July always feels like a month made for celebration — because of fireworks, sunshine days, community gatherings, and family parties. It feels especially fitting that this month’s Connections issue is shining a light on something worth celebrating all year long: the companies and nonprofits across the Lehigh Valley that are marking anniversaries.
Whether your business is celebrating one year or five, twenty or fifty, an anniversary is more than a date on a calendar. It’s a milestone of perseverance and success as well as a testament to vision and courage of those organizations! We honor the courage it takes our Chamber partners to open their doors — and keep them open — in a world where things are changing so fast.
Anniversaries also tell the story of the incredible Lehigh Valley people who show up every day to serve custom-
ers, support families, create jobs, and strengthen our region.
Every anniversary tells a story worth hearing. For a business celebrating a one-year anniversary it says: We did it! A five-year anniversary says: We think we are on to something! A twenty-year anniversary says: We made it through because of our hard work and commitment. And the companies celebrating fifty, seventy-five, or even one hundred years remind us of the importance of legacy and that it is built one day, one customer and one relationship at a time.
These anniversaries matter because every Chamber member matters. Your commitment makes the Lehigh Valley such a special place where people want to live, work, and build their future.
Happy Anniversary and here’s to many more!
Chair, Laurie Hackett
Tony Iannelli, The Chamber,
Vice Chair, Bret Ludlow, Liquid
Treasurer, Donna LoStocco, First Commonwealth FCU
Secretary, Marilyn Kelly-Cavotta, Department of Military and Veterans Affairs
Counsel, Buddy Lesavoy, Lesavoy Butz & Seitz LLC
Imm. Past Chair, Tom Groves
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
MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
Saturday, July 4
10-11:30am - Heritage Day (Free Event)
Wednesday, July 8
12-1:30pm - Jim Thorpe Rotary's "Historic Jim Thorpe Walking Tours" Season Kickoff Ribbon Cutting Ceremony (Free Event)
4-6pm - Visions Federal Credit Union - Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and Grand Opening Celebration (Free Event)
5-7pm - Mix & Mingle with LeTip (Free Event)
Thursday, July 9
5-7pm - Rooted in Relationship: Designing Communities that support well-being presented by the Women's Business Council
Sandy Moran 111 South Street, # B Lehighton, PA 18235 484-629-9882
Leaf Restaurant & Cigar Bar
Sean Brown 90 Mort Drive Easton, PA 18040 610-559-8800
www.leafcigarbar.com
Wonder
Ty Konrad
3060 Center Valley Parkway St. 802 Center Valley, PA 18034 855-818-5755 www.wonder.com/order
Retail Sales
Red Wing Shoes
Carmelo Caban
1828 Airport Road
Allentown, PA 18109
610-821-8950 www.redwingshoes.com
Screen Printing and Embroidery
Divine Apparel
Zachary Nye Easton, PA 18045 570-807-6553 www.heisdivine.com
Social Services
Path to Peace
Evelyn Robles 100 Eaglesmere Circle, Suite 200C East Stroudsburg, PA 18301 570-534-4869 www.pathtopeacepa.org
Sports Teams & Facilities
Greater Lehigh Valley Athletics
Keri Neidig 1540 Thompson Avenue Bethlehem, PA 18017 610-674-3521 www.glvathletics.com
Transportation
No Sweat Service Group
Kayla Sep 2709 Pottsville Minersville Highway Pottsville, PA 17901 570-391-1882
Travel Agencies & Cruise Discounters
TravelWorld
Alan Kline 601 Market Street Kingston, PA 18604 570-288-9321 Www.asktravelworld.com
Web Design, Consulting & Hosting
Workbench SEO
Alex Kim 6457 Middleton Lane New Hope, PA 18938 616-834-6454 www.workbenchseo.com
Youth Development
Student Voice Initiative
Kim Finnerty Allentown, PA 18104 610-663-4932 www.voiceinitiative.org
HEALTHCARE COMMITTEE
Ashley Kratzsch, Seltzer Group Partners Healthcare Committee Member
How Prescription Drug Costs Are Driving Healthcare Spending
Health insurance costs are expected to increase by at least 6.5% this year, with rising pharmacy expenses playing a major role. Several factors are driving these increases.
· GLP-1 medications, such as Ozempic and Wegovy, are among the top contributors due to their growing popularity for treating diabetes and obesity. Without insurance coverage, these medications can cost approximately $1,000 per month. In response to the rising expense, many insurance carriers have reduced or eliminated coverage for weight-loss use. One of the leading manufacturers, Eli Lilly and Company, is expanding its presence locally with a new campus in Upper Macungie.
· Specialty medications used to treat chronic and complex conditions also carry significant price tags, often ranging from $2,000 to more than $10,000 per month. To help offset these costs, more FDA-approved biosimilars are entering the market. Biosimilars are highly similar versions of existing biologic drugs designed to provide comparable effectiveness at a lower cost. Humira is one example of a specialty medication that now has several biosimilar alternatives available.
As new therapies and high-cost medications continue to enter the market, pharmacy spending is expected to remain a key driver of insurance premium increases heading into 2027.
more about the tour! SAVE THE DATE: Sept. 2, 2026 Time: 5:00pm Location: TBD
• Round Trip motor coach from Lehigh Valley to Airport
• Non-stop flight to Phoenix
• 4 nights accommodations at the Arabella Boutique Resort in Sedona
• Guided tour of Sedona
• Guided winery tour with wine and lunch
• First Class train ride to the Grand Canyon
• Optional Jeep Excursion: Pink jeep through Sedona’s mystical energy centers, “Touch the Earth Vortex”
• Grand Canyon Tour & Lunch
• Breakfast Daily
• Plus Much More!
EASTON AREA & WARREN COUNTY
COUNCILS
African American Business Leaders Council
Keela Vincent, Chair Family Connection of Easton
Crystal Williams, Vice Chair New Bethany
Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Yamelisa J. Taveras, Chair Counseling Solutions of the Lehigh Valley
Dan Lopez, Vice Chair Members 1st Federal Credit Union
LGBTQ Business Council
Lyn Hufton, Chair Better Homes and Gardens Valley Partners
Donald Flad, Vice Chair Edge Restaurant
Veterans & Military Council
Alexander Alex, Chair LVMAC
Rob Opp, Vice Chair U.S. Army Premier Sealcoating
Women’s Business Council
Katarah Jordan, Chair Boys & Girls Club of Allentown
Dannah Hartman, Vice Chair Valley Health Partners
Young Professionals Council
Alex Knauss, Chair
Capital Blue Cross
Molly MacDonald, Vice Chair Altitude Marketing
ALLISON HOWELLSWYLDE
JAMIE BICKERT
GANCHOSO
EAST PENN CHAMBER & EMMAUS MAIN STREET PARTNERS
EMMAUS MAIN STREET PARTNERS
Mandy Suro, Seven Generations Charter School
Chair,
Emmaus Main Street Partners
Emmaus Main Street Partners had an incredible year dedicated to bringing people together, supporting our local businesses, and creating opportunities that strengthen the heart of our community. This summer, we were thrilled to host our annual Emmaus Main Street Partners Golf Classic on June 22. The event brought together longtime supporters, community leaders, and many new members who joined us for a day of networking and fun on the course. We were especially excited to welcome new faces and introduce them to the Emmaus Main Street Partners. The success of the Golf Classic directly supports our efforts to champion downtown Emmaus and the businesses that make our community so unique. Funds raised through the tournament help Emmaus Main Street Partners continue to provide support for our Main Street businesses through community events, beautification grants, and promotional opportunities that showcase Emmaus throughout the Lehigh Valley. We are grateful to our sponsors, golfers, volunteers, and partners whose participation help make this event a huge success. As we look ahead to the fall, we encourage everyone to mark their calendars for one of
Emmaus' favorite community traditions, Farewell to Summer on September 19, 2026. This annual celebration brings our downtown to life with music, food, shopping, entertainment, and plenty of opportunities to gather with friends and neighbors. It is the perfect way to celebrate the close of summer while continuing to support the businesses that make Emmaus such a special place. To add to the festivities this summer, don't forget to join in the celebration of America 250 Celebration in Emmaus on July 25th and 26th. Be sure to pick up a commemorative Emmaus 250 t-shirt featuring Emma the Mule, available through Emmaus Main Street Partners, and show your pride in this historic milestone for our community. Looking ahead, I am excited about the opportunities before our team. In the coming months, Emmaus Main Street Partners will be introducing new networking opportunities for our partners and exploring fresh ways to keep our businesses connected, engaged, and supported. We believe that strong relationships are the foundation of a thriving downtown, and we look forward to continuing to create meaningful opportunities for collaboration and growth
WHITEHALL AREA & SOUTHERN LEHIGH CHAMBER
NAZARETH AREA & GREATER NORTHAMPTON AREA CHAMBERS
NAZARETH AREA CHAMBER
Rebecca Miklas, Miklas Realty
Chair,
Nazareth Area Chamber
As my term as Chair of the Nazareth Area Chamber of Commerce comes to a close, I find myself reflecting on what an incredible journey it has been. Serving as Chair has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my professional and personal life. I have had the privilege of working alongside dedicated business owners, community leaders, volunteers, and staff who share a common goal: making the Nazareth Area a stronger, more vibrant place to live, work, and do business. Throughout my tenure, I was given countless opportunities to connect with local businesses, celebrate grand openings, support community initiatives, welcome new members, and help strengthen relationships that continue to make our Chamber one of the most active and engaged organizations in the region. I have witnessed firsthand the power of collaboration and the positive impact that occurs when
people come together. One of the highlights of my time as Chair was seeing our community continue to grow while maintaining the small-town charm and spirit that make Nazareth so special. Every event served as a reminder of the strength and resilience of our local business community.
I am especially grateful to the Chamber staff, fellow board members, ambassadors, volunteers, sponsors, and members whose dedication and support made every success possible. While my term as Chair may be ending, my support for the Chamber certainly is not. I look forward to continuing to serve our community and watching the Chamber thrive under new leadership. Thank you for the honor of serving as Chair of the Nazareth Area Chamber. It has been a privilege, and I am grateful for the friendships, partnerships, and memories that will last a lifetime.
CARBON CHAMBER
CARBON CHAMBER
Patrick Reilly, Mauch Chunk Trust Chair, Carbon Chamber
As we move into the heart of summer in Carbon County, I’m reminded of the energy, collaboration, and community spirit that make this region such a remarkable place to live, work, and do business. The Carbon Chamber & Economic Development Corporation continues to grow and evolve, and July is shaping up to be an exciting month. On July 18, we’re proud to present the Carbon County Community Festival in partnership with Lehighton Borough Parks & Recreation and presenting sponsor Mauch Chunk Trust Company. Held in Colonel Jacob Weiss Park, the festival will feature live music, vendors, food, family activities, and a new Shop Local Trail designed to showcase downtown Lehighton businesses. Then, on July 30, we invite our members to join us for our Annual Member Appreciation Event & Open House, an opportunity to connect, celebrate our accomplishments, and look ahead to future opportunities. In addition to these signature events, CCEDC continues to provide educational programs, networking opportunities, and resources that support business growth and professional
development. We hope you'll join us for Happy Hour @ Holy Ghost Distillery on July 16 and our Digital Bootcamp Lunch & Learn on July 21. We are pleased to welcome Maura Walker as our new Program Coordinator and Trish Spillman of Jim Thorpe House of Jerky and the Jim Thorpe Tourism Agency to our Board of Directors. Both bring enthusiasm, experience, and a strong commitment to our community. Finally, on behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Barbara Green for her many years of dedicated service to CCEDC and the Carbon County IDA. As a founding board member, Treasurer, and Executive Committee member, Barbara played an instrumental role in shaping our organization. We also welcome Terry Purcell, Lehigh Valley Health Network, as our new Treasurer and look forward to his continued leadership and service. Thank you to our members, partners, volunteers, and community leaders for your continued support. Together, we are strengthening Carbon County’s economic future and creating opportunities that benefit us all.
Capital Blue Cross, St. Luke’s University Health Network Tout Affordable, High-Quality Care with Renewed Collaboration ALLENTOWN, Pa. – Capital Blue Cross is launching a new health plan option in collaboration with St. Luke’s University Health Network that will help Lehigh Valley employers better manage health care costs while ensuring their employees receive high-quality care from one of the nation’s top-performing health systems.
Valley Advantage EPO will help employers control rising health care expenses. It aligns the strength of Capital Blue Cross’ benefits and care management programs with St. Luke’s network of outstanding providers, which ranks No. 1 in the United States for quality, safety and patient experience, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
A healthy
team and a strong bottom line.
We’ll handle your health plan’s details so you can focus on growing your business.
“Capital Blue Cross and St. Luke’s share a mission to put people first – delivering exceptional service, expanding access to high-quality care, and strengthening the health of the communities we serve,” said Todd Shamash, president and CEO of Capital Blue Cross. “With St. Luke’s nationally recognized as No. 1 in quality, safety and patient experience, this collaboration gives Lehigh Valley employers and their employees confidence they’re getting outstanding care, close to home, at an affordable cost.”
The plan is now available to employers in Lehigh and Northampton counties with more than 100 employees and will be available to companies with fewer than 100 employees in 2027.
“St. Luke’s has long been recognized for delivering exceptional care at a lower cost than competitors,” said Rick Anderson, president and CEO of St. Luke’s University Health Network. “The collaboration between Capital Blue Cross and St. Luke’s allows us to offer employers in the Le-
high Valley a plan that enables access to high-quality care that is more affordable.” With employer-sponsored medical and Rx coverage projected to increase by 8.4% in 2026, Valley Advantage EPO gives employers a clearer path to managing those costs with rates that are lower than Capital’s standard PPO plan.
Other key features of the EPO plan include:
· A value-based care model that prioritizes care quality, outcomes and efficiency.
· Simplified access to care across St. Luke’s network of 16 hospital campuses and more than 350 provider office locations.
· No referrals required for in-network services.
· Wellness credits for eligible businesses with more than 100 employees.
Employers looking to decrease costs while ensuring their employees have access to high-quality care should contact their Capital Blue Cross account executive or health plan consultant.
J U L Y 4 T H O FHappy
Northampton Community College (NCC) Department of Public Safety received $50,000 in grant funding through PA State Representative Joe Emerick's office to support Public Safety upgrades. This funding will enable NCC’s Department of Public Safety to replace current end-of-life radio equipment and implement a new radio system. It will also support the acquisition of a radio repeater, ensuring clear and reliable communication across all three campus locations—an essential component of maintaining a safe and responsive environment for students, faculty, and staff.
St. Luke’s University Health Network celebrated the opening of St. Luke’s College of Health Sciences on Monday, May 18. The College, which operates on the campus of St. Luke’s University Hospital in Bethlehem, offers the following programs:Radiography (Associate Degree), Respiratory Care (Associate Degree) and RN to BSN (Bachelor’s Degree). In addition to its degree-granting programs, the College offers various general education courses.
Entech has officially opened a permanent office in the Lehigh Valley at 2239 PA Route 309, Suite 1, Orefield, PA, formalizing a regional presence that has been rapidly expanding since 2020. Over the past several years, Entech has steadily grown its footprint in the Lehigh Valley, adding talent, delivering projects, and building lasting client relationships across the region. What began as a strategic investment has evolved into a significant and growing operation, prompting the transition from temporary space to a dedicated, longterm home
ArtsQuest yesterday celebrated a major milestone in its Re-Imagine That! Capital Campaign with a ceremonial brick breaking for the Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN), part of Jefferson Health, Turn & Grind Shop at the ArtsQuest Campus at SteelStacks. The event brought together state and local officials, sponsors, donors and community partners to mark the next phase of construction for the historic Bethlehem Steel facility—once a critical part of the nation’s industrial and military production—into a multi-use arts and cultural venue.
The 2026 racing season opened in thrilling fashion at the Valley Preferred Cycling Center as elite riders from across the United States and around the world delivered a night of fast-paced track racing before an enthusiastic crowd. The evening also marked a significant milestone for the iconic velodrome, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the facility. As part of the opening ceremonies, Andrew Norelli Rodale rode a commemorative lap in honor of the late Bob Rodale, whose vision and support helped establish the venue as one of the premier track cycling facilities in the United States. The tribute recognized the lasting impact of the Rodale family on cycling in the Lehigh Valley and the generations of athletes who have competed at the track over the past five decades.
Member News
Feinberg Real Estate Advisors, LLC is proud to announce that commercial real estate advisor Casey Keller officially earned the Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) designation at the organization's Spring Forum in Philadelphia, PA. With this achievement, Keller and her mentor, Cindy McDonnell Feinberg, CCIM, become the only active mother-daughter women owned CCIM brokerage team serving the Lehigh Valley region. Earning the designation requires an extensive portfolio of institutional-grade transaction volume and advanced financial analysis coursework. Keller remarkably fast-tracked the rigorous requirements, completing the entire process in under 18 months.
Capital Blue Cross is launching a new health plan option in collaboration with St. Luke’s University Health Network that will help Lehigh Valley employers better manage health care costs while ensuring their employees receive high-quality care from one of the nation’s top-performing health systems. Valley Advantage EPO will help employers control rising health care expenses. It aligns the strength of Capital Blue Cross’ benefits and care management programs with St. Luke’s network of outstanding providers, which ranks No. 1 in the United States for quality, safety and patient experience, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
The Great Allentown Fair is proud to announce that legendary Motown icons The Four Tops will take the stage with the Allentown Symphony Orchestra for a spectacular Opening Night performance on the Service Electric Grandstand Stage on Wednesday, September 2, 2026. Known around the world as one of the most celebrated vocal groups in music history, The Four Tops is commemorating an extraordinary milestone this year, 70 years of timeless music and unforgettable performances. Their appearance at The Great Allentown Fair promises an evening filled with beloved classics, powerful harmonies, and a unique orchestral accompaniment by one of Pennsylvania's premier professional orchestras.
Patient First is celebrating 45 years of service, marking a milestone that reflects decades of providing accessible urgent care to patients across the Mid-Atlantic. Patient First’s distinctive green roof first appeared on the outskirts of Richmond, Virginia in 1981. It was built on a simple idea of providing friendly, convenient, and cost-effective medical care without an appointment, 365 days a year. Patient First’s physician-led model gave patients access to a broad range of services under one roof.
Today, the historic A-Treat® brand of Pennsylvania soda, produced and distributed by Jaindl Beverage Company (a division of the Jaindl Companies), proudly announces the launch of its limited-edition Cherry Cola, specially crafted to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary. Featuring a vibrant, commemorative red, white, and blue label adorned with festive fireworks, the new packaging proudly displays the message "Celebrating 250 Years of America." The nostalgic, cherry cola flavor is being introduced in
traditional 20oz bottles, providing a bold and patriotic refreshment option for community celebrations, neighborhood barbecues, and family gatherings across the region.
Musikfest mugs are an essential for ‘festers attending the country’s largest free music festival. This year the beloved Musikfest staple features the official 2026 poster artwork by Doug Boehm, which celebrates the nation’s 250th anniversary with a central theme “Music Unites,” reflecting both the joy of Musikfest and the unifying power of music.
The Lehigh Valley Community Foundation honored Edward J. Lentz, Esq. and the David Torrey and the Torrey Family Fund during its Board of Associates 2026 Spring Meeting and Awards Program, held Thursday, May 28, at Saucon Valley Country Club. The annual program brought together more than 80 members of LVCF’s Board of Associates, donors, professional advisors, nonprofit leaders, corporate executives, community volunteers, and friends of the Foundation to celebrate philanthropy and the people who help strengthen charitable giving across the Lehigh Valley. Edward J. Lentz, an attorney with Fitzpatrick Lentz & Bubba, P.C., received the 2026 Service to Philanthropy Award, which recognizes a professional advisor who has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to philanthropy by helping individuals, families, and businesses use charitable giving to make a lasting difference. The 2026 Vision in Philanthropy Award was presented to David Torrey and the Torrey Family Fund in recognition of the fund’s sustained commitment to supporting nonprofit organizations through the Community Foundation.
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. Sooy brings significant banking, finance, governance, and public-sector leadership experience to the board. Her background includes public company audit committee service, credit risk evaluation, commercial real estate finance, enterprise risk governance, capital planning, and fiduciary oversight. She has held roles with Investors Bank and the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, and currently serves as a Somerset County Commissioner.
St. Luke’s University Health Network has become the first health care system in Pennsylvania and one of the first nationwide to implement AngioFlow™ by RapidAI, a breakthrough perfusion imaging technology. AngioFlow is an advanced brain blood flow imaging tool used for acute stroke evaluation, said Dr. Martin Oselkin, neurointerventional radiologist. Traditionally, patients are sent to a CT scanner for perfusion imaging to help physicians make the decision for thrombectomy (clot removal) or not, but AngioFlow allows St. Luke’s to skip the CT scanner and perform the perfusion study right in the operating room.
Submit your press releases to Ellie Andino at elliea@lehighvalleychamber.org to be featured in this section!
Please note: submission does not guarantee placement.
