November 2024 Connections

GREATER LEHIGH VALLEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

NOVEMBER 2024

See PG. 26 for more information.

House of Donald Hinkle U.S. Marine Corps

FEATURED BUSINESS: ST. LUKE’S PENN FOUNDATION – EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (PG. 7) FEATURED INDUSTRY GUIDE: VETERAN-OWNED BUSINESSES (PG. 14)

Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce | 1

CHAMBER STAFF DIRECTORY President & CEO Tony Iannelli........................................610-739-1513 President & Chief Executive Officer tonyi@lehighvalleychamber.org Assistant to the President, Chamber Foundation, Nonprofit & Business Partners Council Lorie Reinert........................................610-739-1597 Executive Director, Chamber Foundation and Nonprofit & Business Partners Council Liaison lorier@lehighvalleychamber.org Member Relations, Marketing & Sales Frank Facchiano...................................610-739-1515 Chief Operations Officer, EVP, Member Relations frankf@lehighvalleychamber.org Gina Martens.......................................610-739-1511 Senior VP, Member Relations ginam@lehighvalleychamber.org Alison Pickel........................................610-739-1512 Senior VP, Member Relations, Veterans & Military Council alisonp@lehighvalleychamber.org Paige Nicholas ....................................610-737-0565 VP, Major Events & Small Business Council Liaison paigen@lehighvalleychamber.org Ellie Andino..........................................610-739-1000 Director, Communications & Design elliea@lehighvalleychamber.org Bailey Muhl.........................................610-349-9776 Member Relations Manager baileym@lehighvalleychamber.org Sofia Groves ........................................610-802-2380 Coordinator, Member Relations sofiag@lehighvalleychamber.org Joseph Groves......................................610-349-8226 benefits@thechamberhealthmarketplace.com Government Affairs & Business Matters Leo Rooney...........................................610-739-1642 Vice President, Government & External Affairs and Producer, Business Matters leor@lehighvalleychamber.org Isabelle Jabbour..................................610-810-6412 Assistant Manager, Government & External Affairs isabellej@lehighvalleychamber.org Diversity Councils African American Business Leaders Council, Hispanic Chamber, LGBTQ Business Council, Women’s Business Council, Young Professionals Council Danielle Joseph...................................484-226-0128 Executive VP, Diversity Councils daniellej@lehighvalleychamber.org Brittany Keal.......................................610-295-9824 Vice President, Diversity Councils brittanyk@lehighvalleychamber.org Hannah Stott........................................484-668-0390 Manager, Diversity Councils hannahs@lehighvalleychamber.org Sabrina Olivo.......................................484-547-8970 Manager, Diversity Councils sabrinao@lehighvalleychamber.org Chambers of Commerce Allentown Area Chamber & Downtown Allentown Business Alliance Brittney Ciardi ....................................484-828-9765 Senior VP, Allentown Initiatives brittneyc@lehighvalleychamber.org Vaughan Bryant...................................484-226-6323 Manager, Allentown Initiatives vaughanb@lehighvalleychamber.org Liz Martin ............................................484-834-9693 Allentown Chamber Associate lizm@lehighvalleychamber.org Bethlehem Chamber & Downtown Bethlehem Association Tammy Wendling................................610-739-1775 Senior VP, Bethlehem Initiatives tammyw@lehighvalleychamber.org Claire Boucher.....................................610-349-2180 Manager, Bethlehem Initiatives claireb@lehighvalleychamber.org

Ty Versocki............................................610-739-3385 Manager, Downtown Bethlehem Association tyv@lehighvalleychamber.org Evelyn Caron........................................610-810-7841 Assistant Manager, Downtown Bethlehem Association evelync@lehighvalleychamber.org Easton Area Chamber, Phillipsburg Area Chamber, Forks Business Association Caitlin Hamlin......................................610-739-1520 Manager, Easton & Phillipsburg Area Initiatives caitlinh@lehighvalleychamber.org Erin Laubach.........................................484-264-6630 Assistant Manager, Easton & Phillipsburg Area Initiatives erinl@lehighvalleychamber.org Affiliated Chambers (East Penn, Emmaus Main Street Partners, Hellertown-Lower Saucon, Greater Northern Lehigh, Southern Lehigh, Western Lehigh, Whitehall, Nazareth Area, Greater Northampton Area) Jessica O’Donnell-Gower....................610-573-4010 Executive VP, Affiliated Chambers, Northern Tier and Easton & Phillipsburg Initiatives jessicao@lehighvalleychamber.org 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 Emily Brosky .......................................610-739-1273 Coordinator, Affiliated Chambers (EMSP, EPCC, SLCC & WLCC) emilyb@lehighvalleychamber.org Northern Tier (Carbon County and Pocono Area) Kylie Adams-Weiss .............................484-548-4090 SVP, Carbon Chamber & Economic Development kyliea@lehighvalleychamber.org Sarah Wallace.......................................484-547-8551 Director, Pocono Chamber sarahw@lehighvalleychamber.org Sierra LeFurgy......................................610-295-9047 Assistant Manager, Pocono Chamber sierral@lehighvalleychamber.org Lindsey Dedics.....................................484-280-3024 Coordinator, Pocono Chamber lindseyd@lehighvalleychamber.org

CHAMBER BOARD OF GOVERNORS Tom Groves, Equinox Benefits Consulting Chair, The Chamber I hope you purposely try to find ways to express your sincere gratitude to our nation’s military veterans for the sacrifices they have made on an ongoing basis, and especially on Veterans Day, November 11. Veteran’s Day is a day intended to honor all veterans as a nation.

It’s a time to recognize their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.

It’s a time to say thank you for your service. Thank you for leaving home to go to another country. Thank you for the sacrifice of leaving behind what most Americans regard as a normal life.

Thank you for putting on hold their treasured relationships with friends and family, missing out on anniversaries and birthdays. These are some of the sacrifices you acknowledge when you offer your thanks. If you want to show your appreciation by more than saying thank you, here are a few suggestions: Get involved with The Chamber Veterans & Military Council by volunteering or supporting our events. To learn more visit www.lehighvalleychamber.org/ veteransandmilitarycouncil.

Join us for our annual 5K Ruck ‘n Walk (or Run) to honor veterans on Saturday November 9.

Support organizations dedicated to helping veterans. Consider ones like the Wounded Warrior Project or Hiring Our Heroes. Donate frequent flyer miles.

The Hero Miles Program provides round-trip airline tickets to wounded, injured, and ill service members – and/ or their families or close friends – who are undergoing treatment at a military or VA medical center. Volunteer. You have a lifetime of skills. There is no end of programs designed to assist veterans and their families which could use your expertise. Hire a veteran or their spouse or patronize businesses that hire those who have served. Encourage businesses to offer military discounts. Look around your community, and you’ll find the best way for you to show your support and appreciation. And to all our veteran chamber members, a sincere thank you for your sacrifice and service!

Accounting & Billing Department Dawn Werkheiser................................610-751-4980 Chief Financial Officer dawnw@lehighvalleychamber.org Tina Marte............................................610-739-5422 VP, Finance & Quality Processes tinam@lehighvalleychamber.org Rose Caras............................................610-739-1612 Finance & Database Manager rosec@lehighvalleychamber.org

Board of Governors Executive Committee Chair, Tom Groves, Equinox Benefits Consulting Tony Iannelli, The Chamber, President & CEO Vice Chair, Laurie Hackett, Air Products Treasurer, Jeff Berdahl, RLB Accountants Secretary, Bret Ludlow, Liquid Counsel, Buddy Lesavoy, Lesavoy Butz & Seitz LLC Imm. Past Chair, Mary Lisicky, Morgan Stanley •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Danielle Adams-Wiltshire, QueenSuite Paul Anthony, IBEW 375 Krista Berardelli, Agentis Plumbing Michael Butz, Alvin H. Butz, Inc. Luis Campos, City of Easton Dorota Gasienica-Kozak, The KingSpry Law Firm Lou Fromm, Fromm Murtaza Jaffer, EBC Printing & Signs Marilyn Kelly-Cavotta, PA Department of Military and Veterans Affairs Andrew Lawler Buddy Lesavoy, Lesavoy Butz & Seitz, LLC Donna LoStocco, First Commonwealth Federal Credit Union

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

2 | Connections Magazine

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

Friday, November 1

12-1pm - Manga Lane Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting (Free Event)

Tuesday, November 19

5:30-7pm - Whitehall Area Tree Lighting (Free Event)

Thursday, November 7

Wednesday, November 20

10am-1pm - The Chamber Annual Meeting

5-7pm - Buen Provecho Project hosted by the Hispanic Chamber (Free Event)

5-6pm - Business-to-Business Networking Mixer with Unity Bank (Free Event) 5:30-7:30pm - Emmaus Main Street Member Mixer (Free Event)

Thursday, November 21

5:30-7:30pm - November Meet & Greet at Skeggy's Axe House (Free Event)

Friday, November 8

Saturday, November 23

12:30-2:30pm - Le Macaron Bethlehem Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting

12-5pm - Holiday Cocktail Trail - Silver & Gold Trail

Saturday, November 9

8-11am - Lehigh Valley Ruck 'N Walk presented by the Veterans & Military Council Tuesday, November 12 11am-12pm - Veterans Day Recognition Ceremony (Free Event)

6-10pm - African American Business Leaders Annual Awards Gala

4:30-730pm - Northwestern Lehigh Tree Lighting Ceremony (Free Event) 5:30-6pm - Live Advent Calendar (Free Event) Monday, December 2

6-9pm - Phillipsburg Tree Lighting Ceremony & Santa Visit (Free Event) Tuesday, December 3

5:30-7:30pm - North Whitehall Township Tree Lighting Ceremony (Free Event) Wednesday, December 4 8-10am - Allentown State of the School District with Dr. Carol D. Birks

Friday, November 29

4:30-6pm - City of Bethlehem Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony (Free Event) 5-8pm - Light Up Night in Hellertown (Free Event)

Wednesday, November 13

Saturday, November 30

11am-1pm - Workplace Pride - Intro to LGBTQ+ Employee Resource Groups presented by the LGBTQ Business Council

11am-1pm - EMSP Small Business Saturday

Thursday, November 14

Sunday, December 1

6-8pm - Coopersburg Tree Lighting (Free Event)

11:30am-1pm - 2025 Vision: Mapping Your Leadership Journey presented by the Women's Business Council

Friday, December 6

8-10am - Healthcare Summit 5:30-7pm - Slatington's Tree Lighting Ceremony (Free Event) Saturday, December 7

8-10am - The 56th Annual Community Advent Breakfast 12-5pm - Emmaus Cheers Trail 4-7pm - Downtown Allentown Holiday Tree Lighting (Free Event) 4-7pm - Emmaus Old Fashion Christmas (Free Event)

5-7pm - Ribbon Cutting Celebration for Fairfield Suites by Marriott Bethlehem (Free Event) Saturday, November 15 - December 22nd

Christmas City Village Begins Friday, November 15 5-9pm - Carbon County's Annual Gala & Awards Cermony Saturday, November 16

12-5pm - Holiday Cocktail Trail - Red & Green Trail Sunday, November 17

12-4pm - Easton Taste Trail at the Silk Mill

INDEX: CONNECTIONS

Affiliated Chambers........................................................27 Allentown Area...............................................................10 Ambassadors & Small Business Councils.........................11 Bethlehem Area..............................................................21 Carbon & Pocono Chambers............................................33 Chamber Events Calendar...............................................2 Chamber Staff Directory..................................................1 Diversity Councils...........................................................24-26 Easton Area....................................................................22 East Penn Chamber & Emmaus Main Street Partners.......29 Featured Business Story - St. Luke's University Health Network.........................................................................7 Veteran-Owned Business Guide......................................14-19

Greater Northern Lehigh & Western Lehigh Chambers........28 Hellertown-Lower Saucon Chamber....................................31 Nazareth Area & Greater Northampton Area Chambers .......32 Lehigh Valley Economic Report......................................... 6 Southern Lehigh Area & Whitehall Area Chambers.............30 New Members...................................................................8-9 Member News...................................................................36 Nonprofit & Business Partners Council & Chamber Foundation..13 Phillipsburg Area...............................................................23 Public Policy......................................................................12

Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce | 3

UNVEILING NEW BEGINNINGS! Celebrating a grand opening or anniversary?

Contact Paige Nicholas at paigen@lehighvalleychamber.org

Happy Scrubbers Cleaning Services 1437 Stefko Boulevard, Bethlehem PA 18017

McCann School REBRANDS TO BERKS TECHNICAL INSTITUTE 2200 N Irving Street, Allentown, PA 18109

U-Haul Moving & Storage of Lower Macungie - Trexlertown 7785 Spring Creek Road, Macungie PA 18062

QNB Bank - Allentown 5 Year Anniversary 535 N 19th Street, Allentown PA 18104

CreekView Dental 1 year anniversary 1305 Tatamy Road, Easton PA 18045

Upper Nazareth Fitness Court Leibert Park - 100 Newport Ave, Nazareth PA 18064

4 | Connections Magazine

CHAMBER SEEN!

Photos from the 2024 Lehigh Valley Manufacturing Forum on October 3rd at the Delta Hotel by Marriott Allentown Lehigh Valley *Photos courtesy of Mike Robinson Productions*

Keynote Speaker: Alex Hino, Wilmington Trust

Gary Wapinski, Crayola and Rich Hobbs, MRC

Jen Gilburg, PA Department of Community & Economic Development

Don Cunningham, LVEDC

Nate Walters, EZ Micro Solutions

Shawn Furman, MRC

Jeffrey Chrin, CLA

Gina Kormanik, Workforce Board Lehigh Valley

Brittany Tressler, Vault Communications

The 2024 Lehigh Valley Manufacturing Forum, held on Thursday, October 3, brought together over 200 attendees, including manufacturers, suppliers, and community stakeholders, to explore the latest trends and opportunities in the region's manufacturing sector.

Key presentations covered topics such as workforce development, cybersecurity, and sustainable growth, with insights from industry leaders like LVEDC President & CEO Don Cunningham and Wilmington Trust Investment Strategist Alexander Hino.

Highlights included the presentation of the 2024 Lehigh Valley Manufacturer of the Year Award to Crayola, recognizing their innovation and commitment to the region. The forum fostered valuable connections and discussions that will continue to shape the future of manufacturing in the Lehigh Valley.

Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce | 5

TRUST &

Financial services

A SOLID AS Cindy Thorne Trust Officer

ROCK

Rebecca Hooper Senior Trust Officer

www.fkc.bank

Martin Leandri Trust Officer

570-802-8200

SAVE THE DATE!

Tuesday, January 28 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks (101 Founders Way, Bethlehem, PA 18015)

Visit web.lehighvalleychamber.org/events

CHAMBER SEEN!

Photos from Chamber President's Roundtable with Pete Ruggiero, CEO of Crayola on September 12 at Thyme

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LEHIGH VALLEY ECONOMIC REPORT Dr. Kamran Afshar, Chamber Chief Economist The Chamber’s Finance Committee 610-691-3272 • ka@kaa-inc.com The Consumer sentiment long-term trend is up The consumer sentiment index, the CSI, which fell to its lowest level ever in June of 2022, has been slowly trending up, according to the University of Michigan, which released its September results.

Surprisingly, the CSI should have risen rapidly instead of barely inching up, considering the strong GDP growth, low unemployment rates, and falling inflation rate. According to research by the University of Stanford, our divided politics play a larger role in the results of CSI data than before. The political divide has always influenced consumers' views; however, it has become so tainted that it appears that they are talking about two different economies. For example, while the Democrats' index of the current state of the economy is 90, the Republicans' score is 35, with the independents at 57. In the depth of the COVID recession in 2020, Consumer Sentiment Indices pointed in the opposite direction: Democrats' index was 58

while Republicans scored the economy at 101. While these views differ significantly, they all bottomed in the summer of 22 and have all been improving since.

However, this alone can’t explain the entire reason for the weakness of the CSI. To better understand where we are going, let’s look back and see where we came from. After the Covid recession, the CSI rose to 88.3 by April 2021, as the stock market was rising, the unemployment rate was falling, and the economy was humming. But then the CSI fell sharply during the 2nd half of 2021. What happened? Well, there was a minor issue with the rate of inflation, which was rising rapidly, totally disregarding all the experts’ predictions that it should drop! Inflation continued to rise, topping at 9.1% by June 2022. Coincidentally, the CSI also continued to fall, bottoming at its lowest level in the same month. Now, we have a gage, political discourse, and inflation as it im-

pacts consumers' finances and cancels economic growth's effects on consumer sentiment. Consumer’s expected inflation rate, which ran close to the actual inflation before the Great Recession, is now running wildly higher. According to the latest data from the University of Michigan, 15% of consumers expect double-digit inflation. It should be noted that the current rate of inflation is 2.5%. University of Stanford research indicates that the size of these outlandish estimates has increased, skewing

the results. Another factor that has negatively affected the overall CSI is the delayed consumer reaction to the dropping inflation rate since prices are still rising, although at a much slower pace.

The combination of these factors has prevented the consumer sentiment index from rising to a level historically corresponding to the current state of the economy.

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Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce | 7

F eatured B usiness St. Luke’s Penn Foundation’s Employee Assistance Program: Helping You Care for Your #1 Asset – Your Employees Research shows that employees who are physically, mentally, and emotionally balanced are happier and more productive, and leaders who facilitate employee well-being at work create more successful and profitable companies. That is why an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is so important. EAP is a proactive business tool designed to help employees handle life challenges so that they don’t interfere with workplace performance. EAP has been proven to reduce absenteeism, increase retention, save money, control costs, and maximize employee productivity.

About St. Luke’s Penn Foundation’s EAP For more than 40 years, St. Luke’s Penn Foundation’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) has been helping companies care for their #1 asset – their employees. Through confidential counseling and psychiatry services, trainings and crisis support, and Human Resources and management support, our EAP can help companies create a healthier, more balanced work environment and successfully address issues with employees.

We currently contract with 85 local companies ranging in size - from thousands of employees to less than five employees - and industry- school districts, financial institutions, manufacturing, healthcare, and more.

“We recognize that the mental wellness of your employees has never been more important,” says Debra Ryan, Program Manager of St. Luke’s Penn Foundation’s EAP. “What makes our program unique is that we are large enough to be well-versed in the needs of the business community but also small enough to have a personal relationship with the companies we support, something that is extremely important to us. We recognize your challenges and celebrate your successes because we live and work in this community too. And as a non-profit, we strive to control our costs so that we can offer this important and valuable benefit to our community businesses.”

EAP has three convenient office locations throughout the region. Our main office is situated in Sellersville, and we also have offices in North Wales and Bethlehem.

EAP Services for Employees “At my first therapy appointment ever, I was nervous. But I was welcomed with open arms and the therapist I spoke to made me feel completely comfortable.”

“I am very satisfied with St. Luke’s Penn Foundation’s EAP because even though mental health is in such high demand, I was seen the same week I called. The counselor that worked with me was very understanding, compassionate, and gave me some healing techniques.”

No matter what stressors your employees face inside or outside of the workplace, we have services and a local team of professionals that can help. Our primary goal is to ensure the mental wellness of your employees so that they can consistently and effectively contribute to the growth of the company.

• Counseling and Psychiatry Services: We offer confidential, professional counseling for the employee and members of the employee’s household. (Unless an employee signs a release of information, it is against the law for us to tell you if an employee seeks counseling.) Services are offered in person or via telehealth for either work or personal issues. Employees and adult members of their household also have access to a psychiatrist. (Psychiatry services must be provided in Pennsylvania. Call our office at 215-257-6556 to learn more.)

• Discounted Legal Services: Employees who are part of St. Luke’s Penn Foundation’s EAP can receive a free, 15-minute phone consultation and a discount on legal services such as wills/living wills; powers of attorney; estate planning; and divorce, custody, and support issues.

• Trainings: We offer a wide range of trainings to ensure your employees are equipped with the skills necessary to be able to adapt to an ever-changing business landscape and maintain a healthy work/life balance. Trainings are available for all positions and are offered either online or onsite. Training topics can be tailored to meet the needs of your employees.

EAP Services for Employers “St. Luke’s Penn Foundation’s EAP exceeded each one of our expectations. We have been delighted with their services and consider them to be the “go-to” EAP in our area. If we have a crisis and I pick up the phone for help from EAP, I have solutions within minutes. If you are considering St. Luke’s Penn Foundation’s EAP, you can be assured that it will be an excellent investment for your organization.”

Building an organization where employees feel respected, valued, and excited to work starts at the top. We can help you and your management team gain the skills you need to create a healthier, more balanced work environment and successfully address issues with employees.

• Crisis Support: Trained counselors are available to respond to individual or organizational crisis at your place of business such as the sudden death of an employee, workplace accidents, robberies, workforce reductions or other workplace transition, etc. Our crisis support services include management consultation and critical incident stress debriefings.

• Conflict Mediation: We offer a confidential, cost-effective process that fosters communication and a problem-solving approach that empowers the individuals involved to work collaboratively through their differences. In a safe, confidential environment, individuals talk through the issue, establish goals, and define clear action steps toward the agreed-upon goals. Follow-up meetings are also set to ensure that goals are met and progress is made toward positive change.

• Leadership Coaching: We can help your key employees grow professionally by equipping them with the tools and support they need to be effective leaders. We do this through one-on-one or group training sessions designed to teach a variety of management skills. Your employees will gain leadership tools that will ultimately cultivate a positive, productive workforce.

• Management Training and Consultation: Many of our companies see our team as an extension of their HR department. We are often the first call an HR director makes when they need support during difficult times - crisis situations, difficult employees, significant change management, and conflicts within a team or across departments.

Management teams also find comfort in knowing we can support employee retention by helping good employees who have violated company policy or experienced work-performance problems get back on track.

To learn more about how St. Luke’s Penn Foundation’s EAP can support the mental well-being of your team, visit our website at www.pfeap.org or call us at 215-257-6556.

8 | Connections Magazine

Employment Services, Screening & Staffing

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

SERVING THE LEHIGH VALLEY AND BEYOND

www.GrossMcGinley.com 610.820.5450

Accounting, Billing & Bookkeeping Services

Etax Financial Jeremias Nivar 313 East Juniata Street Allentown, PA 18103 610-477-4686 www.etaxfinancial.com Advertising, Marketing & Public Relations

weknow Digital Jenna Dellanno Nazareth, PA 18064 610-216-3453 www.weknowdigital.com Banks, Credit Unions & Loans

People First Federal Credit Union - Broadway 4680 Broadway Allentown, PA 18104 610-797-7440 www.peoplefirst.com

Business Consultants, Developers & Incubators

Common Consulting Company Bryan Weis 109 Pennsylvania Avenue Easton, PA 18042 610-554-9273 www.commonconsultingcompany. com Consulting Services & Training

Marvin Webb Micro Consulting Marvin Webb 620 West Market Street Bethlehem, PA 18018 347-423-8141 www.marvinwebbconsulting.com Disability Services

Special Recreation Services, Inc. Debbie Smith 319 Dartmouth Drive, Suite 1A East Stroudsburg, PA 18301 570-972-7949 www.specialrecreationservices.org

TriStarr Staffing Basil Gordon 2201 Oregon Pike Lancaster, PA 17601 717-560-2111 www.tristarrjobs.com Engineering

Bowman Tyler Krause 840 West Hamilton Street, Suite 622 Allentown, PA 18101 610-628-2994 www.bowman.com Flooring Sales, Service, Installation

Weiss Innovations LLC Chris Weiss 240 Edgemont Avenue Palmerton , PA 18071 484-268-4141 www.weiss-innovations.com Fuel Dealers, Gas Fireplaces & Distributors

Hazleton Oil & Environmental, Inc Gina Stitch 300 Tamaqua Street Hazleton, PA 18201 570-929-1793 www.hazletonoil.com Health & Wellness Products and Services

MILHO Inc. Helen Fosam 3034 East Walker Road Bath, PA 18014 609-273-6019 www.Milhoinc.org Insurance

Golden Multiservices Madelin Ortega 1425 West Chew Street Allentown, PA 18102 610-433-3474 www.goldenmultiservicesPA.com Senior Insurance Solutions Jeremiah Peck 1519 Shipman Street Bethlehem, PA 18018 267-923-5281 www.srinsurancesolutions.com

Lighting Controls & Supplies

EAG-LED Global Mark Karoly Fogelsville, PA 18051 610-462-8120 www.eag-led.com Manufacturing Services

Altium Packaging Melinda Crisman 6831 Ruppsville Road Allentown, PA 18106 814-493-6720 www.altiumpkg.com Medical Spas

Iriya Wellness & Aesthetics Anfal Ahmed The Commodore 100 Northampton Street Easton, PA 18042 570-764-4603 www.iriyawellness.com Nature's Touch Therapeutic Massage and Wellness Spa Gabriela Bencosme 130 West 4th Street Bethlehem, PA 18015 484-951-2605 www.naturetouchmt.com Pet & Animal Supplies, Grooming & Boarding

Benebone LLC Jim Toolan 5910 Hamilton Boulevard, Suite 250 Macungie, PA 18062 484-894-7959 www.benebone.com Photography

Lvly Photography LLC Julienne Stracey 970 Sullivan Trail Scotrun, PA 18355 610-533-8352 www.lvlyphotography.com Printing, Copying, Publishing Equipment and Services

Topp Business Solutions Bill Truchan 2018 Union Boulevard Allentown, PA 18109 570-351-4682 www.toppcopy.com

Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce | 9

Real Estate Agents, Brokers and Other Services

Gene Durigan Real Estate Kim Rabenold 157 South 1st Street Lehighton, PA 18235 610-417-8152 www.geneduriganrealestate.com Main St. Real Estate Group Lucy Lennon 525 Main Street Bethlehem, PA 18018 610-365-1362 www.mainstbethlehem.com Restaurants, Bars & Cafes

BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse Tom Oakley 665 North Krocks Road Allentown, PA 18106 484-268-2340 www.bjsrestaurants.com Palmerton Pub & Restaurant Jeff Broadt 304 Delaware Avenue Palmerton, PA 18071 610-826-5144 www.facebook.com/palmertonpub Pocono Brewery Company Lehigh Valley Taproom jean-Luc Vitiello 938 Lehigh Valley Mall in the Lifestyle Center Whitehall, PA 18052 570-839-1500 www.poconobrewery.com Qdoba Mexican Eats Poonam Patel 2417 Schoenersville Road Bethlehem, PA 18017 484-353-6533 www.qdoba.com Ume Asian Cuisine Andy Liu 840 Hamilton Street, Suite 100 Allentown, PA 18101 610-435-9999 www.ume840.com Yummy Bowl John Weng 2544 MacArthur Road Whitehall, PA 18052 610-351-2111 www.yummybowl.us

Retail Sales

Manga Lane Kristin Bond 559 Main Street, Suite 004 Bethlehem, PA 18018 570-884-2121 www.manga-lane.com Smartivities Showcase April Khalil 2845 Center Valley Parkway Suite 802 Center Valley, PA 18034 484-544-3954 www.smartivitiesshowcase.com Taqwa Culture LLC Inaya Singh-Sabuur 7 North 6th Street Stroudsburg, PA 18360 570-216-1170 www.taqwaculture.com Safety & Protective Equipment Distributors

Torco Supply Company, Inc. Tim Robb 800 Interchange Road Lehighton, PA 18235 610-377-9733 www.torcosupply.com Software Consultants & Design

Snyder Technologies LLC Adam Russek 933 Main Street Bethlehem, PA 18018 484-379-6737 www.snyder.tech Veterans Services

Military Resource Group (MRG) Samantha Huhn 101 Larry Holmes Drive, Suite 213 Easton, PA 18042 484-205-9381 www.military-resource-group.com Water Treatments & Related Systems

Aquabiovida Nairovi Herrera 1642 Union Boulevard, Suite M Allentown, PA 18109 347-367-6001 www.aquabiovida.com

CHAMBER SEEN! Chamber staff volunteered around the Valley during United Way of the Greater LV's Day of Caring!

10 | Connections Magazine

ALLENTOWN AREA

Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce | 11

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

The cornerstone of building communities is bringing together people with similar missions for sustainable economics and growth here in the Lehigh Valley. We are excited to announce a series of impactful events this season that you won’t want to miss! Mark your calendars for the 2025 Snow Ball Gala benefiting the Chamber's Main Street Lehigh Valley Foundation, which will take place on Saturday, February 22.

This annual, typically sold-out event is an evening of celebration and giving back, with proceeds supporting the revitalization and growth of our beloved Main Street Foundation, which is improving main streets throughout the region. Join us for a night of elegance, networking, and community spirit as we strengthen the heart of our region.

In addition, save the date for our highly anticipated Spring Lehigh Valley Business Summit on Friday, April 4.

We’re excited to bring you AI Part 2, where experts will delve deeper into the use, opportunities, and challenges

of integrating artificial intelligence into your business operations. So much has changed in just the last six months since our previous Business Summit.

This event, hosted at DeSales University, promises to be a day of learning, innovation, and actionable insights to help your organization thrive in the rapidly evolving digital landscape. Lastly, we are thrilled to recognize the 2025 outstanding organizations in our community with the prestigious Excellence in Business Award on Wednesday, June 11, at the Lehigh Country Club. This award celebrates organizations significantly contributing to improving the Lehigh Valley business landscape through leadership, innovation, dedication, and practice. If you or someone you know are part of those organizations, please consider applying for this well-deserved recognition. We look forward to seeing you at these exciting events! For tickets, sponsorships, and information, please contact Paige Nicolas at paigen@lehighvalleychamber.org.

12 | Connections Magazine

PUBLIC POLICY ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE Tori Morgan, Entech Engineering Energy & Environment Committee Member

What are PFAS? A group of man-made chemicals used since the 1950s in industrial and consumer products due to their water and grease-resistant properties. Their molecules comprise a chain of carbon and fluorine atoms, one of the strongest bonds in existence. The problem is they do not break down over time, giving them the nickname “forever chemicals.” Where are PFAS used?

PFAS are used in non-stick cookware, waterproof clothing and carpeting, firefighting foam, and certain manufacturing processes.

Therefore, they are often found in waste and discharge from industries that make these products, as well as at Department of Defense sites and fire-training facilities.

Why is this all so confusing? The potential negative health impacts and pervasiveness of PFAS in the environment and our bodies have spurred state and federal governments to act quickly. As a result, regulations are rolling out from different organizations at different times. Pennsylvania established drinking water enforceable levels in advance of the Federal regulations, which remain in effect until 2027 or until amended by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. Another complication is that few laboratories can test to the levels required in the regulations. For reference, one drop of water from an entire Olympic-sized swimming pool is equivalent to 20ppt (parts per trillion), and some PFAS limits are even lower than this. As all parties involved in the cycle learn more, solutions are evolving. Finally, social media has some consumers and communities scared, which means there is a lot of misinformation in circulation. What is the impact to the business community? In-

dustrial users need to be aware of evolving regulations. If the publicly owned treatment works (POTW) that services your facility has a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit, you may be subject to new PFAS sampling requirements and required to provide industrial survey information if you are included in the specific industry types. Regarding Industrial PFAS Reporting and Recordkeeping, on October 11, 2023, EPA published the final Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) 8(a)(7) rule: Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements for PFAS. The rule requires any entity that manufactures (including import) or has manufactured (including imported) PFAS or PFAS-containing articles in any year since January 1, 2011, to electronically report information regarding PFAS uses, production volumes, disposal, exposures, and hazards.

Entities who have only processed, distributed in commerce, used, and/or disposed of PFAS are not required to report under this rule, unless they also have manufactured (including imported) PFAS for a commercial purpose. No minimum volume or concentration exemptions; any amount of PFAS known to be manufactured are reportable. In addition, the EPA included PFOA and PFOS under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) as hazardous substances in the final rule earlier this year. Under the CERCLA rule, also known as Superfund, entities are required to immediately report releases of PFOA and PFOS that meet or exceed the reportable quantity of 1 pound within a 24hour period.

TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE Mike Rebert, JMT - Johnson, Mirmiran & Thompson, Inc. Transportation Committee Member

Lehigh Valley Transportation Study Kicks-Off 2025 Transportation Improvement Program The Lehigh Valley Transportation Study (LVTS) plays a crucial role in planning and prioritizing highway and bridge investments for the region. LVTS collaborates with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) to develop the 2025 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) which outlines the region’s strategic approach to enhancing the Lehigh Valley's transportation infrastructure over the next four years and will come online October 1, 2024. The 2025 LVTS TIP will allocate over $325 million in federal, state, and local funding to design and construct almost 100 projects ranging from smaller ‘community projects’ such as, streetscapes and trail improvements to the ‘larger scale’ highway reconstruction and major bridge replacement projects. Key priorities of the 2025 TIP focus on enhancing safety, improving system reliability, promoting multimodal transportation, and addressing infrastructure deficiencies. A major emphasis is placed on upgrading aging infrastructure, with several projects targeting critical repairs and replacements of bridges and highways. The program highlights the region's commitment to reducing congestion and enhancing safety and the flow of goods and people throughout the Lehigh Valley.

Some significant projects, anticipated to start before 2028 and funded in the region’s Transportation Improvement Program, include: · City of Bethlehem — Hill-to-Hill Bridge Rehabilitation, $69.8 million

THE 2024

HEALTHCARE SUMMIT

Friday, December 6 8:00 a.m. - Doors Open 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. - Program

The Aster Event Center 621 Grange Rd, Allentown, PA 18106

Topics include Workforce Development and Legislative Updates!

With any questions please contact Leo Rooney leor@lehighvalleychamber.org

· City of Allentown — State Route 145 safety improvements including ADA compliance, protected left turn bays at signals and two-way left signals throughout · City of Allentown — Jordan Creek Bridge replacement, $10 million · Whitehall Township — Construct new Fifth Street Bridge over State Route 22, $8 million · South Whitehall Township — State Route 309 & Tilghman Interchange reconstruction, reconfiguring bridge re-

placements, coordinated signal system · South Whitehall Township — State Route 309 resurfacing, guiderail upgrades, patching, and movement markings, $12 million · Lower Nazareth Township — State Route 191 Lower Nazareth Intersection signal improvements and congestion mitigation, $3.7 million · Bath Borough — State Route 248 realignment to eliminate zigzag turns throughout the borough and reduce traffic impact, $4.6 million · Bethlehem Township — US Route 22 & State Route 191 Interchange improvements, $38.7 million · Whitehall Township — US Route 22 & Fullerton interchange improvements, $18.8 million · City of Bethlehem — Create the West Bethlehem Rail Trail to act as a trail connection between the cities of Allentown and Bethlehem on 2.6 miles of unused Norfolk Southern rail lines · City of Allentown — Tilghman Street traffic infrastructure and timing upgrades for approximately 22 intersections, $11 million · City of Easton — Roadway traffic calming improvements including bump outs, curb realignment, potential lane reductions along Saint John Street, $17.2 million · City of Easton (PennDOT betterment project) — Traffic calming and pedestrian accommodation improvements along Northampton Street from Seventh Street to Fifteenth Street, and along Thirteenth Street from Butler Street to Jackson Street, $16.4 million · Bath Borough — Turning lanes and signalization at State Route 512 and Mill Street intersection, $18.8 million · Installing variable speed limit technologies on State Route 22 and Interstate 78 for use during congestion or inclement weather, $5 million

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

The Nonprofit and Business Partners Council hosted its fall collaboration breakfast on Tuesday, October 8 at Ben Franklin Technology Partners. It could not have been a better setting for a session focused on “nurturing a growth mindset.”

The attendees were captivated by Elaine Zelker’s presentation on "Zero Limits: Breaking the Boundaries That Hold You Back." Elaine shared her inspiring journey and provided a brief overview of the strategies and advice contained in her book. Her engaging storytelling and practical tips resonated deeply with the audience. Elaine Zelker emphasized the importance of embracing a growth mindset, stating, "The only limits we have are the ones we place on ourselves. By breaking these boundaries, we unlock our true potential and achieve greatness." After the presentation, participants were given prompts for

table discussions, which led to lively and insightful conversations. Almost all attendees had favorite nuggets that they took away from the session, such as “Stop Shoulding,” “I am,” and “Face Fear.” These powerful takeaways sparked meaningful dialogue and reflection among the participants, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose.

The event was a testament to the power of collaboration and the importance of nurturing a growth mindset within our community.

The Nonprofit and Business Partners Council continues to provide valuable opportunities for learning, networking, and professional development, helping to build a vibrant and collaborative community. Stay tuned for our Winter Event focused on organizational growth on January 29, 2025 from 3PM-5PM at the State Theater in Easton.

CHAMBER SEEN!

Photos from Nonprofit Collaboration Breakfast on October 8th at Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern PA

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

The Chamber Foundation is proud to support Parkland Community Library's “A Haven in the Thunderpath” project this year. This transformative initiative created an inviting space on the library's busy front facing Walbert Avenue and serves as a refuge for readers, walkers, and shoppers to relax and immerse themselves in the beauty of nature. By bringing people together and fostering a sense of community, this project enhances the library's surroundings and enriches the lives of local residents. This project is in line with the Parkland Community Library's mission to connect people to each other and the world, serving as a cornerstone of our community by providing access to information, technology, and cultural enrichment for a lifetime of learning and enjoyment. Utilizing the outdoor space will expand the library's offerings and cater to

individuals of all ages. As you can see from the photos, this great outdoor experience was an instant hit!

We hope you will consider supporting this years’ Snow Ball gala. Live and silent auction proceeds will go towards supporting many more projects like this throughout the Greater Lehigh Valley. To date, The Chamber Foundation has invested over $1 million and counting directly back to the community. Save the date – February 22, 2025 at Wind Creek. To donate an item or experience to the auction or to become a sponsor, please contact Lorie at lorier@lehighvalleychamber.org

14 | Connections Magazine

Veteran-Owned Business Guide

November Featured Industry Guide

Connect to Excellence Heading DeSales University

Veterans and Military Services Center Advertising, Marketing & Public Relations SWBR Marketing & Media Ernie T. Stiegler 516 Main Street 3rd Floor Bethlehem, PA 18018 610-739-7264 www.swbrinc.com

Ojeil Law Patrick Ojeil 573 Long Lane Road Walnutport, PA 18088 484-201-9093 www.ojeillaw.com

Attorneys, Judges & Legal Services

R. Peruzzi Consulting, Inc. Robert Peruzzi 719 Fourth Avenue Bethlehem, PA 18018 610-462-3939 www.RPeruzzi.com

Cohen, Feeley, Altemose & Rambo Martin Cohen 2851 Baglyos Circle, Suite 200 Bethlehem, PA 18020 610-625-2100 www.cohenfeeley.com

Zator Law Joseph Zator American Heritage Building 4400 Walbert Avenue Allentown, PA 18104 610-432-1900 www.zatorlaw.com

Armed Forces Wilson FIscher American Legion Post 413 Thomas Crosby 248 Old Route 940 Pocono Lake, PA 18347 570-646-6010 www.post413.com

Automobile Dealers: Used & New Brown-Daub Chevrolet of Nazareth L. Anderson Daub 819 Nazareth Pike Nazareth, PA 18064 610-759-1000 www.browndaubchevy.com

Bakeries & Supplies Naz-O-Nut Adam Colombo 66 East Lawn Road Nazareth, PA 18064

Bowling Hampton Lanes and Hammerhead Lounge Jason Lauchnor 326 Main Street Northampton, PA 18067 610-262-6713 www.hamptonlanesbowling.com

Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce | 15

Veteran-Owned Business Guide Business Consultants, Developers & Incubators Kairos Growth Resources Cherryann Joseph 7825 Furnace Drive Macungie, PA 18062 484-548-0393 www.kairosgrowthresources.com

Cleaning & Janitorial Services, Equipment, Restoration & Bio-Hazard Remediation Advanced Cleaning Solutions LLC Nick Ward 3477 Corporate Parkway Suite 100 Center Valley, PA 18034 610-597-0012 www.advancedsolutionspa.com CWM Commercial Cleaning LLC Carl Martens Bethlehem, PA 18017 610-730-8452 www.cwmcommercialcleaning.com

Coaching Bruck Family Enterprises Chad Bruckner Breinigsville, PA 18031 267-225-0552 www.motivate-change.com

Computer Sales, Services & Security Sizement, Inc. Mark Carter 1114 Texas Palmyra Highway 169 Honesdale, PA 18431 272-336-0822

November Featured Industry Guide

Weather Trends International William Kirk 1 West Broad Street, Suite 802 Bethlehem, PA 18018 610-807-0118 www.wt360.com

Cosmetology D'signed Beauty Bar Kristin ByersRobinson 13 South 7th Street Stroudsburg, PA 18360 570-972-6383

Heading

Construction Management & General Contractors

Jerdon Construction Services LLC Ron Jerdon 5925 Tilghman Street, Suite 1100 Allentown, PA 18104 610-530-2430 www.jerdoncs.com The Construct Group Jeremy Huhn 101 Larry Holmes Drive Suite 213 Easton, PA 18042 610-438-0761 www.theconstructgroup.com

Consulting Services & Training Dellicker Strategies Kevin Dellicker 8766 Bittners Court Germansville, PA 18053 484-788-1221 www.dellicker.com

Robert Peruzzi, PhD, PE, DFE Electronics Consultant, Expert Witness

+1 610 462 3939 Peruzzi@RPeruzzi.com www.RPeruzzi.com R. Peruzzi, Inc. 719 Fourth Avenue Bethlehem, PA 18018

Digital Marketing Services Warriors Brand LLC Jonathan Silva 3623 Bridge Street Stroudsburg, PA 18360 570-470-7742

Distilleries Eight Oaks Farm Distillery Chad Butters 7189 Route 309 New Tripoli, PA 18066 484-387-5287 www.eightoaksdistillery.com

Educational Institutions, Organizations & Tutoring Services DeSales University Wendy Badman 2755 Station Avenue Center Valley, PA 18034 610-282-1100 ext.2075 www.desales.edu Kutztown University Dr. Kenneth Hawkinson 15200 Kutztown Road Kutztown, PA 19530 610-683-4000 www.kutztown.edu

Electricians, Equipment & Supplies Albarell Electric, Inc. Curt Hoyak 901 West Lehigh Street P.O. Box 799 Bethlehem, PA 18016 610-691-8606 www.albarell.com BEI Electrical Bryan Lieberman 1035 Bushkill Center Road Nazareth, PA 18064 610-437-4763 www.beielectrical.com

Employment Services, Screening & Staffing Express Employment Professionals - Allentown Tom Rooney 795 Roble Road, Suite C Allentown, PA 18109 610-264-4080 www.expresspros/allentownpa Express Employment Professionals - East Stroudsburg Terry Lukas 613 Blakeslee Boulevard (Grant Professional Plaza) Suite 204, 2nd Floor Lehighton, PA 18235 570-424-1800 www.expresspros.com

Financial Services Blue Water Financial, LLC Jason LaVigne 400 South Greenwood Avenue Easton, PA 18045 610-438-0988 www.bluewaterfinancialllc.com First Financial Group David Toribio Allentown, PA 18103 570-775-5036 www.ffgadvisors.com

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Veteran-Owned Business Guide DELIVERING EXCEPTIONAL

LOGISTICS SERVICES

November Featured Industry Guide

Fuel Dealers, Gas Fireplaces & Distributors

Industrial Equipment & Supplies

Hazleton Oil & Environmental, Inc Gina Stitch 300 Tamaqua Street Hazleton, PA 18201 570-929-1793 www.hazletonoil.com

Swagelok Allentown Rex Schultz 4245 Independence Drive Schnecksville, PA 18078 610-799-9001 www.allentown.swagelok.com

TruBlue of Easton John Brethour 419 Main Street Freemansburg, PA 18017 484-207-0060 www.trublueally.com/easton

Home Care- Non Medical

Computer Management & Marketing Associates, Inc. Colburn Kent 107 North Commerce Way Suite 100-A Bethlehem, PA 18017 610-837-8262 www.cmma.com

Home Instead Northampton Jean Fortner 2508 Schoenersville Road Bethlehem, PA 18017 610-868-7333 www.homeinstead.com

Yocum Technology Group Tim Yocum 5531 Kurt Drive Allentown, PA 18104 610-217-7948 www.ytg.io

Human Resource Services & Organizations

Inspection Services

Information Services Heading Technology & Cyber Security Handyman & Repair Services

CALL US TODAY! 800-637-8001 SHIPWESTGATE.COM Founded by a Veteran

Morton Brown Family Wealth Dennis Morton 600 West Hamilton Street Suite 300 Allentown, PA 18101 610-709-5072 www.mortonbrownfw.com

Fire Protection Kistler O'Brien Fire Protection Scott Guzzo 2210 City Line Road Bethlehem, PA 18017 610-266-7100 www.kobfire.com Veterans Fire Protection Brian Petresky 228 8th Avenue Bethlehem, PA 18018 484-635-4661 www.veteransfire.com

Foundations Folds of Honor E. PA-NJ Chapter Elizabeth Simmons P. O. Box 276 Center Valley, PA 18034 610-442-5718 www.easternpanj.foldsofhonor.org K9 Kop Project Vickie Richards 726 Williams Avenue Walnutport, PA 18088 484-661-1666 www.k9kopproject.org Valor Clinic Foundation Mark Baylis 1130 Scenic Drive Kunkletown, PA 18058 914-500-9946 www.valorclinic.org

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

Hydraulic Equipment Sales, Services & Training Applied Motion Technologies Inc. Jim Trinkle 625 Linden Street Bethlehem, PA 18018 610-625-0330 www.amthydraulics.com

A.D. Home Inspections LLC Ammon Hontz P.O. Box 4064 Jim Thorpe, PA 18229 570-401-2736 www.adhomeinspections.com

Insurance Mike Peterson State Farm Agent Michael Peterson 912 Main Street, Suite 103 Stroudsburg, PA 18360 570-421-8544 www.mystroudagent.com New York Life Brian Duben 249 Treetop Terrace Stroudsburg, PA 18360 570-350-0291

Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce | 17

Veteran-Owned Business Guide Lehigh Valley’s Top-rated Podiatric Physicians DR. RAYMOND FRITZ, JR.

November Featured Industry Guide

The Miller Financial Group Warren Miller 6400 Pinecrest Lane Macungie, PA 18062 215-646-0550 www.miapro.com

Investment Services Janney Montgomery Scott Eric Angle 81 Highland Avenue, Suite 100 Bethlehem, PA 18017 610-865-9550 www.janney.com

Heading

28 years of military service, including active-duty Seal Corpsman, assigned to Seal Team One. Served as Podiatric Physician at the National Naval Medical Center.

Logistics

Dr. Lora Baker

Dr. Ann Anderson

Dr. Kevin Short

Westgate Global Logistics Mark Fiorini 2299 Brodhead Road, Suite M Bethlehem, PA 18020 610-866-8001 www.shipwestgate.com

Manufacturing Services

Dr. Ashley Quinlan

Dr. Daniel Fritz

Dr. Delaney Wickramage

Our 3 Lehigh Valley Offices are

Just a Few Feet Away! . Allentown – 2414 Walbert Ave. . Walnutport – 215 N. Best Ave. . Allentown East / Bethlehem West – 2100 Hanover Ave.

Call or Scan the QR code to Request Your Appointment Now!

610-434-7000 Veteran Owned and Operated Learn and Grow with Team AFFC! We are recruiting highly motivated individuals with a PATIENT-CENTERED focus.

American Architectural Metal Manufacturers, Inc. 575 Business Park Lane Allentown, PA 18109 610-432-9787 www.americanarch.com

Marketing Consulting Services Custom Information Services Art Villafane 725 Frank Drive Emmaus, PA 18049 610-400-9322 www.ciserve.com

Massage Services Clear Mountain Wellness Kate Jendral 103 North 7th Street, Suite 103 Stroudsburg, PA 18360 570-726-1770 www.clearmountainwellness.com

Museum Women Veterans Museum Claudette Williams 29 Sterling Road, Suite 3 Mount Pocono, PA 18344 570-269-7669

Office Space & Virtual Venture X Terry Wallace 306 South New Street Bethlehem, PA 18015 610-905-6218 www.venturex.com

ELIR Electrical Controls LLC William Fegely Office Supplies, Equipment, Furniture 3168 Wentling Schoolhouse Road East Greenville, PA 18041 Fraser Advanced 410-980-4104 www.elirelectricalcontrols.com Information Systems Heather Trone 1320 Hausman Road, Suite 302 Structural Metal Allentown, PA 18104 Fabricators, Inc 610-231-9577 Guy Seifert www.fraser-ais.com 1226 Little Gap Road Palmerton, PA 18071 Packaging, Shipping & 610-824-7000 Products www.smftruck.com Lindenmeyr Munroe Greg Stoudt 200 Cascade Drive, Suite A Allentown, PA 18109 610-264-0551 www.lindenmeyrmunroe.com

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Veteran-Owned Business Guide

November Featured Industry Guide

Heading

Official Printer of

Penn State Paper & Box Co. Ercole Spinosa 323 Sumner Avenue Allentown, PA 18102 610-433-7468 www.pennstatepaper.com

Plumbing Delmont Utilities Al Conan P. O. Box 374 Newtown Square, PA 19073 610-356-8977

Podiatrist & Foot Care Allentown Family Foot Care Ray Fritz 2414 Walbert Avenue Allentown, PA 18104 610-434-7000 www.affc.com

Printing, Copying, Publishing - Equipment and Services

Real Estate Agents, Brokers and Other Services

Bright Communications Jennifer Bright 217 Kichline Avenue Hellertown, PA 18055 610-216-0913 www.brightcommunications.net

Castle Gate Realty Aggie Shoenberger 238 North First Street Lehighton, PA 18235 610-379-FLAG www.come2thecastle.com

L.E. Williams Printing, LLC Michael Williams 619 3rd Avenue Bethlehem , PA 18018 610-703-8547

JDog Junk Removal & Hauling Jim Andrews 2021 Hopewell Road Bethlehem, PA 18017 610-297-0070 www.jdogjunkremovalrdsc.com

Nacci Printing, Inc. Frank Nacci 1327 North 18th Street Allentown, PA 18104 610-434-1224 www.nacciprinting.com

Main St. Real Estate Group Lucy Lennon 525 Main Street Bethlehem, PA 18018 610-365-1362 www.mainstbethlehem.com

Retail Sales Le Femme Boutique Karen Buck 328 Main Street Emmaus, PA 18049 610-844-4493 www.lefemmeboutique.com Raw Pearlz Robbie Matthews 412 Chestnut Street Emmaus, PA 18049 267-728-0700 www.rawpearlz.com Taqwa Culture LLC Inaya Singh-Sabuur 7 North 6th Street Stroudsburg, PA 18360 570-216-1170 www.taqwaculture.com

Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce | 19

Veteran-Owned Business Guide

3!

Se

ehigh Valley sin L e ce th g 19 n i v 7 r

November Featured Industry Guide

BOOTS Jeremy Huhn 101 Larry Holmes Drive Suite 213 Easton, PA 18042 Camp Freedom Matt Guedes 284 Number 7 Road Carbondale, PA 18407 570-536-6000

Heading Sanico

Garbage & Recycling Collection Services for Your Home and Business

Residential • Commercial • Rolloff Service

Call Sanico today for all your commercial waste and recycling needs!

908-475-3300 X103 les@sanicoinc.com Twistic Mystic Misty Bolanos 465 Pensyl Creek Road Stroudsburg, PA 18360 570-442-5759

Security Guard and Patrol Services Alpine Security Guard Services Elijah Eigene 750 South Hall Street Allentown, PA 18103 610-333-7586 Personal Security Solutions Jeffrey Aster 4563 Barbara Lane Walnutport, PA 18088 610-849-3978 www.getoffthe-x.com

Social Services Victory House of Lehigh Valley Tom Carson 314 Fillmore Street P.O. Box 5458 Bethlehem, PA 18015 610-691-3373 www.victoryhouselv.org

Veterans Services BattleBorne Christopher Yarnell P.O. Box 366 Center Valley, PA 18034 484-265-1262 www.wearebattleborne.com

Military Resource Group (MRG) Samantha Huhn 101 Larry Holmes Drive Suite 217 Easton, PA 18042 484-205-9381 www.military-resource-group.com Veterans Brotherhood John Kukitz 5764 Nina Circle Coopersburg, PA 18036 267-424-4162 www.veteransbrotherhood.vet Women Veterans Empowered & Thriving Jenny Pacanowski 1636 North Cedar Crest Boulevard, #179 Allentown, PA 18104 www.womenveteransempowered.org

Veterinarians, Animal Wellness & Rehabilitation Alpha Animal Rehabilitation and Fitness Anthony Schena 316 3rd Avenue Alpha, NJ 08865 908-454-2273 www.alpharehabandfitness. com

Waste, Recycling & Hauling Sanico, Inc. Sonya Koehler 5 Hutchinson Station Road Phillipsburg , NJ 08865 908-475-3300 www.sanicoinc.com

Wedding, Event Planners, and Officiants The Barn at Walnut Grove Donna Laudadio 813 Old Route 22 Lenhartsville, PA 19534 610-721-6710 www.walnutgrovebarn.com

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Maximize Your Impact!

Explore Our New Media Kit for Packages Tailored for Your Business’s Marketing Needs!

SCAN TO LEARN MORE!

Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce | 21

BETHLEHEM AREA

22 | Connections Magazine

EASTON AREA

Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce | 23

PHILLIPSBURG AREA

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DIVERSITY COUNCILS

TO WORKPLACE INTRO LGBTQ+

PRIDE

EMPLOYEE RESOURCE GROUPS!

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13TH 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. | Civic Theatre of Allentown

Join us for the YPC’s premier event of the year! Our Leadership Summit has something for everyone, whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out!

Friday, February 21, 2025

7:30 AM - 12 PM | DeSales University

Member: $59 Future Member: $109

For Sponsorship Opportunities: sabrinao@lehighvalleychamber.org

Join us as we talk about the challenges that the LGBTQ community can face in the workplace and how Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) can help build a more inclusive environment!

Moderated by: Dr. Ashleigh Strange, PA Governor’s Office Panelists: Tori Courtney of Air Products and Deanna Raub of Olympus Corporation of the Americas

ADMISSION: $25

For Sponsorship Opportunities: sabrinao@lehighvalleychamber.org

MEET & GREET! November 21 | 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM

Skeggy’s Axe House | 42 Centre Square, Easton, PA 18042

Throw, Play & Network!

Join the Young Professionals Council & Easton Area Chamber of Commerce to experience a fun-filled night & network at Skeggy’s Axe House!

ADMISSION IS FREE! Don’t forget to wear your favorite flannel! *Axe Throwing Not Included - to participate in axe throwing, book via skeggys.com!

TRUSTED HEALTH CARE PARTNER

SCAN THE QR CODE TO REGISTER OR RSVP TO HANNAHS@LEHIGHVALLEYCHAMBER.ORG

FREE Admission! | Info: sabrinao@lehighvalleychamber.org

Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce | 25

Annual Awards

DIVERSITY COUNCILS

GALA

Saturday, November 23, 2024 6:00 p.m. - Cocktail hour 7:00 p.m. - Program followed by music and dancing

Aster Event Center 621 Grange Road, Allentown, PA 18106

Tickets $150 for one | $275 for two

PREMIER SPONSOR

NETWORKING WITH RESPECT

CHAMBER SEEN!

Photos from Her Path to Public Service Event on October 2nd and Economic Empowerment Series Event on September 23rd

Fostering Meaningful Dialogue Happening this December!

Stay tuned for more information on this lunch and learn!

ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT Series ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT Series

RSVP to sabrinao@lehighvalleychamber.org

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DIVERSITY COUNCILS

CHAMBER SEEN!

Photos from the Veterans & Military Council Meeting on October 17 at the Bethlehem Majestic Center

Friday, December 13, 2024

Admission: $30

11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Lehigh Valley Public Media PBS39 Community Room 839 Sesame Street Bethlehem, PA 18015

Scan the QR code or RSVP to hannahs@lehighvalleychamber.org

anniversary

Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce | 27

AFFILIATED CHAMBERS

from Farewell to Summer Fest on September 21

CHAMBER SEEN! Photos at the Emmaus Triangle Park

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GREATER NORTHERN LEHIGH & WESTERN LEHIGH CHAMBERS

Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce | 29

EAST PENN CHAMBER & EMMAUS MAIN STREET PARTNERS

CHAMBER SEEN!

Photos from Falling for Flavors Tasting Event on October 2nd at Members 1st Federal Credit Union - Trexlertown

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SOUTHERN LEHIGH & WHITEHALL AREA CHAMBERS

CHAMBER SEEN! Photos from Oktoberfest Networking Event on October 10th at Link Beverages

Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce | 31

HELLERTOWN-LOWER SAUCON CHAMBER

CHAMBER SEEN!

Photos from Taste of Hellertown Trail on October 13th

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NAZARETH AREA & GREATER NORTHAMPTON AREA CHAMBERS

Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce | 33

CARBON & POCONO CHAMBERS CARBON CHAMBER

Patrick Reilly, Mauch Chunk Trust Company Chair, Carbon Chamber

The leaves aren’t the only things changing this fall in Carbon County. With the retirement of Executive Director Kathy Henderson in August, CCEDC, has transitioned to a new leadership team comprised of Kylie Adams-Weiss, Senior Vice President of the CCEDC and Jessica O’Donnell-Gower, Executive Vice President of the Northern Tier for the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce. Both ladies, familiar faces in the Lehigh Valley, are embracing their new roles with CCEDC with positive energy and professionalism. One obvious improvement has been an updated communication strategy with an expanded digital presence including an overhaul of our social media platforms, as well as updating our digital communication and eblasts, to ensure regular communication with our members and community about upcoming events, member benefits and programming, and regular press updates from throughout the County. This initiative has resulted in an enhanced presence for CCEDC within the county, an immediate improvement in member experience and have tremendous positive feedback. Also, under the leadership of our new team, our Third Quarter was filled with successful events, bringing opportunities for connection, education

and growth to our members and our communities. On August 8th, we hosted the 2024 Carbon Chamber Membership Appreciation Picnic with over 50 people in attendance and on September 9th, we hosted the 18th Annual Sturm Cup Golf Tournament at Jack Frost National Golf Club in Kidder Township with over 100 golfers participating. Additionally, on September 17th, CCEDC was proud to partner with the Mauch Chunk Trust Company to present the 2025 Economic Outlook, an informative and educational morning featuring Dr. Edmond J. Seifried of Seifried & Brew, hosted at the Hofford Mill in Weissport. On October 3rd, we hosted over 80 folks at Blue Mountain Resort for the 2024 State of the County, featuring five speakers covering topics from tourism to transportation, plus key updates from the County and the CCEDC. Finally, plans are well under way for CCEDC’s 2024 Annual Awards Gala being held here at Blue Mountain Resort on Friday, November 15, 2024. This year’s theme is Fiesta, and we are looking forward to a festive evening and a tremendous turnout. There are great things happening in Carbon County and we would be delighted to see you become a part of the excitement too!

Women in Business: Cocktail & Awards Reception

November 12, 2024 | 5:30PM - 7:30PM Terraview at Stroudsmoor Country Inn 257 Stroudsmoor Rd. Stroudsburg, PA 18360 $45 for Members | $65 for Future Members

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Cutting Costs, Not Care: The Financial Benefits of Medical-Pharmacy Integration When it comes to containing health- paperwork. Members also have the care costs, employers face a number ease of using a single ID card for both of challenges – and prescription medical and drug coverage. drug management is at the root of several of them. For starters, nearly · More meaningful insights – half of Americans routinely take a Data drives smart business decisions, prescription medication and a quar- and integrating coverage allows you ter of Americans are on three or to more easily see how much, how more prescribed drugs, according often, and why certain drugs are to the Centers for Disease Control prescribed. This helps you manage and Prevention (CDC). While these rising costs and better care for your medications are beneficial for health, employees. they take a financial toll on employees and employers alike: Nationwide · Better care for your employees spending on retail prescription drugs – Integration means Capital and dochas steadily increased for decades, tors can access real-time information reaching $406 billion in 2022, ac- about a member’s pharmacy benefit cording to the CDC. Ironically, when to consider available drug options people don’t take their medications, and compare out-of-pocket drug the cost impact can be nearly as bur- costs before writing a prescription. densome, causing the need for more, often unavoidable care – up to $300 Together with our pharmacy benefit billion worth, according to the Amer- manager, Capital Blue Cross goes the extra mile when you combine mediican College of Preventive Medicine.

While employers have little control cal and prescription drug coverage, over the rising costs of medications, offering additional tools and resourcthey can adopt cost-effective strate- es to help control costs and improve gies to help ensure their employees health outcomes. We offer a free are getting the right medications at service for members that helps a more affordable cost and get the close gaps in care and reduces support they need to best manage the risk of members forgetting chronic health conditions. Your to take their medications, leading to improved outcomes and lower health insurer might be able to help.

Capital Blue Cross is helping its em- total cost of care. Another service ployer groups collectively save mil- uses data to manage members’ medlions of dollars annually with a sim- ications and address the most viable ple solution: integrate prescription therapeutic opportunities, helping drug coverage and medical coverage to drive cost savings for employers, into the same plan. The results? Hav- while ensuring members receive the ing medical and drug coverage in one most effective medications. In addiplan provides clear, actionable data tion, Capital gives employers access employers can use to help keep their to our interactive data dashemployees healthy, save money, and board, which captures pharmacy and medical data that can identify provide a more efficient experience. cost-saving opportunities over time.

Capital’s integration strategies have: Integrating your medical and drug · Helped self-funded employers save coverage into one plan is good for an average of nearly $440 per mem- your employees and your business. It helps you control costs while imber per year. proving the health outcomes of · Lowered emergency room visits by your employees. If your benefits consultant has asked you to consider 15%. separating your prescription drug · Reduced urgent care visits and in- and medical coverage, ask them why and encourage them to review our patient visits by 9%.

In addition to the cost savings and study. (For more health and wellimproved health outcomes, integrat- ness news and information that can ing medical and drug coverages can benefit your business and employees, visit thinkcapitalbluecross.com.) give your business: · Greater administrative efficiency – When your employees have a single system for enrolling in both types of coverage, it saves time and

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Member News Kuhnsville Car Wash, the Lehigh Valley's finest car wash, is celebrating 36 years of business in October. Their car wash facilities provide state-of-the-art equipment for all your vehicle cleaning needs. Kuhnsville features four distinct wash packages, a popular interior cleaning, self-service bays with vacuum and shampoo stations. Quality service has been standard since opening in 1988. The Employees Make the Difference!

Cold Nose Lodge is donating four sets of pet oxygen masks to the Macungie Ambulance Corps on Monday, September 30, 2024 at 1:30pm.Oxygen masks used in August 2024 by the Lower Macungie Fire Department to treat cats at the scene of a fire in Alburtis had been donated by Cold Nose Lodge. After learning about the donation, Jack D’Andrea, Safety Coordinator for Macungie Ambulance Corps, reached out to Cold Nose Lodge owner, Rayne Reitnauer, to inquire about providing masks for the ambulances, too.

Cold Nose Lodge reached out to clients through social media and signage in the store. They matched client contributions towards the mask purchases, which allowed them to order four sets of masks.

Northampton Community College (NCC) has received a $5,500 grant from the PPL Foundation to complete essential tasks for a Hispanic Roots of Bethlehem project. This diversity-focused initiative aims to highlight the rich history and contributions of Hispanic leaders who have shaped Bethlehem since 1923. Toni Fernandez, Manager of Community Outreach at NCC, is serving as Project Manager and is spearheading the development of a comprehensive timeline that will organize photos, oral histories, and texts to showcase the lasting impact of 25 influential Hispanic figures on the region's social, cultural, and economic landscape.

Morningstar Living is proud to announce that Newsweek has recognized Moravian Hall Square's Health & Wellness Center as one of America's Best Nursing Homes 2025. This is the first year Newsweek has included nursing homes with 50-99 beds in their ranking. Moravian Hall Square's Health & Wellness Center is ranked number 1 in Pennsylvania in this category. The Health & Wellness Center at Moravian Hall Square is a licensed nursing home in Nazareth, PA, providing short-term and long-term stays.

Feinberg Real Estate Advisors, LLC announced today that it represented the tenant, Pilates Studio 2 US LLC, ­­­­­on the lease of its 1,753 square foot retail building located at 1500 N Cedar Crest Boulevard, Allentown, Lehigh County, Pennsylvania. The property is a great central location within Allentown that will provide access to a world-renowned Club Pilates Studio.

The KingSpry law firm in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania proudly congratulates attorney Shorav Kaushik who has joined the board of directors of the National Museum of Industrial History (NMIH). Mr. Kaushik focuses his practice in litigation and education law. He has built a career managing clients’ exposure in tort claims and defending educational institutions. He has handled Federal and State industrial actions and advised on all aspects of risk management. He earned his Juris Doctor from Brooklyn Law School and graduated from Boston University with a B.A. in Political Science and International Relations.

Trans-Bridge Lines is humbled by the overwhelming support and generous donations made by individuals, businesses, and Lehigh Valley communities in response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene. Trans-Bridge Lines held a donation drive on Thursday, October 3 and Friday, October 4; delivering a bus load of items to Newport, Tennessee, on Saturday, October 5.

A-Treat®, an iconic soda brand with over 104 years of tradition, is thrilled to announce the launch of a new all-natural, zero-calorie pink lemonade seltzer. This marks the company's first expansion into "better for you" beverages, delivering a refreshing option without sacrificing flavor. A-Treat® introduced its new Pink Lemonade Seltzer, coinciding with the 32nd annual Women's 5K Classic on October 5th. This initial version of the Pink Lemonade flavor features the 5K Classic and will be available for a limited time, with 20% of sales proceeds benefiting the Women's 5K Classic, a local nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting women's health and fitness and raising awareness for breast cancer and other women's health issues.

Green Pond Packaging is proud to announce that we are now certified as a Women's Business Enterprise (WBE) through the Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), the nation's leading third-party certifier of businesses owned and operated by women. By including women-owned businesses among their suppliers, corporations and government agencies demonstrate their commitment to fostering diversity and the continued development of their supplier diversity programs, which in turn empowers women as leaders and brings about a more diverse, balanced and sustainable economy. At Green Pond Packaging, it is our mission to help reduce the negative environmental impact of disposable restaurant packaging by offering plant-based, plastic-free packaging and dinnerware alternatives for restaurants, homes and businesses.

The Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Arts (Charter Arts) recently earned #1 Best Charter School in PA and #1 Best Public High School Teachers in PA on Niche's 2025 Best Schools in America Rankings. The school was also one of only four Lehigh Valley schools to earn a spot on U.S. News &

World Report's Top 100 Public High Schools in PA. Charter Arts, opened in 2003, is an award-winning audition-based public charter school that provides a comprehensive curriculum for high school students, grades 9-12, who have a dedicated passion for the creative and performing arts. The school is located in the heart of Bethlehen's Southside Arts District. Information: CharterArts.org.

Costume lovers, prepare for a spooktacular night of fun and festivities! McKinney Media is thrilled to announce THE HALLOWEEN PHOTOPARTY, set to take place on Saturday, November 2, 2024, from 6 PM to 10 PM at 301 Broadway, Bethlehem, PA 18015. This event promises an unforgettable Halloween celebration packed with live music, a costume contest, and a lineup of fantastic local vendors.

Comcast Business recently released its 2024 Cybersecurity Threat Report, a valuable resource for IT and security professionals, based on the analysis of 29 billion cybersecurity events detected by Comcast Business across its security customers in 2023. The report highlights significant changes in the cybersecurity landscape, driven by sophisticated threat actors, an expanding attack surface and the transformative power of AI. The National Scenic Visitors Center (NSVC) announced that Dr. Anita Erdős Forrester of Northampton Community College has accepted its invitation to the Board of Directors. William Erdman, PE, past President of Keystone Consulting Engineers, Dr. Mahmoud Elhussini, University Professor and President at The Growth Coach Allentown-Somerville, Alan Berndt, Digital Account Executive at Hibu, and Dr. Jennifer Swann of Lehigh University have accepted appointments to its Advisory Council. Melissa Draving of Here for You Concierge was elected Board Secretary.

Vance Martin was recently named president of Performance Construction Company, a Quandel Enterprises, LLC company. As president, Martin is responsible for overseeing the firm’s operations and developing its corporate strategy. He will work closely with the Quandel Enterprises, LLC executive team and board of directors to innovate, implement, and strengthen our initiatives in response to the ever-changing landscape of the construction industry.

Todd Ward will join Sordoni Construction Services, Inc. as President on October 21, 2024. Todd worked for 2 years at Hitt Contracting and spent the last 24+ years with Hess Construction, a family-owned commercial contractor located in the Baltimore Washington Metropolitan Region. He began his career at Hess as a project engineer where he quickly demonstrated his technical expertise and leadership skills.

Over the years, he took on increasing levels of responsibility, ultimately earning the position of Senior Vice President of Operations. His journey reflects his dedication, strong work ethic, and deep understanding of the construction industry.

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 | 37

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