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

• Sandy Gambone with Water Street Mission put a plug in for the new show at the Fulton Theatre – “The Play That Goes Wrong”. It is hilariously entertaining and highly recommended! 
• Annie Roth, Zach Walter, and Andrew Silvius introduced themselves and their new business that just opened – EsoArts at 317 North Queen Street.  They are planning many events so check-out their website for updates
• Bobby Guignet of Three Legacies Wrestling introduced himself and shared he is planning a Live Pro Wrestling event on February 18 at Brightside Opportunities Center. Find more information at Three Legacies Wrestling
• Kevin Molloy with the Lancaster County Convention Center reported events in the first quarter of 2023 will bring in 80,000 people. Zenkaikon will be held March 24 – 26. 
• Bethany Smith of Freiman Stoltzfus Gallery announced a coffee/art crawl on Saturday, February 12, from 11 am to 2 pm.
• Alex Ebert of PPM Real Estate reported they no longer provide property management services but will handle sales and leasing for primarily commercial properties.
• Diana Martin with Hourglass announced the annual community forum will be held on April 12 at the Ware Center at 5 pm. The Founder of Strong Towns, Chuck Marohn, will be the featured speaker. 
• Kyle Malinosky with AK Interiors was pleased to share this is their 27^th year in the interior design business.
• Nate Boring with Lancaster Distillers was pleased to announce they are planning to open a second location in Columbia in the Spring of this year.
• Risa Clarle with Prince Street Café was pleased to share they are getting ready to open a café in Columbia.
• Chris Ballentine with Southern Market Center happily shared that the Southern Market Center will be celebrating its 1^st Anniversary on January 27 & 28. 
• Geoff Scott with Isaac’s Craft Kitchen & Brewery shared the great news that their beer placed 2^nd at the Farm Show.
• Chris Dresibach with Blueprints for Addiction Recovery shared they are planning a night of recovery on February 17 at the Ware Center
• Tim Stuhldreher of One United Lancaster encouraged everyone to visit their website and subscribe for their weekly newsletters
• Marie Cleaves Rothacker of Move It Studio was excited to share she has added a new infrared sauna to her studio at 33 North Market Street
• Kathlene Sullivan with Lancaster City Alliance was pleased to share that next month’s Merchant Meeting Special Presentation will be the Economic Impact of Cultural and Performing Arts on the Merchant Community.  The panel includes Fulton Theatre, Lancaster Symphony Orchestra, Prima, The Ware Center, and The Trust Performing Arts Center.  Restaurant weeks will be held in April and October this year.  Dates will be announced shortly.
• Larry Keating with SCORE reminded everyone that the Lancaster/Lebanon Chapter has 80 experienced business people ready to provide support to the business community.  All services are provided free of charge.
• DJ Ramsey, City of Lancaster’s Communication Manager,  invited everyone to attend the State of the City Address on Thursday, January 26 at 4:30 pm at the Ware Center.
• Emily Edelstein with the PA Guild of Craftsmen  shared that 23 of their members are exhibiting their art at the train station.  She also invited everyone to check out their workshops here
• Rachel Degler of Studio Spin shared they have a special Valentine’s Day experience planned on February 10.   Her studio is located at 211 North Ann Street. 
• Justin McCarthy of Tread House shared that all classes on Friday, January 27, are open and free, with any donations going to support Girls on the Run.

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

2022 HOLIDAY SURVEY