Welcome: Marshall Snively

Marshall Snively welcomed everyone to the meeting and noted that today’s turnout speaks to the importance of tourism to the vitality of Lancaster City. 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 everyone would make this a regular stop on their calendar. We encourage all to bring along a fellow business owner or colleague next time.

Marshall Snively 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 their continued support of Lancaster City’s small business community and for hosting the monthly meetings. Thanks were given to Discover Lancaster for sponsoring the gatherings. He also thanked Hager Parking Lots for providing complimentary parking vouchers for today’s meeting. Dave also shared that starting next month, all event flyers, announcements, and promotional materials will be displayed on a Resource Table at the front of this room rather than placed on every seat. This simple change will help reduce printing costs and paper waste while still giving everyone the opportunity to pick up information that interests them. We want to thank Elyse Pollock from the Lancaster Public Library for this thoughtful suggestion.

That conversation also inspired another new addition. The MIM committee has adopted a Merchant Meeting Suggestion Box. We know some of the best ideas come from the people in this room, so we’d love to hear your thoughts on how we can continue to improve these meetings. Suggestion slips and pens are available at the box. You can include your name if you’d like us to follow up, or leave your suggestion private. We encourage you to share any ideas. Together, we can make these Merchant Meetings even better.

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.

Special Announcements

Colleen Wagner shared that  Lancaster City Indie Retail Week will take place from Friday, July 24, through Saturday, August 1. Independent businesses are the heart and soul of Lancaster City, and Indie Retail Week is the perfect excuse to discover a new favorite shop or revisit one you already love! We hope you all will mark the dates on your calendars now. Any retail business within the City of Lancaster that would like to take part in Lancaster City Indie Retail Week 2026 can provide business information, including any special promotions, when they register here!

VELOCITY 202

Colleen Wagner, LCA Vice President for Administration & Relations, announced the return of VeloCity 2026 on Thursday, September 24, at Tellus360. Lancaster City Alliance’s signature annual fundraiser brings together city leaders, community partners, small businesses, and residents to celebrate and support Lancaster City. This year’s theme, Lancaster – Stronger Together, will be reflected throughout the evening, with several exciting surprises in store.

Colleen encouraged businesses and organizations to explore sponsorship opportunities and invited interested attendees to contact her to discuss sponsorship levels and benefits. Reach out to her at cwagner@teamlanc.org.  Explore the 2026 Velocity Sponsorship Opportunities Here

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

Member Introductions

• Lauren, owner of KEEL Salon at 147 E. King Street, and a MIM committee volunteer, let the group know that she was still collecting back-to-school supplies for a campaign she would be launching soon. Anyone who wishes to donate can reach out to Lauren at laurenkhairstylist@gmail.com
• Lori Brown introduced herself to the group as the new StreetPlus Operations Manager for Clean & Safe for the Lancaster City Alliance Ambassadors and Clean Team. She let the small business owners know she will be stopping by to visit them in the days ahead.
• Austin Evlyn introduced himself as one of the new members of the ASSETS team, happy to attend his first of many merchant meetings.
• Megan Witkovsky, Patron Connections Director for Prima Theatre, let the group know about the Greenfield Summer Concert Series. These events are free and open to the public. RSVP registration is encouraged. Learn more here.
• Laura Mae Hornberger, owner of Maejean Vintage, announced that their next open house will take place on September First Friday (September 4).
• Jason Konopinsk, Director of Development for Arch Street, asked all attendees to consider supporting the mission of Arch Street Center through their summer Text to Give Campaign TEXT ASCSUMMER to 44834
  • Tony Gorick, Sales & Marketing Manager for Decades Lancaster, announced a Christmas in July Fundraiser Celebration with Arch Street Center on Saturday, July 25 from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. Special guest appearance from Summer Santa, and family fun activities planned. All are invited.
  • Rich Bowen, Director of Corporate Relations at the Fulton Theatre, was excited to announce that Saturday, July 25, will be Christmas in July! Starting at midnight, save 20% on 2026/2027 Mainstage series single tickets. Learn more about this event here! 
  • Kevin Malloy, Executive Director of the Lancaster County Convention Center Authority, explained that the organization is exploring ways to develop the property at 106 S. Christian Street. There will also be an important survey, conducted in partnership with the Lancaster City Alliance and distributed to merchants, that asks about the convention center’s impact on their businesses. He hopes that all will take a thoughtful moment to complete the survey to assist the LCCCA in improving its ability to serve the City of Lancaster’s small business community.
  • Joshua Druce, of Strong Towns Lancaster, asked the group to save the date of  First Friday, September 4, for Lancaster Park(ing) Day 2026. The annual event temporarily transforms on-street parking spaces into creative public spaces that promote safer, greener, and more people-focused streets. This year, approximately 14 parking spaces throughout the city will be reimagined for the event. Joshua encouraged any business owners who prefer not to have the parking space in front of their business included to contact him at jrdruce@gmail.com Attendees were also invited to explore the digital Lancaster Park(ing) Day Map here.
  • Kennedy Kutz, from Annie Bailey’s Irish Public House, announced that proper pub lunches are back in downtown Lancaster from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Wednesday to Friday! Also, upstairs at Annie Bailey’s, there are regular monthly events!
  • Sarah Keim, Communications & Events Manager at the Demuth Museum, invited all to a special exhibit – the Demuth Museum “Gin Garden” opening First Friday, August 7, from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. Cocktail samples will be generously provided by Lancaster Distilleries and Thistle Finch. Mocktails and non-alcoholic options are also available. Live music by Dane Fox will make for a fantastic evening!
  • Kate Wright, from The Imperial Event Center, was pleased to announce that the Terrace at the Imperial during Celebrate Lancaster (Friday, August 14) as the perfect viewing station and birds-eye view for all of the festivities on

Member Spotlight: Hypnotic Pole Fitness Studio

Our July Member Spotlight featured one of Lancaster City’s inspiring women entrepreneurs, Lola Omolabi, owner of Hypnotic Pole Fitness Studio. Since taking ownership of the studio, Lola has created a welcoming, judgment-free space where people of all experience levels can build strength, confidence, and community through movement. Lola shared the story behind her business, her entrepreneurial journey, and how she’s empowering others to discover just how capable they truly are.

View the full presentation here.

Special Presentation: Reaching More Travelers With Discover Lancaster

Jeffrey Vasser, President & CEO of Discover Lancaster, presented an insightful look at how regional tourism marketing continues to benefit Lancaster City’s small business community. Jeff highlighted the remarkable impact of tourism on the local economy and the collaborative efforts underway to attract even more visitors to Lancaster County.

Attendees learned that Lancaster County welcomed 10 million visitors in 2025, generating $2.74 billion in visitor spending and a total economic impact of $3.61 billion. Tourism also supports more than 26,000 jobs across the county while helping reduce the local tax burden for residents.

Free Promotional Opportunity: Discover Lancaster invites City of Lancaster small businesses to submit event information, videos, and reels for consideration in its marketing efforts. Send your content to marketing@discoverlancaster.com.

View the full presentation here.

Presentation: Turning Experience Into Opportunity

Lancaster City Alliance was delighted to welcome the City of Lancaster’s tourism team, Kristen Simon, Bureau Chief of Tourism, and Ruby Mundok, Social Media & Tourism Marketing Manager, to our July Merchant Meeting. Although this dynamic duo has been working in their new department for less than a year, they have already made a remarkable impact on promoting Lancaster City as a premier destination for visitors.

Their presentation showcased Visit Lancaster City’s data-driven approach to tourism marketing, highlighting visitor trends, targeted advertising strategies, and collaborative campaigns designed to increase foot traffic and support Lancaster City’s independent businesses. Attendees learned that Lancaster City welcomed more than 326,000 visitor trips between March and May 2026, with visitor traffic and monthly visitation continuing to trend upward. Philadelphia remains the City’s strongest visitor market, while Lancaster continues to rank among Pennsylvania’s top tourism destinations.

View the full presentation here.

MIM Committee Report

Kathlene Carroll Sullivan announced that, beginning with future meetings, the agenda will be adjusted to allow more time for open discussion and networking at the conclusion of each session. As part of this effort, the MIM Committee is exploring the addition of “Coffee & Connections,” a 30-minute networking session from 8:00 to 8:30 a.m. before each Merchant Meeting. The informal gathering would provide attendees with an opportunity to build relationships, exchange ideas, and connect with fellow members before the formal program begins.

 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, August 19 – Binns Room, The Ware Center for the Arts