.
• Kathlene Carroll Sullivan let the group know that the November Milestone Awards meeting has been rescheduled so that Mayor Arroyo can join us to present the awards. We will not host a merchant meeting in November, and the new date for our final merchant meeting of 2026 is Wednesday, December 2,  for the Milestone Awards Meeting in the Atrium at the Ware Center for the Arts. 

Member Spotlight: A. Calhoun Events

This month’s Member Spotlight, honoring August as National Black Business Owners Month, features Alissa Calhoun, founder of A. Calhoun Events, who brings years of experience in event planning, consulting, and tourism to creating intentional and memorable experiences. Alissa is a board member of Young Professionals of Color, an initiative of Crispus Attucks Community Center. She is also the proud co-founder of She Belongs Here, a shared networking experience rooted in connection, community, and culture. 

View the full presentation here.

Special Presentation: Lancaster City Itineraries Workshop

Building on Discover Lancaster’s July presentation about the powerful economic impact of tourism, our August Merchant Meeting brought the conversation closer to home with practical ideas Lancaster City businesses can put to work.

Olivia Novak, a Lancaster Collective Advisory Board member and the Director of Marketing at Discover Lancaster, led attendees through a fast-paced “flash workshop” focused on creating visitor-friendly itineraries that encourage guests to explore more of the city, support local businesses & nonprofit organizations, and find plenty of reasons to return.

View the full presentation here.

Presentation: Success Is For Everyone

The Occupational Development Center (ODC) shared how inclusive employment creates meaningful opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities while strengthening local businesses.

ODC Executive Director Gregg Richards and PR & Development Manager Ken Mueller were joined by Heather Kreider, owner of Makes Scents Natural Spa Line and Hempfield Botanicals, and ODC program participant Kristen Ankney. Through their powerful real-world perspectives, attendees learned how inclusive hiring recognizes talent, builds stronger workplaces, and creates a community where success truly is for everyone.

Explore the ODC Business Partnerships.

MIM Committee Report & Open Forum: Kathlene Carroll Sullivan

Kathlene shared that the Member Intra-Marketing (MIM) Committee has been refining presentation timing to allow more time at the end of each Merchant Meeting for an open forum where attendees can share ideas, feedback, and concerns.

• Mike Williams, President & CEO of The H&H Group and a MIM Committee member, noted the limited number of retailers attending the monthly meetings. He encouraged attendees to personally invite their favorite Lancaster City merchants to participate. Names, business names, and email addresses may be sent to info@teamlanc.org to be added to the Merchant Meeting mailing list.
• MIM Committee members will visit businesses along the 300 block of North Queen Street to extend personal invitations. The committee hopes this direct outreach will generate greater engagement than email messages or flyer distribution alone.
• Evan Young, co-owner of Larkstone, suggested that outreach to prospective attendees emphasize the recent improvements to the meetings. He noted that member introductions are now more concise and include fewer sales-focused remarks, allowing more time for presentations and discussion.
• Kearasten Jordan, Marketing & Development Coordinator at Lancaster Central Market, strongly encouraged businesses to consider working with Lancaster City’s talented local artists rather than relying on AI-generated artwork for marketing campaigns, posters, and other materials. She noted that local artists can create distinctive designs while working within a range of budgets.
• Austin Evlyn of ASSETS suggested providing additional time for networking and relationship-building so attendees can become better acquainted and learn more about one another’s roles. Kathlene noted that LCA hosts two Merchant Mixers each year, in the spring and fall. Details about the next mixer, planned for early October, will be announced at the September 16 Merchant Meeting.
• Kathlene again directed attendees’ attention to the Suggestion Box, noting that many recent changes and improvements to the Merchant Meetings resulted directly from attendee feedback. Participants were encouraged to share presentation ideas, format recommendations, and other suggestions for improving the overall meeting experience.

 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: Marshall Snively

Marshall Snively thanked everyone for their attendance this morning. He encouraged everyone to mark their calendars for the next Merchant Meeting.

Next Merchant Meeting – Wednesday, September 16 – Binns Room, The Ware Center for the Arts