Special Presentation
Discover Lancaster Quarterly Update
Pictured left to right: Marshall Snively, President, Lancaster City Alliance; Jeffrey Vasser, President & CEO, Discover Lancaster; Colleen Wagner, LCA Vice President of Administration & Relations; Dave Aichele, Executive Director of the Downtown Investment District.
At the October Merchant Meeting, Jeffrey Vasser, President & CEO of Discover Lancaster, launched a new series of quarterly updates designed to keep Lancaster City’s small business community informed, connected, and positioned to benefit from the region’s growing tourism industry.
Vasser shared highlights of Discover Lancaster’s fall and holiday marketing campaigns, national media coverage, and initiatives promoting Lancaster as a premier visitor destination. He also discussed opportunities surrounding the 2027 James Beard Awards and upcoming events that will bring additional attention to the region.
For Lancaster City’s small businesses, these updates provide valuable insight into the campaigns, events, and tourism trends that attract visitors to our community. By staying informed, local retailers, restaurants, galleries, and hospitality businesses can better anticipate visitor activity, capitalize on promotional opportunities, and turn increased tourism into stronger customer connections and economic growth.
This new quarterly series strengthens the connection between Discover Lancaster and the businesses that help make the City of Lancaster such a compelling destination.
Special Presentation: ASSETS Lancaster
The Business of Belonging: Inclusive Customer Service Practices
Pictured left to right: Marshall Snively, President, Lancaster City Alliance; Maian McCauley, CEO at ASSETS; Alissa Calhoun, Entrepreneur Training Coordinator, ASSETS; Colleen Wagner, LCA Vice President of Administration & Relations; Dave Aichele, Executive Director of the Downtown Investment District.
Maian McCauley, CEO, and Alissa Calhoun, Entrepreneur Training Coordinator at ASSETS, shared how creating a welcoming, inclusive customer experience is not only the right thing to do – it’s smart business.
Their presentation explored how everyday interactions, thoughtful communication, and small changes in business practices can make customers feel seen, respected, and valued. They encouraged attendees to look beyond the transaction and recognize how a genuine sense of belonging builds trust, inspires customer loyalty, and strengthens community connections.
The takeaway was simple but powerful: When people feel they belong, businesses and communities thrive.
Presentation: Lancaster City for the Holidays
Unwrapping the Magic of the 2026 Holiday Season!
Pictured left to right: Marshall Snively, President, Lancaster City Alliance; Kristen Simon, City of Lancaster Bureau Chief of Tourism; DJ Ramsay, Lancaster City Communications Manager; Ruby Mundok, Lancaster City Social Media and Tourism Marketing Manager; Colleen Wagner, LCA Vice President of Administration & Relations; Dave Aichele, Executive Director of the Downtown Investment District.
Kristen Simon, Bureau Chief of Tourism, and Ruby Mundok, Social Media and Tourism Marketing Manager for the City of Lancaster, offered an exciting preview of Lancaster City’s 2026 holiday celebrations and the many opportunities for local businesses to get involved.
From the Mayor’s Tree Lighting and Small Business Saturday to December First Friday and Lancaster Shops Late, the presentation highlighted a festive lineup of events designed to bring visitors Downtown, encourage local shopping, and support our small business community.
The team also shared new promotional initiatives, including the Fig Retail Guide, Holiday Window Decorating Contest, and seasonal marketing campaigns, along with practical ways businesses can participate, attract customers, and make the most of the holiday shopping season.
Don't Miss Out! Holiday Participation Deadline Is October 31!
Presentation: ExtraGive 2026
How Your Business Can Harness the Power of the ExtraGive.
Pictured left to right: Marshall Snively, President, Lancaster City Alliance; Caroline Ulrich, Communications Associate, Lancaster County Community Foundation; Val Schade, Communications Manager, Lancaster County Community Foundation; Colleen Wagner, LCA Vice President of Administration & Relations; Dave Aichele, Executive Director of the Downtown Investment District.
Valentina Schade, Communications Manager for the Lancaster County Community Foundation, shared how local businesses can become part of the ExtraGive 2026 – Lancaster County’s largest day of giving on Friday, November 20, while strengthening their connections to the community.
Her presentation highlighted creative, practical ways businesses can partner with nonprofits, from hosting collaborative events and developing special products to participating in promotional campaigns that increase visibility and encourage customer engagement. She also introduced marketing resources and opportunities to help businesses make the most of ExtraGive’s countywide reach.
The message was inspiring: ExtraGive isn’t just about making donations. It’s about bringing businesses, nonprofits, and neighbors together to celebrate generosity, build meaningful relationships, and make Lancaster County stronger.
Presentation: Impact of the Lancaster County Convention Center
Results of the Joint LCCC│LCA Survey
Kevin Molloy, Executive Director of the Lancaster County Convention Center Authority, presented key findings from a joint business impact survey conducted with Lancaster City Alliance, offering valuable insights into how Lancaster County Convention Center events influence the City of Lancaster’s economy, customer traffic, and local businesses.
The findings revealed that 41% of surveyed merchants reported business increases of 5% or more during Convention Center events, while a separate economic impact study estimated the Convention Center generated $56.3 million in economic activity for the City of Lancaster in 2025.
Beyond the numbers, Kevin explored opportunities for stronger collaboration, better communication, and more effective ways to connect the Lancaster County Convention Center visitors with City of Lancaster shops, restaurants, and businesses.
The takeaway: The Convention Center is a powerful economic driver, and strengthening its connections with our local business community can create even greater opportunities for the City of Lancaster.
