• Welcome: Marshall Snively

Marshall Snively welcomed everyone to the meeting. He 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 expressed his hope that you’ll make this a regular stop on your calendar. We encourage you to bring along a fellow business owner or colleague next time.    

Marshall recognized 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.    

David Aichele thanked our community partners. Appreciation was expressed to Millersville University at The Ware Center for hosting the monthly meetings. Thanks were given to Discover Lancaster for sponsoring the gatherings. Thanks were also extended to Colonial Parking for providing free parking vouchers for attendees.  

• Special Announcements: Colleen Wagner

Colleen Wagner shared that we’re launching a new addition to our Merchant Meetings—regular updates from the City of Lancaster’s social media and marketing team. Colleen introduced Ruby Mundok, Social Media and Tourism Marketing Manager, for the City of Lancaster.

Ruby Mundok reviewed upcoming partner events.  Lancaster City Restaurant Week, Prima Theater Opening, Launch Music Festival, Spring Art Walk, and Lancaster Fringe Festival.  The city is helping promote these events on social media.  

Upcoming city-led events – Daily Binns & Ewell Activations, May-September, Red Rose Run (June 6), Official World Cup Watch Party & Festival, Match Day Bar Passport, and America 250.   

Colleen also announced that the Lancaster City Spring Merchant Mixer at Decades on Wednesday, April 22, is officially at capacity! The incredible response is a true reflection of the strength and connection within our small business community. If you secured a spot, we can’t wait to see you there for a fantastic evening of networking, conversation, and fun. Our MIM committee has some special icebreakers planned.  Missed out? Don’t worry — another opportunity is waiting in the wings. Planning for our Fall Merchant Mixer in October has already begun! Stay tuned for the exciting details. She also noted that VeloCity is scheduled for September 24.

Carly Machoqui of Fig Lancaster provided information on the Fig Tree Grant.   For nearly two decades, Fig has played a meaningful role in elevating Lancaster City’s entrepreneurs and contributing to the vibrancy of our community. That commitment continues with The Fig Tree—a Donor Advised Fund that will provide annual grants to empower small business owners.  Each year The Fig Tree offers $5,000 grants to 5 businesses in Lancaster City.  The recipients are selected by an independent board. Find more information here.

Kathlene Carroll Sullivan reminded the group that Restaurant Week is officially underway through April 19, with 52 members of Lancaster City’s incredible culinary community participating this season.   

Our June Milestone Awards Meeting will take place on Wednesday, June 10, 2026.  We will be hosting this celebration of the legacy & resilience of our small business community on the SECOND WEDNESDAY of the month, from 8:30 – 10:00 a.m.  This year, we will be hosting the event at Freedom Hall in the Lancaster County Convention Center, thanks to the generous sponsorship of our friends at the Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square and the Lancaster County Convention Center Authority. Look for more details and descriptions from us in the weeks ahead, but in the meantime, SAVE THE DATE for this meeting on your calendar – it is one of the largest of our year!  

• Member Introductions: Marshall Snively

• Chris Ballentine thanked everyone for their support in voting for Southern Market in the USAToday’s Best Food Hall Competition. He will let us know when the winners are announced.
• Lee Levit is excited to be celebrating the 20-year milestone anniversary of Red Raven Art Company this month. She hopes that everyone will join her for Spring Art Walk on Saturday, and Sunday – May 16 & 17^!
• John Heinly, Director of Donor Advisement, Lancaster Public Library, invited all to the Earth Day Extravaganza on Saturday, April 18!
• Jen Donovan, Soothe Wellness, introduced herself as a new attendee to the meeting and announced that she is hoping to open a brick-and-mortar location in the City of Lancaster for her mental health therapy business
• Debbie Crawford, of Taylor Brand Group announced that they are celebrating a 20-year business milestone this year and that this is her first time attending a merchant meeting.
• Johnathan Edwards, PA CareerLink, was excited to tell the small business owners present how they could inspire the next generation with the “Earn & Learn Program.” Discover more details about the program here.
• Evan Young from Larkstone let the group know that it pays to make some noise. After attending a meeting with the Mayor last month, organized by fellow small business owner Heidi Castillow, the sidewalk closure will now have a weekend opening, which will benefit the local small businesses impacted by the construction.   
• Jacob Gallant, American Heart Association Lancaster, and a member of the MIM Committee, hopes the group will save the date for the Heart Wall on Saturday, October 17, in Long’s Park. Learn more and register here!
• Lauren, owner of KEEL Salon Co, and a member of the MIM Committee, was excited to announce that her Salon (147 E. King St.) will host a special May First Friday “Build A Bouquet” event on Friday, May 1. All proceeds will benefit Domestic Violence Services of Lancaster
• Karl Gibbons, owner of Third Eye Management & Associates, Inc., extended thanks to Mike Williams, Justin Ang, Mark Reinmiller, and others for being generous with their time beyond these meetings to offer opportunities for networking and connection.
• Justin Ang, Partner at VESCOR Hospitality Group, was excited to let everyone know that all four properties: Belvedere Inn, C’est La Vie, Josephine’s, and 401 PRIME, will be open on Mother’s Day until 8:00 p.m.
• Jeffrey Vasser, President & CEO at Discover Lancaster, wanted all to know that he will soon celebrate his one-year anniversary at Discover Lancaster and will officially no longer be the “new kid in town!”
• Jason Allgire, Development Manager & Certified Fundraising Executive at ASSETS explained about the Business Essentials Loan product that ASSETS offers to small businesses. It provides $500–$2,500 at 0% interest. Learn more here.
• Jessie Tuno – Women’s Business Center Manager at ASSETS – The Idea Incubator is a 12-week business validation program designed to help local entrepreneurs strengthen their ideas and reduce risk through customer discovery and financial analysis. Applications are now open through Friday, April 24!
• Melissa Tucker, Oak Tree Outdoor, has special packages for small businesses.
• Craig Kazda, QNTM Marketing  was delighted to say that the grand opening block party for The Thaddeus Stevens & Lydia Hamilton Smith Center for History and Democracy at 13 E. Vine Street is scheduled for Saturday, May 2, from noon to 6:00 p.m.
• Lindsay Bretz Morgan, Front of House Manager, Belvedere Inn, MIM Committee Member, and Founder of Upfront Theater Company, announced that there will be upcoming live theatre performances this spring and summer at Zoetropolis and  TCF- The Candy Factory!
• Rachel Skye, Women’s Confidence Coach, announced a new monthly program, “The Fierce Women’s Circle.” Each month will have a different theme and will meet on the third Wednesday. For more information, contact Rachel at hello@rachelskye.com

• Member Spotlight: VESCOR Hospitality (401 PRIME; Belvedere Inn; C’est La Vie; Josephine’s Downtown): John Costanza

  VESCOR Hospitality Group represents a true culinary celebration of life in Lancaster City. As the team behind four of the City’s premier dining destinations—Belvedere Inn, C’est La Vie, Josephine’s, and 401 PRIME—they continue to set the standard for exceptional dining while serving as pillars of Lancaster’s vibrant culinary community.

  VESCOR Hospitality Group is the management group guiding both the current restaurant concepts and the future growth of the brand. At its core, VESCOR is focused on creating memorable experiences in Lancaster—playing a meaningful role in life’s milestones and everyday moments alike, from graduations and weddings to a simple night out with friends.

  Kathlene thanked VESCOR for their continued support of Velocity and Lancaster City Alliance.   Marshall added his thanks, noting both their reputation for setting the bar for fine dining in Lancaster—and, on a slightly more personal note, for what he described as “the best happy hour in the City.”

   

• Special Presentation: Reclaiming Your Time with AI: Marketing Basics for Small Businesses & Organizations: Anne Kirby and Chris Ballentine

  The fast-paced session introduced practical AI tools attendees can start using right away to save time, sharpen their messaging, and make more informed decisions. Participants walked away with four quick wins—from improving your Google visibility to strengthening your content and uncovering insights from your data. 

  Their presentation focused on real-world applications that business owners can begin implementing immediately—no technical background required.

  The session closed with a grounded, thoughtful perspective: start small and use AI responsibly. Most importantly, AI is a tool—not a replacement for human connection, creativity, or collaboration.

  Explore the full presentation here.

• Special Presentation: Inside a Ransomware Attack – How Our Small Business Fought Back (Without Paying the Ransom): Mike Williams

  The H&H Group wasn’t randomly targeted—their data had value. A quiet breach went undetected, their information was sold on the dark web, and a coordinated ransomware attack followed. 

  Quick action in the moment helped limit the damage, but recovery was only possible because of secure offsite backups. The experience revealed a hard truth: even trusted systems can fail, and complacency can be costly.

  Key Takeaways:
  • Maintain secure, offsite backups
  • Act fast: disconnect systems and call your insurer
  • Avoid handling active attacks internally
  • Use secure password management tools
  • Regularly review and update security practices

  Bottom line: Ransomware is not a distant threat—it’s a real and growing risk that requires preparation, awareness, and decisive action.

  Explore the full presentation here.

• MIM Committee Report: Marshall Snively

•  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 on May 20, 2026 – Meet the Mayor  

Next Meeting: May 20| 8:30am | The Ware Center for the Arts