The Chamber is thrilled to launch our new video podcast, Backyard Business! Join host Tony Iannelli as he brings community and business leaders into his own backyard for dynamic, unfiltered conversations about their passions, projects and the stories that drive them.
insightful, it’s engaging - it’s business like you’ve never seen before!
11:45am - Somos Familia Golf Outing presented by the Hispanic Chamber
Wednesday, June 25
5-7pm - Board Games and Brews Networking with the Affiliated Chambers
Saturday, June 28
11am - 4pm - Palmerton Taste Trail
1-5pm - Pride Cocktail Crawl presented by the LGBTQ Business Council & the Bethlehem Chamber
5:30-8pm - Live in the Garden Week 8 (Free Event)
Sunday, June 29
6-8pm - Music in the Park Concert Series Featuring Hunkajunk (Free Event)
255 HIGHLAND PARK BLVD., WILKES- BARRE, PA 18702
Access to Over 150 Manufacturer ’s Reps ALL Showcasing the Latest & Greatest Industrial Products on the Market - All Under One Roof, Product Demonstrations, Door Prizes, On Site Trainings, and Much More!
Transportation Provided Where Needed
CHAMBER SEEN!
Photos from the Real Estate Outlook on April 24 at Wind Creek Bethlehem
*Photos courtesy of Mike Robinson Productions and McKinney Media*
As I pen this final column, I do so with a full heart and a grateful spirit. Serving the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce has been one of the most rewarding chapters of my life. It has been an honor to stand shoulder to shoulder with leaders, business owners, public servants, and volunteers who believe in the power of community and the strength of working together. In a world that moves fast, where trends come and go and priorities shift with the wind, the values that built our towns, hard work, loyalty, neighborly kindness, and faith in one another, remain steadfast. Those values have been the compass that guided our Chamber’s work, and they will continue to light the way forward. I’ve had the privilege to witness firsthand what happens when people unite with a common purpose: downtowns revitalized, small businesses launched and nurtured, connections forged across industries and generations. The Chamber isn’t just an organization; it’s a living, breathing testimony to what is possible when people put community first. Having begun my Chamber volunteer work with our Hispanic Chamber, it has been fulfilling to see progress in advancing the professional interests of all our Hispanic and Non-Hispanic members. Thank you to Danielle Joseph and her team for facilitating the Hispanic Chamber, and thanks to all the members of that board for their engagement and leadership. And to Tony Iannelli - through your vision and leadership, the Chamber continues to grow and be the most relevant business organization in the Valley. It has been a true honor and privilege serving as your Board Chair these past two years. You are in good hands as Laurie Hackett takes the reins and I wish her nothing but the best. As always, the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce belongs to you, our members and our number one priority is representing you. As I turn the page to a new chapter, I do so with deep appreciation for the legacy we’ve built together. I leave not with sadness, but with pride—and with unwavering confidence that the Chamber’s best days are still to come. There is a new generation rising, innovative, passionate, and ready to lead, who will carry the torch with fresh energy and vision. To my colleagues, partners, and friends: thank you. Thank you for trusting me, challenging me, and walking this journey with me. Our work was never about the spotlight; it was about service. And I am proud of what we’ve done in service to this great Valley
May we always remain rooted in what matters, faithful to our mission, and bold in our dreams. With gratitude and resolve, Tom Groves
Adoption & Foster Care Services
The Salvation Army Children's Services
Florence Rhue
2200 Hamilton Street, Suite 200 Allentown , PA 18104
610-821-7706
www.care4kids.net
Audio/Video Sales, Equipment and Repair Service
Artistic Video & Sound
Brian Dierolf
344 South Third Street Coopersburg, PA 18036
610-282-0632 www.artisticvs.com
Behavioral Health
Safe Harbor of Hope Counseling
Donald Steffy
700 Hammond Lane
Stroudsburg, PA 18360
570-844-0779
www.shhcounseling.org
Construction Management & General Contractors
The Whiting-Turner Construction Company
Jack DaSilva 1720 Spillman Drive Suite 180 Bethlehem, PA 18015
610-366-0600
www.whiting-turner.com
Consulting Services & Training
Precision Talent International
Meloney Sallie-Dosunmu Allentown, PA 18103
484-524-5239 www.precisiontalentinternational.com
Counseling and Therapy
Intentional Counseling & Wellness
Caitlin Campanella Dieterich 95 Highland Avenue, Suite 301 Bethlehem, PA 18017
610-849-0413
www.intentionalcnw.com
Dentists, Oral Surgeons & Orthodontists
Easton Pediatric Dentistry Farah Ali
21 Corporate Drive, Suite 6 Easton, PA 18042
267-730-3025
www.eastonpedsdentistry.com
Electricians, Equipment & Supplies
Kent Electrical Supply, LLC
Jarad Houston 615 Front Street, Suite 101 Whitehall, PA 18052
800-222-5129
www.kentstore.com
Employment Services, Screening & Staffing
Akkodis
Danielle Rossi Galdieri
2200 Renaissance Boulevard, #230 King of Prussia, PA 19406 215-219-2146
www.akkodis.com
Westspan Healthcare
Shelly-Anne Staples 2681 Route 903 Unit 9 Albrightsville, PA 18210 570-579-3383
www.westspanhealthcare.com
Energy
Cypress Creek Renewables
Mike Storch
5310 South Alston Avenue, Bldg 300 Durham, NC 27713
919-867-2832
www.ccrenew.com
Engineering
The Pidcock Company
Michael Drabenstott 2451 Parkwood Drive Allentown, PA 18103 610-791-2252 www.pidcockcompany.com
Financial Services
Stifel - Mike Guldin, CFP
Michael Guldin 3701 Corporate Parkway, # 110 Center Valley, PA 18034 215-275-1749 www.lojewskiwealthmanagementgroup.com
Golf Course & Pro Shops
Riverview Golf & Country Club, Inc.
Gary Strausser 1 Riverview Place Easton, PA 18040 610-559-9700 www.riverviewcountryclub.com
Health & Wellness Products and Services
Astrology Readings
Glenda Wilson 741 Northampton Street Easton, PA 18042
610-972-6909
Human Resource Services & Organizations
Hexagon HR
Angela Hoch 1776 Avenue of the States, Suite 102 Lakewood, NJ 08701 732-426-3709 www.hexagonhr.com
Bill Benz, Carnegie Agency Chair, Small Business Council
What a Year! As we approach the new fiscal year for the Chamber, the Small Business Council of the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber is proud to report that we have remained dedicated to our mission to advocate for, educate, and connect small businesses throughout our region. In this rapidly changing economy, our Council has served as a vital voice for entrepreneurs, ensuring that the needs of small business owners are heard at every level of policy and decision-making. From participating in legislative roundtables to supporting pro-business initiatives, our efforts have helped create a more favorable environment for sustainable growth and innovation.
Equally important has been our commitment to education and relationship-building. Our MasterMinds sessions are being formed that empower participants with actionable strategies
for growth, while the Spring and Fall Business Summits delivered timely insights from industry experts on AI. The annual Excellence in Business Awards celebrated resilience and leadership, inspiring others to raise the bar. Throughout it all, we continued to strengthen the fabric of our business community by offering valuable networking opportunities that turn introductions into collaborations.
As we look to the year ahead, the Small Business Council is more committed than ever to providing the support, resources, and voice to our small businesses and those organizations that serve our community. The momentum we’ve built together this year is only the beginning and we look forward to another great year supporting the Lehigh Valley Chamber.
PUBLIC POLICY
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE
Crystal Workinger, Casella Energy & Environment Committee Member
Our phones, computers, watches, headphones and a host of other items have been freed from their cords thanks to rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. But what happens when your laptop stops holding a charge, your phone breaks, or your e-cigarette runs out of juice?
As our use of hand-held electronics has increased, so has the frequency of destructive fires at waste and recycling facilities caused by improper disposal of those electronics. A report from the National Waste and Recycling Association estimated that more than 5,000 fires occur each year at recycling facilities alone.
When tossed into curbside collection bins, batteries end up in the back of
refuse trucks, on the tipping floor at transfer stations, or in the equipment at recycling facilities. All these pathways expose the battery to pressure that could damage it. If a battery is crushed or punctured, it heats rapidly and ignites the material around it, causing massive blazes.
Properly recycling batteries is crucial for preventing fires, protecting the environment and ensuring the safety of our community’s sanitation workers. Do not place lithium ion batteries or devices that contain them in the trash or recycling. Instead visit call2recycle.org and input your zip code to find nearby battery recycling collection points. Your efforts can make a significant difference in ensuring the safety of the community.
HEALTHCARE COMMITTEE
Lisa Hoffman, Pathstones by Phoebe Healthcare Committee Member
In the United States, approximately 11,000 individuals turn 65 every day. This represents a massive demographic shift with implications for every aspect of society. It is a “Silver Tsunami” and represents both challenges as well as opportunities for society in general and in the areas of healthcare and long-term care.
One of the most misunderstood ideas in long-term care is that Medicare or Medicare Advantage will cover the costs. Coverage under Medicare or Medicare Advantage is only for rehabilitative stays in a skilled nursing facility, with current length of stays around 28 days. Medicare or Medicare Advantage does not cover the cost of assisted living, memory care or non-medical home care.
Medicaid, a jointly funded Federal and State program, is available to cover skilled nursing costs, however, not all facilities participate in the program. Furthermore, in Pennsylvania, Medicaid is not available to individuals living in assisted living or memory care.
While most older adults would prefer to Age in Place, only 10% have made the changes needed to their home to support their aging needs. Furthermore, most have not done the financial planning necessary to cover the costs of receiving care in their home.
An Aging America will impact all parts of society. Aging services providers are adapting rapidly, but the challenges are real and require thoughtful solutions to ensure that older adults can age equitably with health and safety.
CHAMBER SEEN!
Photos from the LV Sustainability Summit on April 29 at DeSales University
*Photos courtesy of Mike Robinson Productions*
LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER! Join The Chamber’s Women’s Business Council, Cedar Crest College, and United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley on June 5, from 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM at Wind Creek Bethlehem for a full day conference of celebrating and uplifting women!
Here are Five Reasons Why You Should Attend
Level Up with afternoon keynote Nicole Lynn! President of Football, Klutch Sports Group Author of Agent You
Unlock Joy with morning keynote Amanda Gore! Expert in Emotional Intelligence & Transformational Leadership
Connect with nearly 1,000 women, business leaders, and nonprofit changemakers across the Lehigh Valley and beyond
Want to get to know some of the local organizations ranging from corporations to nonprofits to small businesses? Visit them at the Marketplace!
Choose your path to growth with dynamic breakout sessions across three powerful tracks: Leadership, Personal Development, and Career Advancement
EASTON AREA
Photos from the Annual Treats and Trophies Awards on May 13 at Northampton Country Club
CHAMBER
SEEN! Photos from Paws at the Park on May 4th at Grange Park
EAST PENN CHAMBER & EMMAUS MAIN STREET PARTNERS
EAST PENN CHAMBER
Chad Balliet, South Mountain Cycle Chair, East Penn Chamber
As we near the halfway point of the year, it’s incredible to reflect on all that the East Penn Chamber has accomplished in just a few short months. We’ve had a strong run of well-attended events— from engaging mixers and educational sessions, to impactful networking luncheon at some amazing local businesses, all while helping to strengthen our business community and create lasting connections. We’ve also celebrated several new businesses joining our region with ribbon cuttings that not only marked exciting openings but also underscored the Chamber’s role in fostering local growth and entrepreneurship.
One of the most meaningful highlights of the year so far has been awarding scholarships to a few of truly outstanding local students. These young leaders represent the future of our workforce and our community, and we’re proud to support their continued education and success. Seeing their passion and ambition reminds us why we do what we do.
Thanks to everyone who has supported and participated so far this year—here’s to keeping the momentum going!
WHITEHALL AREA CHAMBER
WHITEHALL AREA CHAMBER
Lorraine Faccenda, Holcim Chair, Whitehall Area Chamber
This spring has been a busy and exciting season for the Whitehall Area Chamber—from ribbon cuttings and networking to major events, we’ve been thrilled to bring the community together in so many meaningful ways. One standout moment was the Catty Eats Fest, held at Catasauqua Park on Saturday, April 26th. With 15 food trucks serving up local favorites, over 20 craft and business vendors, live music, and giveaways throughout the day, the festival delivered a fun, flavorful experience for all who braved the weather and came out to support.
Capping off the week’s momentum, the Talk Derby to Me networking event on Wednesday, April 30th brought together some of the best businesses from across our Affiliated Chamber footprint. Between the music, Derby-themed games, and lively karaoke, it was a blast from start to finish. We’re proud to continue hosting vibrant, community-driven events that connect and celebrate the people who make our region shine—and we can't wait to unveil what’s coming next!
CHAMBER SEEN!
Photos from Catty Eats Fest on April 26 at Catasaqua Park
CHAMBER SEEN!
Photos from "Talk Derby to Me" Kentucky Derby Networking Event on April 30 at Ramada by Wyndham
CHAMBER SEEN!
Photos from the Meet Your Northampton Borough Managers and Mayor on April 29 at The Gin Mill and Grille
CARBON CHAMBER
Patrick Reilly, Mauch Chunk Trust Company Chair, Carbon Chamber
Spring is breathing new life into our community, and I’m delighted to share some exciting updates from the Carbon Chamber & Economic Development Corporation (CCEDC). On April 28, Emily Sewilo became the newest addition to our CCEDC team! In her role as Program Coordinator, Emily is focused on growing Chamber membership, promoting impactful events, and strengthening the vital link between businesses and the communities they serve. Please join me in giving Emily a warm CCEDC welcome! May was a busy and successful month! On May 2nd , we were proud to support the Carbon PA CareerLink Career Fair, with three times the participation compared to last fall’s event! This growth is a testament to the power of partnerships — especially with Pocono Counties Workforce Development Area and CareerLink — in connecting our business community with vital workforce resources. Our May 21st , we demonstrated our ongoing commitment to member education by hosting our quarterly Master Your Membership seminar, supporting new
and long-standing members grow and succeed by unlocking the full value of their CCEDC membership! Not to be outdone, we found our “zen” as we headed into Memorial Day Weekend with the Village at Houser’s Crossing and the Tamaqua Chamber the following day, at our Women in Business Yoga Retreat! We’re not slowing down – don’t miss our upcoming events in June! Join us for a Lunch & Learn /Tour of CTC Manufacturing on June 5th and the Palmerton Taste Trail, a delicious day in Palmerton, on June 28th. Information can be found on our website and social media, or reach out to our staff to learn more. Lastly, we’re excited to share that the Valor Clinic Foundation grant has been finalized, and the delivery of their new tractor is complete! This milestone supports their mission and strengthens our region’s commitment to supporting veterans and community wellness.
Spring at CCEDC has been full of growth, collaboration, and momentum—and we’re just getting started!
CARBON & POCONO CHAMBERS
Can Biosimilars Impact Your Healthcare Costs? Four Things Employers Should Know
Prescription drugs continue to be the fastest-rising cost to many employer-sponsored health plans. A major driver of those costs, especially in the specialty drug market, are biologic medications like Humira and Stelara.
Patents on many of the biologics developed in the 1990s and early 2000s to treat immune diseases, inflammatory issues, cancer, and diabetes have started to expire, opening the door to a classification of alternative drugs called biosimilars. Like a generic drug, biosimilars can be used in place of the original, brand-name biologic. Unlike a generic drug, biosimilars are similar, but not identical to, their original biologic. Integrating biosimilars into your business’ health plan presents opportunities and risks that could impact company healthcare costs and employee satisfaction. Here are four things that employers should know about biosimilars:
#1: Biosimilars vs. Generics
Biosimilars are meant to be an alternative option to an original biologic and are required by the FDA to show the same effectiveness and side effects. While they sound like generic drugs, biosimilars have important differences, said Andy Dum, Director of Commercial Pharmacy at Capital Blue Cross.
“Transitioning to biosimilars is not the same as transitioning to a generic drug,” Dum said.
Unlike generics, which are created from chemicals and are exact copies of a brandname medication, biosimilars are produced using living cells.
In addition, not all biosimilars can be substituted by a pharmacist like generics can, because not all biosimilar manufacturers undergo the time-consuming process that is required by the FDA to gain what’s called “interchangeable” status.
#2: Impact on employee experience
Like many innovations, it has taken time for consumers to fully buy in to biosimilars. As a result, business leaders need to carefully consider how transitioning to biosimilars could impact their employee experience.
For starters, only 13 of the 71 biosimilars on the market (as of early 2025) have gained the FDA’s “interchangeable” designation. This can make transitioning to a plan that only includes biosimilars potentially disruptive for employees currently taking a biologic. Provider surveys also show the medical community continues to have concerns about the disruption that switching to biosimilars can have on some patients.
#3: Cost Considerations
Biosimilars are generally cheaper than biologics, with cost savings ranging from 10% to 37%. But in addition to the price of medication, there are multiple other factors that impact employer and employee costs in a group health plan, said Jamie Mazzocco, Director of Pharmacy Trade and Pricing at Capital Blue Cross. Business leaders should be wary of solutions that do not focus on the overall lowest net cost. Contact the Capital Blue Cross pharmacy team to discuss the specific cost saving opportunities and potential risks of integrating biosimilars into your group plan.
#4: The Best Approach
To maximize value and minimize member disruption, Capital Blue Cross is including both biologics and biosimilars in its prescription drug formularies for 2025. For employees, this offers the flexibility to work with their providers to determine the best treatment options for them. For employers, this helps capitalize on the potential cost savings of biosimilars, while minimizing financial and customer experience risks that can arise when an employee cannot switch from a biologic to a biosimilar. The biosimilar market is rapidly expanding, with a record 18 biosimilars approved by the FDA in 2024. “We will continue to evaluate the best approach and adjust when we feel that it can provide maximum value for our employer groups and minimal disruption for our members,” Mazzocco said.
The Bethlehem Area School District (BASD) is proud to announce it has received 14 awards at the annual Pennsylvania School Public Relations Association (PenSPRA) Symposium “Excellence in Education Communications” contest. PenSPRA’s annual contest highlights exceptional work in school communications across Pennsylvania, recognizing and honoring projects that inform, inspire, and connect school communities.
Lehigh Carbon Community College has again earned the title of Military Friendly® School based on both public data sources and responses from a proprietary survey. The college received Silver designation in the small community college category for its work to assist veterans and active military and their families. The full list is published on www.militaryfriendly.com.
ArtsQuest is thrilled to announce the eleventh and final Musikfest 2025 headliner, Gilberto Santa Rosa will be coming to the Wind Creek Steel Stage at PNC Plaza on Thursday, August 7, 2025.
St. Luke’s University Health Network has been named to Premier’s 2024 PINC AI 100 Top Hospitals list published by Fortune magazine. This is the 11th time in a row and the 13th time overall that St. Luke’s hospitals have been recognized among the 100 Top Hospitals in the United States. St. Luke’s is the only health network in the greater Lehigh Valley region to ever earn this distinction.
HOWARD HANNA THE FREDERICK GROUP welcomes REALTOR®, Aiden Cheng to the team! Aiden is a proud resident of Easton, and is excited to bring his passion and expertise to the local real estate market. A graduate of the Easton Area School District, he spent nearly a decade in hospitality and restaurant management in New York City, where he honed his skills in customer service and problem-solving. He transitioned into this dynamic field because he strongly believes that real estate continues to prove to be a valuable asset and investment. Equipped to speak both Mandarin and Cantonese, he is committed to understanding a variety of clients, their unique needs, and lifestyles. He looks forward to helping clients navigate one of the most important decisions of their lives.
New Bethany Inc., a local nonprofit that provides nutritious food access, housing and social services to under-resourced communities, proudly marks 40 years of serving the Lehigh Valley, reinforcing its commitment to providing food access, housing, and social services to under-resourced communities. Since its founding in March 1985, New Bethany has provided more than 1.1 million meals, supported over 2,000 residents through its housing programs and received assistance from 12,000 volunteers, helping thousands of neighbors in need.
Member
KidsPeace announced that it has received a $5,000 grant from Portside Real Estate Group to fund after-school and peer engagement enrichment activities for children served by the organization’s Foster Care and Community Programs (FCCP) operations in Maine.
ArtsQuest is proud to announce it has been awarded a $1 million grant from the Pennsylvania Main Street Matters Grant Program. This funding, made possible through the invaluable support and partnership of Northampton County, will be used to transform the historic Bethlehem Steel Turn & Grind Shop into a dynamic new venue, called the Lehigh Valley Health Network part of Jefferson Health Turn & Grind Shop, for new and extended arts programming, exhibits, festivals and event space.
American Bank Incorporated (OTC Pink: AMBK), the parent company of American Bank, today announced earnings for the quarter ended March 31, 2025. Net income for the quarter was $2,369,000, or $0.36 per diluted share, an increase of $486,000 or 25.8% from $1,883,000, or $0.29 per diluted share, for the same quarter in the prior year. The increase in net income for the quarter was primarily attributable to increases in net interest income and non-interest income, offset by increases in the provision for credit losses and non-interest expense. The increased provision was primarily the result of record loan growth experienced quarter over quarter. Furthermore, the provision increased during the quarter as a result of macro-economic factors considered in the forecasting and qualitative components of the Company's determination of the allowance.
Five students from Northampton Community College (NCC) made this year’s All-Pennsylvania (All-PA) Academic Team, which consists of 55 students representing 14 community colleges from across Pennsylvania. The honor recognizes high achieving college students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership and service that extends their education beyond the classroom. The All-Pennsylvania Academic Team is sponsored by Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), which is the international honor society for two-year colleges, along with the Coca Cola Corporation, the State System of Higher Education (PASSHE), and the Pennsylvania Commission for Community Colleges (PACCC).
Unity Bank has been named one of the top-performing small banks in the United States by the Hovde Group, a nationally respected financial advisory and research firm. This marks the third time Unity Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ: UNTY) has been included in Hovde’s annual high-performer list, underscoring the bank’s sustained excellence in financial management and customer service.
The Arc of Lehigh and Northampton Counties is proud to announce the 2025 One Step Forward Celebration, an evening dedicated to honoring the achievements and contributions of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and
the community leaders who champion inclusion. This year’s event promises to be a night of inspiration and connection, featuring a formal awards ceremony, dinner, and powerful stories that highlight the impact of advocacy and inclusion.
Promenade Saucon Valley, an open-air lifestyle shopping center in Center Valley, Pennsylvania (www. promenadesauconvalley.com), today announced the addition of Barley Creek Taproom, a Pennsylvania microbrewery offering Pennsylvania-made craft brews, spirits and wines. The new 3,119-square-foot restaurant, expected to open this summer, will be located in between Melt and Kome.
Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center is proud to announce that Admiral (ret) Rachel Levine, MD and Adrian Shanker will be joining us as featured speakers at our 2025 PA LGBTQIA+ Health Summit on June 3rd at the Mack Experience Center.
The KingSpry Law Firm in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania proudly welcomes Attorney Michael P. Zaccaro who will focus his practice in special education and general education law.
Hounds Town Allentown Celebrates One Year! We’re excited to share that Hounds Town Allentown just celebrated our first anniversary on March 9! Thank you to our amazing customers and the Lehigh Valley community for your support—we love being your dog’s home away from home! To celebrate, we’re offering Lehigh Valley Chamber members a FREE evaluation, a FREE day of daycare and a lifetime 10% discount off all services (excluding package purchases) for their furry friends! At Hounds Town Allentown, we provide fully interactive dog daycare, overnight boarding, spa services and a pat taxi to keep your pup happy, safe, and social. Whether you need reliable care for the day or a fun staycation for your dog, we’ve got you covered!
The baseball season at Limeport Stadium is in full swing (pun intended). Southern Lehigh High School and Allentown Central Catholic High School used the brick & steel stadium for their home games with the season starting in late March. As June begins, the adult men’s teams will take on their rivals in the Blue Mountain League. Last year’s League champion team was the Limeport Bulls. In July, the stadium will once again be filled with excitement as the Connie Mack AllStar Games (Junior and Senior) are played on July 12 and the Connie Mack State Tournament is held from the 24th to August 2. Two games will be played each evening with the field lighted late into the evening as the stands are filled with cheering fans. The Limeport Stadium is a historic 92-year old brick & steel structure that has been updated with Musco field lights and a digital scoreboard. Snacks are available at the stadium snack bar. www.limeportstadium.org
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