We’ve all heard the phrase, “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” Well…I’m not sure the same can be said for a Main Street.
The truth is that first impressions matter especially when it comes to doing business on our main streets throughout the Lehigh Valley. When you stroll down a street lined with flowers, admire a unique mural, see a bike rack or “Open for Business” flags waving, you probably don’t think much about how they got there? You just know that they really add to the warm, community feel of the street.
That’s where the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber Foundation comes in!
As you know from the front cover of this issue, the Chamber’s charitable 501(c) (3), Foundation supports the commu-
nities throughout our region! From beautification projects to community enhancements, it invests in the little things that make such a difference. The Chamber Foundation helps to create streets and gathering places where people like all of us want to meet, linger, shop, eat, and come back again.
So this month, let’s give a well-deserved round of applause to the Chamber Foundation—and to the unique community projects and dedicated volunteers who collaborate with our municipalities , cities and towns. We know that when we invest in our communities, the whole Lehigh Valley benefits.
Congratulations to the 2026 Chamber foundation winning projects!
Chair, Laurie Hackett
Tony Iannelli, The Chamber, President & CEO
Vice Chair, Bret Ludlow, Liquid
Treasurer, Donna LoStocco, First Commonwealth FCU
Secretary, Marilyn Kelly-Cavotta, PA
Department of Military and Veterans Affairs
Counsel, Buddy Lesavoy, Lesavoy Butz & Seitz LLC
Imm. Past Chair, Tom Groves, Equinox
Paul Anthony, IBEW 375
Krista Berardelli, Agentis Plumbing
Marta Boulos JeBran, Crayola
Michael Butz, Alvin H. Butz, Inc.
Raul Echevarria, T-Mobile for Business
Lou Fromm, Fromm
John Hayes, New Tripoli Bank
Kristin Keenan, Keenan-Nagle Advertising
Andrew Lawler, Barry Isett & Associates
Mary Lisicky, Morgan Stanley
Sarah Finney-Miller, NAI Summit
Tom Stoudt, LV International Airport
Board of Governors Executive Committee
MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
10-11am - Grand Opening of Chicken Salad Chick (Free Event)
Thursday, August 6
4-5pm - Maximize Your MembershipA Member Benefits Review (Free Event)
5-7pm - Networking at Notch (Free Event)
Saturday, August 8
10am-1pm - Star Park USA Ribbon Cutting (Free Event)
Monday, August 10
11am-7pm - Bethlehem Walla Gazoo Golf Tournament
Tuesday, August 11
11am - 1pm - Mapping the Future: Planning, Land Use & Economic Development (CCEDC Economic Development Series Part III)
5-7pm - Summer Business Mixer with SURV
Wednesday, August 12
1-6pm - Allentown's Back to School Bash (Free Event)
Thursday, August 13
8:30-10am - Coffee & Community presented by the Women's Business Council
5:30-7:30pm - Pints & Possibilities at DeSales University (Free Event)
5-7pm - Happy Hour at Slopeside Pub & Grill
Wednesday, August 19
11:30am-1pm - Built to Last: A Mack Museum Chamber Tour & Luncheon
5:30-7:30pm - Walk & Sip! Meet and Greet presented by the Young Professionals Council (Free Event)
6-8pm - Music in the Park Concert Series: Gruvitune (Free Event)
Tuesday, August 25
5-7pm - Summer Social presented by the Women's Business Council
Wednesday, August 26
5-7pm - Cocktails for a Cause to Benefit Cancer Support Community of the Greater Lehigh Valley
Wednesday, September 2
5-7pm - Travel with The Chamber: Red Rocks, Gather & Glow - Sedona and the Grand Canyon Informational Session (Free Event)
5:30-7:30pm - Yappy Hour presented by the Young Professionals Council & Veterans and Military Council (Free Event)
Thursday, September 10
11:30am-1pm - Ampal Inc. Tour & Luncheon
5-7pm - Chamber Foundation Main Street Grant Awards Reception
Saturday, September 12
11am-4pm - Uptown Northampton Street Fair (Free Event)
Tuesday, September 15
5:30-7:30pm - Str8 Talk presented by the LGBTQ Business Council
Wednesday, September 16
8am-3pm - 20th Annual Sturm Cup Golf Tournament
Thursday, September 17
6-10pm - Hispanic Chamber Annual Awards Gala
Friday, September 18
8am-3pm - Two Rivers Easton Warren County Golf Tournament
Saturday, September 19
11am-5pm - Allentown Liberty Bell Festival (Free Event)
11am-3pm - Emmaus Farewell to Summer (Free Event)
Completed projects so far!
Hellertown Historical Society’s newly revitalized Herb Garden!
Main Street
Lehigh Valley Foundation 2026 Grant Projects
E. Stroudsburg
Roseto
Allentown
Bethlehem
Coopersburg
Coplay
Fogelsville
Hellertown
Phillipsburg
Wind Gap
Easton
Jim Thorpe
Jim Thorpe
Nazareth
Nazareth
Washington Twp
Emmaus
Middle Smithfield Twp
Borough of Roseto
Old Allentown Preservation Assoc
Bethlehem Star Foundation
Borough of Coopersburg
N. Whitehall Twp.
Weisenberg Twp
Hellertown Library
Pburg Senior Center
CALV
Forks Township
Jim Thorpe Tourism
Dimmick Library
Library
River Crossing YMCA
Conscious Community
Arts Commission
Holiday Banners
Flower Baskets
Pocket Park Seating
Memorial
Streetscape
Bench, landscape
Benches & planters
Hardscaping
Landscaping
Self-watering planter
Benches
Benches
Planters
Bike Rack
Trees and planters
Mural
Little Free Art Gallery
Celebrate these projects at the grant reception on Thursday Sept. 10 at the Wilbur Mansion! Email Lorie at lorier@lehighvalleychamber.org for more information!
Accounting, Billing & Bookkeeping Services
Kindra S. Walker CPA LLC
Kindra Walker 6081 Hamilton Boulevard, Suite 600 Allentown, PA 18106 484-224-2957 www.kindraswalkercpa.com
Advertising
Comcast Advertising
Erin Gallagher 1111 Old Eagle School Road Suite 200 Wayne PA 19087 445-206-2893
Agriculture, Dairy & Farms
Flint Hill Farm Educational Center, Inc.
Kathleen Fields 1922 Flint Hill Road Coopersburg, PA 18036 610-838-2928 www.flinthillfarm-edcenter.org
Little Leaf Farms
Paul Sellew 18 East Kline Road McAdoo, PA 18237 844-545-5323 www.littleleaffarms.com
Apartments, Leasing & Rentals
Bridgeview Apartments
Michael Broyles 701 Harrison Street Allentown, PA 18103 610-821-8911 www.livebridgeview.com
Associations
Community Fire Company of Forks Township
Isaiah Hodge 1606 Sullivan Trail Easton, PA 18040 610-252-0785 www.forksfire.org
Attorneys, Judges & Legal Services
Hartman Consulting and Mediation
Regan Hartman 101 North 1st Street Lehighton, PA 18235
484-773-2948
www.hartconsultingandmediation. com
Banks, Credit Unions & Loans
Lehigh Valley Educators Credit Union
Rosemarie Krantz
3720 Hamilton Boulevard Allentown, PA 18103 610-820-0145 www.lvecu.org
Banquet, Meeting & Event Venues
Coopersburg Exchange
Elizabeth Snyder 232 East Landis Street Coopersburg, PA 18036 800-862-1401 www.coopersburgexchange.com
Beer Distributors & Beverage Suppliers
Signature Saloon
Michelle Hiller 600 Main Street Stroudsburg, PA 18360 570-476-8080 www.signaturesaloon.com
Wild Bills Craft Beverage Co.
Chris Norvold 904 Marcon Boulevard, Suite 102 Allentown, PA 18109 610-396-7472 www.drinkwildbills.com
Building & Facility Management and Maintenance
Revive Power Washing / Revive Commercial Services
Douglas Sliss 6265 Hamilton Boulevard Allentown, PA 18106 484-619-0275 www.revicecommercialservices. com
Catering, Mobile Food Trucks, & Personal Chef
Lorah's Pig Roasters & Catering
Ed Lorah 4739 South Cypress Drive Walnutport, PA 18088 610-767-3515 www.pigroasting.net
BB Baron Allentown, PA 18103 908-548-2715 www.bcmsnj.net
Community Centers, Parks & Social Clubs
Palmerton Memorial Pool
Robert Palazzo 1255 3rd Street Palmerton, PA 18071 610-826-5357 www.pmpapool.org
Saucon Valley Community Center, Inc.
Angela Reese
323 Northampton Street P.O. Box 111 Hellertown, PA 18055 610-838-0722 www.svcommctr.org
Computer Networking, Services, Consulting, Sales and Repairs
Cloud Service Center
Rich Shupp 549 Dalton Street Emmaus, PA 18049 610-262-1695
www.cloudservicecenter.com
Construction Management & General Contractors
ANR Development Company, Inc.
Monty Kalsi 3790 West Drive, Suite 203 Center Valley, PA 18034 484-735-8571 www.dutchtownpointe.com
JMJ Home Services
Jean Joseph 30 S 15th Street, Suite 1550 Philadelphia PA 19102 570-213-9053 www.jmjhomeservices.com
Liberty Homes Custom Builders
Melissa Quiles 409 Route 940 Suite 102 Pocono Lake PA 18210 570-646-4600 www.libertyhomespa.com
V&M Power Construction & Remodeling LLC
Veysel Karaca Catasauqua, PA 18032 484-948-0279 www.vmpowerconstruction.com
Consultants
ATCA Services Corp
Angel Pineiro Jr 4 Whippoorwill Drive Saylorsburg PA 18353 646-596-0855 www.atcaservices.com
Disability Services
McGee Aegis Solutions
Patricia McGee 6465 Village Lane, Suite 8 Macungie, PA 18062 272-245-5256 www.mcgeeaegissolutions.com
Drug & Alcohol Addiction Resources: Treatment, Medication Management, Psychiatry
Victory Recovery Homes
Matthew Catricola 33 South 15th Street Allentown, PA 18102 484-504-9393 www.victoryrecoveryhomes.org
Educational & Community Services
Mythic Defense LLC
Richard Young 1546 Route 209, Suite 102 Brodheadsville, PA 18322 570-350-4123 www.mythicdefensellc.com
Entertainment & Festivals
Movement Moves Media
Mike Frassetto Breinigsville, PA 18031 484-707-1767 www.movementmovesmedia.com
Family, Community & Civic Organizations
The Armory Events
Ashley Guimaraes
271 Washington Street East Stroudsburg, PA 18301 570-421-7890 www.thearmoryevehts.com
Fencing
CD Fencing & More
Cesar Acosta P. O. Box 334 Allentown, PA 18105 484-597-3333
Financial Services
Diamond Eagle Taxes
Erica Nieves 2657 PA 940 Pocono Summit, PA 18346 570-213-7098 www.diamondeaglellc.com
Furniture Sales, Repair & Restoration
Milano Furniture
Sam Ali Sheit 24 N. 10th Street Allentown, PA 18102 610-437-1133
Government - MunicipalitiesWarren County
Town of Belvidere
Kathy Schettini 691 Water Street Belvidere, NJ 07823 908-475-5331 www.belviderenj.net
Health & Wellness Products and Services
Red Clover Training
Craig Kunsman Emmaus, PA 18049
484-241-0670
Home Improvement & Remodeling
Dave Huber Custom Remodeler LLC
David Huber 2829 West Tilghman Street Allentown, PA 18104 610-770-1585 www.customremodeler.com
Hospitals, Clinics & Medical Groups
Devereux Foundation
Lisa Lobb 1547 Mill Creek Road Newfoundland PA 18445 570-839-6203 www.devereux.org
Star Community Health Sigal Center
Quynh Hicks
450 West Chew Street Allentown, PA 18102
484-658-0630
www.starcommunityhealth.org
Star Community Health Southside
Quynh Hicks
520 E. Broad Street Bethlehem, PA 18018
484-658-0630
www.starcommunityhealth.org
Star Community Health Women's Health and KidsCare Easton
Quynh Hicks
220 East Ferry Street Easton, PA 18042
484-658-0630
www.starcommunityhealth.org
Human Resource Services & Organizations
Innovation Unbiased
Christopher Bylone
6 State Park Drive
Gouldsboro, PA 18424
704-579-3749
www.innovationunbiased.com
HVAC, Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning
Rycor Heating + Cooling
Cassandra Dalmas 5052 Weber Road Mohnton, PA 19540
855-MYRYCOR www.rycorhvac.com
Inspection Services
FlexXray Dani Westmoreland 6520 Stonegate Drive, Suite #160 Allentown, PA 18106 817-453-3539 www.flexxray.com
Insurance
Main Street Financial Partners
Elizabeth Snyder 232 East Landis Street
Coopersburg, PA 18036
800-862-7364 www.mainstreetfinancialpartners. com
Organizations
Where The Needs Lead Us
Danielle Sierra 528 Seven Bridge Road, Suite 239 East Stroudsburg PA 18301 570-476-8049
Payroll Services
Paychex
Fredrika Whitall
Bethlehem, PA 18018 631-488-8379 www.paychex.com
Real Estate Agents, Brokers and Other Services
Main Street Real Estate Partners
Carl Billera 232 East Landis Street Coopersburg, PA 18036 610-439-9900
www.mainstreet-re.com
Mark Khan Realtor Coldwell Banker Hearthside
Mark Khan 1656 US 209 Brodheadsville, PA 18322 570-213-1400 www.mkhan.cbhre.com
Rehabilitation & Physical Therapy
Good Shepherd RehabilitationPalmerton 3295 Forest Inn Road Palmerton, PA 18071 610-824-7440 www.goodshepherdrehab.org
Restaurants, Bars & Cafes
Eggs Up Grill
Jon Truby 292 Frantz Road, Suite A105 Stroudsburg PA 18360 570-216-8513
El Tipico Restaurant
Wally Almonte 410 West Emaus Avenue Allentown, PA 18103 610-791-0822 www.eltipicopennsylvaniapa.com
Sarandonga Latin Bistro
Michael Rodriguez 233 Hamilton Street Allentown, PA 18101 610-821-4888 www.sarandongalatinbistropa.com
Salons, Spas, Makeup & Massage Services
Blessed Hair Salon
Aida Acosta 935 West Walnut Street Allentown, PA 18101 223-206-3935
Cloud 9 Beauty Supply Tonderlera Ohaeri 1250 N 9th Street Stroudsburg PA 18360 570-664-6935
Social Services
Abound Health
Dayna Allinson 65 East Elizabeth Avenue, Suite 210 Bethlehem, PA 18018 484-246-5372 www.aboundhealth.com
Sports Teams & Facilities
Lehigh Valley Sports Turf Chad Elsner 7035 Schantz Road, Suite #200 Allentown, PA 18106 484 -273-2518
www.lvsportsturf.com
Tax Preparation
Gillows Tax Service LLC
Dawn Gillow 528 Seven Bridge Road, Suite 239 East Stroudsburg, PA 18301 570-476-8090 www.gillowstaxservice.com
PUBLIC POLICY
Written by: Liz Brensinger, Conservation Chair, Lehigh Valley Audubon Society
Love birds? Read this!
Birds: They’re beautiful, they’re wild and free, and they’re right outside your window. For many, seeing, watching, feeding birds is a source of joy. But did you know that your windows can be deadly to the very birds you love to watch? Birds can’t see glass. But those houseplants brightening your home or office? Birds see them. The trees reflected in your windows? Birds see them, too. And the sky on the other side of a glass passageway? Birds see it, too. And in all three cases, they’re fooled into thinking they can fly right through. The result is a mind-blowing one billion birds a year lost to bird-glass collisions in the United States alone. Skeptical? Researchers from Muhlenberg College’s Acopian
Center for Ornithology, the American Bird Conservancy (ABC), Fordham University, Stony Brook University and the NYC Bird Alliance all agree.
Fortunately, glass is the one threat to birds that we can all do something about. Whether we own a home or commercial property, work as an architect or developer, or administer a college campus or industrial park, we have access to affordable tools to make our buildings safe for birds. These include bird-safe glass, retrofits using decals or other bird-visible patterns on the outside of windows, or even simple window screens. Want to do your part for birds and the people who
Minimum Wage Minimum Wage
Piece Position Piece
this NOT BE TAKEN OUT OF CONTEXT and that the entire comprehensive position is included in all mentions We do not want to misrepresent the position of the Chamber regarding minimum wage
l i n r e s e o f $ 1 1 0 0 p e r h o u r a n d t h e e v e n t u a l i n c r e a s e t o $ 1 5 0 0 p e r h o u r 1 1 . 0 0 p r h o u r n t h v e n t u l i n r a s t 1 5 . e r h u r . n e v e t i i 1 1 r r t h v t u r t 1 h o .
R e g a r d i n g B i l l 2 1 8 9 o u r p o s i t i o n i s t o A M E N D t h e l e g i s l a t i o n e g a d i g B l 1 o r o s i t n i s o A D
MAIN STREET FOUNDATION
Lou Fromm, Fromm Chair, Main Street Foundation
Marshalls Creek Memorial Site: Honoring the Past, Inspiring Reflection
The Marshalls Creek Memorial Site stands at the location of a tragic explosion that occurred in the summer of 1964, claiming lives and leaving a lasting impact on the community. The incident helped bring national attention to transportation safety and became a catalyst for reforms that ultimately led to the Transportation Safety Act of 1974. Located along Route 209 (Milford Road), which carries more than 18,000 daily trips and serves as the busiest gateway to the Delaware Wa-
ter Gap National Recreation Area, the memorial site is positioned to reach thousands of residents and visitors each day. The Chamber Foundation proudly invested in landscaping enhancements and commemorative banners that have transformed the area into a meaningful place of remembrance. The memorial will ensure this memory lives on while educating future generations about an event that changed both the community and transportation safety in America.
Maximize Your Impact! Explore Our New Media Kit for Packages Tailored for Your Business’s Marketing Needs!
P I N T S &
P O S S I B I L I T I E S Your Future is on
Tap
Explore educational opportunities, professional growth, and career pivots through interactive stations and resource tables designed to help you discover what’s next while enjoying complimentary craft beer from Sage Alley!
O’Connors Pub DeSales University Center AUGUST 13th | 5:30PM - 7:30PM
2755 Station Ave, Center Valley
CRAFT YOUR BRAND
Optimize your LinkedIn profile and learn how to strength your professional presence.
ON TAP FOR CHANGE
Explore strategies for career transitions, advancement opportunities, and finding your next professional path.
POURING CONFIDENCE
Learn interview techniques, communication skills, and learn how to make a lasting impression
CONNECTIONS ON TAP
Hosted by the Lehigh Valley Chamber Discover networking opportunities, professional councils, and ways to expand your circle of influence
PICTURE YOUR POTENTIAL
On the House!
Receive a complimentary professional headshot to elevate your LinkedIn profile and personal brand.
REGISTER HERE!
POUR INTO YOUR POTENTIAL:
Graduate Studies
Explore graduate business degrees, certificates, and opportunities to advance your education
BACK ON TAP:
Adult Studies Bachelor Degrees
Explore strategies for career transitions, advancement opportunities, and finding your next professional path
CAREER TAPROOM:
Career Development
Discover resources for career planning, job searches, networking, and professional development
TAP INTO TUITION SAVINGS:
Strategic Partnerships
Discover employer tuition benefits, partnership discounts for employees and their children
SAMPLE THE POSSIBILITIES
Collect stamps on your coaster and enter to win!
Visit each station to discover ideas, resources, and connections that can help shape your next move. Enter to win a Sage Alley or DeSales swag basket.
beer, and soft drinks provided. Doors open at 5:00pm
U P C O M I N G
G O L F
O U T I N G S
Monday, August 10
Bethlehem Chamber Walla Gazoo
Bethlehem Golf Club
Wednesday, September 16
Carbon Chamber Annual Sturm Cup
Jack Frost National Golf Club
Friday, September 18
Two Rivers Golf Outing
Riverview Country Club
Wednesday, October 7
Inaugural Allentown Chamber Golf Tournament
The Club at Twin Lakes
Stay up to date on The Chamber’s Calendar!
EASTON AREA & WARREN COUNTY
Angel Ramirez, Kevin Rodriguez, & Antonio Santiago
Angel Investing 101
For Women and Organizations Who Empower Women For Women and Organizations Who Empower Women
ATHENA Awards Ceremony
Wednesday, October 28, 2026
Members $75
Future Members $100
Time:
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Where:
ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks
101 Founders Way, Bethlehem
ATHENA Emerging Professional Leadership
Cameilia Baker, MBA
Lehigh Valley Health Network, Lehigh Health part of Jefferson Health of Jefferson Health
ATHENA Leadership Marci Lesko
United Way of the United of the Greater Lehigh Valley Greater
ATHENA Organizational Leadership
Junior League of the Lehigh Valley
Presenting Sponsor
Robert Brans St. Luke's University Health Network
Cindy Evans VBOC Penn State Lehigh Valley
Chris Payano Penn Community Bank
Luke Radlowski Victaulic Gallagher
GREATER NORTHERN LEHIGH & WESTERN LEHIGH
WESTERN LEHIGH CHAMBER
Jake Reynolds, Reynolds Business Systems, Inc. Chair, Western Lehigh Chamber
We at the Western Lehigh Chamber (WLCC) are excited to be back for our 26-27 fiscal year. Coming off a record year, including significantly expanding attendance and donations from our Signature event, Paws at the Park, to raise money for local animal shelters.
This year we are looking forward to our monthly luncheon/tours that give a behind the scenes look at unique businesses and manufacturers along with our joint Holiday Luncheon with the East Penn Chamber. We invite all chamber members to attend our tours and see what great businesses Western
Lehigh is home to.
Lastly, I would like to put in a plug for our 2026 Community Grant. Funded by our welcome sign project (which can be seen around the WLCC footprint), these (2) $1,500 grants are available to non-profits whose work impacts the WLCC region. Non-profit organizations can fill out an application at www. lehighvalleychamber.org/wlccgrant through August 31st. Some of our past grant recipients include Girls on the Run, Greenawalds Fire Department, Center for Humanistic Change and Eastern PA Down Syndrome Center.
NAZARETH AREA & GREATER
GREATER NORTHAMPTON AREA CHAMBER
Diane Davidson, Keller Williams Realty Chair, Greater Northampton Area Chamber
It is a true honor to step into the role of Chair for the Greater Northampton Area Chamber of Commerce as we kick off a dynamic new fiscal year.
Having lived and worked in our area for most of my life, my connection to this community runs deep. I’ve loved participating in signature local events like the Northampton Uptown Street Fair, which showcases the incredible energy of our local businesses. Equally close to my heart is our Chamber’s ongoing partnership with the historic Roxy Theatre for our annual Holiday Movie and Food Drive—a wonderful tradition that highlights the generosity of our community.
Looking ahead, I am genuinely excited about the momentum we are building.
Our Chamber is growing, evolving, and finding new ways to connect meaningfully with the local communities we serve. Over the coming year, we will continue focusing on initiatives that support local commerce, strengthen business relationships, and invest directly in our future leaders through our Chamber scholarship program.
Whether you’ve been a member for decades or are considering joining us for the first time, your voice and involvement are what make this organization thrive. I look forward to working alongside our board, our partners, and each of you to make this fiscal year our most impactful yet.
Thank you for your trust and support. Let’s make it a great year together!
Cut health plan costs, not quality of care.
Manage rising healthcare costs while giving employees access to St. Luke’s nationally recognized care.
Ask your broker or Capital Blue Cross representative about Valley Advantage EPO.
What’s driving healthcare costs? And what can employers do about it?
While health insurance is a leading business expense for many employers, it’s also a crucial one for recruiting and retaining workers. As healthcare costs continue to rise, employers are increasingly challenged to provide access to affordable care for their employees while also minding the bottom line on business expenses.
Fortunately, there are solutions to help businesses big and small provide quality healthcare coverage at an affordable cost. Capital Blue Cross has proven strategies that can help –strategies that go beyond a one-sizefits-all solution to tailor coverage options to the needs of both employers and their employees.
But first, let’s take a look at what’s driving healthcare costs. There are multiple factors, including the same inflationary forces that are affecting so many goods and services. Healthcare, however, has some unique cost drivers of its own, including:
Health system consolidations –From 2012 to 2022, the percentage of doctors in private practices fell from more than 60% to less than 47% as hospitals bought up smaller practices. This trend, along with larger mergers and acquisitions among health systems, can reduce competition and drive up costs.
New medical technologies – As medical science advances, so do the tools and techniques used for care. But progress has a price tag, and more advanced, high-tech care often comes at a higher cost.
An outdated payment model – Providers are often paid for the quantity of tests and treatments provided rather than the quality and effectiveness of those services. Capital advocates a value-based model that rewards providers based on how much they help patients improve their health.
Prescription drug costs – Nearly half of Americans routinely take a prescription medication. Nationwide spending on retail prescription drugs
has steadily increased for decades, exceeding $460 billion in 2024. The popularity of GLP-1 drugs for weight loss and diabetes has further fueled pharmacy spending.
Deferred care – Some consumers put off care during the COVID-19 pandemic, skipping preventive checkups and elective medical procedures. Now people are catching up on their care, and healthcare utilization is surging. The prevalence of chronic diseases like diabetes, obesity, and heart disease have only added to the demand.
These cost drivers are not unique to the Lehigh Valley. Employers across the country are seeing costs escalate faster – a trend that’s expected to continue.
Capitalize on Our Strategies to Cut Costs, Not Care
One of the most effective ways employers can help curb rising healthcare costs is to do a periodic checkup of the coverage you offer your employees. Capital Blue Cross can help.
We can use data and analytics to identify the trends and cost drivers impacting your budget and offer solutions that save money while still promoting quality care.
We have tools and resources that can help engage your employees in preventive care, better manage chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease, and control your pharmacy spend.
If your business has concerns about healthcare spending and you want to find the best ways to keep ahead of costs, schedule a health insurance check-up with us. We can help you capitalize on the many tools and strategies Capital Blue Cross offers.
Understand what’s driving healthcare costs – and what you can do about it. Download this guide from Capital Blue Cross to learn how to capitalize on your business’s coverage, mitigate costs, and improve employee health.
Unity Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ: UNTY), the parent company of Unity Bank, announced that its Board of Directors has voted to appoint Sara M. Sooy and Alfred J. Gaburo to the Unity Bank Board of Directors.
Rick Boulay, MD, has been putting in long hours at the St. Luke’s Fitness & Sports Performance Center at St. Luke’s West End Campus, whipping himself into his best physical shape since college -- and for a good cause. In July, the highly respected St. Luke’s gynecologic-oncology surgeon will scale new heights as a physician and humanitarian as he treks up Peru's Ausangate trail to the Machu Picchu summit.
Entech Engineering, Inc. (Entech) attended PennTec 2026, the Pennsylvania Water Environment Association’s (PWEA) 97th Annual Technical Conference & Exhibition, held June 15-17 at the Hershey Lodge and Convention Center. This year’s conference carried special significance as PWEA celebrated its 100th Anniversary, marking a century of advancing water quality, environmental stewardship, and professional development throughout Pennsylvania.
Good Shepherd Rehabilitation announced today the establishment of the region’s first Autism and Neurodevelopmental Wellness Center, a 5,400-squarefoot place where neurodivergent individuals and families can find support, connection and belonging from childhood through adulthood. Good Shepherd announced the project at a press conference at Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Hospital, 3200 Center Valley Parkway, surrounded by community partners, clinical experts, families and supporters.
United Federal Credit Union (United) has once again been ranked in the Top 100 Workplaces in North America by Inspiring Workplaces Group, in association with Engagedly, marking the third consecutive year the credit union has earned this prestigious recognition.
St. Luke's University Health Network has earned an “A” grade on the 2026-27 Lown Hospitals Index for Social Responsibility, placing it among the top health systems nationally for overall commitment to health equity, value and outcomes.
On Thursday, May 14, Grace Montessori School raised $115,000 at its annual Legacy of Learning benefit fundraiser, supporting student scholarships and enhanced programming to enrich the educational experience of all students.
Today, Moravian University and BSI Corporate Benefits announced the launch of the BSI Leadership Compass: People Leadership Program, a highly customized professional development and leadership excellence initiative. The program is designed to strengthen leadership capabilities, advance organizational development goals, and foster strategic knowledge within a dynamic business environment.
Member News
Lehigh Valley Public Media (LVPM) a trusted public media resource for the region, today announced two strategic additions to its senior leadership team: Emma Patti as Vice President of Content, and Chris Johannessen as Vice President of Product. The appointments mark a significant step in LVPM's ongoing commitment to its mission of engaging the community through public media resources to make the Lehigh Valley better tomorrow than it is today.
Emilio “Jack” Morrone, an independent LPL Financial advisor in Allentown, PA, has been recognized in this year’s list of the Forbes/SHOOK Best-in-State Wealth Advisors for his track record of success in the financial services industry. Morrone, Principal and Co-Founder of One Financial Services was recognized as the No. 33 advisor in Pennsylvania.
While many health systems across Pennsylvania have been experiencing a decrease in newborn deliveries in recent years, St. Luke’s University Health Network (SLUHN) is trending in the opposite direction as more mothers choose St. Luke’s for their prenatal care and deliveries than ever before. For the first time in the Network’s history, a total of more than 6,000 babies were born at St. Luke’s three birthing hospitals during a fiscal year, which ends June 30. The figure surpasses Fiscal Year 2024’s total of 5,000 births, which at that time was a new record.
Ondra-Huyett Associates is pleased to announce the completion of an addition for Blessed Trinity Church at Rosemont at 1705 West Broad Street in Bethlehem. Designed by local architect, Tom Maloney, the project incorporated elevator service to all four existing floors and a new atrium space with a vaulted ceiling constructed of exposed structural steel trusses. The final design provided an inviting, and sun-filled multi-purpose space for the various occasions.
Cornerstone Advisors Asset Management, LLC, announced that Dianne Pagano Manges, CFA, has joined the firm as Director, Institutional Solutions. Dianne brings more than 30 years of experience in asset management, advising endowments, foundations, and other mission-driven organizations on strategic investment planning and customized philanthropic solutions. As Cornerstone continues to grow, the firm remains committed to building a team of professionals who share its values of stewardship, collaboration, and service. Dianne’s experience and passion for working with mission-driven organizations further enhance Cornerstone’s ability to deliver thoughtful guidance and lasting partnership to institutional clients.
New Tripoli Bank is proud to announce the addition of John McDonald to their Commercial Lending Team. McDonald is a Certified Public Accountant and has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from East Carolina University, a Master of Science in Management from Babson College, and a Master of Science in Taxation from Seton Hall University.
Lehigh Valley with Love Media, a local media company owned and operated by George and Crys-
tal Wacker, has announced a new partnership with Touchstone Theatre to help expand access to youth arts education programs for children in the Lehigh Valley. Through storytelling, video, podcasting, social media, and community-focused projects, Lehigh Valley with Love Media works with local businesses, nonprofits, artists, and organizations to share the people and stories that make the Lehigh Valley special.
Thomas Jefferson University has announced plans to expand its Sidney Kimmel Medical College, bringing access to world-class medical education and clinical training to the Lehigh Valley region. The Lehigh Valley is one of Pennsylvania's fastest-growing regions and faces increasing demand for physicians and healthcare professionals. The expansion plans will build on Jefferson’s longstanding clinical education partnership in the region and will help create a sustainable pipeline of physicians to meet the growing healthcare needs of the community.
The Great Allentown Fair’s annual Red, White & THANK YOU Military Appreciation Day will move to Sunday, September 6, giving more fairgoers, service members, veterans, and military families the opportunity to take part in this special day of recognition.
American Bank Incorporated (OTCID Basic Market: AMBK), the parent company of American Bank, today announced earnings for the quarter and six months ended June 30, 2026. Net income for the quarter was $3,352,000, or $0.52 per diluted share, a decrease of $833,000 or 19.9% from $4,185,000, or $0.65 per diluted share, for the second quarter of 2025. The decrease in net income for the quarter was attributable to increases in the provision for credit losses and non-interest expense, and a decrease in non-interest income, offset by an increase in net interest income. The provision was primarily the result of significant growth in the loan portfolio, as the Company did not experience deterioration in asset quality during the quarter as total non-accruing loans as a percentage of total loans remained unchanged at 0% at June 30, 2026 and June 30, 2025.
Via of the Lehigh Valley is pleased to announce the promotion of two longtime staff members and the appointment of a new senior leader as the organization continues to strengthen services, expand employment opportunities, and enhance operational excellence for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and autism.
ArtsQuest, in partnership with LANTA, the Bethlehem Parking Authority (BPA), the City of Bethlehem and the SouthSide Arts District, is proud to announce the return and expansion of LANTA’s Musikfest Shuttle service for Musikfest 2026.
Submit your press releases to Ellie Andino at elliea@lehighvalleychamber.org to be featured in this section!
Please note: submission does not guarantee placement.
