Using the form GVS supplied, I applied to be a wholesale vendor at a variety show managed by Aaron Burkholder. Despite my expectation of a straightforward application process, my application was unexpectedly rejected. The response signed by Aaron with approval from owner/minister James Herr, included remarks that felt like personal attacks, including an accusation that I was trying to "hide [my] identity for the sake of gleaning information ... at the expense of another's ignorance. As professing conservative Anabaptist Christians who claim obedience to the commands of Christ, it should be our joy to live an open and transparent life, both personally and professionally." I was dumbfounded and have no idea what he's talking about. I have no prior acquaintance with these individuals, but this reply struck me as overly paranoid, and from a Mennonite minister at that. Attempts to resolve this letter's attacks were met with the assertion of their business's 'right to refuse service' on any grounds. This experience left me feeling that the decision was not based on fair or professional criteria. While others may have had positive interactions, my experience with their application process was disappointing and unprofessional.
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