February 2025 Connections

GREATER LEHIGH VALLEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

FEBRUARY 2025

A Night of Elegance and Impact

The premier black tie gala benefiting The Chamber’s Main Street Lehigh Valley Foundation!

(See PG. 4 for more information)

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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 Joseph Groves......................................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 Laubach.........................................484-264-6630 Assistant Manager, Easton & Phillipsburg Area Initiatives erinl@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 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) Kylie Adams-Weiss .............................484-548-4090 SVP, Carbon Chamber & Economic Development kyliea@lehighvalleychamber.org Sarah Wallace.......................................484-547-8551 Director, Pocono Chamber sarahw@lehighvalleychamber.org Sierra LeFurgy......................................610-295-9047 Assistant Manager, Pocono Chamber sierral@lehighvalleychamber.org Lindsey Dedics.....................................484-280-3024 Coordinator, Pocono Chamber lindseyd@lehighvalleychamber.org

CHAMBER BOARD OF GOVERNORS Tom Groves, Equinox Benefits Consulting Chair, The Chamber It’s been a frigid winter so far but we are about a month away from Spring!

We can look forward to winter holidays like Valentine’s Day, President’s Day, the start of Lent, St. Patrick’s Day, and a return to Daylight Savings Time.

And between now and Spring we have a bunch of Chamber activities and events to keep us busy like The Chamber’s Snow Ball on Saturday, February 22, and a Women’s business Council Wellness Expo Tuesday, February 18, The Young Professionals Council Leadership Summit on Friday, February 21, The International Women’s Day Celebration on Friday, March 7, The Bethlehem State of the Schools Update on Wednesday, March 26, The Easton Mayor’s Breakfast on Tuesday, March 18 and the incredible Lehigh Valley Mayors / Municipal Officials Reception on Thursday, March 27. Information on all of these and many more events is available at LehighValleyChamber.org.

Please check out the online calendar

and select an event or two to attend.

When you get there, connect with your network of Chamber friends, or look for a staff member or Ambassador, who will happily guide you. Chamber Ambassadors serve as volunteers at events and are some of our most outgoing members. And events are just a part of what we do. The Chamber offers volunteer opportunities, other network building opportunities, advertising and marketing opportunities and so much more.

If that’s not enough, being a Chamber member is also a great way to make a difference in the development of your community through engagement with your local chamber or valley wide business council board. Your Chamber has many ways to get involved as a member or an employee of a member. Stay warm, be careful driving in the snow, and don’t overdo it while shoveling.

For you winter loving, snow crazy, lovers of skiing: have a blast!

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 & Signs Marilyn Kelly-Cavotta, PA Department of Military and Veterans Affairs Andrew Lawler, Barry Isett & Associates Buddy Lesavoy, Lesavoy Butz & Seitz, LLC Donna LoStocco, First Commonwealth Federal Credit Union

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

2 | Connections Magazine

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, February 6

4-5pm - Maximize Your Membership - A Member Benefits Review! (Free Event) 5-7pm - Networking Social at B Social (Free Event)

Sunday, February 23 - Saturday, March 1

East Penn Restaurant Week

11:30am-12:45pm - "Time is Money" - A Two-Part Small Business Financial Planning Event Part 2

Saturday, February 22 6-10pm - The Chamber Snow Ball 2025

Saturday, February 8

Thursday, February 27

12-5pm - Historic Downtown Bethlehem Chocolate Trail

11:30am-1pm - Sharp Manufacturing Luncheon Tour

12-4pm - Emmaus Soup Crawl

5-7pm - Economic Empowerment Series Part V presented by African American Business Leaders Council

Monday, February 10

5:30-7:30pm - Galentine's Day presented by the Women's Business Council Tuesday, February 11

10am-3pm - Chamber Member Headshot Day Wednesday, February 12

11:30am-1pm - "Time is Money" - A TwoPart Small Business Financial Planning Event Part 1 Thursday, February 13

5:30-7:30pm - Somos Latinas Galentine's Day hosted by the Hispanic Chamber Saturday , February 15

10:30am-12pm - Nowhere Coffee Co. Ribbon Cutting Ceremony (Free Event)

Wednesday, March 12

Sunday, March 2 - Saturday, March 8

Greater Week

Northampton

Area

Restaurant

Wednesday, March 5

4-8pm - Dine & Donate at McDonald's for Southern Lehigh Chamber Scholarship Friday, March 7

11am-1pm - International Women's Day presented by the African American Business Leaders Council, Hispanic Chamber and Women's Business Council Monday, March 10

10-11:30am - Legislative Roundtable: Enhancing Pennsylvania's Business Competitveness

Sunday, March 16

2-5pm - Lucky Bucks Bingo presented by Emmaus Main Street Partners and The Emmaus Historical Society Monday, March 17 - Tuesday, March 18 8am-4pm - The Chamber's Inagural Simulator Golf Tournament at Art of Flight Bethlehem Tuesday, March 18 7-9am - Easton State of the City & Breakfast with Mayor Sal Panto Wednesday, March 19

5:30-7:30pm - Headshot Happy Hour at Galen Glen Winery Thursday, March 20

7:30-9:30am - Southern Lehigh Municipal Update 9am-12pm - New Manager Academy Virtual Training Begins Thursday, March 27 5-7:30pm - Mayors and Municipal Officials Reception

Tuesday, February 18

11am-1pm - Healthy Mind, Healthy Life: Finding Balance in Every Space presented by the Women's Business Council Wednesday, February 19

8:30-10am - Sure-Fix Remodeling Open House & Breakfast (Free Event) Thursday, February 20 4-6pm - The State of Lehigh County Address with Executive Phillips Armstrong (Free Event) Friday, February 21 7:30am-12pm - Leadership Summit presented by the Young Professionals Council

If you are interested in serving on The Chamber Board of Governors, please email your bio to lorier@lehighvalleychamber.org by Feb. 28.

INDEX: CONNECTIONS

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 Chamber .....24 Hellertown-Lower Saucon Chamber................................27

Nazareth Area & Greater Northampton Area Chambers ...28 Lehigh Valley Economic Report...................................... 6 Southern Lehigh Area & Whitehall Area Chamber............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

Cafe 23 318 Main Street, Emmaus PA 18049

Anwari Counseling Services LLC 65 East Elizabeth Avenue, Suite 400, Bethlehem PA 18018

Gyro Concept Easton 323 Cattell Street, Easton PA 18042

Allentown Animal Care 2218 Walbert Avenue, Allentown PA 18104

Learning Blossoms Academy LLC 10 North 11th Street, Allentown PA 18101

Interior Workplace Solutions Celebrating 30 Years!

6765 Ambassador Drive, Allentown PA 18106

4 | Connections Magazine

Snow Ball 2025

A Night of Elegance and Impact Saturday, February 22, 2025 Wind Creek Bethlehem 77 Wind Creek Boulevard, Bethlehem, PA

Benefiting:

If you are interested in donating an auction item, email Bailey at baileym@lehighvalleychamber.org

INTERESTED IN SUPPORTING OR ATTENDING? EMAIL PAIGE AT PAIGEN@LEHIGHVALLEYCHAMBER.ORG

Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce | 5

Snow Ball 2025

Snow Ball

THANK YOU TO OUR SNOW BALL SPONSORS! *Sponsors as of 1/22/25

PREMIER SPONSOR

ENTERTAINMENT SPONSOR

2025

About the beneficiary:

PLATINUM SNOWFLAKE SPONSORS

GOLD SNOWFLAKE SPONSORS

The Chamber Foundation’s mission is to improve Every Main Street in the Lehigh Valley through targeted investments in community development revitalization programs, facade improvements, streetscape designs, urban planning, event promotion, sidewalk beautification and other improvements to our downtowns and urban centers.

By donating an auction item or making a financial contribution, you are helping us to continue the important work of the Main Street Lehigh Valley Foundation.

SILVER SNOWFLAKE SPONSORS

BRONZE SNOWFLAKE SPONSOR

BELLE OF THE BALL SPONSORS

PRINT SPONSOR

If you are interested in donating an auction item, email Bailey at baileym@lehighvalleychamber.org Sponsorships are still available! Contact Paige at paigen@lehighvalleychamber.org

SAV E TH E DA TE!

Th

, y a d urs

l2 i r p A

4

Scan to learn more & purchase your tickets!

#CHAMBERREO

6 | Connections Magazine

LEHIGH VALLEY ECONOMIC REPORT Dr. Kamran Afshar, Chamber Chief Economist The Chamber’s Finance Committee 610-691-3272 • ka@kaa-inc.com

Are we burdening future generations with a $35 trillion—and growing— national debt?

The national debt has soared to $361 And then, the Great Recession haptrillion, at almost 121% of the nation's pened, punching up the debt to 104% GDP. While this figure is staggering, it of the GDP by 2016. Debt as a percent remains slightly below the record high of GDP continued to rise slowly until of 133% reached during the second the COVID pandemic of 2020, which quarter of 2020 amidst the COVID-19 exploded the debt up to 133% in the 1st crisis. That emergency, significant as quarter of 2020. Could we go bankrupt it was, pales in comparison to the ex- due to the large size of our debt, which traordinary demands of World War II, almost happened to the Greek economy during which the national debt never during the Great Recession? The anexceeded 121% of GDP. In 1980, the swer is unless it is self-inflicted, it is imdebt level was 31% of the GDP, and the possible. Our debt is in US dollars, and Even absent the German-type hyperinterest on the debt was 1.84% of the as the Germans proved in the 1920s, inflation, there is still a huge danger of GDP. By 1991, debt levels rose to 59% as long as you can print, bankruptcy high inflation when printing money for of the GDP, and its carrying cost rose to in your own currency is not the issue. any reason other than accommodating 3.16%, the highest percentage in the last The issue, as was also discovered by the economic growth, as many of our South 70 years. Between 1994 and 2001, the Germans, was the subsequent hyper- American neighbors discovered in the debt as a percentage of GDP declined inflation of billions of percent. Greece last century. Let's examine the process to 51% before beginning to rise again in was looking at possible bankruptcy be- behind accumulating national debt: the 2002. Projections for interest payments cause their debt was in Euro, and they government borrows money by issuing in 2025 surpass 3% of GDP. In the 21st couldn’t print as much as they used to IOUs in the form of bonds, notes, and century, national debt as a percentage in decades past when their debt and bills. Consequently, those who lent the of the GDP soared to 70% by 2008. national currency were in Drachma2. government money now possess those

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IOUs. Who are these people? Foreign entities own a quarter of the national debt, and the rest is owned by US public and US government agencies3.

So, while it is true that we are passing a massive debt to future generations, we are also leaving them interest-earning, government-issued, AAA-rated assets that could prove invaluable if repayment ever becomes an issue!

Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce | 7

together

for the future of care

Lehigh Valley Health Network is now proudly part of Jefferson Health LVHN and Jefferson Health are unwavering in our commitment to your health.

Now joined together, we will continue to invest in programs and services that improve the well-being of your community. And we’ll continue to build on the exceptional care you already receive.

When we combine the strengths of two health care leaders, great things can happen.

We’re coming together. Even stronger. For you.

Discover more at LVHN.org/Jefferson

EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA | LEHIGH VALLEY | SOUTH JERSEY

8 | Connections Magazine

Banks, Credit Unions & Loans

Chase Easton Rebecca Hofsaess 1510 Sullivan Trail Easton, PA 18040 610-295-0542 www.chase.com Carpentry

Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters Kevin Lewis 1803 Spring Garden Street Philadelphia, PA 19130 267-618-3416 www.EASRCC.org Chiropractors

C.A.R.E. Chiropractic Center Judith Ackerman 3621 Eberhart Road Whitehall, PA 18052 610-264-2222 Coffee and Tea, Coffee Roasters, and Coffee shops

Let's Go Coffee Company Mandy Siess 358 Main Street, Unit B Emmaus, PA 18049 610-392-8423 www.letsgocoffeeco.com Advertising, Marketing & Public Relations

First Generation Communications Janine Birch 410 Allentown Drive Allentown, PA 18109 610-437-4300 www.firstgencom.com Artists, Studios & Galleries

Children's Art Classes Peter Nation Orefield, PA 18069 610-546-0250 www.childrensartclasses. com Hawaii Fluid Art Lehigh Valley Virginia Ellen 3325 Hamilton Boulevard Allentown, PA 18103 484-623-5230 www.hawaiifluidart.com

Assisted Living, Independent Living, Nursing Homes, Memory Care, Personal Care

Country Meadows of Bethlehem Kaleena Poyer 4035 Green Pond Road Bethlehem, PA 18020 610-865-5580 www.countrymeadows.com Millbrook HomeCare Terry Weber 47 West Water Street Hellertown, PA 18055 610-838-1700 www.millbrookhomecare.com Rittenhouse Village At Lehigh Valley Jennifer Swinsburg 1263 South Cedar Crest Boulevard Allentown, PA 18103 610-628-2093 www.RittenhousevillageAtLehighValley.com

Attorneys, Judges & Legal Services

Miller Thielen, P.C. Amy Miller 101 South Richmond Street Suite B Fleetwood, PA 19522 610-944-1959 www.omtlawfirm.com Automobile Repairs, Services & Detailing

Allied Automotive Adam Rath 5580 Quince Road Allentown, PA 18106 610-351-0020 www.alliedautomotiveservice.com

Consignment & Thrift Stores

Style Encore Julie Simmons 1898 Catasauqua Road, #1 Allentown, PA 18109 610-419-3890 www.Style-EncoreAllentown.com Construction Management & General Contractors

Veteran Grains WIlliam Brader 4915 Lower Macungie Road Macungie, PA 18062 610-618-6063 www.veterangrains.com Consulting Services & Training

CDR Consultants LLC Brenda Robinson 306 South New Street Bethlehem, PA 18015 484-937-2569 www.brendarobinson.info

Counseling and Therapy

Move Forward Counseling, LLC Charlotte Leckow 100 Keystone Avenue, Suite 1 Emmaus, PA 18049 717-462-7003 www.moveforwardpa.com Dentists, Oral Surgeons & Orthodontists

Century Dental Associates Laura LaSavage 17 South 6th Street Stroudsburg, PA 18360 570-420-9332 www.centurydentalsmiles.com Extraordinary Smiles Sandip Ladani 4955 PA-873 PO Box 74 Schnecksville , PA 18078 610-799-0600 www.extraordinarysmiles.net Early Childhood Education

Learning Blossoms Academy LLC Daisy Polanco 10 North 11th Street Allentown, PA 18101 484-350-3553 Employment Services, Screening & Staffing

Goodwill Keystone Area John McHenry 2151 Linglestown Road, Suite 300 Harrisburg, PA 17110 717-232-1831 www.yourgoodwill.org JobConnection Services Ted Denman 512 W Hamilton Street, Suite 102 Allentown, PA 18101 610-597-5304 www.jcsfamily.com Fitness, Gyms & Personal Training

Club Pilates Allentown Michelle Craciun 917 Airport Center Road Allentown, PA 18109 610-203-4500 www.clubpilates.com

Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce | 9

Food Products, Services & Supplies

Enescorp International Dan Sharif 175 Cesanek Road Northampton, PA 18067 908-963-8111 www.enescorp.org Foundations

Every Ribbon Counts Susan Mattes Bostian Nazareth, PA 18064 610-417-2448 www.everyribboncounts.com Grocery, Convenience & Meat Stores

Costco Wholesale Eddie Honrado 791 North Krocks Road Allentown, PA 18106 484-273-7064 www.costco.com Health & Wellness Products and Services

Blue Zones Project Allentown Brooke Griffiths 520 Hamilton Street, Suite 170 Allentown, PA 18101 610-248-7845 www.bluezonesprojectlehighvalley.com Pennsylvania Integrative Clinical Services Deborah Harris 41 Community Drive Easton, PA 18045 610-438-5827 www.lehighvalleyadultservices.com Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House Anthony Stover 3925 Chestnut Street Philadelphia, PA 19104 215-387-8406 www.philarmh.org Ribbons of C.A.R.E. Alecia Fegley 4901 Churchview Road Zionsville, PA 18092 484-904-6048 www.ribbonsofcare.org

Home Healthcare

Lighting Controls & Supplies

Kellez Care Providers LLC Tisheena Kelly P.O. Box 873 East Stroudsburg, PA 18301 804-721-3582 www.kellez.com

Lehigh Valley Holiday Lighting Brian Thompson 7366 Lone Lane Coopersburg, PA 18036 610-467-7995 www.lehighvalleyholidaylighting.com

Hotels, Lodging, Bed & Breakfasts

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Allentown Dorneyville Harshila Patel 3620 Hamilton Boulevard Allentown, PA 18103 610-437-9255 www.hiexpress.com Information Services Technology & Cyber Security

Odocam Ziba Ebrahimian 1010 Hamilton Avenue Suite 420 Allentown, PA 18101 310-654-0394 www.odocam.com Insurance

Optavise Edwin Aquino P. O. Box 44 Whitehall, PA 18052 866-675-5210 www.optavise.com Landscape Architects, Contractors, Designers & Supplies

LandCare John Mraz 1820 North Dauphin Street Allentown, PA 18109 610-842-5934 www.landcare.com Land-Tech Enterprises, Inc. Jackie LaCross 3084 B. Bristol Road Warrington, PA 18976 215-491-1470 www.landtechenterprises.com

Manufacturers

TCI Mobility, LLC Steven Hoffman 230 Bossardsville Road Sciota, PA 18354 954-788-7111 www.tcimobility.net Moving Services & Self Storage

Stowaway Self Storage IV Kris Kline 1095 Route 22 West P.O. Box 66 Phillipsburg, NJ 08865 908-859-4660 www.stowawayselfstorage.com Network Security

NEPA Business Technologies James Becker 1192 West Main Street Suite 201 Stroudsburg, PA18360 272-201-6201 www.nepabiztech.com Pet Sitting & Training Services

Beyond Behavior Dog Training Tatem Forsberg Allentown, PA 18103 805-857-1401 www.beyondbehaviordogtraining.com Promotional Products

PromoShop Lisa Folts Easton , PA 18042 424-394-0526 www.promoshopinc.com

Real Estate Agents, Brokers and Other Services

Weichert RealtorsEaston Carrie Perrucci 3010 William Penn Highway Easton, PA 18045 610-252-6666 www.weichert.com Rehabilitation & Physical Therapy

Industry Health Solutions Alex Mateo 840 Harleysville Pike, Suite 4 Harleysville, PA 19438 267-389-9218 www.ihspts.com Tails of Valor Paws of Honor, Inc. Heather Lloyd P. O. Box 127 Coopersburg, PA 18036 267-733-7294 www.tailsofvalor.org Restaurants, Bars & Cafes

3pc Chicken & Oa Donuts James Jones 3690 Lehigh Street Whitehall, PA 18052 484-588-9446 Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza Sara Madsen 750 North Krocks Road Suite 208 Allentown, PA 18106 610-366-9701 www.acfp.com Old School Sandwich Company Michael Geary 7535 Windsor Drive, # 106 Allentown, PA 18016 610-481-9184 www.oldschoolsandwichcompany.com Tropical Smoothie Cafe David Desai 2411 Schoenersville Road Bethlehem, PA 18017 484-282-2020 www.tropicalsmoothiecafe.com

Roofing, Siding & Gutters

Valley Peak Roofing Gunnar Smith 3005 Broadhead Road Suite 105 Bethlehem, PA 18020 484-602-6863 www.valleypeakroof.com Safety & Protective Equipment Distributors

Delta Defense l USCCA Will Hoffert 6720 Stone Drive Germansville, PA 18053 610-663-7523 www.usconcealedcarry.com Salons, Spas, Makeup & Massage Services

Cindy's Hair Designs Gracinda M. DaSilva 220 Main Street Hellertown, PA 18055 610-838-8330

10 | Connections Magazine

ALLENTOWN AREA

Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce | 11

AMBASSADORS & SMALL BUSINESS COUNCILS SMALL BUSINESS COUNCIL Bill Benz, Carnegia Agency Chair, Small Business Council

The Small Business Council is excited to announce our 2025 Lehigh Valley Business Summit, scheduled for April 4, 2025, addressing the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) with a focus on productivity enhancements for small businesses. We are hosting this topic based on the overwhelming interest generated by our inaugural AI summit last Fall. This educational event features a distinguished panel of AI experts who will provide hands-on demonstrations tailored specifically for small business owners. Attendees will witness practical insights employing AI tools to streamline operations, improve decision-making processes, and foster innovation within their organizations at record speed. Byron Roth, President of B Roth Consulting LLC and Adjunct Professor, will be our Summit moderator. Byron will keep us organized and provide insights and expertise. Our keynote speaker, Dr. Jeff Bullock, CEO & Founder of PRISM, an AI consultan-

cy firm for empowering businesses and individuals to master Artificial Intelligence located here in the Lehigh Valley, will deliver an interactive experience covering topics such as automating routine tasks, leveraging AI for customer engagement, and utilizing data analytics to drive sustainable business growth., Finally, a panel discussion of various organizations using AI as a tool will share their challenges and successes working with AI tools and share which ones help the most. In addition to the educational components, the summit offers valuable networking opportunities to connect with industry peers and share experiences with others in our community. So arrive early for breakfast, an bring plenty of business cards for networking. We encourage all small business stakeholders eager to harness the power of AI to join us for this informative and engaging networking event—registration www.web. lehighvalleychamber.org/events.

12 | Connections Magazine

PUBLIC POLICY HEALTHCARE COMMITTEE

Nick Maxel, Equinox Benefits Consulting Chair, Healthcare Committee

Cold and Flu season is thoroughly upon us!! And this year you’ve got two additional players in the game, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

Creating what they are calling the “Quad-demic!!”. I can’t wait to see the trailers for this one. All joking aside, the issue is that each one of these illnesses can have a different level of concern depending on your demographics and geography. Googling Quad-demic will get you plethora of reading material.

Time for mask mandates and social distancing, oh please no! The best bet is to try and stay safe and practice some common sense. The first step is to know the symptoms of each illness.

Flu: Fever or feeling feverish/chills, Cough, Sore throat, Runny or stuffy nose, Muscle or body aches, Headaches and Fatigue.

COVID-19: Fever or chills, Cough, Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, Sore throat, Congestion or runny nose, New loss of taste or smell, Fatigue,

Muscle or body aches, Headache, Nausea or vomiting and Diarrhea.

RSV: Runny nose, Congestion, Decrease in appetite, Coughing, Sneezing, Fever and Wheezing.

Norovirus: Diarrhea, Vomiting, Nausea, Stomach pain, Fever, Headache, Body aches and Dehydration.

Since many symptoms overlap you may not be able to identify which malady you’re dealing with by symptoms alone. Exposure and hygiene are key in preventing all four illnesses, including handwashing and staying home when you’re under the weather. Getting vaccinated is also recommend especially if you are in the younger or older demographics or have a weakened immune system.

Many hospitals are requiring masking again but in most other areas it remains a personal preference. That certainly makes sense to me and I think we should all be understanding of each other. Stay safe out there!

ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE Crystal Workinger, Casella Energy & Environment Committee Member

By now, we are all familiar with three pillars of recycling – reduce, reuse, recycle. But what happens after those materials are tossed in the recycling bin? For recycling to work, manufacturers need to be willing to work those materials back into their supply chain to create a new product. In materials management, we call this a circular economy.

What is circularity? Our current economy is mostly linear; resources are extracted from the environment to make products that are discarded. In a circular economy, resources would be systematically returned to new products, to significantly reduce or even eliminate extraction of natural resources. How circular are we today, and why does it matter?

According to the latest edition of the Circularity Gap Report, each year the global economy consumes over 100 billion tons of material, and only 7.2% makes it back into the economy. This means that our economy is heavily re-

liant on virgin materials extracted from the environment, which in turn means we are unsustainably depleting our water, soil, and air.

How do we become more circular? That same report describes four key strategies for becoming more circular, namely: 1) Use less, 2) Use longer, 3) Use again, and 4) Make clean. Number three is where recycling fits in. And number four has to do with using renewable energy and regenerative materials. As the Circularity Gap Report puts it, “there is much more to the circular economy than just recycling.” While this is true, we know it is also true that there can be no circular economy without recycling.

Manufacturers must take the initiative to work recycled materials back into their production process. Residents and businesses must continue to recycle, andrecycle better, to ensure clean streams.

Moving towards a circular economy and reducing the environmental burden of resource extraction takes collaboration on all our parts.

Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce | 13

NONPROFIT & BUSINESS PARTNERS COUNCIL & CHAMBER FOUNDATION

NONPROFIT & BUSINESS PARTNERS Kathleen Trimble, Pinebrook Family Answers Chair, Nonprofit & Business Partners Council

Nonprofit and Business Partners Council's Spring Collaboration Conference

As you read this, we are almost halfway through winter, and it's time to start looking forward to the vibrant season of spring. We are excited to announce the upcoming Nonprofit and Business Partners Council's Spring Collaboration Conference, which will take place on April 8, 2025, from 8 AM to noon at DeSales University. This event marks the culmination of a year-long focus on growth, bringing together nonprofit organizations and business partners to foster collaboration and drive positive change in our community. Over the past year, the Council has dedicated its efforts to exploring various aspects of growth. Our Fall Event centered on Individual Growth, providing valuable insights and strategies for personal and professional development. Most recently, we hosted our Winter Event, which featured a panel discussion with three experts in organizational growth, strategic planning, and related fields. This event offered a platform for organi-

zations to share their experiences, challenges, and successes in scaling their operations and enhancing their impact. The Spring Collaboration Conference promises to be an inspiring and impactful event, building on the momentum of our previous gatherings. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with thought leaders, participate in interactive workshops, and network with peers from both the nonprofit and business sectors. The conference will feature a diverse lineup of speakers who will share their expertise on topics such as strategic partnerships, innovative funding models, and effective leadership.

Additional information on speakers and sessions will be available shortly. We are thrilled to welcome you to this event and look forward to the meaningful connections and collaborations that will emerge. Together, we can continue to build a vibrant and resilient community, driving growth and positive change for all.

SAVE THE DATE!

Collaboration Conference Tuesday, April 8 8 AM - 12PM DeSales University MORE INFORMATION TO FOLLOW!

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

Middle Smithfield Township continues to invest in revitalization efforts to encourage façade improvements, landscaping, sidewalks, and streetscaping efforts, as well as increase community engagement and support business retention. The Hometown Heroes Banner Project Expansion at the Township’s Veteran Memorial (an Eagle Scout project) located at the Middle Smithfield Township Community and Cultural Center is consistent with the Chamber Foundation’s mission, by contributing to revitalization efforts and improving the Township’s “downtown” experience for residents, tourists, and the public alike.

Locally, Monroe County is home to a large veteran population and within Middle Smithfield there are several historic burial grounds, such as the United Methodist Wooddale Church and the Middle Smithfield Evangelical Presbyterian Church.

(The Presbyterian church actually faces the Veterans Memorial.) Both grounds are the final resting place for soldiers who served in the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, and 20th and 21st-century wars and

military actions. In addition, one of the most notable veterans, John Summerfield Staples, President Lincoln’s “stand-in” for the Civil War, is buried in Stroudsburg Cemetery in Monroe County. The initial phase of the Hometown Heroes Banners project at the community center located on Route 209 had an overwhelmingly positive response from the community. The Chamber Foundation proudly partnered with the Township to provide banners at no charge to veteran honorees along with other Partnering organizations including the Monroe County Veterans Affairs, Monroe County Honor Guard, American Legion Post 903, Vietnam Veterans, VFW, Valor Clinic, and Boy Scout Troop 87. With these partnerships and the banner project, the Township is able to attract past and future generations to honor their “Hometown Heroes.” We hope you will join us at the Chamber’s Snow Ball – which supports grants for projects just like this across the valley. For more information on the event or to donate an auction item, please contact lorier@lehighvalleychamber.org

14 | Connections Magazine

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Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce | 15

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Photos from the Marketing & Communications Advisors kick-off networking event on January 9 at B Social *Photos courtesy of Mike Robinson Productions*

16 | Connections Magazine

Fore-tastic Season Ahead SAVE THE DATES!

UPCOMING

GOLF OUTINGS Monday, March 17 - Tuesday, March 18 The Chamber’s Inaugural Simulator Golf Tournament NEW THIS YEAR! Art of Flight Golf Monday, May 19 The Chamber Board of Governors Krajsa Cup Golf Classic Brookside Country Club Monday, June 16 EMSP Annual Golf Classic Green Pond Country Club June Date TBA Somos Familia Golf Outing Woodstone Country Club and Lodge July Date TBA NEW THIS YEAR! Easton & Phillipsburg Golf Outing Riverview Country Club Monday, August 11 Bethlehem Chamber Walla Gazoo Bethlehem Golf Club Monday, September 15 Carbon Chamber Annual Sturm Cup Jack Frost National Golf Club

Stay up to date on The Chamber’s Calendar!

Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce | 17

BETHLEHEM AREA

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EASTON AREA

Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce | 19

PHILLIPSBURG AREA

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DIVERSITY COUNCILS

Friday, February 21, 2025 | 7:30 AM - 12 PM | DeSales University Keynote Presentation by 2024 Athena Leadership Award Recipient, Vicki Doulé of Capital Blue Cross

Engaging Breakout Sessions “Building Your Personal Brand” “Leadership in the Digital Age”

Insightful Leadership Panel “Strong Minds, Strong Leadership: Wellness Panel for Leading with Balance”

Networking & Breakfast Vendor Marketplace Complimentary Headshot For Sponsorship Opportunities: sabrinao@lehighvalleychamber.org

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Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce | 21

DIVERSITY COUNCILS #AccelerateAction

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Scan the QR code or RSVP to hannahs@lehighvalleychamber.org Contact daniellej@lehighvalleychamber.org for sponsorship opportunities

22 | Connections Magazine

DIVERSITY COUNCILS

on January 16 at Fellowship Community CHAMBER SEEN! Meeting *Photos courtesy of Mike Robinson Productions*

Photos from the Veterans & Military Council January

Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce | 23

AFFILIATED CHAMBERS

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GREATER NORTHERN LEHIGH & WESTERN LEHIGH CHAMBERS

CHAMBER SEEN!

Photos from the East Penn & Western Lehigh Holiday Luncheon on December 11 at Bear Creek Mountain Resort *Photos Courtesy of Sherry Clewell 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

On behalf of the Emmaus Main Street Partners, we wish our entire Chamber community a happy and healthy new year. We hope you had a wonderful holiday season and are excited to embrace a new chapter. There’s no slowing down as we move into the new year! Our Emmaus community calendar is packed with exciting events that will bring even more energy and enjoyment to our Main Street. Join the Emmaus Community on February 8th, at our annual Soup Crawl.

Warm up with delicious varieties of soups, while supporting local businesses and enjoying a fun day out with family and friends. Mark your calendars and get your shamrocks ready for the highly anticipated Lucky Bucks Bingo Event, being held on March 16th. With great prizes and plenty of chances to win, it’s an event that promises to be full of excitement. Additionally, East Penn Restaurant Week will take place the week of February 24th, offering a week-long celebration of

our local dining scene. During this special week, participating restaurants will feature special menus, discounts, and unique offerings. It’s the perfect opportunity to try something new or revisit your favorite spots. We are also thrilled to see new businesses opening their doors in our community, adding even more flavor to our local main street.

Among the new arrivals is Café 23 and Let’s Go Coffee, two charming cafés offering fresh coffee, pastries, and a cozy atmosphere. It’s already becoming a local favorite for morning pick-me-ups or afternoon breaks with friends. The Emmaus Main Street Partners also held their first Main Street Mixer event, bringing together local business owners for a fun and engaging evening. This event provided an excellent opportunity for networking, discovering local businesses, and celebrating our Main Street community. We are already looking to hold a second event this spring and hope to see you there!

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SOUTHERN LEHIGH & WHITEHALL AREA CHAMBERS

Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce | 27

HELLERTOWN-LOWER SAUCON CHAMBER

CHAMBER SEEN!

Photos from Luncheon and Tour: Exploring Heintzelman's Funeral Home and Lehigh Valley Animal Crematory Services on January 15

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NAZARETH AREA & GREATER NORTHAMPTON AREA CHAMBERS NAZARETH AREA CHAMBER Rebecca Miklas, Miklas Realty Chair, Nazareth Area Chamber

The 2024 Christmas in Nazareth event was an incredible success, bringing the community together in a truly special way! The festivities kicked off on Friday with the highly anticipated Tree Lighting, where the talented singers from the Nazareth School District filled the evening with joy and cheer. The new layout of the event was a hit, allowing the holiday spirit to shine even brighter. Highlights included appearances by Elsa and Olaf, live ice carving, and real live reindeer, all of which added a touch of magic to the celebration.

Saturday continued the Christmas in Nazareth fun, with families brav-

ing the cold to enjoy the Elf Trail, made possible by the fantastic support of our local businesses, crafters, and a variety of food vendors.

Highlights included appearances by Elsa and Olaf, live ice carving, and real live reindeer, all of which added a touch of magic to the celebration.

But just wait until you see what we have in store for 2025—it’s something you won’t want to miss! With even more exciting additions and surprises on the way, we’re already planning to make this upcoming year extra memorable. Stay tuned for more details as we continue to celebrate and grow this incredible community!

Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce | 29

CARBON & POCONO CHAMBERS CARBON CHAMBER

Patrick Reilly, Mauch Chunk Trust Company Chair, Carbon Chamber

It may be freezing outside but inside the offices of the CCEDC our team is all fired up about what’s in store for 2025.

Here is just a sample of sample of the many vibrant activities and initiatives in store for the benefit of our members and community this year.

The CCEDC is working on an overhaul of our communication strategy and a full rebrand in 2025! You’ll see an updated logo coming out later this spring, along with a refreshed website and social media presence, representative of the bright future ahead on the horizon in Carbon County. Stay tuned for what’s to come – we’re excited to re-introduce you to all the CCEDC has to offer!

Included in that are some new events and ways to get involved here in Carbon. In May 2025, we will be hosting

our inaugural Taste Trail in Palmerton, giving participants the opportunity to explore the downtown business district while sampling delicious bites along the way. We also have a summer Carbon Community Festival in the works, showing we are not just a Chamber of Commerce, but a Chamber of Communities – we are looking to bring our businesses and residents together for a day of fun.

We of course will have our signature events, too – save the date for our 19th Annual Sturm Cup Golf Tournament in September, our annual State of the County review in October, and our Annual Awards Gala in November. Be sure to follow us on social media or check out our event calendar to make sure you are up to date – we hope to see you soon!

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From Sluggish to Successful: Helping Employees with Thyroid Issues For such a little gland, the thyroid sure causes some big problems. And those problems don’t just present personal challenges to the 20 million Americans with thyroid disease.

They also impact millions of American workers with thyroid issues, creating struggles that can harm job performance: Decreased motivation, concentration, and focus are among the many faulty-thyroid symptoms that can put a real dent in an employee’s production. “Thyroid issues can lead to many things that affect our health,” said Dr. Jeremy Wigginton, Capital Blue Cross Chief Medical Officer. “Those include weight fluctuations, fatigue, heart disease, loss of bone mass, depression, and even problems with pregnancy.” This potentially pesky, butterfly-shaped organ wrapped around the windpipe.

The thyroid makes and releases hormones that keep your body humming along normally – metabolism control, for instance, is among its main jobs. When something is askew, it can release too many or too few of these hormones.

And that can create havoc.

Two main types The key, Dr. Wigginton said, is getting to your doctor for the right tests that lead to the right diagnoses, which then ripple to the right treatments and medications. Trouble is, roughly 60% of Americans with thyroid conditions don’t even know they have them, according to the American Thyroid Association (ATA). The ATA also reports that 10% of Americans will develop thyroid issues in their lifetimes, and that they’re far more prevalent – by a factor of 5 to 8 times – in women than men. While there are various thyroid-disease subtypes spanning a broad spectrum, there are two primary types: Overactive (or hyperthyroidism) and underactive (hypothyroidism) thyroids.

Here's how thyroid problems can harm job performance So why should employers be concerned about staff suffering from thyroid disease? Because it lowers the some of the main qualities essential to quality performance. Overactive thyroids make too much of the gland’s hormone, causing the body to burn energy more quickly than it should. Underactive ones produce

too little of the hormone. This also makes you tired, but may lead to weight gain and an intolerance for colder temperatures.

Here’s a breakdown of potential effects on employees.

Overactive thyroid: · Difficulty focusing · Anxiety · Upset stomach · Feeling hot / excessive sweating Underactive thyroid: · Lack of motivation · Struggle to meet deadlines · Poor memory · Impaired concentration How to help employees Employers can help their staff cope with and catch thyroid issues through educational campaigns that convey the many signals and perils of the problems, and by offering health plans that make necessary testing and treatments affordable. While thyroid diseases can sometimes be difficult to diagnose because they mirror other conditions, blood tests, imaging tests, and regular physical exams can lead doctors to accurate conclusions. Offering health insurance that helps cover screenings and prescribed medications obviously goes a long way toward helping your employees contain their thyroid issues. Capital Blue Cross offers many employer group and individual benefits that may cover a variety of thyroid screenings, treatments, and medications when medically necessary.“Thyroid issues are very common, and although they are often lifelong, they can be effectively managed with the right treatment, which usually includes medication,” Dr. Wigginton said. “The most important way to prevent and treat thyroid disease is to have regular visits with a healthcare provider. Let them know how you are feeling, and about any new symptoms you may be having, or any changes in your activity or sleep. That combined with routine blood tests can often detect and determine the best course of treatment and monitoring to prevent serious impacts to your health.” (For more health and wellness news and information that can benefit your business and employees, visit thinkcapitalbluecross.com.)

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Member News In 1979 KidsPeace (then known as Wiley House) was first licensed to provide foster care services in Bethlehem, PA. Over the next 45 years the organization expanded its foster care services to multiple offices throughout Pennsylvania and into five other states.

Along with its geographic expansion, KidsPeace also has evolved its Foster Care and Community Programs (FCCP) offerings to meet the emerging needs of foster children and families. To mark the anniversary of KidsPeace Foster Care, the latest issue of Healing Magazine profiles some of these new programs – including offerings from Maine, New York and Virginia along with Pennsylvania -- and discusses the past and future of fostering with experts from its FCCP operations.

On January 6, 2025, Betty Benulis, RN, will celebrate a half-century of employment at St. Luke’s Miners Campus, a milestone that no other employee of the Coaldale hospital is known to have reached. She admits, she wouldn’t have predicted spending 50 years at any job but isn’t surprised she’s achieved it at St. Luke’s, which has managed the hospital since 2000, or half of her tenure there. “Time goes fast, and I like my work,” said Benulis, 71 and a long-time resident of New Philadelphia, Schuylkill County. She found her niche caring for the sick and recovering patients as a proud member of the nation’s most trusted profession and never second-guessed her decision. And it doesn’t faze her that she has been employed at the Miners hospital longer than some of her coworkers have been on Earth.

Phoebe Ministries welcomes Jason Shott as their new Chief Operating Officer (COO). Shott recently relocated to Pennsylvania from New York, where he was Regional Vice President of Operations for Atria Senior Living. As a member of the executive leadership team, Shott oversees Phoebe’s overall operations, sales, and marketing efforts. With a career spanning 24 years in healthcare and 16 years specifically in the senior living sector, he is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for seniors and driving innovation in care services.

The Great Allentown Fair Foundation, Inc. is now accepting applications for high school seniors interested in pursuing college-level education in the upcoming 2025-2026 term. Students are encouraged to apply for our scholarships and submit their completed applications before 5:00pm on Friday, June 11, 2025.

Additional information, including the application and submittal process are posted at: AllentownFairFoundation.org.

United Federal Credit Union (United) is pleased to announce Jessica Rodriquez has been named District Manager in the Lehigh Valley. “I am thrilled to join Team United and contribute to United’s mission of being regionally diverse, yet locally focused,” said Rodriquez. “I look forward to working alongside the talented Lehigh Valley team and supporting the credit union in the Pennsylvania market. I am ready to foster strong relationships and further strengthen United’s commitment to our community.” As District Manager, Rodriquez is responsible for the leadership and oversight of the branches in the Lehigh Valley. She will

provide leadership and support to United’s branch managers, and will coach and develop staff on sales, service, and operations.

A-Treat® Soda, an iconic Lehigh Valley favorite, has been selected as the official beverage of Executive Education Academy Charter School. This partnership brings a local touch of history and nostalgia to the school community, as both the school and the soda brand share roots on Union Boulevard in Allentown.

A-Treat® soda, beloved for its variety of rich flavors and storied legacy, has been a staple in the region for over a century. Its selection as the official beverage reflects the school’s commitment to celebrating local heritage while fostering meaningful community connections.

The Kindness Project, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting kids and teens in the foster care system, is proud to receive a generous donation of $6,000 from AAA East Central. This contribution will support things like additional winter apparel needs as we begin the new year with low temperatures, windy conditions, and snow.

Barry Isett & Associates, Inc. (Isett) is proud to announce that it has been named one of the 2024 Best Places to Work in PA, highlighting the company's commitment to fostering a positive, engaging, and inclusive work environment for its employees. This marks the sixth consecutive year that Isett has earned this prestigious recognition, and the second year in the “Large Business” category.

Fast, accurate, and dependable communication in mission-critical situations is essential, whether an organization is a 9-1-1 center or a business enterprise.

With the spiraling increases in disruptive and costly cyberattacks, organizations need to have confidence in the technology that allows them to run. TuWay Communications, an industry leader with 70 years’ experience in mission-critical communications applications including 9-1-1 center support, has acquired Computing Technologies, LLC (CTL), an IT managed-service provider that specializes in cybersecurity.

The culmination of a nearly decade-long relationship between the companies, the acquisition will allow clients to unify secure information, communication, and dispatch solutions with CTL’s expertise with network management and cybersecurity solutions.

Comcast has connected the first 1,000 homes and businesses in Upper Saucon, Pa., to its reliable, highspeed Internet network as part of an expansion that will ultimately reach more than 7,000 homes and businesses in the township. The network expansion brings Internet, mobile, entertainment, and security services from Xfinity and Comcast Business to these residents and businesses, enhancing digital infrastructure, promoting economic growth, and positioning residents and local businesses for success in an increasingly digital world. Residents can visit Xfinity.com/mytown and enter their addresses to check for current service availability or for additional details on construction timing.

The Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development (DCED) has awarded Northampton Community College a $199,843 Manufacturing PA Training-to-Career Grant, which will enable the college to develop and implement Career Pathways in Manufacturing. The 8-week, 160hour program will introduce manufacturing training and apprenticeship programs to individuals who are seeking a new career but may face barriers to employment. The program is free to participants thanks to the grant funding.

The KingSpry law firm in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, is proud to announce the launch of a new commercial real estate law podcast called LANDMARKS. The pilot episode airs January 15, 2025. Set against the backdrop of iconic Lehigh Valley structures, LANDMARKS explores the legal intricacies of the real estate world and offers insights to help listeners make informed decisions about buying, selling, developing or investing in Pennsylvania real estate.

United Federal Credit Union (United) is pleased to announce Lydia Negron has been promoted to Branch Manager in Pennsylvania. Negron is now leading the team at United’s Allentown Branch at 4703 Hamilton Blvd. As Branch Manager, Negron will be responsible for maintaining the performance of their branches and providing leadership and supervision to her staff.

ArtsQuest is thrilled to announce the seventh Musikfest 2025 headliner, Chicago will be coming to the Wind Creek Steel Stage at PNC Plaza on Tuesday, August 5, 2025.

The Valley Preferred Cycling Center is thrilled to announce the schedule for its highly anticipated 2025 Friday Night Professional Race Series. The series will kick off on May 30th, 2025, and will run every Friday night until August 29th, 2025, except for July 4th.

Get ready for an exciting opportunity! Andreas Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. of Lehighton is happy to announce its 5-Star Scholarship to the Senior Class of 2025. Andreas Plumbing is giving away five $500.00 scholarships, totaling $2,500.00, to seniors from Lehighton Area High School, Palmerton Area High School, Jim Thorpe Area High School, the Carbon Career and Technical Institute (CCTI), and the Lehigh Career & Technical Institute (LCTI) who plan to attend an accredited college, university, or technical college and major in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) or plumbing. Graduating trade students entering an HVAC and/or a plumbing apprentice program or securing employment at an HVAC or plumbing company upon graduation are also eligible and encouraged to apply.

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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