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It was incredible to hear Coach Walck speak about his relationship with legendary Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski — truly big-time stuff. I enjoyed hearing about him holding meetings at Tropical Smoothie… classic Coach Walck.
Coach Mealy shared insights from his most recent book, Shades of Brown, and spoke about a powerful experience taking students to the Muhammad Ali training center. It’s inspiring to see him leading McCaskey Football in his first year — a great role model for the kids.
I’m incredibly proud of KJ, EJ, and the entire Next Generation of Lancaster team for putting these events together. The energy in the room was electric, and it was clear how much respect these coaches command. Many former players and coaches showed up to support, which speaks volumes.
Special shoutout to Barbara Barr, who did a fantastic job emceeing the event at Forklift & Palate at Spooky Nook.
This was a meaningful night of leadership, storytelling, and community.
Kenny Myers
COO at Kegel’s Produce
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Joining the Next Generation of Lancaster has been one of the most valuable decisions I’ve made for both my personal and professional growth. This group offers more than just networking—it provides a strong sense of community, support, and inspiration among like-minded professionals who are passionate about making a difference. What truly sets it apart is its relevance and value across all industries—whether you’re in finance, marketing, healthcare, insurance, or the trades, you’ll find connections and conversations that matter. The events are well-organized, engaging, and always leave me with new insights and opportunities. I highly recommend becoming part of this incredible group.
Josh Birk
Partner at Harding-Yost Insurance
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I appreciate you including me and The High Center in the Next Generations Networking events. It is exciting to connect with professionals from the various industries and have them share their experiences and their challenges. What I find most rewarding about the Next Generations events – is the Atmosphere! A place where young Professionals can learn to build their careers & better themselves.”
Dwight Bechtold
Director Member Services at
The High Center
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The young professionals at Next Generation of Lancaster have done a great job bringing new energy into the marketplace here in Lancaster County. Whether hosting their own events with a unique approach, supporting other events that serve their audience, and being involved within the non-profit community, I love seeing the leadership in action from the next generation!
Steve Goble
Chief People Builder at the Goble Group
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The work that Next Generation of Lancaster is doing is strengthening the community by creating stronger personal connections, while also elevating the professional capacity through education and networking. I am so grateful for the opportunities they provide!
Kyla Hockley
President at Lancaster Catholic High School
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The challenges we have left behind for Gen Z in government spending, housing affordability and environmental sustainability necessitate this generation being as equipped as any generation going back to The Greatest Generation. The good news is these young adults have the capacity to rise to these challenges. Networking and Learning associations like Next Generation Lancaster are critical to the enhancing the skills and opportunities to grow together as a community and solve problems. Having attended their programming I can attest to their interest in connecting and learning—this is a learning first organization. They even welcome older people like me to “mentor”, but I can assure you that you will learn more than you teach with this group. I can’t wait to see how they progress!
Dan Sahd
Owner / Team Leader at Sahd Metal Recycling
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I recently attended my first event with the Next Generation of Lancaster and was extremely impressed from start to finish. This group has demonstrated a high level of professionalism—marketing for the event was well-executed, and communication following registration and on the day of the event was clear and timely.
The event itself was exceptionally well-organized and more importantly, I found the atmosphere to be welcoming, the content insightful, and the networking opportunities invaluable. I am so impressed by what this group has created in the Lancaster area and look forward to participating in future events.
Catherine Garrity-Frans
Family Business Consultant at Compass Point Family Business Consulting
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It was my pleasure to moderate a discussion with two of the best coaches in the Lancaster-Lebanon League for the Next Generation of Lancaster.
Hempfield basketball coach Danny Walck and McCaskey football coach Todd Mealy told the audience of young professional about leadership lessons they’ve learned on and off the court and field.
The crowd had plenty of questions with Walck sharing stories of working basketball camps with Duke’s Mike Krzyzewski, “Coach K” benefitted his career. Mealy explained how writing books and getting involved in business has helped his teaching and coaching methods. It was a great event to be part of, sharing knowledge with enthusiastic future leaders
Barbara Barr
Former Sports and News Anchor at WGAL-T
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Next Generation Lancaster is creating meaningful connections among multi-generational businesses, fostering collaboration and shared wisdom across age groups. Their events and initiatives are thoughtfully designed to spark conversations, build relationships, and fuel long-term growth. It’s a powerful network where legacy meets innovation to drive the future of Lancaster’s business community
Tim Lapp
Co Owner/CEO at Lapp Electrical Service INC.
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Next Generation hosts an inspiring group of emerging leaders. I’ve been impressed with the breadth of experiences offered at each of these events. This is not just a networking opportunity. The attendees are inquisitive young professionals who engage in deep conversation, education and community building. This excites me to see what they will make happen in another decade.
Kim McDevitt
Executive Director at Mental Health America
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What an honor to attend the Next Generation of Lancaster event. The atmosphere was warm, the speakers insightful and inspiring, along with genuine connections. This truly is a powerful, community-driven experience I’d highly recommend to anyone seeking inspiration or to strengthen existing relationships or foster new ones. Next Generation of Lancaster event has it all!
Alex Lengle
Community Outreach Coordinator at Design Data
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Being part of the Next Generation of Lancaster has been an incredibly rewarding experience. It is more than a networking group; it is a community of driven, like-minded young professionals who are shaping the future of business in our region.
The connections I have made through this group have not only expanded my professional network but have also opened doors to meaningful collaborations and friendships.
It is energizing to engage with local talent and future leaders who are equally committed to growth and impact. We are fortunate to have something like this in Lancaster. It is a valuable resource for anyone looking to build their career and make a difference right here at home.
Bryan Haberstroh
Marketing Manager at J&J Companies
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I met KJ and several people from Next Generation of Lancaster during the program build of Garden Spot’s Networking Essentials Event in November of 2025. What a great group of people! What I enjoyed most was the team’s mindset of helping to make sure the event was a success. In any event, you have those that signed up “To Do” and you hope ….they do….in this case Next Generation Lancaster – KJ Meyers – not only did it…. they did it big — with help, contacts, speaking at the event but also closing some gaps as we kicked off! This was a huge help and was part of what made the Garden Spot event such a success! I especially like that I have made a friend in KJ and the team!
Sheila Jones
CEO of Whicked Results
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I’ve been a supporter of Next Generation of Lancaster since nearly the beginning, and it has been inspiring to watch these young leaders grow and step into influence across Lancaster’s business community.
What makes this organization special is the intentional focus on connection, mentorship, and learning across industries. The leaders involved are not only building successful careers, but they’re also deeply committed to the values that make Lancaster strong: family, community, and responsible business leadership.
Seeing how this group continues to educate, collaborate, and inspire gives me great confidence in the future of Lancaster’s workforce and the leaders who will shape it.
Ruby Nolt
Founder of R. Nolt, LLC.
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Attending events hosted by Next Generation of Lancaster has been an incredibly rewarding experience. Their commitment to fostering connections and growth within the Lancaster community is truly inspiring. Through engaging discussions, insightful speakers, and welcoming networking opportunities, I’ve gained valuable knowledge and built meaningful relationships with like-minded professionals in the community!
Cedric Adams
Commercial Relationship Manager at Fulton Bank
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I attended the Next Generation Lancaster Entrepreneur Event at Cabalar Meat Co in November 2024, it was my first introduction to this incredible group of people. I was amazed at the turnout (guessing 150 people in attendance?), and equally impressed with the camaraderie among attendees – everyone was really socializing, networking, and having fun. This was the event that invited two entrepreneurs to give their story; as each one spoke, everyone gave them their full attention, and the audience participation (claps and calls of admiration) was so refreshing. I am a Lancaster native and older-generation entrepreneur; and watching this vibrant group of (mostly young) people interact and talk about exciting things going on in Lancaster gives me such hope for the future of our beloved city. You and your colleagues have created a wonderful opportunity – my hat is off to everyone who is making it happen!
Felicia Kegel Bechtel, MSc, PG
Senior Geophysical Advisor and Special Projects
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It was very rewarding to be among the crowd of Lancaster’s next generation and to see a vibrant group of young engaged professionals committed to making the lives of everyone around them a better place to live and work in. I applaud KJ Myers and EJ Pratt for kickstarting this networking group and I encourage you both to continuing you energy, engagement, and camaraderie this initiative provides to Lancaster County
Chad Synder
President Charles F. Snyder Funeral Homes & Crematory
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I attended one of the first events held by the Next Generation of Lancaster. What a great opportunity for young professionals to get out and network with their peers and listen to the success stories of local business owners and mentors.
The leadership team of K.J. Myers and E.J. Pratt have done a phenomenal job in organizing these events at unique venues. I highly recommend these events to young professionals interested in connecting with their peers and networking in Lancaster County.
Dennis Atkinson
CFO-Donsco, Inc.