May 2024 Connections

GREATER LEHIGH VALLEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

MAY 2024

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Dascha Polanco 6.6.24

See Ad on PG. 20!

FEATURED BUSINESS: CRAYOLA (SEE PG. 7) UPCOMING GOLF OUTINGS (SEE PG. 5)

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 Leidy Reynoso .....................................610-349-8226 Chamber Health Marketplace benefits@thechamberhealthmarketplace.com Government Affairs & Business Matters Leo Rooney...........................................610-739-1642 Vice President, Government & External Affairs and Producer, Business Matters leor@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

Easton Area Chamber, Phillipsburg Area Chamber, Forks Business Association Caitlin Hamlin......................................610-739-1520 Manager, Easton & Phillipsburg Area Initiatives caitlinh@lehighvalleychamber.org Erin Deutsch.........................................484-264-6630 Assistant Manager, Easton & Phillipsburg Area Initiatives erind@lehighvalleychamber.org Affiliated Chambers (East Penn, Emmaus Main Street Partners, Hellertown-Lower Saucon, Greater Northern Lehigh, Southern Lehigh, Western Lehigh, Whitehall, Nazareth Area, Greater Northampton Area) Jessica O’Donnell-Gower....................610-573-4010 Executive VP, Affiliated Chambers, Northern Tier and Easton & Phillipsburg Initiatives jessicao@lehighvalleychamber.org Kylie Adams-Weiss .............................484-548-4090 AVP, Affiliated Chambers (WACC, GNLCC) + Director of Marketing & Design (Affiliated Chambers and Easton Area Initiatives) kyliea@lehighvalleychamber.org Aaron Gasparetti..................................610-349-1532 Manager, Affiliated Chambers (GNACC, HLSC, NACC & WACC) Elyse Cuttic...........................................484-834-7868 Assistant Manager, Affiliated Chambers (GNACC, HLSC, NACC & WACC) elysec@lehighvalleychamber.org Hayden Rinde .....................................484-828-9777 AVP, Affiliated Chambers (EMSP, EPCC, SLCC & WLCC) haydenr@lehighvalleychamber.org Northern Tier (Carbon County and Pocono Area) Kathy Henderson.................................570-778-8147 Executive Director, CCEDC khenderson@carboncountychamber.org Jessica Kohutka...................................570-952-5453 Member Relations Director, CCEDC jkohutka@carboncountychamber.org Sarah Wallace.......................................484-547-8551 Director, PCC sarahw@lehighvalleychamber.org Sierra LeFurgy......................................610-295-9047 Assistant Manager, PCC sierral@lehighvalleychamber.org

Tom Groves, Equinox Benefits Consulting Chair, The Chamber May and June at The Chamber is my favorite time of the year for me because it includes so many amazing signature events. It’s the beginning of our golf tournament season. We host our Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton Chambers Annual Awards. The Small Business Council holds its Business Summit and Excellence in Business Awards, there’s the Transportation Committee Annual Summit, as well as the Greater Northern Lehigh Chamber Spirit Awards, and it all wraps up with Blues Brews and Barbeque on Hamilton Street in Allentown! And, every June we produce the Lehigh Valley’s biggest and most powerful women’s event, the Lehigh Valley Women’s Summit, this year on Thursday, June 6 from 7:45 a.m. till 3:30 p.m. at the Wind Creek Bethlehem Foundry Ballroom and Wind Creek Event Center! Yes! It’s that big! #LVWomensSummit The Chamber’s Women’s Business Council, Cedar Crest College, and United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley present the Lehigh Valley Women’s

Summit every year. This year the event features Award-winning actress, Latina trailblazer and advocate for diversity & women’s rights Dascha Polanco, a Dominican Republic-born, Brooklyn-raised actress who gained fame for her groundbreaking roles in Hollywood.

The Summit also features Pennsylvania’s Speaker of the House, Joanna McClinton. Elected to serve communities in Philadelphia and Delaware County in 2015, Joanna became Pennsylvania’s first woman Speaker of the House in February 2023. As usual, there will be plenty of time for network building, exhibit visiting, and breakout sessions on topics including Topics are: Launching Your Small Business, Rocking Your Network, Resilience and Reinvention, Managing Stress in Difficult Situations, Artificial Intelligence, and Small Business Resilience: Navigating Challenges and Thriving After Start-Up! You can read all about it at LehighValleyWomen. com or see the event ad on page 20. We hope to see you there and look forward to an excellent day of learning, sharing and love!

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

Chambers of Commerce

Board of Governors Executive Committee

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

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 Michael Butz, Alvin H. Butz, Inc. Luis Campos, City of Easton Dorota Gasienica-Kozak, The KingSpry Law Firm Murtaza Jaffer, EBC Printing Andrew Lawler, West Side Hammer Electric Buddy Lesavoy, Lesavoy Butz & Seitz, LLC Donna LoStocco, First Commonwealth Federal Credit Union Carol Obando-Derstine, PPL Electric Utilities Dr. Tina Richardson, Penn State Lehigh Valley

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

CHAMBER BOARD OF GOVERNORS

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

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

Friday, May 3rd

Thursday, May 16th

Thursday, May 23rd

3-7pm - ACRE and Estate Ribbon Cutting Launch party (Free Event)

10:30am-1pm - The 2024 Lehigh Valley Transportaion Forum

4-5pm - Schropp Dry Goods Shoppe Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting (Free Event)

Saturday, May 4th

11:30am-12:30pm - Budget Store and Lock Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting (Free Event)

Wednesday, May 22nd

12-3pm - Meesha Wellness Ribbon Cutting & Community Day (Free Event) 5:30-8pm - Bethlehem Live in the Garden (Free Event) Sunday, May 5th

12-3pm - Paws at the Park (Free Event)

4-7pm - The Shops at 3900 Hamilton Center Open House (Free Event) 5-7:30pm - Bethlehem Chamber Annual Awards Reception

5:30-7:30pm - Drinks & Dessert Pairing Mixer

Wednesday, May 8th

Friday, May 17th

8:30-10am - Personnel Management Need to Know Webinar

11:30am-12:30pm - Holcim's 125th Anniversary Ribbon Cutting Ceremony (Free Event)

4-6pm - Fusion Workplaces Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting (Free Event) Thursday, May 9th

5-8pm - Cornhole Tournament presented by the Young Professional Council 5-7:30pm - Imperfection is Beautiful Business Showcase Ribbon Cutting (Free Event) 5:30-8pm - Greater Northampton Area Chamber's Hillside Mini-Golf Tournament Saturday, May 11th

11am-3pm - Easton Street Eats Food Truck Festival (Free Event) 5:30-8pm - Bethlehem Live in the Garden Week 2 (Free Event) Tuesday, May 14th 5-7pm - Easton & Phillipsburg Annual Awards Reception Wednesday, May 15th

11:30am-1pm - Calling All Introverts: Networking Workshop presented by the Women's Business Council

Saturday, May 18th

11am-5pm - Taco Fest presented by the Allentown Chamber, Hispanic Chamber and Young Professionals Council (Free Event) 5:30-8pm - Bethlehem Live in the Garden Week 3 (Free Event) Sunday, May 19th

6-8pm - Music in the Park Concert Series featuring the Gabe Stillman Band (Free Event)

11:30am-1pm - Prototek Digital Manufacturing Luncheon Tour with East Penn & Western Lehigh Chambers 5-7pm - Somos Latinos Leadership Event: What's Your Story? Embracing Your Authentic Personal Brand Saturday, May 25th

5:30-8pm - Bethlehem Live in the Garden Week 4 (Free Event) Wednesday, May 29th

4-6pm - The Birches of Lehigh Valley Grand Opening (Free Event) Thursday, May 30th

11:30am-1pm - Chamber President's Roundtable with Angelo Valletta, President & CEO of Ben Franklin Partners of Northeastern PA 5:30pm - Allentown Annual Awards Reception Saturday, June 1st

12-3pm - Unidos 5-Year Anniversary Celebration (Free Event)

Monday, May 20th

2:30-4:30pm - Suds N' Roses - Bethlehem

11am-5pm - Board of Governors Krajsa Cup Golf Classic

5:30-8pm - Bethlehem Live in the Garden Week 5 (Free Event)

CONNECTIONS INDEX: Affiliated Chambers........................................................23 Allentown Area...............................................................10 Ambassadors & Small Business Councils.........................11 Bethlehem Area..............................................................17 Carbon & Pocono Chambers............................................29 Chamber Events Calendar...............................................2 Chamber Staff Directory..................................................1 Diversity Councils...........................................................20-22 Easton Area....................................................................18 East Penn Chamber & Emmaus Main Street Partners.......25 Featured Business - Crayola............................................7 Greater Northampton Area.............................................28

Greater Northern Lehigh & Western Lehigh Chambers........24 Nazareth Area & Hellertown-Lower Saucon Chambers.........27 Lehigh Valley Economic Report......................................... 6 Southern Lehigh Area & Whitehall Area Chambers.............26 New Members...................................................................8-9 Member News...................................................................32 Nonprofit & Business Partners Council & Chamber Foundation..13 Phillipsburg Area...............................................................19 Public Policy......................................................................12

Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce | 3

Recent Celebrations

Celebrating a grand opening or anniversary?

Contact Paige Nicholas at paigen@lehighvalleychamber.org

For more on these and others, visit our social media pages!

Alburtis Tavern and Lodge 106 South Main Street, Alburtis, PA 18011

Lesavoy Pediatric Dentistry 1150 Glenlivet Drive, Suite C40, Allentown, PA 18106

Naz-O-Nut 64 E Lawn Rd, Nazareth, PA 18064

Eastern PA Down Syndrome Center 6900 Hamilton Blvd, Trexlertown, PA 18087

Xpression Beauty Salon 619 Hamilton Street, Allentown, PA 18101

Dear Santa…

458 Main Street, Bethlehem, PA 18018

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CHAMBER SEEN!

Photos from the Lehigh Valley Real Estate Outlook on April 9th at the Delta by Marriott Allentown/Lehigh Valley *Photos courtesy of Phoenix Fire Media*

Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce | 5

UPCOMING

GOLF OUTINGS Monday, May 20 Board of Governors Krajsa Cup Golf Classic Brookside Country Club Tuesday, June 11 Pocono Chamber Annual Golf Outing Skytop Lodge Monday, June 17 19th Annual EMSP Golf Classic Green Pond Country Club Tuesday, June 25 Somos Familia Golf Outing Woodstone Country Club and Lodge Monday, August 12 Bethlehem Chamber Walla Gazoo Bethlehem Golf Club Monday, September 9 Carbon Chamber Annual Sturm Cup Jack Frost National Golf Club Sponsorship opportunities are available!

To register or sponsor, contact Frank Facchiano at frankf@lehighvalleychamber.org

Scan for more information!

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

How have our expenditure patterns changed in the last half a century?

The US economy is considered the consumer economy since we spend more of our GDP on goods and services than any other developed country. The amount of money we spend as consumers in the US is levels of magnitude higher higher than in any other country.

Personal consumption expenditures on goods and services generate almost 70% of our GDP. The concept of consumption, however, has changed significantly over the last 50-some years. While the introduction of new products like cell phones and the internet has altered the specifics of the mix, we have considerabnly changed our expenditures on different categories. In 1970, half of our consumer spending was on "goods," products, commodities items you could touch, and the other half on services.

That number has significantly changed, as we now spend only a third of our money on goods and two-thirds on services. Even when purchasing goods, we have reduced the percentage of our ex-

penditures on non-durables, products that have a short lifespan, like food or clothing.

It is not that we purchase fewer cars or washing machines and such; we actually buy a lot more since, during the last half a century, our disposable income, that is, income after paying taxes, has increased by 26-fold. While a good part of this increase is due to inflation, even after adjusting for inflation, our real purchasing power has increased by more than 4.5 fold. So even though we are spending a smaller percentage of our income on goods, we are buying more than twice as much in products now than we did in 1970.

1970, 16% of our total consumption expenditures was on food; that percentage has dropped to 8%. Expenditure on clothing has also dropped significantly from 7% of our total expenses in 1970 to 3% by 2023.

During the same period, we increased our purchase of services by almost fivefold.

The share of healthcare as a percentage of our expenses, on the other hand, has increased from 7% in 1970 to 16% in 2023.

On life's essentials, we spend a smaller percentage of our income on food, which signifies rising prosperity. In

US consumers have increased their expenditures on health care from $48 billion in 1970 to $3 trillion in 2023, a

63-fold increase! No other major category comes even close.

Expenditures on necessities like food or healthcare are not optional; they take the first bite out of our budget, and when they take a larger share of our total spending, less is left for everything else. As economies become wealthier, they spend a smaller percentage of their income on necessities and more on everything else. For us, healthcare has proven to be a costly exception to that basic economic rule.

Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce | 7

Known for its iconic crayons and markers, Crayola’s passion for inspiring kids to become innovative thinkers through art and creativity continues to be evident as it finds new and exciting ways to engage and inspire kids and adults alike.

players to be the authors and illustrators of their stories, providing countless ways to customize their characters and worlds while encouraging reading and creative skills.

“Our mission is to help parents and educators raise creatively alive children,” said Pete Ruggiero, a Lehigh Valley native who has more than 25 years with Crayola and was recently named the company’s President & CEO. “We believe that when the inherent creativity of children is fully nurtured into adulthood, the world is filled with more curiosity, imagination, connections, and innovation.”

Giving back to the community is core to the company culture. Crayola employees volunteer more than 10,000 hours each year to local non-profit organizations. In 2023, Crayola donated more than $1 million to United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley and local non-profit organizations and schools.

For more than 120 years, Crayola has been manufacturing products in the Lehigh Valley.

With a current worldwide workforce of 2000 employees, the company manufactures 13 million crayons every day that are shipped to more than 80 countries.

Crayola has been a business of Hallmark Cards, Inc since 1984 and has offices in Canada, Mexico, Italy, Australia, Asia, and the United Kingdom. Over the years, the Crayola brand has grown into a portfolio of innovative art tools, crafting activities, and creative toys. The company has brought many innovations to consumers including washable crayons and markers, Model Magic air drying modeling compound, Color Wonder Mess Free markers and paints, Colors of the World products, and Scribble Scrubbie Pets that allow kids to color, scrub, and color again.

“We choose to remain in the Lehigh Valley for a number of reasons,” Ruggiero said. “First, our employees. They are exceptional, hard-working, intelligent people who continually make our products and company better. Second, location.

Being close to New York City and Philadelphia provides a logistics advantage. We are close to railways, ports, and major highways to ship our products all over the world. And third, higher education. There are many high-quality colleges and universities in the area that provide our company with a talented, qualified workforce.”

Digital Innovation Crayola has also developed digital applications for kids to enjoy the magic of creativity online including Create & Play that has dozens of coloring and educational activities; Scribble Scrubbie Pets that allows kids to color, wash, customize, play with, and feed digital pets encouraging empathy as they care for their animals; and Crayola Adventures—recently introduced on Apple Arcade—that encourages

Corporate Philanthropy

The company’s founder, Edwin Binney, was a nature enthusiast and loved flowers, which provided inspiration for some early Crayola crayon colors. In 2023, the company collaborated with an international flower wholesaler to launch Crayola Flowers—an online flower shop selling bright bouquets and boxed flowers combined with a fundraising platform where 10%-50% of every flower sale is donated to a participating charity chosen by the customer.

Nonprofit organizations can use the floral storefront as part of their own fundraising campaigns.

To encourage children around to the world to embrace innovative thinking, the company introduced Crayola Creativity Week. One week every January, schools, libraries, and families can participate in free, online programming that celebrates creativity and provides downloadable resources and lesson plans. Each day, participants experience virtual classroom visits from celebrity creators who talk about the importance of creativity and lead them in an activity. Join us for the 4th Annual Crayola Creativity Week from Jan. 27 – Feb. 2, 2025.

Last year, Crayola marked a major commitment to kids and family entertainment content with the launch of Crayola Studios. The business, supported by sister company Hallmark Media, will work with various media partners to develop fun, engaging content that inspires and nurtures the next generation and helps them develop lifelong creative mindsets.

Crayola also produces a YouTube series called Scribble Scrubbie Pets with Driver Studios and original branded craft and DIY content produced with TheSoul Publishing.

Sustainability Crayola and Hallmark have science-based targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. Both companies focus on redesigning products and packaging to make them more sustainable and to reduce their carbon footprint. In addition, Crayola has been committed to responsible sourcing of paper and wood for many years. Crayola and Hallmark have been making great progress toward their renewable energy priorities. In 2010, Crayola built a solar farm to help power the manufacturing plant in Forks Township. Then in 2020, Crayola transitioned to 100 percent renewable electricity in all US-owned facilities.

Championing Creativity Families and friends can create colorful memories when visiting the Crayola Experience in downtown Easton with dozens of activities that encourage guests to unleash their imagination and engage in interactive, creative play. Crayola Experience currently has five locations in Pennsylvania, Florida, Minnesota, Texas, and Arizona. In addition, the company has partnered with BrightColors LLC and Kingsmen Xperience to build a sixth attraction in Pigeon Forge, Tenn. The 30,000-square-foot, “next generation” Crayola Experience—featuring more than 20 activities and a retail store—is scheduled to open in early 2025.

Scribble Scrubble Pets

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ChefMeals LLC Joe Stout 60 South Main Street Phillipsburg, NJ 08865 908-283-0806 www.chefjoeisonthego.com ALLENTOWN | EASTON | STROUDSBURG

DEDICATED PEOPLE • INNOVATIVE MINDS PROFESSIONAL SERVICE

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

Churches, Ministries

LCBC Church Melony Oestreich 306 South New Street Bethlehem, PA 18015 717-653-6266 www.lcbcchurch.com Cleaning & Janitorial Services, Equipment, Restoration & Bio-Hazard Remediation

Glisten Up Cleaning Services, INC. Amber Hoffman Zionsville, PA 18092 267-227-6423 www.glistenupcleaningservices.com Coffee and Tea, Coffee Roasters, and Coffee shops

SERVING THE LEHIGH VALLEY AND BEYOND

www.GrossMcGinley.com 610.820.5450

Armed Forces

Wilson Fischer American Legion Post 413 248 Old Route 940 Pocono Lake, PA 18347 570-646-6010 Artists, Studios & Galleries

Bloomin Cottage Charee Serrano 260 South Main Street Phillipsburg, NJ 08865 908-343-8638 Bakeries & Supplies

Crumbl Cookie Karen Coffey 3712 Easton Nazareth Highway Easton, PA 18045 561-213-5179 www.crumblcookies.com

Barbers & Barber Shops

Upper Cut Barbershop LLC Robert Powell 132 West 4th Street Bethlehem, PA 18020 484-707-6012 Business Coaching

Erin Resilience 258 Rising Meadow Way East Stroudsburg, PA 18302 570-807-2267 Catering, Mobile Food Trucks, & Personal Chef

Bananarama Shannon Van Wert Allentown, PA 18104 610-360-9456 www.bananaramasundae.com

Bella Bean Coffee Shop Cynthia Morsy Soliman 6 South Broad Street Nazareth, PA 18064 661-316-2628 www.bellabeanbaraboom.com Salvaged Sip Anna Sullivan 39 South Main Street Phillipsburg, NJ 08865 908-892-8681 Construction Management & General Contractors

Five Star Bath Solutions of Northeastern PA 55 Black Bear Pass Bear Creek, PA 18702 570-909-2745 High Point Insulation Hassaan Shahid 2710 Hickory Drive Easton, PA 18040 866-996-3342 www.highpointinsulation.com Consulting Services & Training

Reset Outdoors Connor Moriarty 306 South New Street Bethlehem, PA 18015 484-893-4545 www.resetoutdoors.com

Flooring Sales, Service, Installation

Floor Coverings International NEPA Eric Chen Allentown, PA 18104 484-560-1403 www.nepa.floorcoveringsinternational.com Grocery, Convenience & Meat Stores

Coopersburg Farmers' Market Debra Paschall P. O. Box 368 Center Valley, PA 18034 484-268-2821 www.coopersburgfarmersmarket.com Hospital, Clinics & Medical Groups

Main Line Health Leigh Ehrlich 3803 West Chester Pike Newtown Square, PA 19073 www.mainlinehealth.org Human Resource Services & Organizations

Holy City HR Dan Foglia 214 Mountain Park Road Allentown, PA 18103 732-877-9364 www. holyhr.com Insurance

AssuredPartners pf NEPA Randy Astacio 1130 Highway 315 Wilkes Barre, PA 18702 570-819-2000 www.assuredpartners.com Hitcho Insurance Agency Mike Hitcho 1245 S Cedar Crest Blvd, Suite 202 Allentown, PA 18103 610-694-9435 www.hitchoins.com Manufacturing Services

PennStar Lubricants Rob Perkins 6 Horwith Drive Northampton, PA 18067 484-275-7990 www.starfire.com

Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce | 9

Medical Spas

Restaurants, Bars & Cafes

Meesha Aesthetics Christopher Balbi 415 Business Park Lane Allentown, PA 18109 610-349-6390 www.Botoxbymeesha.com

Birthright Brewing & Twisted Tees Wayne Milford 77 Wind Creek Boulevard Bethlehem, PA 18015 www.playtwisted.com

Meesha Wellness Joseph Silvaggio 241 South 3rd Street Coopersburg, PA 18036 610-349-6390 www.meeshawellness.com

Uno Taqueria Juan Montoya 1042 Mill Creek Road Allentown, PA 18106 484-221-8639 www.unotaqueriapa.com

Unique Glow Wellness and MedSpa Julianne Vargas 35 East Elizabeth Avenue, Suite 21C Bethlehem , PA 18018 484-626-0090 www.uniqueglowwellness.com Moving Services & Self Storage

U-Haul Moving & Storage of Lower Macungie - Trexlertown Jeff Levengood 7785 Spring Creek Road Macungie, PA 18062 610-366-0132 www.uhaul.com Paving & Excavating

TPS Asphalt Maintenance 110 Scipio Way Stroudsburg, PA 18360 570-620-0674 Pet & Animal Supplies, Grooming & Boarding

Camp Bow Wow Bobby Ludwig 470 Business Park Lane Allentown, PA 18109 610-435-2267 www.campbowwow.com/allentown Real Estate Holdings & Property Management

Stabler Pathways Kelley Versocki 324 South New Street Suite 428 Bethlehem, PA 18015 610-758-3976 www.stablerpathways.com

Retail Sales

BOARD POSITIONS AVAILABLE Sustainable Energy Fund (SEF) is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to breaking down financial, educational and regulatory barriers to a sustainable energy future.

SEF seeks experienced and passionate professionals who live or work in the 29-county area comprising the PPL rate territory to fill two board seats that will be vacant due to term expirations. Of special interest are individuals aligned with SEF’s mission as well as regulatory, technical, or business development experience.

Interested and qualified candidates should send a cover letter and resume via e-mail to thesef@thesef.org, or you may mail information to Sustainable Energy Fund 4250 Independence Drive, Schnecksville, PA 18078

Ambitious Beautique April Isaac-Brown 17 North 6th Street Allentown, PA 18101 Dear Santa...

Tom Dubreuil 458 Main Street Bethlehem, PA 18018 610-419-1225 www.dearsantashop.com Video Production and Drone Services

Myer Media Jon Myer 242 Mahogany Place Northampton, PA 18067 610-417-1737 www.myermedia.com

CHAMBER APP

Warehouse & Distribution Services

BroadRange Logistics Walter Wallace 100 First Avenue Gouldsboro, PA 18424 770-906-2659 www.broadrangelogistics.com Waste, Recycling & Hauling

Casella Armando Martinez Kunkletown, PA 18058 570-223-3112 www.casella.com

SCAN TO DOWNLOAD CHAMBER APP

App brought to you by:

10 | Connections Magazine

ALLENTOWN AREA

Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce | 11

AMBASSADORS & SMALL BUSINESS COUNCILS SMALL BUSINESS COUNCIL

Erik McGaughey, CEO Meals on Wheels of the Greater Lehigh Valley 2024 Snow Ball Beneficiary

For over 52 years, Meals on Wheels of the Greater Lehigh Valley has been delivering freshly prepared meals to home-bound seniors and adults with disabilities to ensure they are well fed and can live independently for as long as possible.

They serve over 2200 clients who live throughout Lehigh, Northampton, and southern Carbon Counties, typically delivering 1200 – 1500 meals daily with the help of their caring volunteers. Many of their

Excellence in Business Awards

clients are at risk of hunger, have limited access to food and cannot afford to pay for their meals. Thanks to the generous support of the Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Snow Ball event, Meals on Wheels will be able to subsidize meals for clients who are unable to cover the cost of meals to make sure they receive daily food and nourishment. This will make a real impact on the lives of many throughout the Lehigh Valley.

WEBINAR SERIES PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT

NEED TO KNOW! Wednesday, May 8th 8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

Connor M Moriarty Reset Outdoors

Dr. Daniel Lopresti Lehigh University

Navigating Employee Mental Health

Artificial Intelligence - It’s not Science Fiction Anymore!

Attendees will receive 1.5 HRCI and SHRM Credit!

Jeffery Stewart White and Williams LLP

Legal Updates

Register At:

www.lehighvalleychamber.org/events

12 | Connections Magazine

PUBLIC POLICY TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE Mark Ertel, Trans-Bridge Lines Transportation Committee Member

Have you heard? On March 27, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) approved a congestion toll pricing structure slated to begin mid-June. Intercity commuter buses are exempt from the planned toll to enter New York City’s midtown after a public comment period resulted in overwhelming support of commuter bus transportation. The toll structure will, however, still require out-of-state motorcoach companies to pay an extra $36 for charter buses, with a 25% increase over that during gridlock days.

The point of the congestion pricing law is that cars will be deterred from entering midtown, which will reduce traffic and pollutants in the air.

Bus operators are part of the solution to that congestion. Not only do modern coaches have technological advances in comfort and safety, they also have clean diesel engines which are non-polluting.

Trans-Bridge Lines and other bus companies in the state provide not only regular commuter line runs, but also recreational transportation to thousands of passengers. This toll will impact charter service for area schools, church groups, sports teams, and businesses. Buses traveling into midtown for Broadway shows, museums, and other tourist attractions are contributing to the economy of New York. Tourism has a huge impact, bringing in $74 billion to the City in 2023. Buses are key to keeping that momentum going while still achieving the goal of removing vehicles off the roads. Imposing these extra tolls are cutting off the

nose to spite the face.

Trans-Bridge and our industry partners have shown that we provide an economic and cost-effective method of travel without adding to the issues of congestion by taking up to 56 passenger vehicles off the road per bus. Additionally, non-governmentally contracted buses include private emergency response for military, medical, and special events.

Evacuations are done by private charter buses. Weather-related shutdowns of airports, railroads, and schools also rely on private operators for assistance.

Buses have always been recognized as being one of the most fuel-efficient modes of transportation, getting approximately 195 passenger miles per gallon vs. a passenger car that gets approximately 25. Today’s buses are manufactured with an engine that requires diesel exhaust fluid that breaks down harmful emissions, reducing emis- sions by 90%. Every bus also has diesel particulate filters designed to capture and store exhaust soot, keeping it from being expelled into the air.

HEALTHCARE COMMITTEE Nick Lukow, Capital Blue Cross Healthcare Committee Member

Coupons, Coupons, Coupons… Even on my Prescriptions?

The history of the word coupon comes from the French word coupon, which literally translates to “piece cut off”. Its first use was in connection to the interest payments that were due to bond holders and stockholders. Today, we have coupons that are available on almost everything we buy. Depending on how diligent you want to be in finding and using coupons, consumers can save big money on everyday purchases. What some people don’t know, coupons exist for prescriptions drugs as well! The only problem is locating, clipping, & remembering to use these coupons when applicable. Technology and recent innovations have stepped in to help consumers with this issue. Some health insurers have put in place programs that utilize

modern technology to go out and aggressively find Rx coupons based on the member’s utilization. The coupon can then be applied right at the pharmacy counter and lowers the member’s copay each and every month until the coupon value is exhausted. Simple. Painless. Smart.

If your health coverage is with Capital Blue Cross, our coupon optimization program is called FlexAccess.

It is designed specifically to help our members get the most of every applicable coupon that is out there.

Capital Blue Cross members can trust that we do all we can to keep their cost chare to a minimum. So, put down the scissors. No physical coupons needed. Let technology handle it from here.

SAVE THE DATE!

The MTA has responded to the bus industry’s pleas for charter service exemption by stating that private buses contrib- ute to downtown congestion, which is based on finding by its Traffic Mobility Review Board. The Board report states that tour buses don’t serve a quasi-public transit role and should be charged $36 for the disproportionate congestion they cause.

Do you think charter buses deserve this extra toll? Isn’t the answer as clear as ... air?

THE 2024 LEHIGH VALLEY TRANSPORTATION FORUM THURSDAY, MAY 16, 2024 10:30am to 1:00pm Mack Trucks Customer Center 2402 Lehigh Parkway South Allentown, PA 18103

Sponsorship opportunities available!

To register contact Leo Rooney at leor@lehighvalleychamber.org

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

On April 16, 2024, the 11th Annual Chamber Collaboration Conference: Unpacking AI, welcomed over 250 attendees from various nonprofit organizations and business partners at DeSales University. The conference featured a diverse range of speakers, including Dawei Liu, PhD, from Olympus, who enlightened the audience with practical examples of AI applications in medicine. The attendees also had the opportunity to gain insights from experts such as Dr. Scott Garrigan on the considerations for implementing AI in their organizations. Legal impli-

cations of AI and its impact on human resources were presented by attorneys from KingSpry. Additionally, the experts from Liquid shared valuable tips on leveraging AI to enhance marketing strategies.

One of the highlights of the day was the presentation of the 2024 Collaboration Award by Air Products, which was proudly received by Day of Caring.

This conference served as a platform for thought-provoking discussions and knowledge sharing, fostering a deeper understanding of AI and its potential.

CHAMBER SEEN!

MAIN STREET LEHIGH VALLEY Ricky Gower, Truist Chair, Chamber Foundation

May is Main Street month! The Main Street Lehigh Valley Foundation Board is thrilled to announce that we will begin accepting grant applications from May 1st through May 30th. We are excited to share that applications for beautification this year will prioritize projects that are visible, show partnership or collaboration with others, support business retention or expansion, are consistent with local revitalization strategies, demonstrate geographic diversity, improve existing or develop new

Photos from the 11th Annual Collaboration Conference: Unpacking AI on April 16th at DeSales University *Photos courtesy of Sherry Clewell Photography*

facilities, leave a lasting impact in the community, provide access for all, are sustainable, or are submitted on behalf of a recognized main street program or volunteer group. Think about native plants, park and playground access, and using recycled or recyclable materials for holiday décor and park benches. The Chamber Foundation will invest at least 10 new projects this year! You can apply online at www.lehighvalleychamber. org/community May 1, May 1, 2024 May 31, 2024.

14 | Connections Magazine

CHAMBER SEEN!

Photos from the Mayors' and Municipal Officials' Reception on March 28 at the Delta by Marriott Allentown/Lehigh Valley *Photos courtesy of Phoenix Fire Media*

Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce | 15

PRESIDENT'S ROUNDTABLE Thursday, May 30 WHERE: Ben Franklin TechVentures 116 Research Dr Bethlehem, PA 18015 11:30AM Lunch 12 - 1PM Program $100/person Limited Seating!

Meet Angelo J. Valletta,

President & CEO of Ben Franklin Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania

CONTACT LORIE AT LORIER@LEHIGHVALLEYCHAMBER.ORG FOR MORE INFORMATION

Connect with us!

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

16 | Connections Magazine

We'd Love to Get

YOUR FEEDBACK Leave us a review!

Partnered By:

Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce | 17

BETHLEHEM AREA

18 | Connections Magazine

EASTON AREA

Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce | 19

PHILLIPSBURG AREA

CHAMBER SEEN!

Photos from the Meet the Mayor of Phillipsburg Randy Piazza Event on April 4th at the Phillipsburg Early Childhood Learning Center

20 | Connections Magazine

DIVERSITY COUNCILS

Presenting Sponsor

2024

Premier Sponsor

BUSINESS ETIQUETTE WORKSHOP & Dining Experience!

June 20, 2024 | 5:30 - 8 P.M. Muhlenberg College, 2400 Chew St., Allentown, PA

Saturday, May 18 11am - 5pm Allentown on Hamilton Street between 5th and 7th St. Authentic Food | Vendors | Music Free Pickleball Lessons For more information, contact hannahs@lehighvalleychamber.org

Join the Young Professionals Council for an evening of refinement and professional development! Learn essential skills like communication and dining etiquette, followed by a delicious meal to practice what you've learned!

$35 Member | $60 Future Member RSVP sabrinao@lehighvalleychamber.org

Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce | 21

DIVERSITY COUNCILS

The Young Professionals Council Presents

THURSDAY, MAY 9 | 5:00 - 8:00 PM

Cornhole at The Patio The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley 2845 Center Valley Pkwy, Center Valley

Join the Young Professionals Council for some friendly competition, drinks, and networking!

SINGLE TICKET: $25 | TEAM TICKET: $45

RSVP/Sponsorships: sabrinao@lehighvalleychamber.org Entertainment, Food & Drinks By:

@DJQueue

SCAN QR CODE TO REGISTER

RSVP to hannahs@lehighvalleychamber.org

CHAMBER SEEN!

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Summit!

Photos from the DEI Summit on April 4th at Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania

Leading talent with belonging & inclusion in the workplace

REGISTRATION AND LUNCH AT 11:45 A.M. $150 / GOLFER $500 / FOURSOME

FOR MORE INFORMATION: DANIELLEJ@LEHIGHVALLEYCHAMBER.ORG

22 | Connections Magazine

DIVERSITY COUNCILS

CHAMBER SEEN!

Somos Latinos

Photos from the Roundtable with David Hartzell, President & CEO of Mack Defense on March 27th at Mack Experience Center

Leadership event

What’s Your Story?

leveraging your authentic self through storytelling

Wednesday, May 22, 2024 5:00 PM- 7:00 PM

Admission: $40

Centennial Conference Center at Homewood Suites by Hilton 3350 Center Valley Parkway Center Valley, PA 18034 Moderated by

AJ Suero

Yamelisa Jimenez

Stephany Yapor

VETERAN BUSINESS SUMMIT WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12 DESALES UNIVERSITY 2755 STATION AVE CENTER VALLEY, PA 18034

SPONSORSHIPS AVAILABLE! Email Alison at alisonp@lehighvalleychamber.org for more information

Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce | 23

AFFILIATED CHAMBERS

CHAMBER SEEN!

Photos from Spring Into Action event on March 21st at Birthright Brewing

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GREATER NORTHERN LEHIGH & WESTERN LEHIGH CHAMBERS

CHAMBER SEEN!

Photo from the Cetronia Ambulance Corps Open House Mixer on March 27th

Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce | 25

EAST PENN CHAMBER & EMMAUS MAIN STREET PARTNERS

CHAMBER SEEN! Photos from Lucky Bucks Bingo on March 10th at St. John's Lutheran Church

26 | Connections Magazine

SOUTHERN LEHIGH & WHITEHALL AREA CHAMBERS SOUTHERN LEHIGH AREA CHAMBER Jill Smale, Truist Chair, Southern Lehigh Area Chamber

Happy May…it looks like our April Showers brought May Flowers; and just like that, the lazy days of summer are just around the corner. But before I tell you about all the exciting summer events; please join me in congratulating Tim Paaschaus, Coopersburg Borough Manager, on being named the 2024 Borough Manager of the Year during the Mayors and Municipals Officials Reception held on March 28th at Delta Hotels. Everyone had a great time hearing from the many mayors from across the valley; while dining on fabulous foods, beverages, and delicious homemade truffles. Our Dine and Donate event at McDonalds sadly had to be postponed due to nasty weather; but please keep an eye out for the new date so you can come join the fun and donate to the Southern Lehigh Scholarship Fund.

We had a few new businesses open in our township and will be celebrating them with ribbon cuttings in the near future. Please join me in welcoming the Coopersburg Farm-

ers Market and Meesha Wellness to our family; we wish you all the best.

Now on to some summer fun in the sun with exciting events that all are welcome to attend. Mark your calendars for the Summer on the Lawn events at Hopewell Park in Upper Saucon Township • Schools out Bash and Movie Night Under the Stars June 7th • Concerts 3rd and 4th Fridays of June, July, and August • Movie night August 23rd And just like that, my term as Chair of the Southern Lehigh Board has come to an end. It has been great serving this amazing community and I have no doubt the incoming Chair; Hal Warner, will go above and beyond to continue the great work and infinite efforts of the SL Chamber and the GLVCC. Good luck to Hal and the entire board on all your future endeavors.

Enjoy your summer!

CHAMBER SEEN!

Photos from the Southern Lehigh Municipal Update on March 19th at DeSales University

Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce | 27

NAZARETH AREA & HELLERTOWN-LOWER SAUCON CHAMBERS HELLERTOWN-LOWER SAUCON AREA CHAMBER

Kim Rosario, Truist Chair, Hellertown-Lower Saucon Area Chamber

We welcomed our new neighborhood friends at Pennsylvania Treasures 4 You and Jersey Mike’s! The community came out in great numbers to support.

As we look forward to the summer, everyone’s favorite concert series is returning! Music in the Park comes back to Dimmick Park on May 19th with a rocking headliner kicking us off, the Gabe Stillman Band! Followed by that - all the foodies are salivating - a very tasty Restaurant Week to showcase our areas finest foods. This summer will be jammed packed with so many exciting happenings.

In March, Lost Tavern Brewing hosted us for a Board Games and Brews mixer.

Blessed by the weather, it made for a full house. There were lots of new faces and a ton of fun being had. Be sure to make it to the next one!

Come on out and be a part of the fun.

Whether you are participating as a business or as a consumer, we are looking forward to seeing you at an upcoming event! Reach out to our great team to get involved.

Hellertown-Lower Saucon Chamber has been in full blossom to start 2024!

We have been welcoming new members, hosting networking events to max capacity, and adding new faces to the Board.

CHAMBER SEEN!

Photos from the Board Games & Brews Networking on March 14th at Lost Tavern Brewing

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GREATER NORTHAMPTON AREA CHAMBER

Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce | 29

CARBON & POCONO CHAMBERS CARBON CHAMBER

Patrick Reilly, Mauch Chunk Trust Company Chair, Carbon Chamber

The Lenni Lenape though of the four winds

and action-oriented community leaders for the

as gambling grandparents and the seasons

benefit of Carbon County's future. This valu-

would change depending on who was winning.

able program brings participants from diverse

Grandfather north wind brought the cold and

backgrounds and varying perspectives together

grandmother south wind bought the heat. When

once a month from September through May.

grandfather north wind was winning, it was

Sessions provide participants the opportunity to

winter. Spring arrived when grandpa’s luck ran

share ideas and experiences, gain new skills and

out. The Lenape believed in the cyclical nature

develop a deeper understanding of the challeng-

of live and had a special reverence for nature.

es, opportunities and resources existing within

In observance of the spring equinox, the Lenape

Carbon County. Identifying and implementing a

held ceremonies to maintain harmony and

project to better the community is foundational

equilibrium and in late spring they celebrated

to the program. This year’s class project was the

the Green Corn Festival with feasting and danc-

creation and funding of The Spirit of Volunteer-

ing, to mark the first corn harvest. I wonder if

ism Scholarship, to be awarded annually to a

Lenape politicians did anything special to cele-

deserving high school student who exemplifies

brate grandmother south wind since she always

leadership, volunteerism and commitment to

brought the hot air. Spring is the time for re-

the community. This year’s Leadership Carbon

newal and in the spirit of the Lenape, CCEDC is

graduation dinner will be held at Radical Wines

renewing our commitment to help develop the

in Lehighton beginning at 5:00 pm.

future leaders of Carbon County. On Thursday, May 9th , the 19th class of Leadership Carbon

Yours truly has been asked to speak on the topic

will graduate. Established in 2004, with the first

of leadership. Obviously, the presentation will

class graduating in 2005, Leadership Carbon

be brief, so it promises to be a pleasant evening

is an adult leadership development program,

for all in attendance. To learn more about Lead-

offered in partnership with Lehigh Carbon

ership Carbon with CCEDC’s web site at Lead-

Community College. The program is designed

ership Carbon - Carbon Chamber & Economic

to cultivate knowledgeable, skilled, committed

Development (carboncountychamber.org)

30 | Connections Magazine

How Poor Sleep Hurts Health and Tanks Productivity sluggishness, irritability, and duller Don’t snooze on sleep deprivation. focus.

It’s a serious health issue that can detract from your employees’ focus Help Put Problem to Rest and productivity.

We can take several steps to sleep The Centers for Disease Control more soundly. The Sleep Foundation and Prevention (CDC) recommends offers these tips: adults get 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night, but for many Americans, a full · Exercise. night’s sleep is just a dream. · Avoid caffeine, nicotine, and alcoBetween 50 million and 70 million hol.

Americans suffer from a chronic sleep condition, according to the Na- · Relax before bed. tional Institutes of Health (NIH), and the CDC reports that roughly 40% · Do not lie in bed awake. of Pennsylvania’s adults are among · Control the room temperature. them.

An increasing body of research is also connecting sleep problems to premature death. A study in the journal Sleep Research found a 44% greater chance of early death among those with sleep disorders. The same study showed a nearly 50% spike in dementia risk for those who routinely reported trouble falling asleep.

“We can’t dismiss sleeping disorders and disruptions as minor health issues,” said Dr. Jeremy Wigginton, Chief Medical Officer at Capital Blue Cross. “They can increase your chances of cardiovascular disease, accidents, diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke, depression, and dementia. Take them seriously if they persist.”

Poor sleep pounds the economy, too – to the tune of $411 billion a year, according to a study published by the NIH. It makes sense, since poor sleep commonly triggers problems such as

· Keep your bed clean and comfortable, and your sleep area as quiet and dark as possible.

Capital Blue Cross offers a “Sleep and Your Health” presentation to some of its insured employer groups.

Capital also helps its members with its Healthwise® Knowledgebase, an interactive online health resource that has tools such as guided imagery, progressive muscle relaxation, breathing techniques, and guided meditation.

Many Capital members covered through their employers also can access Healthy Blue Rewards for sleep resources, including self-guided programs, trackers, and challenges to assist with sleep quality.

(For more health and wellness news and information that can benefit your business and employees, visit thinkcapitalbluecross.com.)

Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce | 31

32 | Connections Magazine

Member News CPA and advisory firm RKL LLP ranks first in Pennsylvania among America’s Most Recommended Tax Firms from USA TODAY. For the first time, the newspaper, in cooperation with Statista, rated the top 100 tax firms in the United States based on recommendations from peers and clients.

St. Luke’s University Health Network is pleased to announce a significant milestone in robotic-assisted knee replacement surgeries. St. Lukes orthopedic surgeons have completed 1,000 knee replacement procedures utilizing the VELYS™ Robotic-Assisted Solution and the ATTUNE™ Knee System. This achievement is a testament to St. Luke’s commitment to providing advanced technology and exceptional care to our patients.

Richter Total Office (RTO), of Souderton PA, announces the expansion of its new ‘Richter Tech Solutions’ division. The operations and expertise will be powered

by MCIT, of Bethlehem PA, a technology company with almost 10 years worth of cybersecurity and IT service experience.

The creative work of Keenan-Nagle Advertising (K-N) won two top ADDY awards at the 22nd annual American Advertising Awards held on March 14. The program is sponsored by the national American Advertising Federation (AAF) and its Greater Lehigh Valley chapter. A Gold ADDY award was won by K-N in the Online/Interactive Campaign category for a digital ad series created for Musselman Jewelers of Bethlehem. As a gold winner, the entry now progresses to the next regional level of AAF competition; winners at that level become finalists in the national AAF American Advertising Awards.

Pennsylvania-based GOLD Credit Union (GOLD) expects to officially merge into Michigan-based United Federal Credit Union (United) on Monday, April 1, 2024 following an approved vote by GOLD members on March 21. The two credit unions announced their plans to unite in November 2023, and regulators approved the merger in December 2023.

ArtsQuest is thrilled to announce that Kassie Hilgert, President and CEO has been selected by Lehigh Valley Business as one of the region’s power players for their annual Power 100 List.

Via of the Lehigh Valley is pleased to announce a staff promotion. Suzanne Curry has been promoted to Director of Early Intervention. Curry began her career at Via in 2001 as a coordinator for the Community Connections and Pre-Vocational programs.

SAGE Design-Build, Inc. is pleased to share it has been deemed a Top Project of 2023 for three projects.

The Top Projects awards, sponsored by Lehigh Valley Business, is an inaugural recognition program honoring the best building and construction projects in the area over an 18-month period. The awards were presented at the Real Estate and Development Summit held earlier this month. SAGE Design-Build, Inc. received the honors for their construction in HangDog

Outdoor Adventure, Cantelmi E-Commerce and First Keystone Community Bank.

ArtsQuest, in partnership with Nick’s BBQ, is proud to announce the Steel City Smokeout, a brand-new barbeque competition sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbeque Society and the Mid-Atlantic BBQ Association, to take place on Saturday, July 20, 2024, on PNC Plaza presented by St. Luke’s University Health Network on the ArtsQuest campus at SteelStacks.

The commercial real estate services firm, NAI Summit, has announced the promotion of Sarah Finney Miller to the position of Senior Vice President. Since joining NAI Summit in 2015, Sarah has represented clients across a spectrum of real estate sectors, while specializing in industrial, office and medical office properties. With a focus on assisting manufacturers, bio-tech firms, and distribution companies, she excels in finding the perfect facility to meet her clients’ business objectives. Sarah brings a wealth of expertise to commercial real estate, including assisting clients to find nationwide locations and advising international manufacturers on establishing their presence in the region.

Jerdon Construction will finish the Olde Homestead Golf Carriage House addition located at 6598 Route 309 in New Tripoli by the end of April. This extension will double the current Carriage House's size, blending modern elegance with a farmhouse ambiance. The upgrade aims to enhance the experience and provide picturesque views for Golf Club members, along with offering rental space for hosting special events.

Cold Nose Lodge is excited to announce that Maddie Giove has completed her certification program through the Karen Pryor Academy. She is now "Maddie Giove, KPA-CTP" and has also been promoted to Assistant Manager. She will be focusing on their Day School Private Training Program, Training Refreshers (focused sessions during boarding or daycare), and group classes with Jen Kohlmeier, who is also certified through the Karen Pryor Academy. The Karen Pryor Academy provides an in-depth curriculum covering both the science and the practical aspects of dog training, as well as animal training in general.

Now through April 21, area K-12 teachers are invited to enter for a chance to win a once in a lifetime shopping spree through the world’s largest selection of Crayola products and a prize pack valued at $5,000 to benefit their classroom, students, and school. While Crayola Experience celebrates teachers all year long with free annual passes, the most colorful attraction for interactive and creative play will host the most colorful shopping spree for three lucky teachers in recognition of Teacher Appreciation Week (May 6-10).

Peoples Security Bank & Trust Company (PSBT) today announced that it is sponsoring the EVERFI Financial Literacy Bee, taking place April 5-19, 2024. The EVERFI Financial Literacy Bee is a nationwide financial literacy challenge for students in grades 8-12.

The commercial real estate services firm NAI Summit has announced the promotion of Lauren Borrell to Director of Property Management. With over 5 years of extensive experience in property management, Lauren assumes this role with a proven track record in overseeing a diverse portfolio comprising industrial, flex, professional and medical office buildings across the Eastern Pennsylvania region. Her appointment underscores the significant value of her expertise and leadership to this pivotal position within the company.

American Bank Incorporated (OTC Pink: AMBK), the parent company of American Bank, today announced earnings for the quarter ended March 31, 2024. Net income for the quarter was $1,883,000, or $0.29 per diluted share, a decrease of $601,000 or 24.2% from $2,484,000, or $0.38 per diluted share, for the same quarter in the prior year. The decrease in net income for the quarter was primarily attributable to decreases in net interest income and non-interest income, and an increase in non-interest expense, offset by a decrease in the provision for credit losses.

The Great Allentown Fair is pleased to announce that Staci Horvath will be joining their Marketing Department at Lehigh County Agricultural Society. Staci will be filling Terri Schwenk’s position as Marketing Specialist.

Peoples Security Bank & Trust Company (PSBT) congratulates Jeffrey Drobins for being honored as one of the Lehigh Valley Business 2024 Power List for Banking, Finance, Accounting and Wealth Management. Jeff is currently the Executive Vice President & Chief Lending Officer and is responsible for commercial lending, retail business development, CRA Sales and cash management sales functions for the Bank. The Lehigh Valley Business Power List for Banking, Finance, Accounting and Wealth Management recognizes the area's most significant, influential, and respected leaders and how they have shaped our communities through the banking and financial institutions our society depends upon.

The Bethlehem Food Co-Op board of directors, staff, and esteemed guests held a Construction Kickoff ceremony on Wednesday evening, April 10, to commemorate the launch of the interior fit-out of the forthcoming grocery store.

Good Shepherd Rehabilitation will welcome Chris Norton — a nationally known motivational speaker, documentary star and best-selling author — to its South Allentown campus on May 29 for an evening of inspiration that is open to the public.

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

More cutting-edge.

Less cutting corners.

Helping to solve food insecurity to providing access to health screenings, Capital Blue Cross is investing in the health of our communities so that every neighborhood can thrive. Rooted in Central Pennsylvania and the Lehigh Valley, backed by national strength, we go the extra mile for you.

Capital Blue Cross is an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.