May 2025 Connections

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KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Nicole Lynn Nicole

Super Bowl Winning Eagles Agent

JUNE

5TH

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 & HR

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

Shelley Maley .....................................610-663-0585 HR Manager shelleym@lehighvalleychamber.org

Joseph Groves......................................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

Isabelle Jabbour..................................610-810-6412

Assistant Manager, Government & External Affairs isabellej@lehighvalleychamber.org

Diversity Councils

African American Business Leaders Council, Hispanic Chamber, LGBTQ Business Council, Women’s Business Council, Young Professionals Council

Danielle Joseph...................................484-226-0128 Executive VP, Diversity Councils daniellej@lehighvalleychamber.org

Brittany Keal.......................................610-295-9824 Vice President, Diversity Councils brittanyk@lehighvalleychamber.org

Hannah Stott........................................484-668-0390 Manager, Diversity Councils hannahs@lehighvalleychamber.org

Sabrina Olivo.......................................484-547-8970 Manager, Diversity Councils sabrinao@lehighvalleychamber.org

Chambers of Commerce

Allentown Area Chamber & Downtown

Allentown Business Alliance

Brittney Ciardi ....................................484-828-9765

Senior VP, Allentown Initiatives brittneyc@lehighvalleychamber.org

Vaughan Bryant...................................484-226-6323 Manager, Allentown Initiatives vaughanb@lehighvalleychamber.org

Liz Martin ............................................484-834-9693 Allentown Chamber Associate lizm@lehighvalleychamber.org

Bethlehem Chamber & Downtown Bethlehem Association

Tammy Wendling................................610-739-1775

Senior VP, Bethlehem Initiatives tammyw@lehighvalleychamber.org

Ty Versocki............................................610-739-3385

Manager, Downtown Bethlehem Association tyv@lehighvalleychamber.org

Evelyn Caron........................................610-810-7841

Assistant Manager, Downtown Bethlehem Association evelync@lehighvalleychamber.org

Easton Area & Phillipsburg Area

Erin Laubach.........................................484-264-6630

Manager, Easton Area & Forks Business Council erinl@lehighvalleychamber.org

Affiliated Chambers (East Penn, Emmaus Main Street Partners, Hellertown-Lower Saucon, Greater Northern Lehigh, Southern Lehigh, Western Lehigh, Whitehall, Nazareth Area, Greater Northampton Area)

Jessica O’Donnell-Gower....................610-573-4010

Executive VP, Affiliated Chambers, Northern Tier and Easton & Phillipsburg Initiatives jessicao@lehighvalleychamber.org

Caitlin Hamlin......................................610-739-1520

AVP, Affiliated Chambers (HLSC & GNACC) caitlinh@lehighvalleychamber.org

Elyse Cuttic...........................................484-834-7868

Manager, Affiliated Chambers (GLNCC, NACC & WACC) elysec@lehighvalleychamber.org

Hayden Rinde .....................................484-828-9777

AVP, Affiliated Chambers (EMSP, EPCC, SLCC & WLCC) haydenr@lehighvalleychamber.org

Emily Brosky .......................................610-739-1273

Coordinator, Affiliated Chambers (EMSP, EPCC, SLCC & WLCC) emilyb@lehighvalleychamber.org

Northern Tier (Carbon County and Pocono Area)

Kylie Adams-Weiss .............................484-548-4090

SVP, Carbon Chamber & Economic Development kyliea@lehighvalleychamber.org

Jared Soto ........................................... 484-274-2080

Economic Development Specialist, CCEDC jsoto@carboncountychamber.org

Emily Sewilo.........................................484-943-9669

Program Coordinator, CCEDC esewilo@carboncountychamber.org

CHAMBER BOARD OF GOVERNORS

Tom Groves, Equinox Benefits Consulting Chair, The Chamber

Spring Events Season is Here!

The energy is rising, it’s the start of our golf tournament season and the launch of some of the most exciting annual events in the Lehigh Valley! We’re proud to host the Annual Awards across our Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton Chambers. The Small Business Council will once again honor excellence with its Excellence in Business Awards. We’ll discuss the future of infrastructure at the Annual Lehigh Valley Transportation Summit and celebrate community spirit at the Greater Northern Lehigh Chamber Spirit Awards. And don’t miss one of Allentown’s most beloved street festivals—Blues, Brews & Barbeque on Hamilton Street! But that’s not all… Mark your calendar for the biggest and boldest women’s event in the ValleyThe Lehigh Valley Women’s Summit on Thursday, June 5 from 7:45 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. at Wind Creek Bethlehem Foundry Ballroom and the Wind Creek Bethlehem Event Center. Yes, it’s that big! Each June, the Women’s Business

Council of The Chamber, Cedar Crest College, and United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley come together to present this unforgettable experience—and this year will be no different. Our keynote speaker is Nicole Lynn, President of Football, Klutch Sports Group | Author of Agent You. The event also features Amanda Gore, an internationally celebrated expert in Emotional Intelligence and Transformational Leadership with more than 25 years of experience igniting change and empowering leaders. Expect a full day of learning, inspiration, connection, and celebration. You’ll enjoy:

· Multiple impactful breakout sessions

· Time for intentional networking and connection

· A bustling exhibit area

· A delicious lunch with your Chamber community

For all event details, visit www.LehighValleyWomen.com. We can’t wait to see you there. Let’s make this another powerful day of learning, sharing, and love!

Thursday, May 1

5:30-8pm - Swine Design Open House & Ribbon Cutting (Free Event)

Friday, May 2

10am-1pm - 2025 Carbon PA Careerlink Job Fair (Free Event)

10-11am - GailGray Home 25th Anniversary Ribbon Cutting (Free Event)

Saturday, May 3

10am-4pm - Extraordinary Smiles Grand Opening Celebration(Free Event)

11am-4pm - ROOTED: An Allentown Health & Wellness Festival (Free Event)

Sunday, May 4

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

Wednesday, May 7

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

3-5pm - PC Floors Grand Opening (Free Event)

Thursday, May 8

5-7pm - Latino Business Forum presented by the Hispanic Chamber

6-8pm - Pressed Flower Frame Class with Element Design Co

Saturday, May 10

5:30-8pm - Live in the Garden Concert Series (Free Event)

Tuesday, May 13

11:30am-1pm - Move Forward Counseling Networking Mixer & Ribbon Cutting (Free Event)

5-7pm - Easton & Phillipsburg Annual Treats and Trophies Awards

Wednesday, May 14

9-10am - How to Optimize Your Business or Get Left Behind - New Google AI Overview Update Webinar (Free Event)

Thursday, May 15

8-10am - May Veterans & Military Council Roundtable (Free Event)

11:30am-1pm - Cultivating Joy: Strategies for a Fulfilled Life & Career in partnership with ToastiQueen presented by the Women's Business Council

5:30-7:30pm - Spring Fling Speed Networking & Pairing Mixer

Friday, May 16

4-6pm - M Studio Group Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting (Free Event)

Sunday, May 18

1-7pm - Fiesta on Hamilton (Free Event)

1-4pm - Tasty Trek of the Lehigh Valley Mall

6-8pm - Music in the Park Concert Series May 2025 featuring the Toga Party Band (Free Event)

Monday, May 19

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

Wednesday, May 21

11am-1pm - St. Luke's University Health Network Hillcrest Ribbon Cutting Celebration (Free Event)

11am-1pm - Valley Health Partners Community Health Center Easton Grand Opening (Free Event)

5-8pm - 5th Annual Cornhole Tournament presented by the Young Professionals Council

Thursday, May 22

5-7pm - Cetronia Ambulance Corps 70th Anniversary Ribbon Cutting and Open House (Free Event)

5-7pm - Yoga Retreat & Tour at the Village at Houser's Crossing

5:15-7:15pm - Honors & Hors D'oeuvres HLSC Awards

Thursday, May 29

5-7pm - Allentown Chamber Annual Awards Ceremony

5-7pm - Emmaus Main Street Mixer

Saturday, May 31

11am-5pm - Easton Street Eats Food Truck Festival

Tuesday, June 3

5-7pm - Bethlehem Chamber Annual Awards Ceremony

Thursday, June 5

8am-3:30pm - Lehigh Valley Women's Summit

11:30am-1pm - CTC Manufacturing Lunch & Learn + Tour

CHAMBER SEEN!

Photos from the Mayors' and Municipal Officials' Reception on March 27 at the Delta Hotels by Marriott
*Photos courtesy of Mike Robinson Productions*

Contact frankf@lehighvalleychamber.org

Associations

Carbon County Council of Governments

Christian Bartulovich 44 Susquehanna Street Jim Thorpe, PA 18229

Monroe County Democratic Committee

Tameko Patterson P. O. Box 491

Stroudsburg, PA 18360

570-421-2400 www.monroepadems.com

Banks, Credit Unions & Loans

Bank of America

Cornelius Gomes

600 Hamilton Street 10th Floor Allentown, PA 18101 610-463-0375 www.bankofamerica.com

Mid Penn Bank

Jared McLaughlin

Shops at 3900 Hamilton Center 3900 Hamilton Boulevard Allentown, PA 18103 484-378-8185 www.midpennbank.com

Catering, Mobile Food Trucks, & Personal Chef

Sugar Cycle LLC

Taren Kobyra 726 Furnace Street Emmaus, PA 18049 610-762-9084 www.sugarcycle.com

Cleaning & Janitorial Services, Equipment, Restoration & Bio-Hazard Remediation

Life Maid Easy

Marina Lawrence 344 Main Street Emmaus, PA 18049 610-455-4002 www.lifemaideasy.net/lehigh-valley

Computer Networking, Services, Consulting, Sales and Repairs

Epoch IT

Binder Tal 4295 West Tilghman Street Suite 201 Allentown, PA 18104

610-841-4932 www.epochit.com

Construction Management & General Contractors

JG Plastering LLC

Jonathan Gerancher 501 Race Street Rear Catasauqua, PA 18032

610-432-2412

www.jgplastering.net

Consulting Services & Training

Susan Wild, LLC

Susan Wild Allentown, PA 18104 610-509-5172

Distilleries

Holy Ghost Distillery

Janice Sepcoski 990 Route 940 White Haven, PA 18661 570-990-2673

www.holyghostdistillery.com

Energy

Cypress Creek Renewables

Mike Storch 5310 South Alston Avenue Building 300 Durham, NC 27713 919-867-2832 www.ccrenew.com

Entertainment & Festivals

VPO Entertainment

Vince Pettinelli 245 Williams Street Alpha, NJ 08865 908-619-4502 www.vposwing.com

Financial Services

Fox Financial Group

Brandon 'B.C.' Medici Bethlehem, PA 18020 636-851-9181 www.foxfinancialgrp.com

Fitness, Gyms, Personal Training

GYMGUYZ Lehigh Valley

Brian Toondeer

Allentown, PA 18017

610-570-4846 www.gymguyz.com

Food Service

Prepped Portions

Patricia Lochansingh 2231 Campanile Ct East Stroudsburg, PA 18301 347-775-4904

www.preppedportions.com

Graphic Arts & Design

Stone Mountain Solutions, LLC

Jillian Stone New Ringgold, PA 17860 484-464-3332 www.smsolutionsco.com

Hotels, Lodging, Bed & Breakfasts

The Painted Petal

Maggie Fischer 7809 Hamilton Boulevard Breinigsville, PA 18031 407-461-9419

www.paintedpetal.com

Information Services Technology & Cyber Security

Syscom Business Technologies

Brandon Clous 306 South New Street Suite 110 Bethlehem, PA 18015 866-558-1411 www.syscombusiness.com

Insurance

Aflac

Jim Goldenberg Center Valley, PA 18034 267-304-6725 www.aflac.com

Manufacturers

All Weather Insulated Panels

Ryan Patufka 1276 Crowe Road East Stroudsburg, PA 18301 570-369-6400 www.awipanels.com

Museum & Historical Societies

The Old Time Plowboys Club

Tom Merkle P.O. Box 215 Mertztown, PA 19539 www.oldtimeplowboys.com

Payroll Services

Asure Software

Neicy Rubin 2308 Snapdragon Point East Stroudsburg, PA 18301 570-994-8669 www.asuresoftware.com

Pet & Animal Supplies, Grooming & Boarding

Chaar - Allentown

Tony ElChaar 1635 Airport Road Allentown, PA 18109 610-437-9978 www.chaar.us

Chaar - Bethlehem

AJ Elchaar 3673 PA-Route 378 Bethlehem, PA 18015 610-419-6623 www.chaar.us

Chaar - Easton

AJ Elchaar 291 Town Center Boulevard Easton, PA 18040 610-829-6090 www.chaar.us

Chaar - Macungie

AJ Elchaar 1091 Mill Creek Road, Unit 5A Allentown, PA 18106 610-477-7006 www.chaar.us

Scenthound Allentown

Sean Stitt 3100 Tilghman Street Allentown, PA 18103 610-472-7342 www.scenthound.com/allentown

Psychologists

MMD Counseling Services LLC

Majorica Ducheine 586 Main Street, Suite 12

Stroudsburg, PA 18360 570-534-4347

Radio Stations

VP Broadcasting

Victor Martinez 1125 Colorado Street Allentown, PA 18103 610-434-4801 www.TuMusicaPA.com

Restaurants, Bars & Cafes

Pizza Como USA

Darcy Caruso 1241 Blakeslee Boulevard Drive

Lehighton, PA 18235

570-386-5965

www.pizzacomomenu.com

Rita's of Coopersburg

Humberto Ortiz

7001 N. Route 309 Store 5 Coopersburg, PA 18036

610-214-2998 www.ritasice.com

Salons, Spas, Makeup & Massage Services

Among Friends Salon

Jennifer Roan

77 West Broad Street, Suite 16C Bethlehem, PA 18018

610-866-4789

www.amongfriendssalon.com

Evara, LLC

Madi Knecht P. O. Box 80 Pocono Summit, PA 18346

272-219-7907 www.thestudioevara.com

Hair Excellence

Bridgette Philips 1300 N 5th Street Stroudsburg, PA 18360

570-424-6015 www.hairexcellencesalon.com

Sports Teams & Facilities

Pickleball Kingdom Lehigh

Valley - Whitehall

Jeff Gilmore 2180 MacArthur Road Whitehall, PA 18052

267-968-0394 www.pickleballkingdom.com/ lv-whitehall

Wedding, Event Planners, and Officiants

Jim Thorpe Elopements

Preston Christman

Jim Thorpe, PA 18229

570-209-5506 www.jimthorpeelopements.com

Workforce & Career Services

Pocono Counties Workforce Development Area

811 Blakeslee Blvd Dr E Lehighton, PA 18235

484-464-2494

AMBASSADORS & SMALL BUSINESS COUNCILS

SMALL BUSINESS COUNCIL

Celebrating Excellence & Leadership: Looking Ahead to the 2025 EIBA Awards

As last year’s Emerging Business honoree, Green Pond Packaging is thrilled to help shine a spotlight on the upcoming 2025 Excellence in Business Awards (EIBA) sponsored by the Small Business Council.

The EIBA ceremony is more than just an event — it’s a celebration of the passion, resilience, and innovation that fuels our region’s business community. We were deeply honored to be recognized in 2024 for our mission to provide sustainable, plant-based packaging solutions to food service partners throughout the Valley and beyond. Winning the Emerging Business Award elevated our visibility and opened the door to meaningful partnerships. But more than that, it affirmed that doing business with purpose — and growing

Excellence in Business Awards

HEALTHCARE COMMITTEE

Dale Wilson, BrightStar Care of Stroudsburg & Allentown Healthcare Committee Member

Spring into Motion: Revitalize Your Health with Outdoor Fitness

As winter fades and the world bursts back to life, spring offers the perfect opportunity to hit refresh on your health and wellness. With warmer temperatures and longer days, it’s time to take your fitness outside and reignite your commitment to a healthier lifestyle. Outdoor exercise isn’t just a break from the gym—it’s a powerful wellness tool. From walking and jogging in the park to hiking, cycling, or joining an outdoor yoga class, spring invites movement in ways that benefit both body and mind. Exposure to natural light boosts vitamin D levels, improves mood, and enhances mental clarity. Simply being in nature can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and increase overall well-being. Staying active outdoors also promotes community and connection. Group walks,

fitness boot camps, or local running clubs provide accountability and fun. And with spring’s fresh energy, you’re more likely to stay consistent, making fitness a joyful habit rather than a chore. Fitness doesn’t have to be extreme. A 30-minute daily walk or stretching ses sion in the sunshine can spark lasting change. Small steps outside can lead to big improvements inside—better sleep, higher energy, stronger immunity, and a more positive outlook. This season, don’t just admire spring—move with it. Let the renewal around you inspire a renewed focus on your health. Breathe in the fresh air, stretch your limbs, and commit to feeling your best. Spring into fitness—and step into a season of well-being and transformation.

TUESDAY, JUNE 17, 2025

CHAMBER SEEN!

Photos from the Nonprofit Collaboration Conference on April 8 at DeSales University *Photos courtesy of Sherry Clewell Photography*

EASTON AREA

DIVERSITY COUNCILS

DIVERSITY COUNCILS

EAST PENN CHAMBER & EMMAUS MAIN STREET

CHAMBER SEEN!

Photos from Sips, Savories & Sweets: A Wine Pairing at Brown Daub - Bath on April 7

POCONO CHAMBER

As we step into the vibrant spring season, we have much to look forward to in the Poconos. From heartwarming events to exciting outdoor adventures, May promises to be a month filled with community spirit and fresh opportunities. In this edition of Connections, we highlight upcoming events and the beauty of this season in our beloved region. One of the most anticipated events in the Poconos is the annual Youth Appreciation gathering. This event serves as an opportunity for the community to come together and recognize the incredible achievements of our young people. Whether it’s honoring academic excellence, community service, or sheer determination, the Youth Appreciation event celebrates the future of our region. We love to continue this tradition of honoring the youth who are shaping our tomorrow. Another event that promises to foster community engagement is the Legislative Luncheon. This gathering offers a unique chance for local leaders, business owners, and community members to connect with state and national lawmakers. It's a time to discuss pressing issues, raise important concerns, and explore opportunities for collaboration. As we face new challenges and opportunities in our region, the Legislative Luncheon provides a platform for all voices to be heard in the pursuit of a stronger,

more connected community. Looking for a way to get outside, enjoy the weather, and support a good cause? Mark your calendars for the Upcoming Golf Outing, presented by Highmark! This annual event provides a day of friendly competition on the greens, all while benefiting local initiatives that enhance the quality of life in our community. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or a beginner, this event offers a fun and relaxing way to enjoy the outdoors while supporting a cause close to home. As the snow melts away and the flowers bloom, the region comes alive with a wide array of outdoor activities. From hiking the scenic trails of the Delaware Water Gap to exploring the many lakes and rivers, there’s no shortage of adventure. The Poconos also offer exceptional opportunities for birdwatching, fishing, and biking, as well as plenty of family-friendly outdoor events that celebrate the beauty of our natural surroundings. As we embrace the warmer weather, we hope you take full advantage of all that the Poconos has to offer. From celebrating the youth who brighten our future to enjoying a round of golf, this season is brimming with opportunities for connection and fun. We’re excited to be part of such a vibrant, supportive community, and we look forward to seeing you at these upcoming events!

CARBON & POCONO

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.

Promenade Saucon Valley, an open-air lifestyle shopping center in Center Valley, Pennsylvania (www. promenadesauconvalley.com), today announced the addition of Mental Strength Ritual, The Hive, and Dolly’s Boutique, offering shoppers new experiences in wellness, fashion, and community connection, set to open this spring and summer. “These three additions bring an exciting mix of wellness, creativity, and style to Promenade Saucon Valley,” said Patrick Turner, general manager of Promenade Saucon Valley. “We’re always looking for ways to enhance our tenant lineup with businesses that offer something special to our community, and Mental Strength Ritual, The Hive, and Dolly’s Boutique each bring a unique energy to the center.”

The Hellertown Historical Society (HHS) is thrilled to announce a diverse array of events for 2025, celebrating the rich heritage and vibrant community spirit of Hellertown and Lower Saucon Township. From monthly Dine-to-Donate fundraisers to Heritage Day, the society invites the public and media to participate in these engaging events that highlight the town’s history and culture.

Grace Montessori School (GMS), a nonprofit school and childcare center serving children ages 12 months to 12 years, will host its annual benefit, Legacy of Learning, on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at 5:30 p.m., at the Americus Hotel in Center City. GMS is dedicating a portion of the night to honoring two of its loyal supporters, Lin Erickson and Ashley Russo, who will receive the Grace Montessori Mission Award and Grace Montessori Lifetime Learning Award, respectively.

The Board of Directors of American Bank is pleased to announce that the bank reached a significant milestone of $1 billion in assets on March 18, 2025. This achievement reflects American Bank’s continued growth, strong customer relationships and commitment to providing the personalized banking services that consumers and businesses need.

To help students and families file for financial aid before the priority deadline of May 1 for Pennsylvania State Grant eligibility, Lehigh Carbon Community College will offer a series of help sessions. These workshops, held at the three LCCC sites, will help families complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) and the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) State Grant Application.

2025 marks Ondra-Huyett Associates 30th year in business. Established in 1995, Ondra-Huyett is a commercial construction manager in the Lehigh Valley and serves eastern Pennsylvania. Ondra-Huyett was founded on a vision to collaborate with owners, designers, and subcontractors to deliver the highest quality projects. The construction model that we’ve created works, and it has positioned Ondra-Huyett as a leader in eastern Pennsylvania’s construction industry.

Member News

Lehigh Valley Business has selected Jennifer Kennedy, Associate Broker, NAI Summit as a 2025 Women of Influence recipient. Women of Influence awards honor high-achieving women for their career accomplishments. The honorees are selected based on their professional experience, community involvement and commitment to mentoring.

Lehigh Carbon Community College students Olivia DeMeuse of Schnecksville and Healley Saltz of Allentown have been named members of the 202425 All-Pennsylvania Academic Team, sponsored by Phi Theta Kappa (the international honor society for two-year colleges), the Coca Cola Corporation, the State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) and the Pennsylvania Commission for Community Colleges (PACCC). The students will be recognized with other award recipients state-wide in Harrisburg on April 8.

Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN), part of Jefferson Health, has added two security K-9s capable of detecting firearms. Dexter and Cisco recently started making rounds at LVHN hospitals and major health network and community events.

KidsPeace has released its 2024 Annual Report, “Passport to Healing,” highlighting the organization's impact in providing mental health services. The report features information about the various components of the organization’s “Continuum of Care” —stemming from crisis de-escalation and hospitalization to residential treatment and educational programming, outpatient services, and foster care.

LINC, a nonprofit dedicated to fostering welcoming and inclusive workplaces and communities, is celebrating its 10th anniversary of helping individuals and families transition to the Lehigh Valley. Over the past decade, LINC has played a pivotal role in making the region more accessible and connected for newcomers from across the country and around the world.

NAI Global, a leading international company responsible for connecting independent commercial real estate brokerage firms around the world, announced that Michael Adams, SIOR, and Sarah Finney Miller, both Senior Vice Presidents with NAI Summit, were recognized in the top 45 producers among all NAI offices worldwide. The recognition highlights individuals handling the highest volume of multimarket transactions within NAI Global.

Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival (PSF) is proud to announce it has been named the recipient of the Leonard Parker Pool Impact Award, presented by Air Products in partnership with United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley. This prestigious honor recognizes nonprofit organizations that exemplify exceptional community leadership, outstanding stewardship of resources, meaningful volunteer engagement, and a positive impact throughout the Lehigh Valley.

Fellowship Community has named Amanda Laporte, NHA, PCHA, as senior vice president and chief operating officer. Laporte previously served as an executive director with Phoebe Ministries. She has a wealth of experience in the health care industry with continuing care retirement communities. Laporte has held positions as executive director, process improvement specialist, regional director of operations, skilled nursing faculty administrator and human resource director. Her professional career has well prepared her for a leadership role with Fellowship Community.

The community is invited to attend a FREE screening of the documentary film Recovery City on May 14th at the Civic Theatre, 527 N 19th St in Allentown. Recovery City explores the raw realities of addiction and recovery in this powerful film set in Worcester, Massachusetts. Through the lives of four resilient women— Christine, Bridget, Janis, and Rebecca—this documentary reveals the struggles of rebuilding after addiction, the impact of systemic stigma, and the strength of camaraderie. Their stories highlight resilience, grit, and the power of lived experience to inspire hope and change. The evening begins with a vendor fair from 5:00-6:00PM to include family recovery resources and Narcan information. The film screening is 6:007:45PM followed by a Q&A with the film’s director Lisa Olivieri until 8:15PM. Admission is free, and $10 snack vouchers will be given to the first 100 attendees. The event is presented by the Center for Humanistic Change and funded by Lehigh County Drug & Alcohol.

Good Shepherd Rehabilitation welcomed 200 people to ArtsQuest today for the 3rd annual DISRUPT: Health-Care Innovation Summit conference. Throughout the day-long conference, DISRUPT attendees immersed themselves in bold ideas, groundbreaking innovations and powerful conversations challenging us all to rethink what’s possible in health care.

The J&J Demolition Derby is a Labor Day tradition where fenders fly on the Allentown Fairgrounds’ historic racetrack as drivers crash and smash into each other in qualifying heats until the last vehicle running becomes The Beast of the East Champion. Three fender crunching heats, featuring full size cars, 80’s or newer and compact cars return to the Fair on Monday, September 1.

A summer camp and internship opportunity for high school sophomores and juniors will teach life and academic skills and offer training in entrepreneurship through a partnership between Lehigh Carbon Community College, Northampton Community College and the “Futuros Empresarios”/Future Entrepreneurs (FE) Program. Applications for the camp are now available on LCCC’s website. The camp runs Sunday through Friday, July 13-18, with the internship portion in local businesses set for the following four weeks.

Submit your press releases to Ellie Andino at elliea@lehighvalleychamber.org to be featured in this section!

Please note: submission does not guarantee placement.

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

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