FALL 2026
THE PEOPLE ISSUE
Behind every business is a team of people making decisions, solving problems and driving growth & success.
Homesale Realty: The Engine Behind the Experience pg. 10 Discover Lancaster: Honoring the Frontline pg. 13 Champions for Our Business Community pg. 22
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Featured Stories Behind every business are the people who make it possible. This issue of Thriving! highlights the individuals and teams shaping Lancaster County’s business community, from emerging leaders and skilled professionals to volunteers and those working behind the scenes. Through their stories, we explore how organizations are investing in their people, building strong teams and creating opportunities to grow. Read on to meet the people whose talent, ideas and contributions help Lancaster County businesses and communities thrive.
The opinions expressed in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.
EDITOR & CONTENT MANAGER: Justin W. Johnson Director of Marketing & Communications Lancaster Chamber jjohnson@lancasterchamber.com Alex Gutierrez Creative Design & Communications Specialist agutierrez@lancasterchamber.com Aliyah Mengel Marketing & Communications Coordinator Lancaster Chamber amengel@lancasterchamber.com ©2026 All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be reproduced electronically or in print without the expressed written permission of the publisher. Lancaster Thriving!
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Contents 10
The Engine Behind the Experience Meet the team behind the transactions that keep Homesale Realty moving forward.
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Honoring the Frontline Honoring the people behind Lancaster County’s welcoming and memorable visitor experiences.
COVER PHOTO: This collage features teams and individuals from businesses and organizations across the County, including many of the people whose stories, perspectives and workplaces are highlighted throughout this issue.
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22
Putting names and faces behind local businesses helps turn transactions into lasting relationships.
Meet the volunteers helping Lancaster County businesses connect and engage.
The People Behind the Business
Champions for our Business Community
26 | Advocacy Update 27 | Out & About: Member Ribbon Cuttings & Grand Openings 29 | Welcome New Members 30 | Lancaster Chamber Upcoming Events 31 | Lancaster Chamber Member Anniversaries
Spread the Word #LCThriving #LancasterThriving #HoffPubs #LancChamber
A Letter from Heather Valudes
President & CEO of the Lancaster Chamber
As I thought about these answers, I realized how many of them truly do come back to one thing: people. The Chamber is an organization, but it is also made up of people—our staff, our members, our volunteers, our Board and countless others who contribute their time, expertise, ideas and energy to the work we do. The same is true for every business and organization represented in this issue. Behind every successful organization is a team of people making decisions, solving problems and figuring out what comes next. Sometimes it’s a big idea, but more often it’s a small one that makes a big
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difference. It can be the employee who notices something or this issue of Thriving!, we asked various businesses to have their team members complete a series of sentences. So, I figured that to kick off this issue, I’d answer some of
them, too! • The best part about being on this team is... knowing that the work we do has an impact beyond our organization and we get to help businesses succeed and help make Lancaster County stronger. • One thing I love about working here is... the variety. No two days are the same, and I’m constantly learning something new. • What makes our team special is... how much people care. We challenge each other, support each other and genuinely want to see our members and our community succeed. • I’m proud of the work we do because... we don’t just talk about what is needed; we bring people together to do something about it. • My favorite part of my job is... the relationships. I’ve had the privilege of meeting, learning from and working with so many incredible leaders, entrepreneurs and community members through the Chamber. • The people I work with are... smart, passionate and hardworking. They bring a lot of energy and a lot of different ideas and approaches to the table, and we are better because of it. • One thing that keeps me motivated is... seeing an idea turn into something that makes a real difference. • Working in Lancaster County means... being part of a
isn’t working and takes the time to fix it. The person who stays a few extra minutes to make sure a customer gets what they need. The manager who sees something in an employee and gives them an opportunity. Or the coworker who knows a teammate is stretched thin and jumps in without being asked. That is exactly what we wanted to highlight in this issue of Thriving!: the people behind the work. Throughout it, you’ll meet some of the individuals who make Lancaster County businesses successful, from hospitality professionals and business owners to employees and emerging leaders. You’ll also meet some of the people behind the Chamber, our Ambassadors and volunteers who help make our work possible. All of these roles are different, but there is a common thread: people are what make an organization work. And when businesses invest in their people, they strengthen more than their own organization; they strengthen this County, too, and we all benefit. So, as you read through this issue, I hope you’ll look beyond the businesses themselves and get to know the people behind them. Ask yourself: What motivates them? What are they proud of? What have they learned recently? And maybe most importantly, pay attention to the things they love about their work and the people they work with. There is a lot we can learn from a business by looking at its people. We’re fortunate to have a lot of good people doing a lot of good work in Lancaster County. This issue is about celebrating them. Cheers!
community where business and community are connected. • One word that describes our team is... intentional, because we’re constantly listening to our members and thinking about how our programming can respond to what businesses are actually experiencing.
4 | LANCASTER Thriving! | Fall 2026
Heather Valudes President & CEO, Lancaster Chamber
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The People
Behind the Chamber Behind the work and impact of the Lancaster Chamber is a team of 18 people committed to serving our members and strengthening Lancaster County’s business community. But the work of the Chamber extends far beyond our staff. We rely on the time, expertise, perspectives and leadership of Board members, advisory committee members, volunteers and other engaged business professionals who work alongside us throughout the year. They help us better understand the needs of businesses, shape our programs and initiatives, strengthen connections across industries and move important work forward. The Chamber is built on collaboration, and these individuals are an extension of our team, helping us create opportunities and advance shared success across Lancaster County. Thank you to the business and community members who share their time, talent and expertise through volunteering with the Chamber!
6 | LANCASTER Thriving! | Fall 2026
BOARD OF TRUSTEES Vanessa Philbert Community Action Partnership of Lancaster
Larissa Galambos Landmark Homes Rachel Gallagher Park City Center
Eric Wenger RKL, LLP
Lisa Hawthorne Willow Valley Communities
Matt Parido Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health
Dr. Tommy Kiedis Lancaster Bible College
Stacy Whisel Godfrey Dara Bachman Fulton Private Bank Lindsey M. Cook Barley Snyder Aimee Deraco Brubaker Inc. Jocelyn Engle Engle Printing & Publishing
Brad Mowbray High Real Estate Group Dr. Erik Orndorff Pequea Valley School District Michael Reynolds Lancaster Stormers Dan Sahd Sahd Metal Recycling DaWit Teklai Direct Wire
ADVOCACY COMMITTEE Paul Chase Off-Ramp Advisors David Hanson Fulton Financial Advisors Diane Tyson Jerry Eckert Hourglass Robert Reilly WellSpan Health Jenn Diaz Leadership Lancaster
Mark Heath McKonly & Asbury, LLP Larissa Galambos Landmark Homes Donald Thomas Janney Montgomery Scott, LLC Grant Markley BRT, Inc. Dereck Fritz Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Homesale Realty AUDIT COMMITTEE
Adam Aurand School District of Lancaster
Tiffany Bender Trout CPA
Brad Scovill C&N Bank
Rebecca Walck Simon Lever
Jeff Ouellet Appel Yost LLP
Eric Wenger RKL LLP
Scott Fiore TriStarr
Mark Heath McKonly & Asbury, LLP
Seth Lupton Lupton Law
Larissa Galambos Landmark Homes
Marc Tomljanovich Millersville University
BIZCORP BOARD
Diesha Cooper Execuly
Eric Munro Wohlsen Construction Company
Matt Parido Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health
Doug Groff Scenic Ridge Company
Steven Geisenberger Walz Group
Eric Kazda QNTM
Geoffrey Eddowes Joshua Cohen Penn Medicine Lancaster McNees Wallace & Nurick, LLC General Health Sheilah Borne Penn State Health
Rachel Gallagher Park City Center
Kelly Palmer PPL
Mark Smith Fulton Bank, N.A.
FINANCE COMMITTEE
AG ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Karen Shenk Trout CPA
Sam Kulp Univest Financial
Rebecca Walck Simon Lever
Austin Benner The Wenger Group
Eric Wenger RKL LLP
Korina King Paragon Poultry Management Group
Chloe Patrick Paragon Poultry Management Group Alayna Harrell New Holland North America / CNH Industrial America LLC Jebediah Musser Lancaster Farmland Trust DISCOVERING PATHS ADVISORY GROUP Sean O’Brien Precision Cobotics Christina Myers Vericast Mackenzie Bender Spooky Nook Sports Rob Taylor Sight & Sound Melissa Jeanes Melissa Jeanes LLC Sarah Kemble Leadership Lancaster Lisa Horn Kitchen Kettle Foods, Inc. Jinada Rochelle Jinada Rochelle LLC Daisy Detwiler ITT Engineered Valves, LLC Kyra Melleby Myers Highmark Blue Shield/United Concordia Dental Heather Long Goodhart Sons Inc. Ben Gingrich Franklin & Marshall College John Smucker CoffeeCo Michele Solt CGA Architects Roger Armstrong B.R. Kreider & Son, Inc. Rhonda Harrison
Matt Howard Komatsu Company YOUNG PROFESSIONAL NETWORK ADVISORY GROUP Alex Spease TAIT Towers Sierra Pompey Tower Marketing Zach Wilson The H&H Group Greta Chavey Senior Financial Analyst, Corporate FP&A Augusto Torres PNC Financial Services Group Jay Gonzalez Merrill Lynch Abby Wurzbach MANTEC Mannie Rivera Leadership Lancaster Kim Lam Lancaster County Workforce Development Board Brandon McMinn Eurofins Lancaster Laboratories, Inc. Maddy Eby Ephrata National Bank Kelsey Benjamin Engle-Hambright & Davies, Inc. (EHD) WOMEN IN BUSINESS ADVISORY GROUP Linda Toth SCORE Lancaster Chapter No. 16 Ruby Nolt R. Nolt Consulting, LLC Corin Dundore Northwestern Mutual Nichole Mussa Sabil Lancaster Bible College
ASSETS
Kate Lowry Higher Information Group
Brian Rutter ACTS Retirement-Life Communities
Krista Mamet Conrad Siegel
LancasterChamber.com
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Emily Whitaker Cargas Systems Ann Marie Knorr–Fischer BRP Entertainment Salena Coachman Armstrong World Industries, Inc. EXCELLENCE ADVISORY GROUP Sally Bredeman North Group Consultants Jenn Diaz Leadership Lancaster Bill Stratton EOS Worldwide - Bill Stratton
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Lisa Stokes BRP Entertainment
Erik Orndorff Pequea Valley School District
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Ty Sheaffer Kitchen Kettle Foods, Inc.
Kathy Martin Armstrong World Industries, Inc.
WORKFORCE ADVISORY GROUP
Lindsay McGuire High Hotels Ltd.
Suzi Knowles Herbein
Tonya Aument Fulton Bank, N.A.
Robert Morrison Capital Blue Cross
Kellee Morales Cargas Systems
LT
Val Hatfield Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology Kristin Miller TAIT Towers Manufacturing LLC 8 | LANCASTER Thriving! | Fall 2026
Meet the Team Spotlight
HINKLE INSURANCE Hinkle Insurance Agency is an independent, family-run insurance agency that has served Lancaster, PA, and surrounding communities since 1976. We help individuals, families and businesses protect what matters most through personal, business and life insurance solutions. As an independent agency, we can work with multiple insurance carriers and focus on finding the right blend of coverage, price and service for each client rather than taking a one-sizefits-all approach. What makes Hinkle unique is a combination of a 50-year local history and a close-knit, nine-person team. The agency is second-generation owned with three generations committed to the business, and our culture is built around genuine relationships, trusted guidance, education and treating clients like people. Together, the team supports clients across personal, commercial and life insurance. Leadership helps guide the agency and its long-term direction; producers and service staff work directly with clients on coverage, questions, changes and day-to-day needs; the marketing team helps communicate the agency’s personality and community presence; and office support helps keep the operation organized and responsive. Because we are a small team, people regularly work across roles and help one another so clients can receive efficient and effective answers to solutions without delay. Insurance can be complicated, stressful and time-sensitive, so communication matters. Everyone brings different strengths to the table, but nobody operates on an island. We step in for each other, share information and work together to get problems solved as quickly as possible. We also want this to feel like a real, human place to work and do business. Insurance knowledge and experience matter, but so do personality, humor, community involvement and being willing to pick up the phone and have an actual conversation. That combination allows us to provide knowledgeable insurance guidance while still delivering the personal, small-town service Hinkle Insurance has been known for over the past 50 years.
IN THEIR OWN WORDS
In the photo: Back Row: Becky Goodman, Zach Miller, Erica Hannan, Andrew Porter, Marlo Dentici Front Row: Molly Miller, Karyn Miller, Luke Mosch, Stacie Young making your coverages understandable and our relationships feel neighborly and natural.” — Andrew Porter One accomplishment I’m most proud of is… “earning my CISR designation this year, which gives me expert insight and lets me help our clients more effectively.” — Molly Miller What makes our team special is… “everyone on the team genuinely wants to do the best thing for our clients. We do not just sell policies; we take time to advise and educate. Our emphasis is on understanding and informed decisionmaking. Everyone seems to enjoy working here, which makes for a great client experience.” — Luke Mosch I am proud of the work we do because… “we truly are here to help people. Help bring an understanding of insurance and help them when they have something big like a claim, or something small like a question. So much of what we do is assisting our clients with whatever they need, not just selling them policies.” — Karyn Miller Working in Lancaster County means… “the world to us. Helping the very community where we put down roots is something we are both proud of and passionate about.” — Zach Miller One thing that keeps me motivated is… “my role in making a difference through my thorough and methodical work style.” — Erica Hannan LT
My role makes a difference by … “helping our personal and commercial clients understand the coverage options that they have available to them.” — Becky Goodman One thing I love about working here is… “my co-workers. They make this a great place to work!” — Stacie Young One thing that keeps me motivated is… “insurance can feel confusing and insurance agents often seem unrelatable. I’m part of a team that actively works to debunk these myths by
705 Olde Hickory Rd, Lancaster, PA hinkleinsurance.com
LancasterChamber.com
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The Engine Behind the Experience: How Homesale Realty’s Unsung Heroes Drive Real Estate Success In real estate, most people focus on the agent standing next to the “Sold” sign. But behind every seamless transaction at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Homesale Realty is a dedicated operational engine working alongside our mortgage, title, insurance and property management teams. Homesale Realty has reimagined the traditional real estate model, creating a collaborative environment where administrative professionals are key to agent success and client satisfaction. Rethinking the Real Estate Model For decades, real estate relied on an isolated approach: single agents tied to one office, supported by a single manager and one administrative assistant. Recognizing that modern clients and agents need specialized support, Homesale Realty introduced regional support teams across clustered offices. For example, the company’s Lancaster 5 cluster links offices in North Pointe, Centerville, Elizabethtown, Mt. Joy and Quarryville, while Ephrata connects with Berks and Schuylkill counties in the Eastern 3 cluster. These teams provide focused backing in office leadership, administration, finance, compliance, marketing, tech support and relocation. “We’ve always led the way—being the first to embrace a multi-county suburban office model, the first to integrate
10 | LANCASTER Thriving! | Fall 2026
mortgage, title, insurance and property management, and the first local company to embrace the web,” noted Paul H. Slaugh, Jr., Homesale chairman. “We like to look around corners, spot the next trend and be ready for it.” At the heart of this change is a modernized administrative structure designed to reduce day-to-day friction. By handling complex paperwork and logistics, administrative professionals free agents to do what they do best: guide buyers, sellers and business owners throughout Lancaster County. Built for Precision and Teamwork Central to this model is the updated Sales Transaction Administrator role. Beyond standard data entry, these administrators handle listing reviews, verify compliance, track earnest money deposits, issue settlement notices, coordinate escrow checks and keep transactions on schedule. To maintain continuous support and avoid delays, Homesale set up a unified team structure led by a Transaction Administration Manager and regional Team Leaders. Standardized procedures mean that if one office experiences a spike in volume, team members from nearby locations step in seamlessly.
continued
is often one of life’s biggest financial decisions. Having a dedicated team tracking details, compliance and deposits minimizes risk and helps ensure smooth, on-time closings. Recognizing Our Lancaster County Administrative Team: Homesale Realty’s success across Lancaster County stems from the attention to detail, years of experience and teamwork of the dedicated administrative staff, including: To keep transaction staff focused on contract details, marketing tasks—such as social media graphics and Premiere Listing packages—were assigned to a specialized Agent Services Team, playing to everyone’s strengths and leveraging the power of specialization. At the same time, administrators foster a welcoming office atmosphere. They greet visitors, field calls, coordinate vendor schedules, assist with meetings and ensure agents have the resources they need. Operational care is built directly into the client experience. “We are not only improving efficiency—which is critical—but we are improving the customer experience and career paths for our staff,” said CEO Rod Messick. “With this structure, our top administrative staff can advance into Team Lead or department manager roles.”
Gail Tomlinson – Sales Transaction Administrator (Lancaster 5)
Janice Kinard – Sales Transaction Administrator (Lancaster 5)
Marion Weachter – Sales Transaction Administrator (Lancaster 5)
Jen Martin – Sales Transaction Administrator Team Lead (Lancaster 5)
Stronger Client Support and Community Connections For local residents and businesses, strong administrative support brings peace of mind. Buying or selling real estate
ENGINEERING AND SURVEYING EXCELLENCE SINCE 1973
By investing in its people, fostering cross-regional collaboration and building a supportive workplace culture, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Homesale Realty proves that behind every thriving business is an extraordinary team working together. LT
OUR SERVICES • Wastewater Engineering • Water Facilities Engineering • Municipal Engineering • Planning & Site Design • Traff ic & Transportation Engineering • Structural Engineering • Environmental Engineering • Surveying • Construction Phase Services • Grants & Funding • GIS & IT
Renee Reese – Sales Transaction Administrator (Eastern 3)
CONTACT US TODAY: Lancaster, PA Office 2173 Embassy Drive, Fourth Floor Lancaster, PA 17603 717-997-4750
BY ROD MESSICK,
Scan me!
Chief Executive Officer, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices | Homesale Realty
LancasterChamber.com
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Meet the Team Spotlight
MOSER ROOFING Moser Roofing, in short, is a commercial roofing company. What we really do, though, is protect people, products and other business assets through roofing. At Moser Roofing Solutions, our job starts with understanding the businesses we serve. Every facility is different, which means every customer has different priorities. Our team takes the time to learn about each company’s products, operations and even production schedule so we can find the best solution for their roofing needs while working around their timeline as much as possible. Knowing about the business under the roof is crucial in finding solutions that will last above. Our motto, “Your Roof Protects Your Business. We Protect Your Roof,” reflects that approach. Our goal first and foremost is to help keep our customers’ businesses up and running because we understand that time is money. Regular inspections and preventative maintenance are an important part of what our team does, helping customers address smaller concerns before they become large disruptions. Making that happen takes a team. Our team includes the technicians working on the roof as well as those coordinating projects, communicating with customers, inspecting & estimating, coordinating with manufacturers, scheduling crews, managing safety, processing billing and overall keeping everything moving behind the scenes. Our biweekly Friday Safety and Culture meetings give us an opportunity to stay up to date on safety procedures as well as come together and talk as a whole company. We have core values of Team Before Self, Never Compromise, Grit and 100% Customer Satisfaction to help us focus on areas we can keep improving in. Everyone comes from different backgrounds in the roofing industry and is always happy to share their experience when it is needed for unique challenges we find. Everyone genuinely wants to find the best solutions for our customers that last. At the end of the day, roofing may be our trade, but protecting businesses is our purpose. And accomplishing that takes every member of the Moser Roofing Solutions team.
IN THEIR OWN WORDS The best part about being on this team is... “we have fun. You can tell that everyone here genuinely cares about each other and wants to lift each other up.” — Caleb Stoltzfus, Estimator One thing I love about working here is... “the culture and the people. It is a different place than where I used to work. It truly feels like a team environment where everyone truly cares about each other like a family.” — Evan Schell, Operations Manager Every day, I get to... “wake up and feel good about providing for my family alongside a company that cares about its employees as much as the quality of work we do.” — Tyler Snyder, Service Foreman What makes our team special is... “our diversity of background and experience. This strength of diversity allows for collaborative problemsolving with outside of the box solutions.” — Nick Zdrojowy, Service Foreman 12 | LANCASTER Thriving! | Fall 2026
I’m proud of the work we do because... “we are helping people. It is hard to put it into words, so an example is last year, a roof of an apartment complex building in Lancaster had blown off on a Sunday morning. We knew we needed to drop everything to fix it, so our crew showed up in our Sunday best coming straight from church. We ended up getting it sealed up in time and later went back to properly fix it. All we wanted to do was help them in our hearts.” — Edgar Avalos, Project Manager My favorite part of my job is… “that no two jobs are alike. There’s a lot of diversity in the role.” — Jason Kraft, Roofing Consultant The people I work with are... “the reason I come to work every day.” — Justin Leedom, Service Manager One thing that keeps me motivated is... “the opportunity for personal growth and mastering my skills while being with a growing company.” — Victor Hernandez, Production Technician Working in Lancaster County means... “well, when I first came to Lancaster in 2009, I met with a mentor and explained to him what I hoped to do as a contractor in this area. He looked at me and said, ‘Josh, there is room for another Commercial Roofing Contractor. If you commit to the hard task of doing good work, honor your commitments, own the mistakes that come along the way, and focus on people before profit, you will find a warm welcome, but you’ll need to be patient, and it will take time.’ Lancaster County has become a great place to call home for me, my family and the entire Moser Roofing Solutions team. I am grateful for the relationships I’ve made here. Lancaster is more than just a place to work, it is our home.” — Josh Moser, Owner of Moser Roofing Solutions One word that describes our team is... “driven, because... we all are determined to help people in anyway that we can and our passion drives us to do better every day. I believe this has honestly led us to grow as fast as we have as a company. I think people can feel how driven we are as a company because the people that we have brought on carry that same energy too.” — Janet Hershey, Marketing Associate One accomplishment I’m most proud of is... “our integrity to stand behind our work. If there’s an issue, we’ll always take care of the problem.” — Steve Butzer, Roofing Consultant My role makes a difference by... “training my team to correctly identify the needs of customers to keep them up and running.” — Ian Rammel, Sales Manager LT 1805 Olde Homestead Ln, Lancaster, PA moserroofingsolutions.com
Honoring the Frontline
Discover Lancaster’s Host Awards
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n today’s tourism industry, we rarely recognize housekeepers, servers and other back-of-the-house staff in a way that is commensurate with the important role they play.
Here in Lancaster County, we set out to change that earlier this year with our first annual Discover Lancaster Host Awards—open to all tourism & hospitality properties throughout the county. The event provided a wonderful showcase to recognize our front-line employees—the people who create that all-important first impression for our guests and whose service can often make or break someone’s visit here. The celebration of our finalists & winners took place before an enthusiastic audience of over 500 via an upbeat and elegant awards-style show on the evening of March 2nd at American Music Theatre.
Nominations were received from industry managers throughout the county and judged by a panel of local tourism professionals, based on qualities like dedication, creativity and kindness. And in just its first year, we received over 250 nominations in 24 categories—from Best Lodging Groundskeeper to Best Attractions Stage Manager to Best Bartender. We also gave out the Leadership in Hospitality Award, honoring an exceptional individual who has made a lasting impact on Lancaster County tourism. The inaugural edition of this award went to a very deserving John Smucker, CEO of Bird-in-Hand Corporation, whose 70+ years of commitment to the family business—and our industry—have helped shape it into one of the area’s most enduring hospitality destinations.
LancasterChamber.com
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As a vital piece of our local economy with a more than $3.5 billion financial impact annually, tourism takes that leadership role very seriously by investing in its people, and we are so appreciative of the part the Host Awards can play in that. It was gratifying to see the well-earned pride and happiness in the faces of our honorees on a night that for many of them was probably the biggest occasion in their hospitality careers. Not only were all of the nominees dressed to impress, but they also brought their families, co-workers and friends to support them. And the camaraderie among all our fellow professionals in attendance was very special, as we thought of each other as one community and not as competitors. That, to me, is the true magic of the Host Awards. Recognizing front-line staff who are too often unsung, and in so doing, also recognizing that they are what truly makes Lancaster County’s tourism and hospitality community so special for the millions of travelers who visit us each year. Nominations for the 2027 Host Awards are due January 20th, and the event will take place on March 15th. For more information, just search “Host Awards” on DiscoverLancaster.com.
Best Server - Buffets & Smorgasbords • Sharon Clark, Dutch Apple Dinner Theater • Linda Crawford, Bird-in-Hand Family Restaurant-Winner • Alyssa Kambic, Miller’s Smorgasbord • Linda Meunier, Miller’s Smorgasbord • Dawn Peters, Hershey Farm Resort Smorgasbord Best Host/Hostess • Kristy Adams, Lancaster Stormers
So please join us and get involved as we grow this wonderful celebration together!
• Sidney Berntheizel, Forklift & Palate
DISCOVER LANCASTER HOST AWARD FINALISTS & WINNERS Winners highlighted
• Kimberly Martin, Chick-fil-A
Dining
Best Food & Beverage Support
Best Server - Banquet or Fine Dining in a Restaurant
• Colleeen Hambright, TES, Inc.
• Heather Esbenshade, Kitchen Kettle Village
• Kate Oster, Speckled Hen
• Jamie Homberger, Belvedere Inn
• Robert Smith, Eden Resort & Suites
• Kaitlyn Kozma, Eden Resort & Suites
• Carl Sydnor, Kitchen Kettle Village-Winner
• M.J. Music, Kitchen Kettle Village
• Sarah Williamson, Kitchen Kettle Village
• Ray Mako, Proof Lancaster-Winner • Zina Redcay, Bird-in-Hand Family Restaurant
• Jamie Shaffer, The Imperial Restaurant-Winner Best Cook or Baker Best Server - Casual Dining in a Restaurant • Kiana Colon, Pizzeria Luca-Winner
• Rachel Hall, The Harvest Cafe at Kitchen Kettle VillageWinner
• Linda Crawford, Bird-in-Hand Family Restaurant
• Helen Harter, Fireside Tavern
• Shannon Fleming, Zoetropolis
• Gavin Oppel, Kitchen Kettle Village
• Matt Lau, Speckled Hen
• Colleen Pendleton, Pheasant Run Farm Bed & Breakfast
• Anthony McKinney, Eden Resort & Suites
• Faith Reimold, Speckled Hen
14 | LANCASTER Thriving! | Fall 2026
Best Visitor Information/Concierge/Service Personnel • Milt Hostetter, Kitchen Kettle Village-Winner Best Bartender
• Kate Hufnagel, Holiday Inn Lancaster
• Dallis Broderick & Sara Blankenstein, KōLE Chophouse
• Christine Weaver, Discover Lancaster
• Shannon Johnson, Brunnerville Hotel • Jordan Riker, Fireside Tavern-Winner • Phil Thomas, Deerfoot Downtown • Linda Wilkerson, Dutch Wonderland Best Barista, Brewer, Winemaker, Coffee Roaster • Kenan Angelino, Joe on the Go Coffee Co. • Easton Kaufman, Kitchen Kettle Village • Becky Naughton, Roasted Rooster at Kitchen Kettle Village-Winner • Ellie Shonk, Noel’s Cafe
Lodging Best Lodging Support (Door/Bell Person, Room/Food Service Personnel) • Edgar Almestica, Lancaster Marriott • Carlos Martinez, AmishView Inn & Suites-Winner • John Mitchell, Lancaster Marriott Best Facilities Operations & Groundskeeping • Chip Benke, Paradise Station-Winner • Steve Crotti, Eden Resort & Suites
• Jane Umbel, Joe on the Go Coffee Co.
• Darren Hackenburg, Spooky Nook Sports
Shopping
• Dave Zemlock, Kitchen Kettle Village
Best Craftsman • Lucas Huber, Lancaster Cast Iron-Winner • John Lapp, Lapp’s Toys • Daniel Smucker, Urban Southern Best Customer Service Representative • Barbara Carper, The Old Country Store • Angela DeAngelo, Deerskin Leather Shop at Kitchen Kettle Village-Winner • Kellee Paulillo, Kitchen Kettle Village • Christian Peterson, Village Soap Co. at Kitchen Kettle Village
• John Hartel, Hotel Rock Lititz
Best Front Desk/Guest Services Agent • Aliyah Christian, Dutch Wonderland • Christine Goldborne, Paradise Station • William Jackson, Old Millstream Campground at Dutch Wonderland • Diann Stoltzfus, Kitchen Kettle Village-Winner • Dominic Vivona, Lancaster Arts Hotel Best Room Attendant/Housekeeper • Jeimy Arias, AmishView Inn & Suites
• Suzanne Weischedel, Sight & Sound Theatres
• Fay Bennett, AmishView Inn & Suites-Winner
Best Retail Sales Associate
• Connie Marshall, Residence Inn Lancaster
• Miranda Anderson, Kitchen Kettle Village
• Jeannette Masika, AmishView Inn & Suites
• Felicia Lozano, The Inn at Leola Village
• Dylan Davis, Kitchen Kettle Village • Connie Enders, Fashion Cents Consignment-Winner • Abby Harrington, Sweetish • Dave Thomson, Kitchen Kettle Village LancasterChamber.com
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Best Security Personnel
Best Ticketbooth/Admissions Personnel
• Ben Frey, Sight & Sound Theatre
• Jennifer Almanza, Amish Farm and House
• William Johnson, Dutch Wonderland
• Victoria Mosuly, Strasburg Scooters & Tours
• Collin Kauffman, Sight & Sound Theatre • Eric Viera Millan, Dutch WonderlandWinner
• William Neely, Dutch Wonderland
• Louis Succoa, Dutch Wonderland
• Jacob Pfeffer, Go ‘N Bananas-Winner • Suzanne Weischedel, Sight & Sound Theatres
Attractions Best Activity Leader (Ex. Escape Room, Yoga, Art/Cooking)
Best Tour Guide/Interpreter
• Nick Cage, Refreshing Mountain Retreat & Adventure Center
• Mabel Bachini, Unique Lancaster Experiences
• Luke Hoheisel, Escape. On Queen
• Emma Beamer, Herr Foods Inc. - Snack Factory Tour
• Mia Perella, Kitchen Kettle Village
• Mary Ann Haines, Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery
• Megan Salvatore, Susquehanna National Heritage AreaWinner
• Valerie Reichenbach, Herr Foods Inc. - Snack Factory TourWinner
• Ashley Stewart, Go ‘N Bananas
• Sheryl Williams, Lititz Historical Foundation
Best Attraction Attendant/Operator
Best Usher
• Meredith Bac, Dutch Wonderland
• Jen Cole, Gretna Music
• Ken Baker, Dutch Wonderland-Winner
• Brad DeGroft, American Music Theatre
• Alice Howard, American Music Theater
• Naomi Marhefka, American Music Theatre-Winner
• Graham Luker, Dutch Wonderland Inn
• Dianne Newcomer, American Music Theatre
• Taylor Wilkerson, Dutch Wonderland
• Thomas Vinci, Sight & Sound Theatre
Best Local Entertainer/Musician (Ex. Musical Accompaniment, Supporting Crew)
Leadership in Hospitality Award John Smucker, CEO, Bird-in-Hand Corporation LT
• Perfect Harmony, Paradise Station-Winner • Michael Liggit, American Music Theatre • Andy Roberts, American Music Theatre BY JEFF VASSER ,
Best Stage Manager/Stage Crew Box Office Personnel Theater • Corey Eslinger, Long’s Park Amphitheater Foundation • Alice Howard, American Music Theatre • Anna Pennell, Dutch Wonderland-Winner • Dan Radlbeck, American Music Theatre • Megan Witkovsky, Prima Theatre
16 | LANCASTER Thriving! | Fall 2026
President & CEO, Discover Lancaster Contact Jeff at jvasser@discoverlancaster.com
Meet the Team Spotlight
LANCO FEDERAL CREDIT UNION
In the inset photo: Front Row L to R: Arleen Colomba, Branch Operations Specialist (149 E. King St); Christian Boyd, Branch Operations Specialist (Roseville Road); Cat Badillo Soto, Call Center Team Lead. Middle Row L to R: Donna Partridge, Senior Manager of Member Experience; Alondra Jusino, Member Specialist. Back Row L to R: Brianna Wilk, Branch Operations Specialist (Willow Street); Jim Gagliano, CEO
At Lanco Federal Credit Union, your banking experience centers around a financial partnership built on trust, local decision-making and putting people over profits. For over 60 years, we have helped the Lancaster community achieve its goals by offering comprehensive credit union member services designed for your daily life. We are community builders, dedicated to investing our time, talent and resources into the Lancaster Community. As a Lanco FCU member-owner, our members gain access to exclusive member benefits, intuitive digital tools and personalized support to help them confidently manage their finances. The mission statement at Lanco FCU is “Inspiring financial wellness through kindness, connection and education,” and we take this mission into consideration throughout our daily interactions with members and folks within the Lancaster community.
IN THEIR OWN WORDS
What makes our team special is… “our commitment to the Lancaster community.” I’m proud of the work we do… “because we make a difference in our members’ lives.” My favorite part of my job is… “every day provides an opportunity to be a difference maker.” The people I work with are… “the best of the best.” One thing that keeps me motivated is… “seeing the credit union succeed.” Working in Lancaster County means… “being collaborative with our local partners.” One word that describes our team is… “kind because… we always put our members first.” One accomplishment I’m most proud of is… “obtaining my recent certification.” My role makes a difference by… “making Lancaster County a better place each day.” — Cat Badillo Soto, Call Center Representative LT
The best part about being on this team is the sense of… “camaraderie.” One thing I love about working here is… “making a difference in our members’ lives.” Every day, I get to… “help members get closer to achieving their financial goals.”
149 E King St, Lancaster, PA lancofcu.com
LancasterChamber.com
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SPONSORED CONTENT
Investing in People:
Building Talent, Leadership and a Stronger Lancaster County Behind every successful business is a team of people making decisions, solving problems, serving customers and driving growth. While technology, strategy and innovation often receive the spotlight, it is people—and their knowledge, skills and leadership—that ultimately determine whether an organization can adapt and thrive. Across Lancaster County, employers face a rapidly changing workforce environment. New technologies, evolving customer expectations and increasingly complex business challenges require employees to continually expand their capabilities. For organizations committed to long-term success, investing in people is no longer simply an employee benefit. It is a business strategy. One important investment is helping employees build the credentials and capabilities needed to take on greater responsibility. Graduate degrees, professional certificates and executive education provide working professionals with new knowledge while allowing them to immediately apply what they learn to real-world challenges. For some, that means developing specialized expertise; for others, it means gaining the broader business perspective needed to become a more effective leader. Consider Gina Sweeney, a Lancaster native who found her calling in Human Resources and People & Culture. She returned to school to earn a master’s degree in Organizational Development and Leadership, strengthening her knowledge and confidence while opening new opportunities to advance people strategies, develop leaders and build high-performing teams. She also serves on the Board of Directors of ATD Central Pennsylvania, supporting the advancement of the talent development profession. Gina’s experience illustrates an important point: advanced education is not always about preparing for a new career. Sometimes, it provides the knowledge, confidence and credentials to become more effective in the career you have chosen—and create greater impact for the people and organization you serve. For Kevin Casey, earning an MBA represented a different opportunity. With an aerospace engineering degree and a career in business development, he sought a respected business education to strengthen his finance and business skills, better address complex problems and prepare for future people-management responsibilities. Today, as part of the Stryker Trauma team, he is proud to support work serving service members and first responders. Kevin’s journey demonstrates why business education has value well beyond traditional business functions. Finance,
18 | LANCASTER Thriving! | Fall 2026
strategy, analytics and leadership are increasingly important skills across virtually every industry. Understanding how an organization creates value—and how decisions in one part of a business affect another—makes professionals stronger contributors regardless of their job title. Healthcare provides another compelling example. Valerie Adams, Vice President of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer at WellSpan Good Samaritan Hospital, has accumulated extensive experience in patient safety, nursing, informatics and healthcare management. She was also part of an MBA cohort designed specifically for healthcare leaders at Penn Medicine Lancaster General Hospital. That experience provided another dimension that was key to her success: stronger business acumen and enhanced peopleleadership skills. That combination is increasingly essential. Today’s leaders must understand their profession while also managing budgets, evaluating investments, leading teams, interpreting data, navigating change and making strategic decisions. Technical expertise remains critical, but combining it with business and leadership skills can enable professionals to move organizations forward. The stories of Gina, Kevin and Valerie demonstrate the important role employers and educational institutions can play together. Tuition assistance, flexible scheduling, professional development and partnerships with colleges and universities can make advanced education more accessible to working professionals. At the same time, employees must take ownership of their development by identifying the skills and experiences they need to advance. Ultimately, it is about more than earning a credential. Employees gain skills and confidence, organizations build stronger teams and future leaders, and Lancaster County gains a more skilled and adaptable workforce. When we invest in people, we strengthen individual careers, businesses and the community we all share.
Use the link below to explore the Haub School’s AACSB accredited, Nationally-Ranked programs: https://www.sju.edu/ degree-program/haub-school-business/graduate.
Meet the Team Spotlight
LANCASTER AIRPORT AUTHORITY The airport team is like a family. Everyone has a sense of ownership, and it shows. Every division works in complete harmony with others to ensure that the entire airport meets its goal. To keep such a wide variety of aircraft and travelers moving smoothly every day, several operational layers must work in perfect synchronization. From air traffic, airlines, military, flight training, airfield operations and more, the airport staff manage a complex ecosystem. The Administration department functions as the business and operational core of the airport, managing everything required to keep the airport compliant, financially solvent and running smoothly. Airport Operations ensure that the airfield is safe and operational 24 hours a day. Fixed-Base Operator Alliance Aviation provides fueling, hangar space and ground handling operations, ensuring private pilots, corporate pilots and military personnel receive specialized support as needed or requested. Our team begins working as soon as the engines of a visiting aircraft shut down. Line service staff welcomes the crew and passengers to Lancaster and communicates their needs to our customer service team, who are prepared to offer their support before the crew and passengers ever enter the terminal building. New to the airport in October 2024, the Air Service division ensures the seamless operation of the Breeze air service that operates nonstop flights to Orlando twice a week. They handle everything from passenger check-in and baggage to boarding, deplaning, fueling, luggage and de-icing operations. When working on a project, we split a large project into areas of responsibility based on what we do and connect to ensure that everyone is working towards the same goal. What makes our team special is the impact we have on so many people. Every day at the airport is a different day, and our team must work together to be efficient and exceed our customers’ expectations.
IN THEIR OWN WORDS One word that describes our team is... ”dedicated” because... “Every day, the airport team manages a complex, constantly shifting puzzle—balancing the strict safety demands of commercial jets with the personal touch needed to welcome families traveling to Orlando, or the world. Their pride in the work, commitment to the local community and ability to keep a diverse aviation ecosystem running smoothly show a deep dedication to the flying public.” — Ed Foster, Airport Executive Director One accomplishment I’m most proud of is... “that the airport team and I brought mainline regional jet service from carriers like United and Breeze to the Lancaster Airport. This has completely changed the economic landscape for a
In the photo: Right to Left: Mark Tomlinson, General Manager, Alliance Aviation; Ed Foster, Airport Executive Director; Austin Beiler, Director, Operations & Development; Cheryl Martin, Director, Finance & Administration regional airport and provides a massive convenience for local travelers who would otherwise have to drive to larger hubs. Securing commitments from two major scheduled airlines requires an immense amount of coordination, market data analysis and persistence.” — Ed Foster, Airport Executive Director One thing I love about working here is... “that each day is different. Working at an airport is a special place as there are not ones on every corner! There is such a variety of activity that is neat to be a part of.” — Cheryl Martin, Director, Finance & Administration I’m proud of the work we do because... “the Lancaster Airport is a proud example to other airports of similar size and activities. The Airport strives to be operationally selfsufficient as well as provide a welcome service to the local community and to the aviation community at large.” — Cheryl Martin, Director, Finance & Administration The best part about being on this team is… “the common love of aviation shared by our staff.” — Mark Tomlinson, General Manager, Alliance Aviation One thing that keeps me motivated is... “the drive to ensure Alliance Aviation is the best fixed base operator (FBO) our customers will ever visit.” — Mark Tomlinson, General Manager, Alliance Aviation LT
500 Airport Rd, Lititz, PA lancasterairport.com LancasterChamber.com
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The People Behind the Business And then there are the ones built on nothing but a friendship. Two guys who grew up volunteering together at their local fire company, swinging chainsaws as kids, ended up starting a tree and lawn care business together as adults. Their whole approach comes down to one line the owner told me: if you take care of the community, the community takes care of you. That’s not a slogan for him; it’s why they sponsor Little League teams, show up at Memorial Day parades and quietly donate their care to a local hospice home. None of these are businesses I’d call transactional. They’re relationships people come back to, year after year, project after project.
L
ocal businesses shouldn’t have to spend thousands on ads just to get noticed. That’s really where Lancaster Local Biz came from: wanting to put real local businesses in front of the people who live here, judged on the actual work they do instead of how much they can spend on local visibility. What I didn’t expect was how much the interviews themselves would change how I think about local business. I’ve sat across dozens of Zoom calls with Lancaster County business owners by now, and a few things keep showing up, no matter the trade. Most of these businesses didn’t start with some five-year plan. One owner told me his whole company began with an offhand comment about wanting to buy a skid loader, made while he was stuck in a room during a military training quarantine. That comment turned into a business that now covers excavation, concrete and paving across two counties, and he still splits his time between running it, working full time as a firefighter and serving 12 years in the National Guard. Somewhere along the way it became less about the equipment and more about showing up, for customers and for his community both. Then there’s the honesty piece, which came up more than I expected. One HVAC and plumbing contractor told me he installs the same equipment in his own house before he’ll ever recommend it to a customer. He’ll walk into a job and tell someone flat out that they don’t need the work done yet, even when staying quiet would have made him more money. A five-star review tells you the job got done. Knowing someone will talk himself out of a sale because it’s the right thing to do tells you something a review never could.
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That’s really the bigger point here. When one business tells its story honestly, it builds trust for that business. But when a whole community of them does it, it changes how people see Lancaster County itself, as a place where the businesses are run by neighbors, not just vendors. That’s good for the individual company getting featured, and it’s good for every other local business trying to earn that same trust. The more people know the names and faces behind the work, the more confidently they spend their time and money right here instead of somewhere impersonal. LT BY CHRISTOPHER ROJAS,
Founder & Content Director, Lancaster Local Biz Contact Chris at chris@lancasterlocalbiz.com
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Visit our website: https://reynaits.com or contact us today at (717) 553-2803.
Meet the Team Spotlight
LUZ MEDICINE Luz Medicine places patients at the center of their medical care. At Luz Medicine, patients are able to schedule their own appointments at any time, connect with their clinician after hours and have the time and space they need during appointments. From a practical standpoint, it makes sense for us to listen to our patients: they will be happier when given the common courtesy of being listened to. And, from a medical perspective, we know that if we listen to our patients, they will tell us what is wrong, and we can then begin to help them. Luz Medicine has established itself as a trusted source of healthcare to our patients and the community at large. We equip patients in their health journey by coming alongside and sharing their health information in a transparent manner. We enable patients to actively guide and direct their own health care, while being supported by professionals who understand the science behind their medical concerns and care deeply about their well-being. In short, we believe that together we are stronger.
IN THEIR OWN WORDS The best part about being on this team… “is the sense of safety and trust they provide—not only to me, but also to our patients and everyone who comes to Luz Medicine. This team is about family and friendship. It’s about making a difference in people’s lives and bringing light into our patients’ lives. We want everyone to feel welcome and know that we are here for them and that we truly hear them. We listen to their concerns, and we are here to help. They’re not just clients— they’re family at Luz.” — Christina Rosario, CMA One thing that motivates me… “is knowing I’m helping someone get the support they need. Being there for someone when they feel lost or confused, offering a second set of eyes and looking at their situation from a different perspective so we can find a solution together. This applies to both my coworkers and our patients, because supporting everyone around me is a core of how I work.” — Keren Jimenez, CMA
In the photo: Back: Maddie Buhr, CMA; Christina Rosario, CMA. Front: Kristi Arey, CMA, and Clinical Supervisor; Amber Leed, CRNP; Dr. Danille Miller, Physician & Owner; Maeve Thistel, Community Liaison I’m proud of the work we do because… “we make a real difference in the lives of patients who have had negative or traumatic experiences within corporate healthcare. We take the time to listen, honor their autonomy and partner with them on their healthcare journey. Together, we create a space where patients feel heard, respected and supported every step of the way.” — Kristi Arey, CMA and Clinical Supervisor Working in Lancaster County means... “caring for a unique population that has a beautiful blend of the agrarian, urban, people who have lived here for generations and those who have come from other countries.” — Rebecca Smith, CRNP LT
My favorite part of my job… “is seeing how genuinely happy our patients are with the care they receive. It is truly special to see the time, care and effort that Luz Medicine puts into each and every patient. Seeing how happy, valued and heard our patients feel makes it all worth it.” — Maddie Buhr, CMA One thing I love about working here… “is being surrounded by powerful women—mothers, changemakers, entrepreneurs, healthcare professionals and leaders—who empower and celebrate women making a difference in the healthcare of other women.” — Maeve Thistel, Community Liaison
Main Office: 29 Cloister Ave, Ephrata, PA New Location: 2207 Oregon Pike, Suite 102, Lancaster, PA luzmedicine.com
LancasterChamber.com
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Champions for Our Business Community:
Lancaster Chamber Ambassadors
The Lancaster Chamber’s work is strengthened by members who are willing to step forward, build relationships and help others feel connected. Our Chamber Ambassadors are volunteers who serve as an extension of the Chamber team, welcoming members, showing up at events and celebrations, sharing resources and helping businesses make the most of their Chamber membership.
Representing businesses and organizations from across Lancaster County, Ambassadors bring their own experiences, networks and passion for the community to the role. They listen to members, help identify needs and concerns, make connections and serve as a familiar face for businesses engaging with the Chamber. Most importantly, they demonstrate what makes the Chamber community work: members supporting members and people investing their time in the success of others.
The most important part of being a Lancaster Ambassador is serving as a connector—linking people, businesses and resources to strengthen our community. It’s about showing up with purpose, representing the Chamber with pride, and helping members feel seen, supported and engaged.
Erika Bodell Director of Business Development, TriStarr
Susan Dworsak Supervisor Business Development, UPMC
Anita Fieldsa Business Development Office, Bank of Bird-inHand
Corinne Foster Development Director, Girls on the Run
Jacob Gallant Development Director, American Heart Association
Jay Gandy Commerical Insurance Advisor
Doug Groff Business Development, Scenic Ridge Construction
Jason Konopinski Director of Development, Arch Street Center
Shae McGowan Account Manager, Higher Information Group
Sarah Mehesy Client Solutions Administrator, Impressions Matter/LINKBANK
Serving as an Ambassador is a great way to develop relationships with community stakeholders, business owners and non-profit leaders committed to uplifting the county.
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I engage with businesses who desire to plan, develop, grow and stay here in Lancaster County on a daily basis and establish relationships and making those connections is what it is all about. Making that lasting impression and impact and giving back can lead to so many opportunities for all! Jamie Ressler-Eckman Property Manager, Esh & Associates
Tim Rhoades Vice President Commercial Relationship Manager, Fulton Bank
Nate Rovenolt Director of Sponsorship Sales, Lancaster Stormers
Kylie Sheesley Account Executive, EffectTV Comcast
Dawn Tluczek Director of Executive Operations, Life Changes Realty Group
I serve as an Ambassador because it gives me a chance to connect with local businesses, build relationships and support the Chamber’s mission to help our community grow.
Rooted in Lancaster for nearly 40 years, our attorneys bring deep local insight and broad legal expertise right where you need us. We provide a sophisticated range of legal services, including: Casualty Litigation Commercial Litigation Construction Corporate
Employment and Labor Health Care Hospitality and Retail Workers’ Compensation
1869 Charter Lane P.O. Box 10248 Lancaster, PA 17605-0248 717-291-4532
www.postschell.com
LancasterChamber.com
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Ambassadors in Action
24 | LANCASTER Thriving! | Fall 2026
Meet the Team Spotlight
ONE 2 ONE ONE 2 ONE is a managed service provider that aims to go beyond technology. The business was founded in 2001 by Nick Paulukow, who started the company with just two employees, both of whom are part of the ONE 2 ONE team today, including his wife, Becky. Today, ONE 2 ONE has about 20 employees.
The name ONE 2 ONE came from Nick’s belief that technology should feel personal and approachable. He wanted clients This photo features the ONE 2 ONE team! From leadership and technical support to to have a true one-to-one relationship sales, marketing, finance and operations, every person plays a vital role in creating with their IT partner and feel confident the five-star experience we strive to provide. understanding how technology supports their business. That philosophy still guides I’m proud of the work we do because… “it allows our ONE 2 ONE today: the more educated our clients are, the clients to focus on what makes their businesses unique. We more confident they can be in the decisions they make. provide peace of mind by helping them maintain a secure Our mission is rooted in integrity, teamwork, education and and reliable technology environment. Our approach is service. Today, we serve businesses throughout Lancaster centered on education and empowerment, giving clients the County and the surrounding areas, including manufacturers, knowledge they need while handling the complexities they distributors, legal firms, specialty medical practices, nonprofits, don’t want to be burdened with.” — Claudia Miller (Associate financial organizations and senior care organizations. We want Project Manager) businesses to feel confident, not intimidated by the complexity The best part about being on this team is… “watching of technology, so they can stay focused on what matters most: people grow. I’ve seen team members start unsure of protecting and growing their business. themselves and become the person everyone else turns to While we work in a technology-driven industry, people will for answers. Building that kind of confidence and expertise, always come first. For me, it’s the team camaraderie and and knowing you played a part in it, is the most rewarding always feeling valued. Because we run on EOS, there is thing about leading this company.” — Nick Paulukow (CEO always dedicated time and space for your voice to be heard. and Visionary of ONE 2 ONE) Our core values are reflected in the way we interact not One thing that keeps me motivated is... “the satisfaction of only with our clients but within the team as well. The team solving problems every day, whether it’s for a client, a peer or genuinely wants to see each other win, whether that means someone on my team. Knowing I’m adding value to them and recommending a course someone has shown interest in, to the company is what keeps me going.” — Traci Bowers, Pro sharing knowledge or stepping in to support one another Services Team Lead when needed. What makes our team special is... “that we’re just as That shared foundation helps us collaborate, make better committed to each other as we are to our clients. Nobody decisions, encourage a healthy work environment and faces a challenge alone. We support each other, offer consistently provide our clients with the five-star experience guidance and find a way forward together.” — Traci Bowers, they deserve. Pro Services Team Lead LT
IN THEIR OWN WORDS The people I work with are... “Awesome because working with people who genuinely love what they do and share the same core values makes all the difference. It creates a positive, collaborative environment where work is enjoyable, everyone is working toward the same goals and people are invested. One of the greatest feelings is knowing you’re supported and your team has your back. That kind of culture makes coming to work fun and rewarding every day.” — Becky Paulukow (Finance and HR Manager)
617 South Water Street, Lancaster PA one2oneinc.com
LancasterChamber.com
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Impact Update: PA State Budget
Progress Made, Work Still Ahead Pennsylvania’s 2026-27 state budget totals approximately $50.8 billion, down from Governor Shapiro’s original $53.3 billion proposal. The bipartisan agreement maintains significant investments in education, workforce development, career and technical education, and childcare while avoiding broad-based tax increases and preserving the Commonwealth’s Rainy-Day Fund. Key Budget Highlights:
• Career & Technical Education: CTE and vo-tech investments help prepare students for in-demand careers while supporting Lancaster County’s manufacturing, construction, agriculture, and skilled-trades workforce. • Child Care: Additional funding recognizes childcare as an economic and workforce issue, helping stabilize providers and supports greater labor force participation. • Education: A $565 million increase in adequacy funding, alongside continued investments in special education and student-teacher support, strengthens Pennsylvania’s future workforce pipeline. • Business Climate: The budget includes no broad-based tax increases and maintains previously enacted Corporate Net Income Tax reductions, providing greater predictability for Pennsylvania employers. Several major issues affecting Pennsylvania’s long-term competitiveness were left outside the final agreement. Energy and permitting reform remain unresolved as employers face growing concerns around electricity costs, generation, and grid reliability. Housing affordability and availability continue to create workforce challenges, while lawmakers also failed to reach long-term agreements on public transit funding, skill games regulation, and the minimum wage.
Midterm Election 2026: Your Voice, Your Business, Your Community Pennsylvania voters will head to the polls this November for a consequential midterm election, with races for Congress and the Pennsylvania General Assembly helping determine who will shape public policy over the next several years. For Lancaster County’s business community, the stakes extend well beyond Election Day. The officials elected this November will make decisions affecting taxes, energy, workforce development, housing, transportation, health care, regulations, and Pennsylvania’s overall economic competitiveness. At the Lancaster Chamber, we believe a strong community and thriving economy start with informed, active citizens. Our role is to provide opportunities to engage with candidates and elected officials, understand the issues affecting business, and make informed decisions at the ballot box. Election Day: Tuesday, November 3, 2026 Check out the 2026 Elections Guide: lancasterchamber.com/elections
The Lancaster Chamber is committed to fostering a positive business climate for all Lancaster County businesses. We work with elected officials at the local, state, and federal level to advance pro-business legislation and advocate for policies that elevate business and community success.
Get involved in our advocacy efforts! • Attend an Advocacy event to gain direct access to the elected officials, agency heads, and community leaders who influence decisions and make an impact on business. • Read and share our weekly Impact Report e-newsletter, which shares legislative updates, business resources, relevant news stories, and upcoming government meetings. • Volunteer on our Advocacy Committee to advise the Board of Trustees on policy position statements and assist with grassroots advocacy efforts. Learn more at lancasterchamber.com/advocacy
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Questions? Reach
out to James Voutsinos for more information and resources.
James Voutsinos
PUBLIC POLICY COORDINATOR jvoutsinos@lancasterchamber.com lancasterchamber.com
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• Workforce Development: Continued investments in apprenticeships, career readiness, and community-based training support employer efforts to build stronger talent pipelines and address persistent hiring challenges.
OUT&ABOUT GRAND OPENINGS & RIBBON CUTTINGS
LANCASTER AIRPORT AUTHORITY
HINKLE INSURANCE
Inaugural Flight to Chicago 500 Airport Rd, Ste G, Lititz, PA
50 Years in Business Celebration 705 Olde Hickory Rd, Lancaster, PA
KORA BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
THE BACK NINE GOLF, LANCASTER
Grand Opening 1864 Oregon Pike, Lancaster, PA
MAKE/FILMS
Grand Opening/New Location 841 N Prince St, Lancaster, PA
Grand Opening 35 S Willowdale Dr (Rockvale Outlets), Lancaster, PA
WONDER
Grand Opening 1200 Christopher Place, Lancaster, PA
COMMUNITY ACTION PARTNERSHIP - ROLLING ROOTS
Grand Opening 304 N Water St, Lancaster, PA
TRAVELING J’S
Grand Opening of Catering Truck Lancaster, PA
BELCO COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION
Groundbreaking 237 Centerville Rd, Lancaster, PA
LancasterChamber.com
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GRAND OPENINGS & RIBBON CUTTINGS
LGA APPLIANCE AND FIREPLACE
Grand Opening 1619 Manheim Pike, Lancaster, PA 17601
GO ‘N BANANAS
Grand Opening - Red Rose Brewery 1170 Garfield Ave, Lancaster, PA
CATHERINE HERSHEY SCHOOL FOR EARLY LEARNING
Grand Opening 393 Long Lane, Lancaster, PA
LUZ MEDICINE
Grand Opening – New Location 2207 Oregon Pike, Lancaster, PA
SOBOL
Grand Opening- New Ownership 210 Rohrerstown Rd, Lancaster, PA
RIVER WEALTH ADVISORS
Grand Opening - New Location 101 North Queen Street, Lancaster, PA
LCA GRAND OPENINGS In partnership with Lancaster City Alliance and CRIZ (City Revitalization & Improvement Zone), the Lancaster Chamber has been honored to be a part of welcoming this new business into the Lancaster City business community.
ACNB BANK
HAIR CUTTERY
Grand Opening - Rebrand 1687 Oregon Pike, Lancaster, PA
Grand Opening - New Location 566 Centerville Road, Lancaster, PA
BAVINGTON CLOTHIER
ALWAYS BEST CARE SENIOR SERVICES
CRACKED PEPPER CATERING 227 Park Ave, Lancaster, PA 17603
Grand Opening 1610 Manheim Pike, Lancaster, PA 28 | LANCASTER Thriving! | Fall 2026
New Office Opening 1681 Charter Lane, Suite 103, Lancaster, PA
NEW
Members
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS AND PARTNERS TO THE LANCASTER CHAMBER The Lancaster Chamber is thrilled to welcome these businesses to our network. Because of businesses that choose to be Members and Partners, we are able to fund powerful initiatives that are vastly changing the landscape of business. Now more than ever, your support is truly helping to shape the future of business and making Lancaster County a thriving community for all. We are grateful for the many businesses choosing to invest with us and our mission!
Meet some of the new Members below: JUNE 2026 Members Harmony Aging Partners The BLU Arc Collective Atollo ServPro of Adamstown/Mohnton Millennials Virtual Services QUSTICS Wonder The Zigmund Company Insurance Risk Management BLOCS (Business Leadership Organized for Catholic Schools) SoBol Lancaster Nexterus Lancaster Railroad Company Lagom Care Atomic Bounce Welkept Books
JULY 2026 Members Hair Cuttery Three Six Zero Leadership Fideri News Network Hands on House Children’s Museum of Lancaster
Blackbird Health Verve Marketing and Design The Laundry Kingdom LLC Lancaster Local Biz Linden Hall School for Girls We Rock the Spectrum Lancaster PA TwoRoads Strategy Caron Treatment Centers Healthsource of East Petersburg Cup O Content
AUGUST 2026 Members Keystone Custom Homes Machine Tree Innovation Arch Street Center St. Anne’s Retirement Community Super Shine Cleaning LLC
Farrells Custom Woodworking Magical Window Cleaning Empire Estate Media Styer Law LLC Stay APT Ascension Associates, LLC Marzzacco Niven Associates Explore717 Inc Modern Eyes Optical Bavington Clothier AFLAC - Christian Kopchak Stratezone Axel Mechanical Services Vintage Candy Shop Insightfully Curious Consulting Koch Garpstas Realty Group KW Elite Vector Media
Live Where Lancaster Happens. DOWNTOWN 55+ RENTAL LIVING
Two Distinct Communities. One Walkable Lifestyle.
Enjoy comfortable private or companion suites, Choose new construction Landis Place on King personalized daily support at and meaningful orconnection the historic, loft-style characterLandis of Steeple View within the welcoming Homes Lofts, both just blocks from Central Market, community. Fulton Theatre, dining, galleries, and more!
New, Modern Construction LandisPlace.org
Loft-Style Renovation SteepleViewLofts.com
LancasterChamber.com
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Upcoming EVENTS October 2026
Friday, October 2, 2026 Tuesday, October 6, 2026 Thursday, October 8, 2026 Tuesday, October 13, 2026 Wednesday, October 14, 2026 Thursday, October 15, 2026 Tuesday, October 20, 2026 Tuesday, October 20, 2026 Wednesday, October 21, 2026 Thursday, October 22, 2026 Friday, October 30, 2026
November 2026
Monday, November 2, 2026 Tuesday, November 3, 2026 Tuesday, November 3, 2026 Thursday, November 5, 2026 Tuesday, November 10, 2026 Tuesday, November 10, 2026 Wednesday, November 11, 2026 Thursday, November 12, 2026 Friday, November 13, 2026 Friday, November 13, 2026 Tuesday, November 17, 2026 Wednesday, November 18, 2026 Thursday, November 19, 2026 Thursday, November 19, 2026
December 2026
Wednesday, December 2, 2026 Thursday, December 3, 2026 Friday, December 4, 2026 Tuesday, December 8, 2026 Tuesday, December 8, 2026 Wednesday, December 9, 2026 Wednesday, December 9, 2026 Thursday, December 10, 2026 Friday, December 11, 2026 Tuesday, December 15, 2026 Wednesday, December 16, 2026 Thursday, December 17, 2026
30 | LANCASTER Thriving! | Fall 2026
Hispanic Business Lunch WIB Roundtable: Imposter Syndrome—What It Is & How to Manage It Excellence Exchange: Differentiation as a Competitive Advantage Membership 101: Engaging with the Chamber [Virtual] Wake Up to the Issues: Housing Lancaster’s Workforce YPN Experience Lancaster at Go ‘N Bananas HR Roundtable: Creating an AI Policy Discovering Paths—STEM Mixer at Benjamin Roberts Small Business Summit: Built For What’s Next Coffee & Connections @ Dutch Wonderland Inn
Northeast Regional Meeting @ Cocalico High School Manufacturing Roundtable: Strong Teams for SUCCESSion Planning Northwest Regional Meeting @ Donegal Insurance Selling Series: Identifying Your Customer’s REAL Pain Women in Business: Celebrating our ATHENA Award Winner Membership 101: Engaging with the Chamber [Virtual] Central Regional Meeting @ Discover Lancaster Non-Profit Roundtable: Revenue Strategy and Tax Compliance South + East Regional Meeting @ Willow Valley Communities Open House @ 115 East King Employee Handbook Workshop Monthly Mixer at The Barn at Paradise Station Discovering Paths—Healthcare 50th Anniversary Agriculture Industry Banquet
WIB Holiday Connect @ West Art Wake Up to the Issues Coffee & Connections @ National Watch and Clock Museum Small Business Roundtable Membership 101: Engaging with the Chamber [Virtual] Get Connected: Speed Networking YPN Holiday Soiree & 30Under30 Celebration Selling Series: The Art of Negotiating Without Giving Away Margin Economic Forecast Breakfast Excellence Exchange: AI Governance and Guardrails Monthly Mixer at Interiors Home/Martin’s Flooring Discovering Paths—Business, Entrepreneurship, & Professional Services
We are so grateful for the continued support and commitment from our Member businesses! Please take note of our members who are celebrating milestone anniversaries as members of the Lancaster Chamber for the months of September, October, November and December.
Member Anniversaries Lancaster Chamber Member as of 5 YEARS (‘21)
Doceo Off-Ramp Advisors Wireback Works Light Echo Co. North Star Initiative Blake Collins Group UPS Store Centerville/Oregon Pike Oola Bowls Disability Empowerment Center Tyson Foods, Inc. Z Tai Group Chestnut Street Investment Counsel Global Disciples Domino’s Lancaster Early Education Center Nordstrom Yorgos BeLocal Lancaster Econo Lodge Amish Country Servants, Inc. Sheetz, Inc. Premier Linen Company Mars Wrigley KMZen Creative LLC Joel’s Painting Inc. CrossNet Ministries Our Town Brewery
10 YEARS (‘16)
Lancaster Recreation Commission PeoplesBank, A Codorus Valley Company Laura Schanz Consulting Associates, LLC Penske Truck Leasing Co, L.P. First Citizens Community Bank Belmont Solar Denver Cold Storage, Inc. Excelsior Events, LLC
S’more Space Storage Riley Real Estate Inc. Hawthorne Electric Inc. Zimmerman’s Hardware & Variety, Inc. Bert’s Bottle Shop
15 YEARS (‘11)
Friends of Scott Martin Gibbel Insurance Agency, Inc. Lehman Insurance Agency, Inc. Northwestern Mutual Creative Packaging Solutions, LLC Olweiler Insurance Agency, A Division of Lechner & Stauffer, Inc Stauffer Compressor N’ Machine, Inc. Hall Media Solutions Speedwell Construction, Inc. QNTM Hospice & Community Care Ames Janitorial Services
20 YEARS (‘06)
CWS/Lancaster Penn Cinema Management Co., LLC Acuity Advisors and CPAs, LLP Lusk & Associates, Sotheby’s International Realty Homefield Advantage Valco Industries, Inc.
25 YEARS (‘01)
ONE 2 ONE Inc. Harrisburg International Airport (SARAA) Worship Center TCW-GAV Lancaster Township East Earl Township
Manheim Pike Veterinary Hospital PL Rohrer & Bro., Inc. Stoner Bunting Advertising
30 YEARS (‘96)
Essis and Sons, Inc. ELA Group, Inc. K&L Plating Co., Inc. Lancaster County Career & Technology Center The Cope Company Salt ASSETS
35 YEARS (‘91)
Lancaster County Firemen’s Association, Inc. Lanco Federal Credit Union
40 YEARS (‘86)
The TEAM Approach, Inc. Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre Rottmund, Cheek, Hyle & Co., LLC Clark, Inc. Lancaster Orthopedic Group P.C. Weber Surveyors
45 YEARS (‘81)
Conestoga Valley School District Manheim Township School District Oregon Dairy, Inc. Penn Manor School District HDC MidAtlantic
50 YEARS +
Sager, Swisher and Company, LLP Electron Energy Corporation Novelty Manufacturing Co. Elizabethtown College RLPS Architects Lancaster County Housing and Redevelopment Authorities
Lancaster County Association of Realtors® Bond Caster and Wheel Corp Evans Eagle Burial Vault Inc. Fenner Precision Polymers Manor House Apartments Engle-Hambright & Davies, Inc. (EHD) Autohaus Lancaster, Inc. Maple Farm Jones Dealerships D&H Electrical Construction LLC RKL LLP Charles F. Snyder Funeral Homes and Crematory, Inc. Loar & Young, Inc. The Jay Group, Inc. Morgan Stanley MGS Incorporated Baker Tilly US, LLP Faulkner Chevrolet, Inc. Gorman Distributors, Inc. Burnham Holdings, Inc. Susquehanna Glass Company Eden Resort & Suites Colony Business Systems Moore Engineering Company B.R. Kreider & Son, Inc. Barley Snyder, LLP Kellogg Company Always Lancaster American Testing Laboratories, Inc. Significa Benefit Services, Inc. M&T Bank DeBord Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory Kinetic Business Haverstick Bros., Inc. Eurofins Lancaster Laboratories, Inc. Siegel-Ansel Bag & Burlap Co. Yorgey’s & Filling’s Fine Cleaning Majic Services, Inc.
LancasterChamber.com
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