Marilyn Kelly-Cavotta, PA Department of Military and Veterans Affairs
Andrew Lawler, West Side Hammer Electric
Buddy Lesavoy, Lesavoy Butz & Seitz, LLC
CHAMBER BOARD OF GOVERNORS
The Chamber volunteers and staff work to celebrate each distinctive community in our Lehigh Valley to connect them to a regional vision and mission. On Every Main Street! tells a story of how we continue to improve the quality of our communities, bringing big ideas and solutions, leveraging partnerships, and creating significance, while treating each community like a partner. On Every Main Street! also defines Main Street Lehigh Valley - The Chamber Foundation, whose mission is to improve the quality of every Main Street in the Lehigh Valley through targeted investments in community programs, facade improvements, streetscape designs, urban planning, murals, sidewalk beautification and other improvements to our downtowns and business districts. This year marks the 17th year that The Chamber Foundation is providing community beautification grants throughout the entire Valley. With support of The Chamber, its member businesses and community organizations, the Main Street Lehigh Valley initiative has contributed more than $1 Million in grants to beautification projects, scholarship programs, COVID relief for small
Tom Groves, Equinox Benefits Consulting Chair, The Chamber New Season,
community across the Greater Lehigh Valley. These projects are vital to the communities we serve; they help create accessible places, improve civic, cultural, and recreational facilities, support local businesses, create local jobs, and enhance health, welfare, and quality of life. Thank you to chair Jody Piagesi and the entire board, for leading The Chamber Foundation forward, in its support of the entire Valley. The Chamber Foundation will host its Annual Meeting and Awards Show on Thursday, August 22 from 5:00 p.m. till 7:00 p.m. in the Four Season Room at Lehigh Country Club. Community improvement grants will be awarded and Main Street Lehigh Valley supporters will be recognized. Volunteers from across the Valley also gather to celebrate teamwork and partnership. Thank you to all our members, volunteers and supporters who have made it possible for The Chamber and The Chamber Foundation to support local businesses and communities, and to deliver on our mission to improve the economy and quality of communities in the Lehigh Valley, On Every Main Street! See event ad on PG.13!
Donna LoStocco, First Commonwealth Federal Credit Union
Thursday, August 1st
4-5pm - Maximize Your Membership - A Member Benefits Review! (Free Event)
5-7pm - Business After Hours Networking at Madeline'es Fogelsville (Free Event)
6-8pm - Phillipsburg Summer Concert Series - Joyous (Free Event)
11:30am-1pm - Somos Latinas Luncheon presented by the Hispanic Chamber
Wednesday, August 21st
5:30-7:30pm - Yappy Hour presented by the Young Professionals Council (Free Event)
Thursday, August 22nd
5-7pm - Chamber Foundation Annual Meeting and Awards
5:30-7:30pm - Mingle at the Movies: A Chamber Night at Shankweiler's Drive-In Theatre
6-8pm - Phillipsburg Summer Concert Series - The Weekenders (Free Event)
Friday, August 23rd
6pm - Upper Saucon Township Movie Under the Stars
Sunday, August 25th
6-8pm - Music in the Park Concert Series featuring Tequila Rose (Free Event)
Tuesday, August 27th
6-8pm - Hang Dog Family Night & Networking Mixer
Thursday, August 29th
6-8pm - Phillipsburg Summer Concert Series - Hunkajunk (Free Event)
Thursday, September 5th
6-8pm - Phillipsburg Summer Concert Series - Truth & Soul (Free Event)
Saturday, September 7th
1-5pm - 7th Annual Allentown Beer Fest
September 8th - September 14th
Nazareth Shop Local Week
Monday, September 9th
8am-3pm - 18th Annual Carbon Sturm Cup Golf Tournament
8:30am-1pm - 6th Annual Clay Shooting Tournament
Tuesday, September 10th
4-6pm - United Federal Credit Union Branch Celebration (Free Event)
Thursday, September 12th
11:30am-1pm - Chamber President's Roundtable with Pete Ruggiero, CEO of Crayola
6-8pm - Phillipsburg Summer Concert Series - Timewhys (Free Event)
Friday, September 13th
8-10am - Building Brighter Futures: Addressing the Early Childhood Crisis presented by the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation 6pm - Hispanic Chamber Annual Awards Gala
PRESIDENT'S ROUNDTABLE
Thursday, September 12
WHERE: Thyme
100 Northampton Street
Easton, PA 18042
11:30AM Lunch 12 - 1PM Program
$100/person
Limited Seating!
CONTACT LORIE AT LORIER@LEHIGHVALLEYCHAMBER.ORG FOR MORE INFORMATION
Meet Peter Ruggiero President & CEO of Crayola, LLC
LEHIGH VALLEY ECONOMIC REPORT
Dr. Kamran Afshar, Chamber Chief Economist
The Chamber’s Finance Committee
610-691-3272 • ka@kaa-inc.com
May employment exceeded 400,000 in the Valley, a record high
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry, payroll employment in the Lehigh Valley reached a record high of 401,700 in May 2024. The unemployment rate has dropped to 3.6% and has been below 4%, the range considered full-employment, for the last 22 months. In March and April of 2020, the Valley lost 72,000 or 17% of its total employment, raising the unemployment rate to 16%, a devastating blow. But, thanks to the stimulus payments, the economy did not fall into a depression. It took, however, 27 months for the Valley’s employment to reach its previous high due to all the jobs lost as a result of the pandemic. And after adjustment for seasonality, the Valley’s payroll level is 15,000 higher than before the pandemic. During recessions, due to the rapid change in demand and supply, businesses have to make adjustments to their resource allocation out of necessity. This often means learning new methods of operation, using a different combination of payroll
vs. contract employees, and introducing new labor-saving capital equipment. As a result, businesses don’t necessarily return to the same resource allocation level they had before the recession.
Compared to the pre-pandemic levels, the largest change in the Valley was a 17% increase in transportation-warehousing employment, followed by a 14% increase in the healthcare sector. While the finance sector laid off 9% of its employees, the leisure-hospitality and retail sectors have not yet returned their employment to pre-pandemic levels. The job market is no longer tight, as we estimate the number of job openings advertised in the Valley has dropped from 50% above its pre-pandemic level in early 2022 to just 10% above by May 2024. The number of jobs offered nationally is now 3 million below its peak, the number of new hires is down by almost a million, the number of people quitting their jobs is down by 1.1 million. In contrast, while still below its pre-pandemic level, the number of
layoffs has risen from its lows.
In the Lehigh Valley, the number of initial unemployment claims dropped to a historical low in 2022, a clear reflection of the extremely tight labor at that time. However, that exceptionally low level is now in the past, and the number of claims has risen to a range that, while still associated with a strong labor market, has been observed multiple times since the 1980s. One key measure of labor availability is the number of individuals receiving unemployment checks, as they are expected to accept jobs that
match the one they lost. This available labor pool shrunk in 2022 to almost half its pre-pandemic size in the Valley. That number has rebounded and now stands at close to 90% of its pre-pandemic level locally, indicating a softening of the labor market. Our AI-assisted predictive model, based on historical data and the Lehigh Valley Business Sentiment Index, predicts that local employment will maintain a record high in spring, with a slight downward correction during the third quarter of this year.
4/4 Architecture
Gary Lader
414 West Broad Street, Suite 200 Bethlehem, PA 18018 610-419-1139 www.44architecture.com
Associations
Tri County PA Kiwanis
Janet Owen 2429 Napa Drive Easton, PA 18040 www.tricountypakiwanis.org
Attorneys, Judges & Legal Services
Florio Perrucci Steinhardt Cappelli & Tipton LLC
Sarah Powell
91 Larry Homes Drive Easton, PA 18042 610-691-7900 www.floriolaw.com
Lehigh Valley Acura
Andrew Wright
333 State Avenue Emmaus, PA 18049 610-967-6500 www.lehighvalleyacura.com
Lehigh Valley Honda
Andrew Wright 675 State Avenue Emmaus, PA 18049 610-967-6500 www.lehighvalleyhonda.com
Lehigh Valley Hyundai
Andrew Wright 675 State Avenue Emmaus, PA 18049 610-967-6500 www.lehighvalleyhyundai.com
Mercedes-Benz of the Lehigh Valley
Andrew Wright 3401 Lehigh Street Allentown, PA 18103 610-439-1555 www.mbofthelehighvalley.com
Bethlehem, PA 18020
610-400-8177
www.paretoimpact.com
Pugh Self-Protection & Combatives
Zachary Pugh 156 McAmbely Avenue Elmira Heights, NY 14903 607-202-5999 www.pughselfprotection.com
Watsvine Consulting, LLC
Vinessa Pearson
100 Northampton Street, Apt. 601 Easton, PA 18042 267-315-3875
Computer Sales, Services & Security
Sizement, Inc.
Mark Carter 1114 Texas Palmyra, Highway 169 Honesdale, PA 18431 272-336-0822
Disability Services
Person Directed Supports, Inc
Courtney McGee 1541 Alta Drive, Suite 202 Whitehall, PA 18052
Sandy Garcia 528 Seven Bridge Road #133 East Stroudsburg, PA 18301 570-422-1012
www.heartofgoldpa.com
Hospital, Clinics & Medical Groups
Anwari Counseling Services LLC
Adila Cosgrove 65 East Elizabeth Avenue Suite 117 Bethlehem , PA 18018
484-350-6256 www.anwaricounseling.com
Information Services Technology & Cyber Security
Techexcellence
Michael Miller
306 South New Street Bethlehem, PA 18015
484-402-4100 www.techexcellence.com
Yocum Technology Group
Tim Yocum 5531 Kurt Drive Allentown, PA 18104
610-217-7948
www.ytg.io
Newspapers, Publications, Digital News and Reporting
Spotlight PA
Michelle Mertz P. O. Box 11728 Harrisburg, PA 17108 717-756-9562
www.spotlightpa.org
Physicians & Surgeons
Office of Haymon Salib, M.D.
Hayman Salib 3465 Nazareth Road, Suite 102 Easton, PA 18045 610-330-2630
www.saliboncology.com
Printing Services & Promotional Products
Swagman Promos, Inc.
Marie Murphy 434 King Street
Toastique Bethlehem
Jessica Morrissey 21 East 3rd Street Bethlehem, PA 18015
610-419-0950
www.toastique.com
Retail Sales
Ethos Dispensary
Vanessa Montesdeoca 2733 West Emmaus Avenue Allentown, PA 18103
484-773-7876
Sports Teams & Facilities
Upper Deck Academy & Indoor
Turf
Jeff Fischl 1716 East Tremont Street Allentown, PA 18109
610-704-3821
www.upperdecksportsacademy. com
Team Building
B Social Zoltan Estrella 3717 Route 378 Bethlehem, PA 18015
AMBASSADORS & SMALL BUSINESS COUNCILS
SMALL BUSINESS COUNCIL
Mahmoud Elhussini
The Growth Coach of Somersville-Allentown Small Business Council Board Member
A couple of weeks ago, we had our last Masterminds roundtable meeting. This meeting is a time where, once a month entrepreneurs and business owners get together for an hour and half to talk about best practices, experiences and "lessons learned" from their respective businesses. My co-facilitator Byron Roth, described it best, as our own board of directors meeting.
As a university professor and business coach myself, I spend most of my time lecturing or meeting with various business owners and C-level clients. Going to the masterminds' meetings every month is an event I look forward to, because I feel like it gives me a mental pause,
an opportunity to step out of my daily routine, and reset my mind. I believe that as one of the sessions' facilitators, I get as much out of it as the attendees. It is a safe place, where we all take a break from the daily grind, and sit together to think of ways to innovate, energize, and improve ourselves and our businesses.
I am looking forward to our next session beginning in September, and looking forward to meeting new peers in our "business growth incubator" where we will get a chance to continue sharing insights, and various ways to nourish our businesses and community.
PUBLIC POLICY
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE
Claudine Doyle, ASR Holdings
At first glance in October of 2020, the site of Easton Yards at 457 W Lincoln Street, Easton, PA was an abandoned factory, decorated with spray paint and nefarious paraphernalia on a not-well-lit street in Easton. The developers of the project, ASR Holdings LLC, could see beyond the rough edges and see the building’s potential.
“We knew what a thriving town Easton was thanks to the dedication of Mayor Panto and his team,” said Bo Doyle, owner of ASR Holdings LLC. With a multi-million dollar investment in the redevelopment of the Ada B. Cheston Elementary School, a neighbor of Easton Yards, this block of Easton had already started to change.
Bo Doyle, along with his partners Brian Doyle and Claudine Doyle, worked with architect Manny Pereiras of Pereiras Architects Ubiquitous.
“In his development of the architectural plans, Manny really focused on maintaining the unique features of the original structure, which had been a silk mill in the early 1900s and then a dye research laboratory until it was abandoned,” said Brian Doyle.
Included in the over acre of land is a rain garden for natural water absorption and a brand new stormwater management system. The
amenities for the residents include energy efficient appliances and lighting, a more insulative building due to the selection of walls, floors, doors and windows, and a multi-use trash chute, allowing residents to recycle.
ASR Holdings LLC was awarded the 2024 Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce Environmental Innovations Small Business Award, in recognition of the sustainability work done at Easton Yards. Additionally, Easton Yards was the 2023 winner of the Lehigh Valley Commercial & Industrial Real Estate Foundation’s Urban Renewal, Multi-Family Award.
“It was a tremendous undertaking to take the building at 457 W Lincoln Street in October of 2020 and transform it into the Easton Yards of today,” said Bo Doyle. “What made the tough times easier was during each step along the way, neighbors would stop by our building to thank us for starting the change of that block on Lincoln Street and for making the area safer for their children. We are so proud to have brought this historic building back to life and to be a part of the City of Easton.”
If you would like to make Easton Yards your home or learn more, please visit www. EastonYards.com.
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE
Article
written by: Mike Gibson, Ondra Huyett & Associates & Kate Arnold, PPL Energy & Environment Committee Members
PA Energy rebate and loan programs available!
Did you know that residential and business customers can receive rebates for energy efficiency improvements through utility programs? Electric utilities, such as PPL Electric Utilities, offer rebates for a variety of products and services that improve energy efficiency. This includes projects such as upgrading to more efficient heating and cooling systems, purchasing smart thermostats, and appliance recycling. Businesses can receive discounts on lighting, compressed air, and refrigeration projects, among other incentives. For more information, residential customers can visit the PPL Online Marketplace and SaveWithPPL.com. Business customers can visit pplelectric.com/BusinessRebates . Those not in the PPL Electric service ter-
ritory should check with their local utilities for available energy efficiency rebates and incentives.
Additionally, the Pennsylvania Energy Development Authority (PEDA has launched the Keystone Energy Efficiency Program (KEEP) Home Energy Loan program, which will offer affordable financing to homeowners who are interested in reducing their energy costs through energy efficient upgrades, such as installing storm windows, ductless heating and cooling, smart thermostats, solar water heaters, electric vehicle chargers, and more. More details on projects eligible for KEEP funding can be found at www.keepenergyloan.org .
CHAMBER SEEN!
The Chamber's Transportation Summit brings together policymakers, local businesses, and state organizations, allowing them to discuss the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of transportation in the Lehigh Valley. This year's event hosted 150 people, and included discussion topics regarding sustainable initiatives, current construction and expansion efforts, and possibilities for the future of transportation in the Lehigh Valley. Conversations focused on organizational accomplishments, growth, and development while providing current and detailed information of transportation trends in the Valley.
Presentations from Executive Director of the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission, Becky Bradley, Executive Director of the Lehigh And Northampton Transportation Authority, Owen O'Neil, Executive Director of the Lehigh Northampton Airport Authority, Tom Stoudt, and Project Delivery Engineer at PENNDOT District 5, Kerri Cutright, expanded on these topics and elaborated individually on present and future efforts of their organizations. Information presented at the summit can be used by organizations throughout the Valley to enhance their own transportation efforts, improving areal functionality.
Chamber Foundation Annual Meeting and Awards
Thursday, August 22, 5-7 PM
Four Seasons Room at Lehigh Country Club
$50 per person includes Cocktail reception
Proceeds go toward supporting future beautification grants
Register at web.lehighvalleychamber.org/events
Sponsored by:
MAIN STREET LEHIGH VALLEY
Jody Piagesi, Northampton Pool & Patio Chair, Chamber Foundation
Banners, Allentown West End theatre district planter, Northside Alive planters in Bethlehem, Coopersburg park picnic tables and bench, Catasauqua Evergreen Tree, Slatedale Park picnic tables , Easton Canal Park bicycle rack, Hellertown historic bridge signage, Bangor 150th anniversary banners, East Stroudsburg Hometown Heroes banners, Lehighton access to parking from sidewalk, Parkland Library landscaping, Nazareth borough message kiosk, and Jim Thorpe landscaping. Air Products will present a special award for a 2024 project which will be announced at the event on August 22nd.
plant landscaping at the Emmaus Public Library was recently completed in coordination with local Girl Scouts
ROCKY BLEIER
Cocktail hour with heavy hors d’oeuvres followed by motivational narrative by Rocky Bleier, legendary war veteran and four-time Super Bowl running back for Pittsburgh Steelers.
4:30 p.m., Monday, November 4, 2024
Glasbern Inn, Fogelsville
Benefits scholarships for veterans
Sponsorships still available!
Geovany
Karen Widrick
EASTON AREA
CHAMBER SEEN!
Photos from Ole Town Festival June 22nd at Walters Park Pavillion
Patio
CHAMBER SEEN!
Photos from The Hillside Mix & Mingle hosted by GNACC & WACC on June 26th at Hillside Mini Golf & Ice Cream
CHAMBER SEEN!
15th
Photos from the GNLCC Spirit Awards on June
at Ontelaunee Park
*Photos Courtesy of Touchpoint Photography*
EAST PENN CHAMBER & EMMAUS MAIN STREET
EMMAUS MAIN STREET PARTNERS
Mandy Suro, Seven Generations Charter School Chair, Emmaus Main Street Partners
As the new chair of the Emmaus Main St. Partners Board, I am thrilled to connect with the local community in creative and meaningful ways, building a sense of engagement that highlights the energy and creative spirit of the Emmaus community. Working as the Community Relations and Development Director at Seven Generations Charter School, the community of Emmaus has been a critical part of the growth of our organization, allowing our students to learn in and about our amazing community. The streets of Emmaus are buzzing with excitement with the arrival of new businesses and events and I am thrilled to step in as the Board Chair for EMSP and continue to support the growth and development of our community. I would like to send a
huge thank you to all the businesses, sponsors and participants that supported our EMSP Golf Classic in June. The day featured over 75 businesses and the Emmaus Main St. Partners are grateful for the outreach from so many in the Lehigh Valley. Please mark your calendars and save the date for our next event, EMSP’s annual Farewell to Summer, happening September 21st from 11:00 - 3:00 in the Emmaus Triangle.
This event will be filled with activities for the entire family, including live music, vendors, interactive children’s activities, food trucks, a scarecrow trail and more! Join us as we say farewell to summer and hello fall on the vibrant streets of Emmaus.
CHAMBER SEEN!
on
Photos from EMSP Golf Outing
June 17th at Green Pond Country Club *Photos Courtesy of Alan Sylvestre Media*
Photos from Upper Saucon's Schools Out Bash on June 7th at Hopewell Park
NAZARETH AREA CHAMBER
Rebecca Miklas, Miklas Realty Chair, Nazareth Area Chamber
Hello, everyone! Welcome to the Nazareth Area Chamber!
I am your newly elected Nazareth Chair. I've been involved with this board, as well as other Chamber boards, for years, dating back to when it was the Nazareth Chamber of Commerce. I am excited to take on this role and positively lead and impact during my term. Things have been in full swing here! We have been welcoming new members, hosting networking events to max capacity, and adding new faces to the Board, all while looking ahead to a busy event season. We just concluded Martin on Main, and are looking ahead to our inaugural Shop Local Week and our annual Fall Fest!
We are also adding more events and networking opportunities for support.
In addition to my role at the Chamber, I am the chair of the Moore Township Community Days, where I channel my passion into organizing public events. I also serve on boards at my local Lehigh Valley Association of Realtors, where I currently chair the Professional Standards Committee and the MLS Committee. Being involved in the community is where I thrive. The enjoyment I get from engaging others and seeing people excited and happy about the events we all work so hard for makes it all worthwhile!
NAZARETH AREA CHAMBER
Photos from Spuds & Spurs on June 15th in Bath
CARBON & POCONO
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14TH
8:30 AM REGISTRATION OPENS
9:00 AM EVENT BEGINS
Enjoy three great outdoor adventures in Carbon County! A portion of the proceeds will benefit Lehigh Canal & Recreation Commission.
Participants in the Pace, Paddle & Pedal Pursuit will gather at Mauch Chunk Lake Park at 8:30 a.m. for registration. The event begins at 9 a.m. with a run down the Switchback Trail to the Jim Thorpe Municipal Parking lot, followed by a rafting trip to the Lehighton Outdoor Center. The final portion of the Pursuit is a cycling trip from LOC to the Bowmanstown boat launch where buses will be waiting to transport participants back to Mauch Chunk Lake Park for a celebration complete with vendor and craft fair.
Melanoma: The Less Common but More Dangerous Skin Cancer
Amber loved the tanning bed at her local salon.
Unlimited access for a mere $19.99 a month? She could swing that, even as a college student. So Amber rolled the tanning bed into her normal routine. “What started as a couple of times before a dance or trip, turned into a relaxing activity that I began to enjoy and do more regularly,” Amber writes on aad.org, the American Academy of Dermatology website. “I didn't think much about it.” She thinks about it now, and has done so ever since her physical therapy professor noticed a “funny looking mole” on her tummy one day during a PT lab. A week later, at just 23 years old, Amber was diagnosed with stage II malignant melanoma.
The Most Serious Skin Cancer
As we continue through the dog days of summer, Amber’s sobering story serves as a warning siren to limit our exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays, be they from natural sunlight, sun lamps or tanning beds. “Melanoma is far less common than many other skin cancers,” said Dr. Jeremy Wigginton, Capital Blue Cross Chief Medical Officer. “But it’s also far more dangerous because of its greater likelihood to spread to other areas in your body if it’s left undetected and untreated for too long.” Dr. Wigginton says you also can lower your risk through commonsense UV-lessening measures such as seeking shade, using sunscreen, clothing as much of your body as you comfortably can, and wearing hats and sunglasses.
The toll
Melanoma is diagnosed less than 2% as often as nonmelanoma skin cancers in the United States, yet is up to four times more fatal, with the NCI estimating nearly 8,000 deaths in 2023. While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) doesn’t break down its reported
$8.9 billion annual skin cancer cost by cancer type, melanoma’s serious nature requires more ongoing and expensive treatments, so it likely comprises a larger percentage of the price tag than more common skin cancers. Employers can help through skin cancer education initiatives, and by offering quality healthcare that offers necessary preventive and treatment coverage. Many Capital Blue Cross plans cover preventive visits for skin cancer screening and counseling with a healthcare provider, and many Capital plans also help members cover treatment for diagnosed skin cancers.
Amber’s Arithmetic
It’s a good thing her professor spotted that “funny looking mole” several years ago.“Little did I know she saved my life,” Amber writes on aad.org. But that doesn’t mean it’s been smooth sailing. Far from it. Amber reports that her melanoma has required 38 excisions, 67 stitches, and 27 dermatologist appointments, and generated seven abnormal pathology reports, 19 scars, and a chest x-ray. Math that makes that $19.99 a month seem like much less of a bargain.
(For more health and wellness news and information that can benefit your business and employees, visit thinkcapitalbluecross.com.)
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, Mark Jaindl is pleased to announce the promotion of a member of American Bank’s team to a Senior Management role. Ms. Sarah Westgate, Vice President and Project Manager has been promoted to Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer effective July 1, 2024. This position became open due to the retirement of Ms. Karina Behler, who has served in the COO role since March 2018. Ms. Westgate joined American Bank in May 2002 first as a Teller and Personal Banking Representative at the Bank’s Tilghman Street branch. She then transitioned into a role within the Compliance Department where she held various positions including Compliance and Training Specialist before becoming Assistant Operations Officer. She has served in the role of Vice President and Project Manager since 2021.
United Federal Credit Union (United) has been named one of the 2024 Top 100 Workplaces in North America by Inspiring Workplaces Group. The Inspiring Workplaces Awards honor organizations that excel in fostering a positive work environment through exceptional leadership, wellbeing initiatives, inclusivity, and a strong sense of purpose. Judges rank organizations on six key elements, including: culture and purpose, leadership, wellbeing, inclusion, employee voice, and employee experience. United has the distinction of being the only credit union selected, and one of only four financial institutions.
The Center for Humanistic Change (CHC) of Allentown announces its newly elected volunteer Board officers. Elected and appointed for two-year officer terms are President John Mohr (Sr. Digital Analytics Specialist at Air Products); Vice President Farah Vallera, PhD (Dir. Of Learning & Technology at Action for Child Protection, and CEO of Mindful Learning Design LLC); Secretary Nicole Nix (Dir. of Compensation, Benefits & EHS at Crayola, LLC); and Treasurer Jim McDade (Audit Manager at Baker Tilly). Newly elected to the CHC Board in June as general members are Kumari Ghafoor-Davis (Equity & Inclusion – Mayor’s Office, City of Allentown); Ryan Hinsey (Attorney with Fitzpatrick Lentz & Bubba, P.C.); and Greg Scarlato (Executive Vice President at EZ Micro Solutions.) CHC welcomes Board applicants with business and service acumen in the areas of marketing, social media, law, finance, technology and human resources. Visit www.thechc.org for more information or contact the executive director at 610-443-1595, ext. 15. The Center for Humanistic Change is a not-for-profit organization serving Lehigh and Northampton counties since 1980. Its mission is to give people, especially youth, the knowledge and tools they need to make better-informed and more positive life choices. Drug and alcohol abuse prevention is a core service. CHC delivers evidence-based and custom-designed prevention education programs to schools, correctional facilities, neighborhoods and workplaces, offering life skills training, prevention programming and student mentoring, and connects people to the community resources they need.
Member News
Via of the Lehigh Valley is pleased to announce the promotion of Jenna Trach as Vice President of Human Resources. As Vice President, Trach will lead the human resources team and provide human resource guidance to the organization. She will be responsible for the overall administration, coordination, and evaluation of the human resources department and programs. In addition, she will oversee human resource-related duties in the following functional areas: employee relations, training, recruitment, benefits, affirmative action, and employment policy.
Good Shepherd Rehabilitation recently welcomed Daniel D. McNeill, DO, and Tariq Rajnarine, MD, as new physicians to the rehabilitation network. Dr. McNeill serves as medical director of Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Hospital (3200 Center Valley Parkway in Center Valley), which features 76 private rooms, leading technologies and CARF-accredited inpatient rehabilitation programs for stroke, spinal cord injury, brain injury, limb loss and complex medical rehabilitation. He comes to Good Shepherd from the Reading area. Before joining Good Shepherd, Dr. McNeill most recently served as regional director of rehabilitation services at Rehabilitation Associates’ Mid-Atlantic Region and physician, chief executive officer and owner of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Specialists, Inc. He also served as medical director at Patient Care Home Health Reading and medical director at Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Reading.
Wanda Binder, an agent at Brosky Insurance Agency Inc., has won the Risk and Insurance Education Alliance 2024 outstanding CSR of the Year for the state of Pennsylvania. The competition is The Outstanding CSR of the Year Competition, which started in 1991 to honor customer service representatives and account managers who have made significant contributions in the insurance and risk management industry. This competition is sponsored by the Society of Certified Insurance Representatives and the Society of Certified Insurance Counselors-proud member organizations of the Risk & Insurance Education Alliance.
U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) visited Hispanic Center Lehigh Valley in South Bethlehem Monday morning to announce a $350,000 workforce development grant. Casey personally thanked St. Luke’s Network Director of Community Workforce Development Victoria Montero for leading the effort secure the funding.
Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival (PSF) is thrilled to present a heartwarming reimagination of A.A. Milne’s timeless tales, Winnie-the-Pooh & Friends. Adapted by Artistic Director Jason King Jones, the show runs now through August 3 in the Schubert Theatre at the Labuda Center for the Performing Arts at DeSales University. Join Christopher Robin and his beloved pals Pooh, Tigger, Eeyore, Piglet and others as they set out on a whimsical journey filled with joy, camaraderie, and, of course, honey! Whether you’re a youngster or young at heart, Winnie-the-Pooh & Friends will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the wonder of imagination and the
bonds of friendship.
Lehigh Valley nonprofit Joshway has partnered with Northampton Community College (NCC) to offer the Joshway Scholarship in support of at-risk youth who are pursuing higher education. Joshway’s gift of $20,000 establishes the endowed scholarship, which will be awarded to students who have participated in the Joshway program, those who have overcome significant personal challenges, and those who are interested in pursuing any area of study in the arts. The scholarship criteria align with Joshway’s mission to provide resources to young people ages 12-17 in both underserved and traditional communities who are at risk due to mental health, familial, or economic circumstances.
Lehigh Valley Hospital (LVH) is one of the top hospitals in the country for orthopedic and pulmonary and critical care according to the 2024-2025 U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals list. U.S. News ranks LVH among the top 20 hospitals in the nation for orthopedics and 40th for pulmonology and lung surgery.
Molly's Irish Grille & Sports Pub proudly announces its 15th anniversary this July, marking a significant milestone in its journey of serving the Bethlehem community with unparalleled dedication and creativity. Over the years, Molly's has become a cornerstone of local culture, known for its lively events, viral innovations, and steadfast community support.
Gross McGinley is pleased to announce the addition of Attorney Catherine E. Sears. Attorney Catherine E. Sears joined Gross McGinley in July 2024 and immediately became an integral part of the Wills, Trusts, and Estates practice group. Catherine was raised in Chester County and returned to the Lehigh Valley area after attending law school and beginning her career in Virginia, where she lived for ten years. A graduate of William and Mary Law School, Class of 2017, Catherine started her legal career in Williamsburg, Virginia as a Clinic Fellow, then as a Law Clerk, and then as an Associate Attorney at The Peninsula Center for Estate and Lifelong Planning.
Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival celebrates its 33rd Season with the musical The Color Purple, a powerful story about faith, hope, and love. Directed by award-winner Amina Robinson, the show runs July 17 to August 4 on the Main Stage at the Labuda Center for the Performing Arts at DeSales University.
Submit your press releases to Ellie Andino at elliea@lehighvalleychamber.org to be featured in this section!
Please note: submission does not guarantee placement.
More vacation.
Less rush hour.
Simple, accessible, and tailored to your needs that’s how health insurance should be. We’re committed to providing the benefits and services you need and improving the health and well-being of the communities we call home. Rooted in Central Pennsylvania and the Lehigh Valley, backed by national strength, we go the extra mile for you.
Capital Blue Cross is an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.
