75 meeting attendees

Marshall Snively was pleased to welcome everyone to our meeting.  He was glad to see new faces in the audience and encouraged everyone to attend these meetings monthly. 

Marshall reminded everyone we celebrate Lancaster City Indie Retail Week through Saturday, July 20.  Lancaster City Alliance is a proud founding sponsor of Indie Retail Week.  This year’s campaign – “Rediscover the Heart of Indie” highlights the significance of supporting local businesses and sharing the stories of our retailers. We shared heartfelt thanks to the City of Lancaster Team for their hard work in bringing this campaign to life. 

Marshall Snively expressed gratitude to our Legacy Sponsors for their generous support, which enables these meetings, and acknowledged our Visionary Sponsors listed on the agenda.   

Dave Aichele extended appreciation to our Community Partners: Millersville University at The Ware Center for hosting our meetings, Discover Lancaster for sponsoring the merchant meetings, and Colonial Parking for providing parking in the lot across Prince Street. Additionally, he reviewed the Great Meeting Guide to ensure the best possible experience at our Merchant Meetings.

Marshall Snively shared exciting details about the hottest party of the year – VeloCity 2024 which will be held on Thursday, September 19^th at Tellus360.  Kathlene Sullivan was pleased to share that it’s time to sign up for VeloCity sponsorships and provide donations for the silent auction.  A flyer with a QR code was distributed to make signing up for sponsorships and donations easy.  Tickets for the event go on sale August 1. 

Marshall Snively reminded everyone that the proceeds from this fundraiser go to support merchant events, Indie Retail Week, Restaurant Week, etc.  Learn more about Velocity Sponsorships opportunities here and enhance your business brand by donating to the VeloCity 2024 Silent Auction here!

Introductions

• Shade Foreman introduced himself to the group. He recently joined the team at PPM Real Estate.
• Alex Ebert with PPM Real Estate reported they have commercial space leasing opportunities available at ppmproperties.com.
• Deidre Stevens with Lancaster Silverball Retro Arcade invited everyone to attend the Bourbon, Arcade & Music event they are planning on August 29, at 6 pm in the Silverball Retro Arcade located in the Sky boxes at Clipper Magazine Stadium.
• Bob Thomas with SCORE reminded everyone that SCORE volunteers are available to assist small businesses.
• Steph Gibson and Leah Fox introduced themselves to the group. They are the owners of Third Story located at 44 North Christian Street.  They shared postcards announcing the Wild & Precious art exhibit going on now until August 24.
• Annie Weeks with LancasterHistory invited everyone to attend their Music On The Lawn events on July 20, August 31^, and September 14. Tickets are available at lancasterhistory.org.  Join in on the fun this summer to enjoy an evening outdoors with live music.
• Jason Allgire with ASSETS shared a flyer announcing The Great Social Enterprise Pitch on September 12. The event will take place at Mickey’s Black Box at Rock Lititz.  Anyone interested in purchasing tickets or being a sponsor can get more information here. 
• Charlotte Leckow with Move Forward Counseling introduced herself to the group. Their organization is located at 226 Arch Street and offers specialized therapy, counseling, and mental health services online and in person.
• Cori Jackson with The Arts at Millersville announced August First Friday at The Ware Center will feature Luna Dance and Abner Gonzalez art exhibit. Events begin at 6:00 p.m. 
• Heather Zuchowski introduced herself to the group. She is new to Lancaster and has an organization called Art for Life.  She offers expression therapy and addiction recovery support services.  She is planning an event on Saturday, September 7, at West Art. 
• Chris Ballentine with Willow Valley Communities and Southern Market invited everyone to try their newest food stand vendor – Cabbage Hill Schnitzel Haus, at Southern Market.
• Martika Bair introduced herself to the group. She works at a new non-profit called EmpowerED Futures Foundation that is dedicated to improving the lives of school-aged youth living in poverty in our community.  She is looking for sponsors for an event on Sunday, August 11.  If interested, contact her at support@empowered.org
• Kate Farbo introduced her new business – Prism Thrift and was excited to announce she will be opening her new business at 101NQ and will offer queer joy through sustainable fashion.
• Alan Freidland with Ream Jewelers shared he has been a proud merchant in the Downtown for 89 years. His store offers watch and jewelry repair services.
• Carole Kirchner with SoWe announced they will celebrate National Night Out on Tuesday, August 6, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at St. Joseph Church (440 St. Joseph Street, 17603)
• Michelle Patterson introduced herself to the group. She and her husband own HEIUKKO, a woodworking shop at 735 Lafayette Street in SoWe that specializes in custom Nordic-inspired furniture and woodcraft classes.
• Carli Bilindabagabo with INGOMA Films shared a flyer announcing Kickin’ up Kindness, a special sweet sixteen celebration for Girls on the Run. The event will be held October 17, at 5 p.m. at Excelsior.  Sponsorship opportunities are available here.  
• Emi Nissley-Rafaj introduced herself to the group. She is the Director of Hotel Operations at the Cork Factory Hotel. 
• Dave Aichele with the Lancaster DID shared that posters and postcards are available for the It’s Ok to Say No to Panhandling campaign. A QR code is now included to direct donations to the service organizations who are assisting the homeless population. 
• Jean-Marie Merkle with Happy Happy Joy Joy has her website up and running and is now offering online shopping. Her store on East King Street has been open for two months. 
• Michael Lynn Wherley with Keystone Claws will celebrate their one-year anniversary on August 11.
• Andrew Silvius with ESO Arts invited everyone to stop by for First Friday on August 2, for a Meet and Greet with the Black Artist Waystation
• David Wenger shared that the Fall Merchant Mixer will be held Monday, October 7 at The Exchange. Save the date on your calendar!
• Heather Bowers introduced herself to the group. She is the owner of Skin Revision and just opened her business at 227 North Duke Street. 

Member Spotlight

Kathlene Sullivan introduced Dr. Scott McGillivray, owner of OWL Chiropractic (Optimal Wellness For Life).  OWL Chiropractic has been in business for almost 10 years and is located at 247 N. Shippen Street.  They were recently voted the #1 Chiropractor in Lancaster!  View the full presentation here.

Special Presentation

Marshall Snively introduced Commissioners John McGrann and Tony Dastra from the Home Rule Study Commission.   This special presentation shares crucial information about the work of the Home Rule Study Commission.  This initiative offers the City additional tools to manage expenses and explore alternative revenue sources beyond property taxes. 

View the full presentation here.

For information on the Home Rule Study Commission, please visit the City of Lancaster website. Recorded meetings are available for viewing. You can also subscribe for updates directly from the Home Rule Study Commission page on the City’s website.

Vice President of City Council, Jaime Arroyo, suggested that attendees view the Home Rule Study Commission meeting from May 23, 2024, which can be viewed here.

He also extended an invitation to attend the October 12 City Council meeting at 10:00 AM. During this session, the 2025 budgets will be reviewed, featuring two prepared versions: one projecting outcomes if the Home Rule Study is adopted, and another if it is not.

MIM Committee Report

Mike Williams introduced Michael Chiodo, Chair of the MIM Committee PRIDE 365 Lancaster City Campaign, who could not attend this month’s meeting but introduced the campaign via pre-recorded video.

PRIDE 365 Lancaster City posters and signs ideal for hanging in windows, point-of-sale locations, or other key spots have been created.  They are available FREE of charge for any City of Lancaster business that wishes to display them all year long. We will also include your business on a list of safe and welcoming spaces in the City of Lancaster.

Special thanks to Goodthree for designing the PRIDE 365 Lancaster City logo and collateral. 

**REGISTER to participate in PRIDE 365 Lancaster City here!

Closing Remarks

Marshall Snively thanked everyone for their attendance this morning and encouraged everyone to return next month.

Next Merchant Meeting – August 21, 2024 – The Ware Center