138  meeting attendees

Marshall Snively gave a warm welcome to everyone and thanked everyone for attending.   We are honored to have such a crowd as we celebrate milestone and recognition awards to fifty-seven small businesses and non-profit organizations.  We are delighted to have Mayor Danene Sorace join us today to present the awards. 

Mayor Sorace shared she is delighted to be here to celebrate the small businesses that make our city so unique.  We are fortunate to have such committed and creative entrepreneurs in our community.  Mayor Sorace gave an update on how the city works to elevate our small businesses by creating a Tourism Master Plan.  The city has engaged the services of a consultant, Eddy Alexander, to work with us to create a plan that elevates our strengths to develop a brand for the City.   Jennifer Eddy shared that they are completing a survey, which will be distributed early next year.  She encouraged everyone to participate in the survey, including your employees. 

Alex Otthofer thanked our community partner, Millersville University at The Ware Center, and the staff for providing this wonderful meeting space. 

Marshall thanked our Legacy Sponsors and our Visionary Sponsors listed on the agenda for their generous support, which makes these meetings possible.  He acknowledged the following who are in attendance today:  Teke Drummond, Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health; Mike Wetzel, Franklin & Marshall College; Jen Lauver, Fulton Bank; Lindsey McCallum and Andrew Garner, Steinman Foundation and Brooke Baker with M & T Bank who is our Executive Sponsor. 

Dave Aichele thanked Colonial Parking for providing parking vouchers for free parking in the lot across from The Ware Center.

Member Introductions 

• Donna Pham with Issei Noodle was excited to share that their new restaurant location at 38 West Orange Street will soon open.
• Timm Wenger with Neighbors Community Center & Neighbors Cafe at Hub450 was pleased to report the Café is now open Tuesday through Thursday from 7 am to 3 pm and Friday and Saturday from 7 am to 7 pm. He distributed flyers offering a 25% discount on your order. Learn more about the new cafe here.
• Christi Albert with Ellister’s Elixirs invited everyone to stop by her store at 332 North Queen Street for an Art Show next week.
• Victoria Abadir with Lancaster Art Vault introduced her new venture to the group. Located at 100 North Queen Street next to Binns Park, she plans a Holiday Art Market at the new Lancaster Art Vault.  The Market will be held on Fridays (10 am to 6 pm), Saturdays (10 am to 5 pm), and Sundays (11 am – 4 pm).  The Market will feature local artists, crafters, and creators. 
• Rich Bowen with the Fulton Theatre was pleased to share their new production, “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” the most significant production ever performed on the Fulton stage. The new show begins Wednesday, November 15.
• Maureen Wheeler with Lancaster Barnstormers was excited to announce the Christmas Spirit Light Show will begin November 24 and run through December 31. Christmas Tree Lane is returning this year and will be open December 1 through 23. 
• Adriana Atencio with The Common Wheel shared they are preparing for Cranksgiving Lancaster City on November 19. This alley-cat-style fun food drive by bicycle benefits Lancaster Food Hub and Bright Side Opportunities. 
• Cindy Guo with Silantra and Cartel Brewing & Blending were pleased to share they are moving to a new, larger location at the former Hunger-n-Thirst at 920 Landis Avenue on Saturday, November 18!
• Sam Wilsker with The Imperial announced there are still a few open reservations for their Thanksgiving meal.
• Tony Gorick with Decades was excited to report that their new mezzanine space will open this weekend.
• Melissa Siwiec with Central Market Trust announced that Central Market will be open the Wednesday before Thanksgiving.  
• Jason Traverse introduced himself to the group as the new Marketing Manager at Central Market.
• Jesus Rodriguez with Three Legacies Wrestling announced they are planning a live wrestling event on March 30, 2024, at the Convention Center and are looking for sponsors. Anyone interested can email Jesus here.
• Kate Farbo is helping the LGBTQ+ Coalition with the opening of their new Thrift Store and shared she is looking for donations of retail clothing racks. Reach out to Kate with your donations via email here.
• Jesse Speicher and Todd Baum of Space were excited to share they are opening a retro lounge next week in the newly opened The Corner at Musser (corner of E. Chestnut and N. Shippen Streets).
• Robin Zaremski with Millersville University/The Ware Center was pleased to introduce Cori Jackson, the new Arts Communications Manager at The Ware Center.
• Pastor Louis Jean with Redeemed Life Church introduced himself to the group. They are meeting at Mulberry Arts Studio at 21 North Mulberry Street but are looking for a new location.

   

Member Milestone Awards

Marshall Snively and Mayor Danene Sorace announced each citywide business being recognized today and asked them to receive their award. Awards were presented for one-year to forty-year milestone business anniversaries, along with two special recognition awards presented to ASSETS for their 30-year anniversary and Festoon Boutique, honoring their strong support of the merchant community. 

Closing Remarks

Marshall Snively thanked everyone for their attendance this morning.  He shared his appreciation for all the small businesses for everything they do to make our city outstanding. 

He reminded everyone that there would not be a merchant meeting in December and wished all a safe, happy, and prosperous holiday season.  

Next Merchant Meeting – January 17, 2024 – The Ware Center