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Director's Message
Amanda Everitt
We were incredibly lucky to celebrate with our SID property owners, business owners, volunteers, community leaders, and members at our Annual Gathering at the end of January. If you were unable to attend, please CLICK HERE to enjoy award-winner videos, our major donor music video (that's right, that's how we roll), and to take in the impressive accomplishments of 2025. It is worth noting that this high-quality production would not be possible without the incredible talent and support of Innerphase Video. Having a local production company of this high caliber is not something that every community enjoys.
As we adjust to the new year and new staffing configurations, please review the roles and responsibilities of the staff and use us when you need us!
Jean Comer, Administrative Assistant, is a full-time employee who works part-time for Destination Downtown Lancaster and part-time for Visit Fairfield County. That means she is the first face anyone sees when they walk in the door and the person who answers the phones, manages all of the scheduling, and ensures the office runs efficiently. She is also the point person for the Hometown Hero Banner program. Need a meeting with any of the staff members? Give Jean a call, and she can get you on our calendars.
Email Jean at info@destinationdowntownlancaster.com
Sarah Mullins, Events & Program Manager, has taken over for Alex Kirchgessner; she manages all things event-related, as well as the membership and sponsorship programs. Whether you want to get involved with events or want to take a deeper dive into your membership benefits, your best bet is to start with Sarah. Email events@destinationdowntownlancaster.com
Cheri Bush, Marketing Specialist, is a permanent, part-time DDL employee. The newsletters, social media, and all graphic design work for print materials will be executed by Cheri. Get ready for even MORE marketing of the district and your businesses (remember to use the Business Resource page to tell us what you want marketed!) Email Cheri at marketing@destinationdowntownlancaster.com
We are currently seeking a part-time downtown beautification specialist. This employee will be responsible for keeping the sidewalks clean, the tree wells maintained, and the SID trash cans emptied. If you have a maintenance concern in the area while we are without an employee, we can still assist! Call us at the office or email info@destinationdowntownlancaster.com, and we will address your concerns or needs ASAP.
Have available space that you want to get rented? Want to brainstorm how to make the most of your property? Looking to enhance your business offerings? That is when you call me! If ever you have questions, concerns, or ideas around downtown safety, sidewalk maintenance, business recruitment and retention, local, state, or federal incentives or policies, I'm your person. Keep me up to date on all things impacting your business, and I can act as your advocate in the community and within local and state policy spaces. I also manage the contracts for snow and ice removal, and recycling in the blue bins throughout the SID.
Email me at amanda@destinationdowntownlancaster.com
Stay in touch with us and see the difference it makes for your business; we can't wait to connect soon!
See you downtown,
| | Valentine's Day is quickly approaching! If you haven't already, now is the time to plan any specials, events, or deals you may be offering. With the holiday falling on a Saturday this year, it's a great opportunity for restaurants and retailers to capitalize further! Be sure to share your specials on social media, and please submit any content to the Business Resource Page for us as soon as possible. | Employee Appreciation for V-Day | |
Need Valentine's gift ideas? The Floral Art Boutique has you covered! Visit their website to order beautiful bouquets or place a custom order.
In addition, they have some great options to express employee appreciation this holiday, including candy bouquets, fruit baskets, floral arrangements, and planters!
Whether you're looking to make a romantic gesture or express gratitude for hard work, the Floral Art Boutique has options for every occasion.
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This is a friendly reminder to everyone that there have been some staff changes at the DDL office!
For questions about events or to contact Sarah (right), please email events@destinationdowntownlancaster.com.
For marketing questions or to contact Cheri (left), please email marketing@destinationdowntownlancaster.com. Thank you!
| Get Your Tickets for Winter Brewfest! | |
We are bringing Winter Brewfest back this year with a Valentine’s Day celebration featuring 20+ craft breweries at The Mill Event Center on Saturday, February 14th.
The event will include two tasting sessions, 2:00–5:00 pm and 6:00–9:00 pm. Designated driver tickets are also available, along with a discounted rate for guests who purchase tickets to both sessions.
There will be no road closures, but we do anticipate increased foot traffic as we encourage attendees to dine and shop downtown before and after their sessions. Use this in your marketing as you advertise your Valentine's Day specials - if you can tie it in with the Winter Brewfest theme, we encourage you to! This event will draw hundreds of potentially new customers into the downtown. Maybe you just want to come and join the fun...? Grab your tickets below!
| Chocolate Walk Sign-Up and Tickets | |
Be a host location for the Chocolate Walk and entice people into your business to see what you have to offer. You will be included on the walking map with the description of your delectable chocolate offering. This year's event is on Friday, April 10th, 2026.
Each attendee will check in with DDL to receive a wristband, a chocolate walk bag, a map, and any additional event information. Participating businesses will need to come up with and prepare
450 chocolate treats to give away; feel free to purchase or make your own chocolate (if you purchase chocolate, please shop local)! Participating businesses will also need to be open from 4:00–7:30 pm. If you're not sure what your chocolate item will be, please sign up now, and we will follow up with you closer to the event.
Participation Fee: Free for DDL Members or $25 for Non-DDL Members (After you submit the form, we will send you an invoice for your participation fee)
Deadline to sign up: March 6th, 2026
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If your business is a Champion member or above, CLICK HERE to get 2 free complimentary Chocolate Walk Tickets.
Chocolate Walk Tickets are on sale as of Monday, February 2nd. Members can use the code "CHOCOLATE" for $5 off their ticket.
| Artwalk 2026 Host Location Sign-Up | |
Destination Downtown Lancaster partners with the Lancaster Festival to host the ArtWalk each year as part of the Lancaster Festival's ten-day celebration of the arts.
The 2026 festival is July 17th–July 25th, 2026. Our goal is to provide visual artists with a platform to share their talents and gifts to enrich the lives of community members. ArtWalk is July 17th, 2026, and is the biggest night in downtown, where the crowds reach thousands! Local businesses are paired with artists for this annual opportunity.
If you would like to host an artist, or multiple artists/group at your business for ArtWalk, you must submit an ArtWalk Host application.
Participation Fee: $75 for DDL Members or $100 for
Non-DDL Members
Deadline to Sign Up: Wednesday, February 18th, 2026, at NOON
| Nominate a Downtown Female Leader | |
Community members are inspired by the leadership and dedication that the women of Downtown put in every day. We want to highlight these women on our social media channels. We need your help!
Each week in March, we're highlighting women in the downtown district who are paving the way for generations of women by breaking molds, glass ceilings, and economic barriers, and changing the conversation circling female history makers. If you are or know someone downtown who is a great role model and deserves to be recognized for the positive effects they have within our community, please take a moment to fill out the form below as soon as possible.
Deadline for Nominations: February 25th, 2026
| | Double Edge Brewing Presents: Women's Day Brew Collab Celebration | |
Dear Exceptional Female Leaders,
Join Double Edge Brewing Co. for their 3rd Annual Women’s Day Brew in celebration of International Women’s Day on March 8th, 2026.
Last year, they created the hit Hop Flashes, and due to its demand, they're brewing it again! Led by Head Brewer Dominic, this hands-on experience will guide you through every step of the process. A light lunch will be provided. They ask you to bring waterproof footwear.
Save the Date: February 5th @ 9am-1pm*
Location: Double Edge Brewing Co, 158 W Chestnut St
*They understand that this is a big time commitment. Please feel free to come and go throughout the day as your schedule allows.
RSVP: To secure your spot and be part of this exceptional collaboration, RSVP to max@double-edge.beer.
Create history together in the spirit of friendship, empowerment, and great beer. They look forward to raising a toast with you on International Women's Day!
| America 250 Downtown Decorations | |
America has a big birthday coming up this year, and some of our community members are feeling inspired to decorate downtown for the celebration, as Lancaster has in the past!
This is a collaborative effort to decorate our historic buildings and our beautiful downtown with "Old Glory," just like our ancestors did.
If you would like to participate, plan, or receive updates, email them at: lancasteroh250@gmail.com. For more information, visit the website below.
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As your local, nonprofit hospice and palliative care provider, FAIRHOPE Hospice & Palliative Care is grateful for the ongoing support of their community.
As a small thank-you, FAIRHOPE has placed umbrellas throughout Downtown Lancaster for anyone to use and borrow when needed. This umbrella initiative reflects their commitment to caring for their neighbors—rain or shine—and supporting the local businesses and organizations that make our downtown so special. They are planning on re-stocking the umbrella receptacles later this year, so keep an eye out for an update!
You can find umbrellas at the following locations:
Park National Bank, Gay Fad Studios, Fairfield Federal, L-City Coffee+, Fairfield County District Library, Keller Market House, Destination Downtown Lancaster, Visit Fairfield County, Art and Clay on Main, Ohio Glass Museum, The Well, Provisions Bakery & Deli, JB’s Downtown Grill, and Vinton County National Bank (VCNB) on Main Street.
Want to join the list? Email Dawn at dlegg@fairhopehospice.org.
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Starting February 1st, 2026, the price of DORA cups will rise to $140 a case due to increased supplier prices.
| Annual Gathering Event Survey | |
Help Us Make Next Year Even Better!
Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Annual Gathering. We loved celebrating Downtown Lancaster with you. If you attended, please take a few minutes to complete our short post-event survey. Your feedback helps shape future events and ensures we continue creating experiences you value. Click the link below to share your thoughts. We truly appreciate it!
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It's a new year, and the perfect time to secure your membership! Click below for your 2026 DDL Membership information. DDL membership provides a myriad of benefits, depending on your level of membership. Enjoy marketing of your goods and services, inclusion in our downtown visitors brochure, marketing and social media support, plus your name and business linked on our DDL website and in our weekly newsletter sent to over 6,000 subscribers. Don't miss another day of benefits, join now!
Reminder: If you are a SID property owner, you receive a 50% discount on your membership price.
| | 2026 Sponsorship Opportunities | |
Support the heart of your community!
Start 2026 off by sponsoring DDL! Destination Downtown Lancaster is proud of the reach we have achieved throughout the region. With over 30,000 followers across four social media platforms, over 6,000 newsletter recipients with an impressive and consistent 46% open rate, partnering with us through sponsorship could be right for you.
Whether you’re using your advertising dollars to maximize your co-branding power with events that reach your target audience, or looking to achieve your corporate social responsibility goals with a non-profit that impacts us all, we can help. Call us and see what options are still available!
| | Downtown Business Meeting | | |
Next Downtown Business Meetings
April 9th | 9:00 am The Big Book Nook
April 9th | 4:30 pm Double Edge Brewing Co.
Thanks to your feedback, we continue to offer two different opportunities for you to participate in the Downtown Business Meetings, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Mark your calendar now to join us at either 9:00 am on Thursday, April 9th, at The Big Book Nook or later on the same day at 4:30 pm at Double Edge Brewing Co.
The Downtown Business Meeting is a way for DDL to bring all the businesses of the district together. The purpose of the meeting is to provide a space for you to stay connected and up-to-date on things happening downtown. We use this time to share important information and resources with all member businesses in the district.
The calendar invite will be going out shortly. If you do not receive the Google Calendar invite by April 1st, please reach out to info@destinationdowntownlancaster.com.
| | Downtown SID Board Meeting | | |
SID Board Meeting
Tuesday, April 14th | 3 pm | Park National Bank Conference Room, Downtown Office 143 West Main Street
The Downtown Lancaster Special Improvement District Board meets quarterly on the second Tuesday of the month at 3 pm. These board meetings are open to all SID property owners. The next meeting will be on Tuesday, April 14th, at 3:00 pm. If you have any questions or do not receive a calendar invite by the first week of April, email Jean at info@destinationdowntownlancaster.com.
| | More Business Resources Through VFC | | Double your impact with business resources from our partner organization, Visit Fairfield County. You can visit their website's Business Resources page to find additional tools to advertise your business and bring in customers. | | | |
If your business is a Mover & Shaker member or above, we want to highlight you in our Business Spotlight in the weekly newsletter! The newsletter goes out to over 6,000 emails each week and Your Business could be in the spotlight!
Click on the button below to fill out a questionnaire and we will be in touch to get more details and perhaps a picture to post in the newsletter.
| | Support Credit Card Competition | |
Credit card fees can add up to be a financial burden for small businesses. Congress is considering introducing legislation to mitigate these fees better. If your business has been negatively affected by credit card fees, visit the link below today to sign the petition for new legislation!
| Columbus Inspiring Women Nominations | |
Columbus Monthly and Columbus CEO invite you to help them celebrate the bold, creative, incredible women making a difference in the community. Nominations for the Inspiring Women class of 2026 are now open.
The deadline to make a nomination is Friday, Feb. 20.
The Inspiring Women features will run in the May 2026 issue of Columbus Monthly and the Summer 2026 issue of Columbus CEO. The 2026 class and alumni will gather for an evening of celebration and connection on Tuesday, June 23, at The Ellis in Italian Village. Ticket sales will open to the public this spring.
The 2024 and 2025 classes of Inspiring Women included business and community leaders, entrepreneurs, nonprofit CEOs, and more. They are selected by the Dispatch Magazines' editorial staff with help from Inspiring Women alumni.
| FREE Workforce Development Trainings | |
Small Business Development Center
FREE Virtual Training Events
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Click the link below to explore SBDC training events that are provided at no cost to assist you and your business, and to register for any of these free trainings:
Strategic Social Media Planning for Relationship Building
Feb. 3rd, 10:00 am - 11:30 am
Register Here
Microsoft Office Excel: Part 1
Feb. 5th, 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Register Here
Time Management for the Small Business
Feb. 9th, 10:00 am - 11:30 am
Register Here
Basis of a Successful Start (BOSS)
Feb. 10th, 10:00 am - 11:30 am
Register Here
How to Set Up a YouTube Channel
Feb. 11th, 9:30 am - 11:30 am
Register Here
Microsoft Office Excel: Part 2
Feb. 12th, 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Register Here
Facebook for Business: Part 1
Feb. 18th, 9:30 am - 11:30 am
Register Here
Microsoft Office Excel: Part 3
Feb. 19th, 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Register Here
Business Law Basics & Business Structure
Feb. 23rd, 10:00 am - 11:30 am
Register Here
Effective Selling Systems: Building a Sales Culture
Feb. 26th 9:30 am - 10:30 am
Register Here
Understanding Your Business Financials
Feb. 26th 11:30 am - 12:30 pm
Register Here
Follow SBDC on Facebook by clicking HERE.
| | SBA Office Of Advocacy Red Tape Hotline | |
The Small Business Administration's Office of Advocacy Red Tape Hotline gives small business owners a direct way to report federal regulations that are costly, confusing, or burdensome to their operations.
Contact the hotline to share how regulations affect your business and help inform federal policymakers.
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Destination Downtown Lancaster offers many resources to the businesses in the district*. Be sure to check out the link below to see a list of benefits and take advantage of them.
Click Here to visit the Resource Page
Click Here if your businesses is a Mover & Shaker+ member so you can explore your benefits!
*Must be a member of DDL to take advantage of business resources.
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