August 2024 Connections

GREATER LEHIGH VALLEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

AUGUST 2024

Touchstone Theatre’s Greenway Mural Project (Bethlehem)

Past beautification projects funded by

Welcome to Wind Gap Sign (Wind Gap)

The Chamber’s Main Street Foundation!

See PG. 13 to view this years grant recipients!

Hand Painted Kayaks (Slate Belt)

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Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce | 1

CHAMBER STAFF DIRECTORY President & CEO Tony Iannelli........................................610-739-1513 President & Chief Executive Officer tonyi@lehighvalleychamber.org Assistant to the President, Chamber Foundation, Nonprofit & Business Partners Council Lorie Reinert........................................610-739-1597 Executive Director, Chamber Foundation and Nonprofit & Business Partners Council Liaison lorier@lehighvalleychamber.org Member Relations, Marketing & Sales Frank Facchiano...................................610-739-1515 Chief Operations Officer, EVP, Member Relations frankf@lehighvalleychamber.org Gina Martens.......................................610-739-1511 Senior VP, Member Relations ginam@lehighvalleychamber.org Alison Pickel........................................610-739-1512 Senior VP, Member Relations, Veterans & Military Council alisonp@lehighvalleychamber.org Paige Nicholas ....................................610-737-0565 VP, Major Events & Small Business Council Liaison paigen@lehighvalleychamber.org Ellie Andino..........................................610-739-1000 Director, Communications & Design elliea@lehighvalleychamber.org Bailey Muhl.........................................610-349-9776 Member Relations Manager baileym@lehighvalleychamber.org Sofia Groves ........................................610-802-2380 Coordinator, Member Relations sofiag@lehighvalleychamber.org Matt Schlegel.......................................610-349-8226 benefits@thechamberhealthmarketplace.com Government Affairs & Business Matters Leo Rooney...........................................610-739-1642 Vice President, Government & External Affairs and Producer, Business Matters leor@lehighvalleychamber.org Isabelle Jabbour..................................610-810-6412 Assistant Manager, Government & External Affairs isabellej@lehighvalleychamber.org Diversity Councils African American Business Leaders Council, Hispanic Chamber, LGBTQ Business Council, Women’s Business Council, Young Professionals Council Danielle Joseph...................................484-226-0128 Executive VP, Diversity Councils daniellej@lehighvalleychamber.org Brittany Keal.......................................610-295-9824 Vice President, Diversity Councils brittanyk@lehighvalleychamber.org Hannah Stott........................................484-668-0390 Manager, Diversity Councils hannahs@lehighvalleychamber.org Sabrina Olivo.......................................484-547-8970 Manager, Diversity Councils sabrinao@lehighvalleychamber.org Chambers of Commerce Allentown Area Chamber & Downtown Allentown Business Alliance Brittney Ciardi ....................................484-828-9765 Senior VP, Allentown Initiatives brittneyc@lehighvalleychamber.org Vaughan Bryant...................................484-226-6323 Manager, Allentown Initiatives vaughanb@lehighvalleychamber.org Liz Martin ............................................484-834-9693 Allentown Chamber Associate lizm@lehighvalleychamber.org Bethlehem Chamber & Downtown Bethlehem Association Tammy Wendling................................610-739-1775 Senior VP, Bethlehem Initiatives tammyw@lehighvalleychamber.org Claire Boucher.....................................610-349-2180 Manager, Bethlehem Initiatives claireb@lehighvalleychamber.org

Ty Versocki............................................610-739-3385 Manager, Downtown Bethlehem Association tyv@lehighvalleychamber.org Evelyn Caron........................................610-810-7841 Assistant Manager, Downtown Bethlehem Association evelync@lehighvalleychamber.org Easton Area Chamber, Phillipsburg Area Chamber, Forks Business Association Caitlin Hamlin......................................610-739-1520 Manager, Easton & Phillipsburg Area Initiatives caitlinh@lehighvalleychamber.org Erin Deutsch.........................................484-264-6630 Assistant Manager, Easton & Phillipsburg Area Initiatives erind@lehighvalleychamber.org Affiliated Chambers (East Penn, Emmaus Main Street Partners, Hellertown-Lower Saucon, Greater Northern Lehigh, Southern Lehigh, Western Lehigh, Whitehall, Nazareth Area, Greater Northampton Area) Jessica O’Donnell-Gower....................610-573-4010 Executive VP, Affiliated Chambers, Northern Tier and Easton & Phillipsburg Initiatives jessicao@lehighvalleychamber.org Kylie Adams-Weiss .............................484-548-4090 AVP, Affiliated Chambers (WACC, GNLCC) + Director of Marketing & Design (Affiliated Chambers and Easton Area Initiatives) kyliea@lehighvalleychamber.org Aaron Gasparetti..................................610-349-1532 Manager, Affiliated Chambers (GNACC, HLSC, NACC & WACC) Elyse Cuttic...........................................484-834-7868 Assistant Manager, Affiliated Chambers (GNACC, HLSC, NACC & WACC) elysec@lehighvalleychamber.org Hayden Rinde .....................................484-828-9777 AVP, Affiliated Chambers (EMSP, EPCC, SLCC & WLCC) haydenr@lehighvalleychamber.org Emily Brosky .......................................610-739-1273 Coordinator, Affiliated Chambers (EMSP, EPCC, SLCC & WLCC) emilyb@lehighvalleychamber.org Northern Tier (Carbon County and Pocono Area) Kathy Henderson.................................570-778-8147 Executive Director, CCEDC khenderson@carboncountychamber.org Sarah Wallace.......................................484-547-8551 Director, PCC sarahw@lehighvalleychamber.org Sierra LeFurgy......................................610-295-9047 Assistant Manager, PCC sierral@lehighvalleychamber.org

CHAMBER BOARD OF GOVERNORS Tom Groves, Equinox Benefits Consulting Chair, The Chamber 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 businesses and other initiatives in every

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!

Accounting & Billing Department Dawn Werkheiser................................610-751-4980 Chief Financial Officer dawnw@lehighvalleychamber.org Tina Marte............................................610-739-5422 VP, Finance & Quality Processes tinam@lehighvalleychamber.org Rose Caras............................................610-739-1612 Finance & Database Manager rosec@lehighvalleychamber.org

Board of Governors Executive Committee Chair, Tom Groves, Equinox Benefits Consulting Tony Iannelli, The Chamber, President & CEO Vice Chair, Laurie Hackett, Air Products Treasurer, Jeff Berdahl, RLB Accountants Secretary, Bret Ludlow, Liquid Counsel, Buddy Lesavoy, Lesavoy Butz & Seitz LLC Imm. Past Chair, Mary Lisicky, Morgan Stanley •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Danielle Adams-Wiltshire, QueenSuite Paul Anthony, IBEW 375 Krista Berardelli, Agentis Plumbing Michael Butz, Alvin H. Butz, Inc. Luis Campos, City of Easton Dorota Gasienica-Kozak, The KingSpry Law Firm Lou Fromm, Fromm Murtaza Jaffer, EBC Printing Marilyn Kelly-Cavotta, PA Department of Military and Veterans Affairs Andrew Lawler, West Side Hammer Electric Buddy Lesavoy, Lesavoy Butz & Seitz, LLC Donna LoStocco, First Commonwealth Federal Credit Union

New Season, New suits from:

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Designer/Editor/Layout/Sales: Ellie Andino, Communications Director, The Chamber • Articles: Chambers, Councils, Staff & Various Contributors • Printer: TN Printing

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mark your calendars! please note: all dates, times, and locations are subject to change. please refer to our online events calendar for the most up-to-date schedule!

Thursday, August 1st

Tuesday, August 20th

4-5pm - Maximize Your Membership - A Member Benefits Review! (Free Event)

11:30am-1pm - Somos Latinas Luncheon presented by the Hispanic Chamber

5-7pm - Business After Hours Networking at Madeline'es Fogelsville (Free Event)

Wednesday, August 21st

6-8pm - Phillipsburg Summer Concert Series - Joyous (Free Event) Tuesday, August 6th

9:15-10am - Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting (Free Event) Thursday, August 8th

6-8pm - Phillipsburg Summer Concert Series - Little Red Rooster Band (Free Event) Monday, August 12th 11am-7pm - Bethlehem Walla Gazoo Golf Tournament Tuesday, August 13th

1-6pm - Allentown Back to School Bash (Free Event) Wednesday, August 14th

5-7pm - Party on the Patio for Black Business Month presented by the African American Business Leaders Council (Free Event) Thursday, August 15th

12-6pm - U-Haul Moving & Storage of Lower Macungie Ribbon Cutting (Free Event) 6-8pm - Phillipsburg Summer Concert Series - Zaire (Free Event) Friday, August 16th

6-8pm - Craig Thatcher & Nyke Van Wyke Upper Saucon Township's Summer Concert Series(Free Event) Sunday, August 18th 11am-4pm - Easton Eco Extravaganza (Free Event)

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

CONNECTIONS INDEX: Affiliated Chambers........................................................23 Allentown Area...............................................................10 Ambassadors & Small Business Councils.........................11 Bethlehem Area..............................................................17 Carbon & Pocono Chambers............................................29 Chamber Events Calendar...............................................2 Chamber Staff Directory..................................................1 Diversity Councils...........................................................20-22 Easton Area....................................................................18 East Penn Chamber & Emmaus Main Street Partners.......25 Greater Northern Lehigh & Western Lehigh Chambers.....24

Hellertown-Lower Saucon & Greater Northampton Area Chambers..........................................................................28 Nazareth Area.....................................................................27 Lehigh Valley Economic Report......................................... 6 Southern Lehigh Area & Whitehall Area Chambers.............26 New Members...................................................................8-9 Member News...................................................................32 Nonprofit & Business Partners Council & Chamber Foundation..13 Phillipsburg Area...............................................................19 Public Policy......................................................................12

Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce | 3

UNVEILING NEW BEGINNINGS!

Celebrating a grand opening or anniversary?

Contact Paige Nicholas at paigen@lehighvalleychamber.org

The Store at Cold Nose Lodge 235 West Penn Avenue, Alburtis, PA 18011

Hank's Italian Ice Co. 303 Main Street, Emmaus, PA 18049 Coopersburg Farmers Market 5 North Main Street, Coopersburg PA

Mid Atlantic Rehabilitation Services (MARS) 1255 South Cedar Crest, Allentown, PA 18103

Hounds Town USA - Allentown 2305 28th Street SW, Allentown, PA 18103

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May 28, 2025 - 7 Days Tour Rates:

Enjoy a 7 day adventure to Iceland filled with fun activities including Reykjavik City Tour, Gold Circle Tour, South Coast Tour, Hot Spring Bread Experience, and much more!

For more information, go to lehighvalleychamber.org/events

Booking Discount: $5049 pp double Regular Rate: $5149 pp double Single Supplement: +$1100

For more information, join us on September 18th at 5pm at the Lehigh Valley Chamber’s Allentown Office for an information session!

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Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce | 5

PRESIDENT'S ROUNDTABLE Thursday, September 12 WHERE: Thyme 100 Northampton Street Easton, PA 18042 11:30AM Lunch 12 - 1PM Program $100/person Limited Seating!

Meet Peter Ruggiero

President & CEO of Crayola, LLC

CONTACT LORIE AT LORIER@LEHIGHVALLEYCHAMBER.ORG FOR MORE INFORMATION

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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.

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Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce | 7

P N

Bring the Team for a Night of Tuesday Networking and Fun! 9-17-24

$35 Per Person includes:

-Appetizers, drink ticket, and game Networking start at 4:30 PM Game start at 6:45 PM

Register: web.lehighvalleychamber.org/events

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Porsche Lehigh Valley Andrew Wright 3401 Lehigh Street Allentown, PA 18103 610-967-4121 www.porschelehighvalley.com

ALLENTOWN | EASTON | STROUDSBURG

DEDICATED PEOPLE • INNOVATIVE MINDS PROFESSIONAL SERVICE

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS! FAMILY LAW • BUSINESS SERVICES EMPLOYMENT LAW • REAL ESTATE LITIGATION • ESTATE PLANNING • TAX LAW CRIMINAL DEFENSE • MUNICIPAL • SPORTS LAW

SERVING THE LEHIGH VALLEY AND BEYOND

www.GrossMcGinley.com 610.820.5450

Cleaning & Janitorial Services

PuroClean of Stroudsburg & Saylorsburg Zefrain Mora 1145 Interchange Road Gilbert, PA 18331 610-438-3373 www.puroclean.com Coaching

AM Creative Coach LLC Adam Cipoletti 633 Dellwood Street Bethlehem, PA 18018 314-888-8663 Community Growth & Development

CAT - Coalition for Appropriate Transportation Scott Slingerland 1935 West Broad Street Bethlehem, PA 18018 610-954-5744 www.lvcat.org Consulting Services & Training

Architects & Related Services

Automobile Dealers: Used & New

4/4 Architecture Gary Lader 414 West Broad Street, Suite 200 Bethlehem, PA 18018 610-419-1139 www.44architecture.com

Lehigh Valley Acura Andrew Wright 333 State Avenue Emmaus, PA 18049 610-967-6500 www.lehighvalleyacura.com

Associations

Lehigh Valley Honda Andrew Wright 675 State Avenue Emmaus, PA 18049 610-967-6500 www.lehighvalleyhonda.com

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 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

Pareto Impact Consulting Brian Anderson 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 610-841-4401 www.persondirectedsupports.com Educational Institutions, Organizations & Tutoring Services

CoderOgres Joshua Troy Chalfont, PA 18914 215-280-6787 www.coderogres.com Covenant Christian Academy of the Lehigh Valley Troy Craft 75 East Union Boulevard Bethlehem, PA 18018 610-868-7302 www.cca-lehighvalley.org Entertainment & Festivals

IceHouse Performing Arts Collaborative Doug Roysdon 56 River Street Bethlehem, PA 18015 610-865-7081 www.icehousetonight.org Home Healthcare

Heart of Gold 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

Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce | 9

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 East Stroudsburg, PA 18301 866-229-8237 www.swagmanpromos.com

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 835-201-1020 www.bsocialpa.com

Restaurants, Bars & Cafes

Happy Hour Bar and Grill Jennifer Scelza 608 Clermont Avenue Stroudsburg, PA 18360 570-977-7385 www.happyhourbarandgrill.com

CHAMBER APP

Iron Hill Brewery and Restaurant Jaclyn Daley 950 Lehigh Lifestyle Center Lehigh Valley Mall Whitehall, PA 18052 609-472-1258 www.ironhillbrewery.com/location/lehigh-valley-pa The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill Center Valley Chris Nagy 2880 Center Valley Parkway Suite 602 Center Valley, PA 18034 610-216-6807 www.thegreatgreekgrill.com

SCAN TO DOWNLOAD CHAMBER APP

10 | Connections Magazine

ALLENTOWN AREA

Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce | 11

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.

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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.

Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce | 13

NONPROFIT & BUSINESS PARTNERS COUNCIL & CHAMBER FOUNDATION

MAIN STREET LEHIGH VALLEY Jody Piagesi, Northampton Pool & Patio Chair, Chamber Foundation

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

The Chamber Foundation is excited to announce support for 15 new community beautification projects worth over $50,000 to be completed this year.

These projects foster community pride, celebrate the unique history of each municipality, and bring neighbors together while providing safe, clean, and green spaces that are accessible to all.

These projects help attract and retain businesses while revitalizing neighborhoods, usually with a pop of color.

We hope you will celebrate with us on August 22 at the Chamber Foundation Annual Meeting and Awards Reception from 5 – 7pm at Lehigh Country Club.

This year’s projects are an Emmaus Community Mural, Alburtis Pole

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.

Sponsored by:

Native plant landscaping at the Emmaus Public Library was recently completed in coordination with local Girl Scouts

Connect with us!

Lehigh Valley Chamber lehighvalleychamber @glvcc Lehigh Valley Chamber Lehigh Valley Chamber

14 | Connections Magazine

Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce | 15

MOTIVATIONAL EVENING WITH

ROCKY BLEIER

out of the box way to promote your business?

Looking for an

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!

sign the pledge to fly local to: Help retain current air service at ABE Create demand for new air service at ABE Support our business community and help propel the regional economy to new heights

for more information on both programs, visit flyabe.com

16 | Connections Magazine

Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce | 17

BETHLEHEM AREA

Saturday, October 12, 2024 Historic Downtown Bethlehem

visithistoricbethlehem.com/event/harvest-fest-2024

Welcome, new board members!

Thank you to our incredible sponsors for supporting Geovany Elias

Jeremy Brescia

Silagh White

First Keystone Community Bank

Servpro

Bethlehem Fine Arts Commission

Karen Widrick

Raymond Santiago

Edge Restaurant

Hispanic Center Lehigh Valley

Nicole Dotta

Adam Stauffer

The High Center, Elizabethtown College

St. Lukes University Health Network

“How To Be An Ally in the Workplace!”

Marilee Falco Agili, Your Personal CFO

Joseph Shadid Holy Family Senior Living

SMALL BUSINESS SUPPORTING SPONSORS

18 | Connections Magazine

EASTON AREA

Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce | 19

PHILLIPSBURG AREA

CHAMBER SEEN!

Photos from Ole Town Festival June 22nd at Walters Park Pavillion

20 | Connections Magazine

DIVERSITY COUNCILS

yappy hour!

at the Patio

WEDNESDAY

Wednesday, August 14, 2024

August 21, 2024 | 5:30PM-7:30PM

5:00 PM- 7:00 PM

Seven Sirens Brewing Company

The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley

(327 Broadway Street, Bethlehem)

2845 Center Valley Parkway, Center Valley, PA 18034

Join us for networking, refreshing brews & furry friends!

FREE TO ATTEND!

Join us at this free to attend event for an evening of networking and performance

by The Boogie Stew! Visit some of our local black-owned businesses!

$5 Bring your dog

RSVP: sabrinao@lehighvalleychamber.org

RSVP to hannahs@lehighvalleychamber.org

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The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce presents

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Da Vinci Science Center 815 W. Hamilton Street Allentown, PA 18101

Tickets

$175 for one ticket $325 for two tickets Contact daniellej@lehighvalleychamber.org for sponsorship opportunities PRESENTING SPONSOR

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Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce | 21

DIVERSITY COUNCILS

2024 LGBTQ ANNUAL AWARDS

OCTOBER 18 | 6PM-10PM

The Centennial Catering & Conference Center at Homewood Suites, Center Valley

The LGBTQ Business Council’s eighth LGBTQ Annual Awards Gala is a stylish semi-formal event held to raise awareness and celebrate the achievements of our community in the greater Lehigh Valley!

Congratulations! Community Grant Recipient:

Annual Awards

Single Ticket: $100 | Couples Ticket: $190 Sponsor | sabrinao@lehighvalleychamber.org

GALA

The Women’s Business Council presents

ATHENA Awards Ceremony

For Women Who Empower Women

ATHENA Leadership

ATHENA Organizational Leadership

Chloe Cole-Wilson

Vicki Doulé

ASR Media

Saturday, November 23, 2024

Project Silk Lehigh Valley

Capital Blue Cross

6:00 p.m. - Cocktail hour 7:00 p.m. - Program followed by music and dancing

Date and Time:

Aster Event Center 621 Grange Road Allentown, PA 18106

ATHENA Emerging Professional Leadership

Tuesday, October 29, 2024 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Members $60 Future Members $90

Where: ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks 101 Founders Way, Bethlehem RSVP: Scan QR code or contact

Tickets

daniellej@lehighvalleychamber.org

$150 for one | $275 for two For more info daniellej@lehighvalleychamber.org PREMIER SPONSOR

Presenting Sponsor

22 | Connections Magazine

DIVERSITY COUNCILS

Tuesday, August 20, 2024 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Plaza Azteca Allentown 2835 Lehigh St. Allentown, PA 18103 Scan the QR code or RSVP to hannahs@lehighvalleychamber.org

Admission: $30

Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce | 23

AFFILIATED CHAMBERS

CHAMBER SEEN!

Photos from The Hillside Mix & Mingle hosted by GNACC & WACC on June 26th at Hillside Mini Golf & Ice Cream

24 | Connections Magazine

GREATER NORTHERN LEHIGH & WESTERN LEHIGH CHAMBERS

CHAMBER SEEN!

Photos from the GNLCC Spirit Awards on June 15th at Ontelaunee Park *Photos Courtesy of Touchpoint Photography*

Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce | 25

EAST PENN CHAMBER & EMMAUS MAIN STREET PARTNERS 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!

Photos from EMSP Golf Outing on June 17th at Green Pond Country Club *Photos Courtesy of Alan Sylvestre Media*

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SOUTHERN LEHIGH & WHITEHALL AREA CHAMBERS

CHAMBER SEEN!

Photos from Upper Saucon's Schools Out Bash on June 7th at Hopewell Park

Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce | 27

NAZARETH AREA CHAMBER NAZARETH AREA CHAMBER Rebecca Miklas, Miklas Realty Chair, Nazareth Area Chamber

Hello, everyone! Welcome to the Nazareth Area Chamber!

We are also adding more events and networking opportunities for support.

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!

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!

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GREATER NORTHAMPTON AREA & HELLERTOWN-LOWER SAUCON CHAMBERS

CHAMBER SEEN!

Photos from Spuds & Spurs on June 15th in Bath

Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce | 29

CARBON & POCONO CHAMBERS THE CARBON CHAMBER & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORP. PRESENTS

THE 18TH ANNUAL

STURM CUP GOLF TOURNAMENT

JACK FROST NATIONAL GOLF CLUB • MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2024

REGISTRATION 8 AM • SHOTGUN START 9 AM • LUNCH FOLLOWING TOURNAMENT Includes green and cart fees, breakfast, hot served lunch, refreshments, and welcome swag bag

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14TH 8:30 AM REGISTRATION OPENS 9:00 AM EVENT BEGINS

$160 per golfer $550 per foursome

Enjoy three great outdoor adventures in Carbon County!

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.

A portion of the proceeds will benefit Lehigh Canal & Recreation Commission.

REGISTER TODAY @ WWW.CARBONCOUNTYCHAMBER.ORG

30 | Connections Magazine

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.)

Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce | 31

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32 | Connections Magazine

Member News 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.

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.

Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce | 33

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