Business Forum at Columbia Market House
A Columbia Business Forum was held recently at the Columbia Market House on Monday July 1, 2024. The event was organized by the Market House Manager Chris Vera and approximately 50 people were in attendance representing borough government officials, the Merchants Association of Columbia, and Columbia Market House Stand Holders.
Justin Rule, Discover Columbia
Those organizations that made presentations and their representatives were Bill Kloidt, Executive Director of the Columbia Economic Development Corporation, Justin Rule of Discover Columbia and Launch Kits websites, and Meghan Shenk of Makers Market of Lancaster.
Mr. Kloidt addressed the group on the purpose of the CEDC and past accomplishments over the years. He also provided information on the business and façade grants that his organization sponsors each year and invited everyone in attendance to attend the Corporation’s Annual Meeting, now known as the CEDC Business Summitt which will be held on Thursday November 14th at the National Watch and Clock Collectors Museum, located at 519 Poplar Street. Business representatives can register to attend online at ColumbiaEDCorp@gmail.com
Justin Rule spoke of the effect that Discover Columbia had on area businesses since 2022, when he posted their events on his site. In all cases visits to their sites increased dramatically.
Meghan Shank provided a description of her Maker Market of Lancaster Business and how many crafters come together to stage highly successful shows in the area. Her 2024 shows include a Christmas in July show in East Petersburg on Saturday July 20th, The E-town Fall Fest on September 14th, The Bust Craft Show o October 26 and 27 in Mount Joy, The Merry Market on November 30t and December 1st at Greenfield in Lancaster, and the Christmas in the Courtyard on December 14th in Mount Joy.
The Forum was deemed a success by those in attendance. Mr. Vera announced that another forum will take place in the Market House on Monday August 5 commencing at 6:00PM.