GREATER LEHIGH VALLEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
NOVEMBER 2026
The Lehigh Valley Ruck ‘N Walk is on Saturday, November 14 to honor our veterans and military community! (See PG. 24 for more information)
FEATURED INDUSTRY GUIDE: VETERAN-OWNED BUSINESSES (PG. 14)
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Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce | 1
CHAMBER STAFF DIRECTORY President & CEO Tony Iannelli.................................610-739-1513 President & CEO tonyi@lehighvalleychamber.org Assistant to the President, Chamber Foundation, Nonprofit & Business Partners Council & HR 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 COO, EVP, Member Relations frankf@lehighvalleychamber.org Gina Martens................................610-739-1511 SVP, Member Relations ginam@lehighvalleychamber.org Paige Nicholas ...........................610-737-0565 VP, Member Relations & Development paigen@lehighvalleychamber.org Ellie Andino...................................610-739-1000 Director, Communications & Design elliea@lehighvalleychamber.org Abby Hudock...............................610-349-8226 Manager, Major Events abbyh@lehighvalleychamber.org Abby Regensburger..................610-349-9776 Manager, Digital Communication & Member Engagement abbyr@lehighvalleychamber.org Public Policy/External Affairs & Business Matters Denise Maiatico..........................610-730-4002 VP, Public Policy & External Affairs denisem@lehighvalleychamber.org Isabelle Jabbour..........................610-810-6412 Manager, Government & External Affairs isabellej@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 EVP, Chambers of Commerce jessicao@lehighvalleychamber.org Hayden Rinde ............................484-828-9777 AVP, Affiliated Chambers (EMSP, EPCC, SLCC, WACC & WLCC) haydenr@lehighvalleychamber.org Chloe Krempasky .....................610-739-1273 Manager, Affiliated Chambers (EMSP, EPCC, SLCC, WACC & WLCC) chloek@lehighvalleychamber.org Emily Sewilo..................................484-834-7868 Manager, Affiliated Chambers (GNLCC & NACC) emilys@lehighvalleychamber.org Lindsey Dedics.............................484-264-6630 Manager, Affiliated Chambers (HLSC & GNACC) lindseyd@lehighvalleychamber.org Northern Tier (Carbon County and Pocono Area) Kylie Adams-Weiss ..................484-548-4090 SVP, Carbon Chamber & Economic Development kyliea@lehighvalleychamber.org Kristen Schaible ........................484-274-2080 Membership & Events Manager, Carbon Chamber & Economic Development Kschaible@carboncountychamber.org Maura Walker...........................484-943-9669 Program Coordinator, Carbon Chamber & Economic Development mwalker@carboncountychamber.org Sarah Wallace...............................484-547-8551 Director, Pocono Chamber sarahw@lehighvalleychamber.org Sierra LeFurgy..............................610-295-9047 Assistant Manager, Pocono Chamber sierral@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 EVP, Diversity Councils daniellej@lehighvalleychamber.org Brittany Keal.................................610-295-9824 VP, 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
Accounting & Billing Department Dawn Werkheiser.......................610-751-4980 CFO dawnw@lehighvalleychamber.org Tina Marte.....................................610-739-5422 VP, Finance & Quality Processes tinam@lehighvalleychamber.org Rose Caras.....................................610-739-1612 Manager, Finance & Database rosec@lehighvalleychamber.org
CHAMBER BOARD OF GOVERNORS Laurie Hackett Chair, The Chamber
November is a month that naturally makes us think about gratitude. With Thanksgiving coming very soon, we find ourselves thinking about the people and opportunities for which we're thankful. And with Veterans Day also falling in November, we're also reminded of the extraordinary men and women who have served our country. So, although gratitude is certainly something we feel, it is also something that we can do through our volunteerism with The Chamber! The cover of this month’s Connections magazine promotes the annual Ruck ‘n Walk. This very special event brings people together to raise support and awareness for veterans’ services and also reminds us that thanking someone for their service is just the beginning of how we can show our appreciation. My son is a Captain in the U.S. Army, and I have learned much about the idea of a ruck and the meaning behind it. Participants carry weight as they walk, and there’s a wonderful symbolism in that as well. During a ruck, people often come together to “shoulder” a little extra weight in support of others, and that is just what our Lehigh Valley Chamber community does!
We show up for one another and lend a hand or volunteer when someone needs it. We share our time and our trust with others. Sometimes it is a major commitment and sometimes it just a very small gesture, but it comes along at just the right time and means the world to others. We are lucky to see examples of this throughout the Lehigh Valley every day. Businesses offer great support to nonprofits, and volunteers enthusiastically donate their time to many charitable causes and organizations. The Chamber is filled with people who genuinely care about the community. Our councils, committees and members demonstrate that commitment in so many ways, and the Veterans and Military Affairs Council is a terrific example. As we recognize our veterans this month, let's remember that our gratitude shouldn't be limited to just one day or one note of thanks. We can express it by supporting organizations that serve veterans, helping veterans find opportunities in our Lehigh Valley workplaces, listening to their experiences and making sure they know they're valued members of our community.
Monday nights at 7:30! ONLY ON
Chambers of Commerce Allentown Area Chamber & Downtown Allentown Business Alliance Brittney Ciardi ............................484-828-9765 SVP, Allentown Initiatives brittneyc@lehighvalleychamber.org Emily Brosky ...............................484-226-6323 Manager, Allentown Initiatives emilyb@lehighvalleychamber.org Bethlehem Chamber & Downtown Bethlehem Association Tammy Wendling.......................610-739-1775 SVP, Bethlehem Initiatives tammyw@lehighvalleychamber.org Ty Versocki....................................610-739-3385 AVP, Bethlehem Initiatives tyv@lehighvalleychamber.org Saige Sufrin...................................610-810-7841 Manager, Downtown Bethlehem Initiatives saiges@lehighvalleychamber.org Easton Area & Warren County, Caitlin Hamlin-Myers...............610-739-1520 AVP, Affiliated Chambers caitlinh@lehighvalleychamber.org
Board of Governors Executive Committee Chair, Laurie Hackett Tony Iannelli, The Chamber, President & CEO Vice Chair, Bret Ludlow, Liquid Treasurer, Donna LoStocco, First Commonwealth FCU Secretary, Marilyn Kelly-Cavotta, PA Department of Military and Veterans Affairs Counsel, Buddy Lesavoy, Lesavoy Butz & Seitz LLC Imm. Past Chair, Tom Groves, Equinox Paul Anthony, IBEW 375 Krista Berardelli, Agentis Plumbing Marta Boulos JeBran, Crayola Michael Butz, Alvin H. Butz, Inc. Raul Echevarria, T-Mobile for Business Lou Fromm, Fromm John Hayes, New Tripoli Bank Kristin Keenan, Keenan-Nagle Advertising Andrew Lawler, Barry Isett & Associates Mary Lisicky, Morgan Stanley Sarah Finney-Miller, NAI Summit Tom Stoudt, LV International Airport
Catch up on previous episodes!
Designer/Editor/Layout/Sales: Ellie Andino, Communications Director, The Chamber • Articles: Chambers, Councils, Staff & Various Contributors • Printer: TN Printing
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MARK MARK YOUR YOUR CALENDARS! CALENDARS!
Wednesday , November 4
12-5pm - Red & Green Holiday Cocktail Trails
9:30am-1pm - Chamber Annual Celebration
Monday, November 16
Thursday, November 5
5-7pm - Hops & Handshakes: Chamber After Hours at Nazareth Brew Co. Friday, November 6
7:30-9am - Bethlehem Budget Address - Mayor J. William Reynolds (Free Event) Tuesday, November 10
11am-12:30pm - Veterans Day Recognition Ceremony 11:30am-1pm - Understanding Pennsylvania's Business Growth Strategy with Business PA Thursday, November 12
10-11:45am - Healthcare Webinar Series: Workplace Wellness: Limiting Stress and Boosting Productivity (Free Event) 11:30am-1pm - Beyond the Straw: Inside Fuling Plastics 5-7pm - Room & Ward Vintage Friendsgiving Mixer (Free Event) Friday, November 13
5:30-8:30pm - "A Night in Tuscany": The 2026 Carbon Chamber Annual Awards Gala Saturday, November 14
8-11am - Lehigh Valley Ruck 'N Walk presented by the Veterans & Military Council 11am-4pm - Downtown Allentown Marketplace (Free Event)
4-6pm - Wellness Matters: A Community Series (Part III: Community Wellness) (Free Event) Tuesday, November 17
11am-1pm - Inside Innovation: An Olympus Luncheon & Tour 11:30am-1pm - Money Moves: Building Your Financial Confidence presented by the Women's Business Council 5:30-7:30pm - YPC Meet & Greet at Easton Wine Project (Free Event) Wednesday, November 18
12-1pm - Beyond the Profile: Building Visibility, Relationships & Your Personal Brand on LinkedIn hosted by the Hispanic Chamber 5-7pm - Jingle Bells Christmas Shoppe's Sip & Shop (Free Event) Thursday, November 19
8:30-10am - Explore the Marketing Playbook of the Lehigh Valley IronPigs 4-6pm - My Vision Ribbon Cutting Ceremony (Free Event) Friday, November 20 Sunday, November 22
Christmas City Village Week 1 Friday, November 20
6-10am - African American Business Leaders Annual Awards Gala Saturday, November 21
Friday, November 27 Sunday, November 29
Christmas City Village Week 2 Friday, November 27
4:30-6:30pm - Bethlehem's Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony (Free Event) Saturday, November 28
7am - Emmaus Small Business Saturday (Free Event) 1-5pm - Santa's Haus: Free Pictures with Santa 6-8pm - Coopersburg Tree Lighting (Free Event) Sunday, November 29
1-5pm - Santa's Haus: Free Pictures with Santa Wednesday, December 2
5:30-7:30pm - North Whitehall Tree Lighting (Free Event) Thursday, December 3
4:30-6pm - Somos Latinas 3rd Anniversary hosted by the Hispanic Chamber Friday, December 4
8am-12pm - Lehigh Valley Healthcare Summit 4-5pm - Ribbon Cutting for Emmaus Historical Society (Free Event) 5-8pm - Light Up Night (Free Event) 5:30-7pm - Slatington Tree Lighting (Free Event)
12-5pm - Silver & Gold Holiday Cocktail Trails
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!
Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce | 3
UNVEILING NEW BEGINNINGS! Recent Ribbon Cuttings & Celebrations!
Godfrey Daniels - Celebrating 50 years! 7 East Fourth Street, Bethlehem, PA 18015
CHAMP Academy 3679 Eberhart Road, Whitehall, PA 18052
Jair-V ABA Services 3347 Corporate Parkway, Center Valley PA 18034
Celebrating a grand opening or anniversary? Contact Abby Hudock at abbyh@lehighvalleychamber.org
La Familia Kitchen 111 South Street, Lehighton PA
Gigi & Alex Restaurant 605 Main Street, Hellertown PA 18055
Moravian Book Shop 428 Main Street, Bethlehem PA 18018
4 | Connections Magazine
2026 LEHIGH VALLEY CHAMBER MANUFACTURING FORUM SEEN! THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1 ARTSQUEST CENTER AT STEELSTACKS
Laurie Hackett, Chair Chamber Board of Governors
Chad Hammerly, HAT & Diane Lewis, MRC
Chris Rawlings, BlueCloud Consultants
Tara Zrinski, Northampton County Executive
Mike McCarthy, ESSA Bank
Andrea Brady, CLA
*Photos courtesy of McKinney Media & TMProductions
Thomas Ripsam, C.F. Martin Guitar
Kristen Cahayla-Hoffman, LVEDC
Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce | 5
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50 Online Degrees +
and Certificates 15%
Scan the QR code to learn more:
DISCOUNT
FOR GREATER LEHIGH VALLEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBERS, THEIR EMPLOYEES, SPOUSES, AND DEPENDENTS.
Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce | 7
Save the Date! The Chamber
2027 A Night of Elegance & Impact SATURDAY, FEBRUARY
20
AT 6:00 PM
Wind Creek Bethlehem
Auction to Benefit:
The Chamber’s Main Street Lehigh Valley Foundation
Now accepting auction donations! Please email Abby at abbyh@lehighvalleychamber.org for more information.
8 | Connections Magazine
Accounting, Billing & Bookkeeping Services
MoneyWorks LLC Daniel Bobick 1 East Broad Street Suite 130-1040 Bethlehem, PA 18018 610-674-0281 www.moneyworksusa.com Advertising, Marketing & Public Relations
SignFx Ali Nastah 874 North GIlmore Street Allentown, PA 18109 610-605-7366 www.signfxpa.com Apartments, Leasing & Rentals
River House Shayna Marra 30 East Allen Street Allentown, PA 18102 610-508-2064 www.riverhouse.apartments Artists, Studios & Galleries
Broad & Belvidere Contemporary Brenda Gadow 69 South Broad Street Nazareth, PA 18064 484-222-0328 www.broad Associations
Lehigh Valley Chapter of the 4th Infantry Division John Kukitz 5764 Nina Circle Coopersburg, PA 18036 484-560-7900 www.4thinfantry.org Beverage Service
Nettario's Rocco Belotti 246 Stadden Road, Suite 205 Tannersville, PA 18372 570-664-4818 Car Washes
Sparkle Car Wash - Easton/ Nazareth Allie Detrick 3808 Easton Nazareth Highway Easton, PA 18045 484-626-1536 www.sparklecarwash.com
Sparkle Car Wash - Whitehall Allie Detrick 2605 MacArthur Road Whitehall, PA 18052 484-626-1536 www.sparklecarwash.com Catering, Mobile Food Trucks, & Personal Chef
Handcrafted Catering LLC Chris Mikovich Bethlehem, PA 18018 610-248-4572 www.handcraftedcateringpa.com Closets, Organizers & Storage
Room to Bloom Krysta Keluesa Easton, PA 18040 484-293-1063 www.roomtobloomorganize.com Construction
BEI Enterprises Ryan Patufka 1035 Bushkill Center Road Nazareth, PA 18064 610-839-1790 www.beient.com Consulting Services & Training
Martin Loves Chaos Martin Smith Breinigsville, PA 18031 646-734-5017 www.martinloveschaos.org The Schumann Group, LLA Melody Schumann 110 Pennsylvania Ave, Suite 102 Bangor, PA 18013 484-404-9710 www.drschumann.org Digital Marketing Services
Broad Lantern Media LLC Cesar Suarez 84 Center Ave Mount Pocono, PA 18344 570-218-9268 www.broadlantern.com Electricians, Equipment & Supplies
Energized Electric Troy Brennan 403 East 10th Street, Unit 2 Northampton, PA 18067 484-280-2329 www.gotEnergized.com
Employment Services, Screening & Staffing
ECN Staffing Nihal Raval 11 East Broad Street Hazleton, PA 18201 570-447-8730 www.ecnstaffing.com Financial Services
Edward Jones Investments Nazareth Kevin Jones 21 E. Belvidere Street Nazareth, PA 18064 610-614-0700 www.edwardjones.com Solid Ground Wealth Advisors Taylor Munoz 1720 Spillman Drive, Suite 240 Bethlehem, PA 18015 610-419-0408 www.solidgroundwealthadvisors. com Hospitals, Clinics & Medical Groups
Her Choice Women's Health Debbie Balch 179 Delaware Avenue Palmerton, PA 18071 610-900-4417 www.herchoicehealth.org Information Services Technology & Cyber Security
Keel Infrastructure Amy Gonzalez 120 Broadway Street, Suite 1375 New York, NY 10004 412-880-3745 www.keelinfra.com Instruments & Controls
Eastern Controls Jeffrey Blair 3850 Providence Road Newtown Square, PA 19073 484-724-7670 www.easterncontrols.com Insurance
K Brown Barrett - State Farm Agent Kaye-Ann Brown Barrett 3690 Lehigh Street, Suite 16P Whitehall, PA 18052 610-264-9600 www.kbarrettinsurance.com
Kemper Auto Commercial Ellen Taylor 200 Randolph Street, Suite 3300 Chicago, IL 60601 877-352-0069 www.kemper.com Laboratory testing - Drug, Alcohol, Urine, DNA
HNL Lab Medicine Lehighton Tyra Mitchell 1205 Blakeslee Boulevard Drive East Lehighton, PA 18235 484-425-5296 www.hnl.com HNL Lab Medicine Palmerton Tyra Mitchell 524 Delaware Avenue Palmerton, PA 18071 484-425-5296 www.hnl.com Manufacturing Services
Lilly Lehigh Valley Roberto Vazquez 8810-9802 Main Street Macungie, PA 18062 www.lilly.com Prototek Digital Manufacturing (Madison) LLC Leslie Ahner 6620 Grant Way Allentown, PA 18106 610-261-9010 www.prototek.com Medical Services
The Wright Center for Communtiy Health Paul Krzywicki 501 S Washington Ave, Suite 1000 Scranton, PA 18505 570-941-0630 www.thewrightcenter.org Notary Public
Liberty Bell Notary Services Kimberly Murray 414 West Broad Street Bethlehem, PA 18018 484-862-7049 www.libertybellnotaryservices.com Recreation
The Poconos Club Jessica Basso 1445 Big Ridge Dr East Stroudsburg, PA 18302 570-223-8099 www.thepococlub.com
Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce | 9
Restaurants, Bars & Cafes
Billy's Downtown Diner Bethlehem Billy Kounoupis 10 East Broad Street Bethlehem, PA 18018 610-867-0105 www.billysdiner.com Billy's Downtown Diner Easton Billy Kounoupis 123 South 3rd Street Easton, PA 18042 610-438-3100 www.billysdiner.com Get Joy Ice Cream & Coffee Sara Heintzelman 3592 PA Route 378 Bethlehem, PA 18015 610-419-4008 www.getjoyeveryday.com'
Retail Sales
Sole Revive TM LLC Celso Manzo 1031 West Hamilton Street Allentown, PA 18101 484-232-9192 Signs, Banners, Flags, Vehicle Graphics and Promotional Products
Project Printed Ray Rabeh 2028 Union Boulevard Allentown, PA 18109 610-844-4054 www.projectprinted.com Tax Services
RJF Tax & Accounting Services Reynaldo Jean-Francois 74 West Broad Street, Suite 400 Bethlehem, PA 18018 445-306-9338 www.RJFtax.org
Wineries, Vineyards, and Tasting Rooms
Soaked in The City Jennifer Micheli 932 Hamilton Street Allentown, PA 18101 484-274-6679 www.soakedwinery.com
Youth Development
CHOR YFS Jennifer Mongi 2454 Brodhead Road Bethlehem, PA 18020 610-372-1484 www.choryfs.org
10 | Connections Magazine
ALLENTOWN AREA
Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce | 11
AMBASSADORS & SMALL BUSINESS COUNCILS
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PUBLIC POLICY TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE A message from Lehigh Valley Planning Commission
Lehigh Valley’s Four-Year Plan Takes Effect The Lehigh Valley’s $545 million Trans- plete and will span more than one TIP. portation Improvement Program (TIP) However, there are dozens of smaller went into effect October 1, complete projects designed to increase mobility with more than 120 road, bridge, trail, and improve safety, including $5.1 milsafety and community projects in every lion for the Route 512 bridge over the corner of the Lehigh Valley. Monocacy Creek in Bangor Borough, $3.7 million to stabilize a retaining wall If you notice a construction crew out along Route 611 in Easton, $8 million to in the community, chances are that it’s resurface Route 33 through Bethlehem a TIP project approved by the Lehigh and Lower Saucon Townships, and Valley Transportation Study (LVTS). $1.4 million to make Broad Street in Find the full TIP at lvpc.org/transpor- Bethlehem more welcoming to bicycles, tation-programs. The LVPC and LVTS pedestrians and transit users. work in partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation The TIP is a four-year plan that is upand general public to devise the TIP. dated every two years, but it’s also the first four years of the 25-year, $3.5 bilInvestments in some of the more recog- lion long-range transportation plan. For nizable projects in the plan include $79 a plan to be funded in the TIP, it first million to rebuild the Route 309 and must be added to the long-range plan Center Valley Interchange, $72 million – now titled the Metropolitan Transto rehabilitate the Hill-to-Hill Bridge in portation Plan (MTP). That MTP is beBethlehem, $18 million to improve the ing updated now, as part of the update Route 191 Interchange on Route 22 and to FutureLV: The Regional Plan with $14 million to complete the Fullerton adoption expected next June. Follow Interchange on Route 22. Some of those that progress at lvpc.org. larger projects can take years to com-
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE
Rose Chapello, Gilmore & Associates Energy & Environment Committee Member Industrial wastewater permits are prescribed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and become part of a Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit for municipal wastewater treatment facilities. But what does this mean for businesses, municipalities, and the average person? Municipal wastewater treatment plants are designed primarily to treat domestic wastewater, using naturally occurring microbes to break down biological waste. However, commercial and industrial users may discharge higher concentrations of chemicals that can disrupt this process or pass through treatment facilities into local waterways. Industrial waste permits help bridge the gap between what municipal wastewater facilities are designed to treat, what they can treat with additional financial support, and what they cannot treat. Municipalities may ask commercial and industrial sewer users to complete industrial waste surveys identifying chemicals kept on their premises or used in their process.
When businesses discharge higher concentrations of treatable waste, municipalities may impose surcharges to cover additional treatment costs. This can save businesses the expense of constructing their own treatment facilities while ensuring municipal ratepayers are not responsible for those additional costs. For chemicals that municipal facilities cannot effectively treat, businesses may need to implement pretreatment measures. If harmful chemicals are not removed, they may harm the microbes, infrastructure, or municipal employees working at the wastewater treatment plant. If the chemicals pass through the plant without harm, they still may harm the environment. Some acute cases have caused an instant fish kill in the receiving waters. Industrial waste permits are an important piece of successful wastewater treatment. Commercial and industrial users have a strong role in protecting the local environment as responsible users of a municipal wastewater treatment system.
Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce | 13
NONPROFIT & BUSINESS PARTNERS COUNCIL & CHAMBER FOUNDATION MAIN STREET FOUNDATION Lou Fromm, Fromm Chair, Main Street Foundation
The Lehigh Valley is full of vibrant communities, incredible businesses, and people who know how to come together—so we’re ready to usher in winter with an incredibly cool event!
We’re looking for donated items, gift cards to local restaurants, event tickets, themed baskets, unique experiences— or anything else that would make someone say, “I want that!”
On Saturday, February 20, 2027, the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce will host its 38th Annual Snow Ball…our signature black-tie dinner, dance, and silent auction at the Wind Creek Bethlehem Foundry Ballroom. Sure…Snow Ball is a great excuse to get dressed up, hit the dance floor, and have some fun—but it’s also an opportunity to create a storm of positive impact right here in our community.
And the impact doesn’t stop when the snow melts. Over the past 19 years, the Chamber Foundation has invested more than $1 million directly back into the community. More than $500,000 has supported beautification projects like accessible playground equipment, community park upgrades, murals, outdoor lighting and seating, and holiday decorations. Another $500,000 helped support small businesses and restaurants during the COVID crisis.
Each year, generous attendees and local businesses help create a snowstorm of donations for a local cause. Over the past 37 years, Snow Ball has raised more than $700,000 for local organizations.
So, let it snow…and dump donations! With your help, we can create an avalanche of generosity, a blizzard of fun, and a whole lot of chill vibes for the Lehigh Valley.
This year, we’re rolling those snowballs to make snowboulders for the Chamber Foundation’s beautification grant program, and we’d love your help making this year’s auction our biggest yet!
Have something you can donate? We’d love to add it to the pile!
Can you help us shovel on the good?
Items can be dropped off in the Bethlehem Chamber office (74 W Broad Street) or email lorier@lehighvalleychamber.org.
14 | Connections Magazine
Bowling
Veteran-Owned Business Guide Join us in supporting our member Veteran-Owned Businesses & Organizations
Advertising, Marketing & Public Relations
First Generation Communications Janine Birch 410 Allentown Drive Allentown, PA 18109 610-437-4300 www.firstgencom.com Armed Forces
U.S. Army (Stroudsburg Army Recruiting Station) Sergeant First Class Haynes 105 Terrace Drive Stroudsburg, PA 18360 570-369-0694 www.goarmy.com Wilson Fischer American Legion Post 413 Thomas Crosby 248 Old Route 940 Pocono Lake, PA 18347 570-646-6010 www.post413.com Artists, Studios & Galleries
Children's Art Classes Peter Nation 327 South Cedar Crest Boulevard, Suite 145 Allentown, PA 18103 610-546-0250 www.childrensartclasses.com
Attorneys, Judges & Legal Services
Cohen, Feeley, Altemose, Berg & McKarski Martin Cohen 2851 Baglyos Circle, Suite 200 Bethlehem, PA 18020 610-625-2100 www.cohenfeeley.com R. Peruzzi Consulting, Inc. Robert Peruzzi 719 Fourth Avenue Bethlehem, PA 18018 610-462-3939 www.RPeruzzi.com Author
Reggie Hockenberry Author of In The Trenches Easton, PA 18040 www.reggiehockenberry.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 Beer Distributors & Beverage Suppliers
Wild Bills Craft Beverage Co. Chris Norvold 904 Marcon Boulevard, Suite 102 Allentown, PA 18109 610-396-7472 www.drinkwildbills.com
Computer Networking, Services, Consulting, Sales and Repairs
Hampton Lanes and Hammerhead Hops & Grill Jason Lauchnor 326 Main Street Northampton, PA 18067 610-262-6713 www.hamptonlanesbowling.com
Cloud Service Center Rich Shupp 549 Dalton Street Emmaus, PA 18049 610-262-1695 www.cloudservicecenter.com
Cleaning & Janitorial, Restoration & Bio-Hazard Remediation
Construction Management & General Contractors
Advanced Cleaning Solutions LLC Nick Ward 6081 Hamilton Boulevard Suite 200 Allentown, PA 18106 610-597-0012 www.advancedsolutionspa.com
Cedar Creek Construction Jayson Nicholas 4647 Saucon Creek Road Suite 201 Center Valley, PA 18034 610-557-1376 www.cedarcreekconstruction.com
CWM Commercial Cleaning LLC Carl Martens Bethlehem, PA 18017 610-730-8452 www.cwmcommercialcleaning.com My Favorite Cleaning Co Yari Ising 202 Main Street Hellertown, PA 18055 610-708-1486 www.myfavoritecleaningco.com Coaching
Kamora Coaching LLC Jason Kamora 1590 Astolat Road Effort, PA 18330 570-236-3216 www.kamoracoaching.com
Jerdon Construction Services LLC Ron Jerdon 5925 Tilghman Street, Suite 1100 Allentown, PA 18104 610-530-2430 www.jerdoncs.com Consulting Services & Training
Dellicker Strategies Kevin Dellicker Germansville, PA 18053 484-788-1221 www.dellicker.com MosAL Consulting LLC Dr. Andrea Grannum-Mosley Bethlehem, PA 18017 917-412-2719
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
Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce | 15
Weather Trends International William Kirk 1 West Broad Street, Suite 802 Bethlehem, PA 18018 610-807-0118 www.wt360.com Dance Studios, Instruction, Dance Supplies
Dance Fusion Studio Kristi Mcinerney 6330 Farm Bureau Road Allentown, PA 18106 610-360-4335 www.studiodancefusion.com 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 www.desales.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
Financial Services
Blue Water Financial, LLC Jason LaVigne 400 South Greenwood Avenue Easton, PA 18045 610-438-0988 www.bluewaterfinancialllc.com FundAbundance John Hall 5452 Deerfield Drive East Stroudsburg, PA 18301 www.fund-abundance.com
Express Employment Professionals - East Stroudsburg Terry Lukas 2003 Milford Road, 2nd Floor East Stroudsburg, PA 18301 Morton Brown Family 570-424-1800 Wealth www.expresspros.com Dennis Morton 600 West Hamilton Street Suite 510 Energy Allentown, PA 18101 610-709-5072 GEMM LLC www.mortonbrownfw.com Mike Lutte 1 West Broad Street, 11th Floor Bethlehem, PA 18018 603-448-3490 www.gemmasterplanning. com
16 | Connections Magazine
Connect to Exellence
Veterans and Military Services Fire Protection
Kistler O'Brien Fire Protection Scott Guzzo 871 Marcon Boulevard Allentown, PA 18109 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 John Borneman 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 Golf Course & Country Club
Serenite Danica Hartenfels 503 Camelback Road Tannersville, PA 18372 570-799-9494 www.serenitemembersclub.com
Hospitals, Clinics & Medical Groups
Information Services Technology & Cyber Security
Industry Health Solutions, Inc. Jack Parry 840 Harleysville Pike Suite 4 Harleysville, PA 19438 267-389-9218 www.ihspts.com
Computer Management & Marketing Associates, Inc. Colburn Kent 107 North Commerce Way Suite 100-A Bethlehem, PA 18017 610-837-8262 www.cmma.com
Human Resource Services & Organizations
Holy City HR Dan Foglia 214 Mountain Park Road Allentown, PA 18103 732-877-9364 www. holyhr.com Industrial Equipment & Supplies
Swagelok Allentown Rex Schultz 4245 Independence Drive Schnecksville, PA 18078 610-799-9001 www.allentown.swagelok.com
Insurance
Mike Peterson State Farm Agent 912 Main Street, Suite 103 Stroudsburg, PA 18360 570-421-8544 www.mystroudagent.com The Miller Financial Group Warren Miller P. O. Box 422 Macungie, PA 18062 215-646-0550 www.miapro.com
Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce | 17
Investment Services
Janney Montgomery Scott, LLC Eric Angle 81 Highland Avenue, Suite 100 Bethlehem, PA 18017 610-865-9550 www.janney.com Landscape Architects, Contractors, Supplies & Snow Removal
Brown Design Corporation Christian Brown 347 North 9th Street Allentown, PA 18102 610-821-4252 www.browndesigncorp.com Logistics
Westgate Global Logistics Mark Fiorini 2299 Brodhead Road, Suite M Bethlehem, PA 18020 610-866-8001 www.shipwestgate.com Manufacturing Services
American Architectural Metal Manufacturers, Inc. 575 Business Park Lane Allentown, PA 18109 610-432-9787 www.americanarch.com ELIR Electrical Controls LLC William Fegely 3168 Wentling Schoolhouse Road East Greenville, PA 18041 410-980-4104 www.elirelectricalcontrols.com Night Vision Devices John Lesniak 5583 Roosevelt Street Whitehall, PA 18052 610-395-9743 www.nvdevices.com Structural Metal Fabricators, Inc Guy Seifert 1226 Little Gap Road Palmerton, PA 18071 610-824-7000 www.smftruck.com
Tobyhanna Army Depot Nicole Samsell 11 Hap Arnold Boulevard Tobyhanna, PA 18466 570-615-7000 www.tobyhanna.army.mil
Lehigh Valley’s Top-rated Podiatric Physicians
Massage Services
DR. RAYMOND FRITZ, JR.
Clear Mountain Wellness Kate Jendral 103 North 7th Street, Suite 103 Stroudsburg, PA 18360 570-726-1770 www.clearmountainwellness. com
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.
Medical Services, Development & Research
All-In Precision Wellness Jill Crosson 229 South 22nd Street Easton, PA 18042 484-544-3345 www.allinprecisionwellness. com
Dr. Lora Baker
Dr. Ann Anderson
Dr. Kevin Short
Dr. Ashley Quinlan
Dr. Daniel Fritz
Dr. Abigail Krutsick
Museum
Women Veterans Museum Claudette Williams 107 N 7th Street Stroudsburg, PA 18360 570-269-7669 Office Space & Virtual
Venture X Terry Wallace 306 South New Street Bethlehem, PA 18015 610-905-6218 www.venturex.com Office Supplies, Equipment, Furniture
Fraser Advanced Information Systems Heather Trone 1320 Hausman Road, Suite 302 Allentown, PA 18104 610-231-9577 www.fraser-ais.com
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.
18 | Connections Magazine
Packaging, Shipping & Products
Lindenmeyr Munroe Chris Fabian 200 Cascade Drive, Suite A Allentown, PA 18109 610-264-0551 www.lindenmeyrmunroe.com Penn State Paper & Box Co., Inc. Ercole Spinosa 323 Sumner Avenue Allentown, PA 18102 610-433-7468 www.pennstatepaper.com Paving, Sealing Contractors, Street & Power Sweeping
Premier Sealcoating Line Striping & Asphalt Maintenance Robert Opp P. O. Box 3053 Allentown, PA 18106 484-409-7325 premiersealcoatingllc.com Pet Sitting, Training Services & Waste Removal
Cressman Pet Poo Pick-Up Craig Cressman Bethlehem, PA 18017 610-839-8387 www.cressmanscoops.com Photographers & Photography Studios
Simply Liz Photography Elizabeth Wearin 2911 West Allen Street Allentown, PA 18104 484-894-8808 www.simplyliz.com Plumbing
Delmont Utilities Al Conan P. O. Box 374 Newtown Square, PA 19073 610-356-8977
Strow's Plumbing, Inc. Tara Hill 11 Flory Avenue Pen Argyl, PA 18072 610-746-7851 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
Nacci Printing, Inc. Frank Nacci 1327 North 18th Street Allentown, PA 18104 610-434-1224 www.nacciprinting.com Promotional Products
Trident Laserworks Gerald Smith 75 Ricks Road New Ringgold, PA 17960 919-816-6793 www.tridentlaserworks.com Real Estate Agents, Brokers and Other Services
Castle Gate Realty Aggie Shoenberger 238 North First Street Lehighton, PA 18235 610-379-FLAG www.castleconfident.com JDog Junk Removal & Hauling Jim Andrews Allentown, PA 18109 610-814-6840 www.jdogjunkremovalrdsc. com Main St. Real Estate Group Lucy Lennon 525 Main Street Bethlehem, PA 18018 610-365-1362 www.mainstbethlehem.com
SERHANT. Pennsylvania Sam Del Rosario 1 West Broad Street, Suite 410 Bethlehem, PA 18018 610-510-8064 www.samdelrosariogroup.com Restaurants, Bars & Cafes
Chicken Salad Chick Ernest Greenford 942 Airport Center Allentown, PA 18109 Retail Sales
Krown Vybes Clothing Todhunter Demesyeux 306 South New Street, Suite 110 Bethlehem, PA 18015 610-848-0052 www.krownvybesco.com Roofing, Siding & Gutters
New Heights Roofing LLC John Wheeler 537 Sumner Court Allentown, PA 18102 908-319-5952 www.nh-roofing.com Security Alarm Installation and Services
ZeroEyes Nick Franzosa 555 E. North Lane, Suite 5050 Conshohocken, PA 19428 864-209-7704 www.zeroeyes.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 Sports Teams & Facilities
Lehigh Valley Sports Turf Chad Elsner 7035 Schantz Road, Suite #200 Allentown, PA 18106 484 -273-2518 www.lvsportsturf.com
Transportation
Sip and Play Transportation Tours Sonia Williams 1289 RT. 209 Gilbert, PA 18331 484-542-4531 www.sipandplaytransportation.com Veterans Services
BattleBorne Christopher Yarnell P.O. Box 366 Center Valley, PA 18034 484-265-1262 www.wearebattleborne.com Valor Clinic Foundation Mark Baylis 1130 Scenic Drive Kunkletown, PA 18058 570-664-6468 www.valorclinic.org Women Veterans Empowered & Thriving Jenny Pacanowski 1636 North Cedar Crest Boulevard #179 Allentown, PA 18104 www.womenveteransempowered.org Waste, Recycling & Hauling
Sanico, Inc. Les Moore 5 Hutchinson Station Road Phillipsburg, NJ 08865 908-475-3300 www.sanicoinc.com Wedding, Event Planners, and Officiants
The Barn at Walnut Grove 813 Old Route 22 Lenhartsville, PA 19534 610-721-6710 www.walnutgrovebarn.com
Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce | 19
BETHLEHEM AREA
20 | Connections Magazine
EASTON AREA & WARREN COUNTY
Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce | 21
Maximize Your Impact! Explore Our New Media Kit for Packages Tailored for Your Business’s Marketing Needs!
2026 - 2027 MEDIA KIT
SCAN TO LEARN MORE!
22 | Connections Magazine
MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS ADVISORS MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS ADVISORS Emily Massaro, Liquid Marketing Chair, Marketing & Communications Advisors
Celebrating the Season Through Local Partnerships Holiday marketing often focuses on discounts and gift ideas. But local businesses can also help customers discover the people, places, and experiences that make the Lehigh Valley special. Start by thinking about how your business could fit into someone’s holiday plans. A shop might package a few favorite items as an easy gift. A service business could offer a gift certificate or an experience. A restaurant, venue, or nonprofit might share a seasonal event that brings people together. Then look for a local connection. Could you team up with a nearby business on a small promotion, recommend another local organization in your newsletter, or include a neighboring business in a gift guide? These gestures give customers
more ways to shop local and help businesses reach people who may not know them yet. Once you’ve chosen a partner, agree on each business’s role and coordinate when you’ll share the message. Make sure both teams can explain how customers can take part. A little planning helps the collaboration feel seamless, whichever business customers hear from first. Choosing local is easier when businesses help one another get seen. The Marketing & Communications Advisors creates space for local professionals to share ideas like these. I’m glad, as chair, to celebrate the partnerships that bring our business community together.+
BEHIND THE BRAND: Explore the Marketing Playbook of the Lehigh Valley IronPigs!
Discover how the Lehigh Valley IronPigs Keep Fans Engaged - on and off the field! ALSO go behind the scenes with an exclusive guided tour of Jefferson Park!
Thursday, November 19 | 8:30 AM - 10:00 AM Jefferson Park 1050 Iron Pigs Way Allentown, PA 18109
$50 Member $75 Future Member
For more information, email Ellie at elliea@lehighvalleychamber.org
Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce | 23
DIVERSITY COUNCILS AFRICAN AMERICAN BUSINESS LEADERS COUNCIL PRESENTS
Friday November 20, 2026 6:00 p.m. - Cocktail hour 7:00 p.m. - Program followed by DJ Romeog
A DECADE OF BRILLIANCE
Aster Event Center 621 Grange Road Allentown, PA 18106
Tickets $160 for one | $285 for two
HASANNA BIRDSONG
DR. ISAAC JAMISON
OFFICER JAMIL NEWSOME
ANDRENE NOWELL
Scan the QR code to register | For more info daniellej@lehighvalleychamber.org Platinum sponsor:
Chamber Seen!
Paint & Connect!
Money Moves Building Your Financial Confidence
The LGBTQ Business Council recognized Suicide Prevention Month by hosting a mental wellness workshop at PaintSome Pottery!
Thursday, November 17, 2026
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
$40 / ticket
6126 Hamilton Blvd. Suite 100 Allentown, PA 18106
Join us for a talk on money, confidence and taking control of your financial future!
With support from:
RSVP to hannahs@lehighvalleychamber.org
24 | Connections Magazine
DIVERSITY COUNCILS
5K
NOV. 14, 2026 WEST BICENTENNIAL PARK
OPEN TO ALL AGES & FITNESS LEVELS! JOIN WITH A TEAM OR SOLO! FUN, MUSIC & GIVEAWAYS! 8 AM | REGISTRATION AT MIDDLE PAVILION 9 AM | 5K START 9:45 AM | FUN RUN/WALK START 10:30 AM - 11AM | AWARDS
5351 Park West Lane, Bethlehem, PA
REGISTER FOR FREE OR DONATE!
5K RUCK | 5K RUN/WALK | 1 MILE FUN WALK
Donation proceeds go directly to the Lehigh Valley Military Affairs Council in support of the veteran and military communities they serve!
Top performing teams and participants will be recognized with awards and associated bragging rights!
$30+ Donations Receive an Exclusive Giveaway!
PRESENTING SPONSOR:
MEET&
Greet! Tuesday, November 17th 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM | Easton Wine Project
lehigvalleychamber.org/events sabrinao@lehighvalleychamber.org
THURSDAY, JUNE , T URSDAY 3, 2027
EXPERT, ADVOCATE OR INNOVATOR? ,
?
SUBMIT YOUR WOMEN’S SUMMIT BREAKOUT SESSION PROPOSAL TODAY! Submission deadline is Friday, December ,
it B re t Se akout S ss e rm rop ion Pro ssion P the fo osal w rop e pos i v de to umm Sum al Su osal QR co e h mm Sum t it B mit Scan kou reako Break it Bre mit B t re ak o u on Session t Sessi ut Sess out Se akout Pro on Se io ss P l Su posal roposa Propo n Prop ion Pr ssion P opo osal mm Su sal lS ro
Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce | 25
DIVERSITY COUNCILS CHAMBER SEEN! VMC Board Members & Staff at the Annual Clay Shooting Tournament!
Thursday, December 3, 2026 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM
Admission: $30
Sarandonga Latin Bistro 233 Hamilton Street Allentown, PA 18101
From left to right: Liz Wearin, Sabrina Olivo, Heidi Sulderits, Andrew Lawler, Ron Jerdon, Tom Applebach, Rob Opp, Brittany Keal
250
Scan the QR code or RSVP to hannahs@lehighvalleychamber.org
VETERANS DAY
Recognition Ceremony
Recognition Ceremony
Featured Keynote!
Featured Keynote!
Military Veteran & Historian
Chris Kuhns
Pennsylvania Military Museum
CELEBRATING 250 YEARS OF HONOR & SERVICE! NOVEMBER 10, 2026 | 11 AM - 12:30 PM Kasych Family Pavilion - Lehigh Valley Hospital
RSVP REQUIRED FOR VETERANS TO RECEIVE AN EXCLUSIVE GIFT! ENJOY LIGHT REFRESHMENTS & NETWORKING!
26 | Connections Magazine
AFFILIATED CHAMBERS
Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce | 27
GREATER NORTHERN LEHIGH & WESTERN LEHIGH CHAMBERS
28 | Connections Magazine
EAST PENN CHAMBER & EMMAUS MAIN STREET PARTNERS
Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce | 29
SOUTHERN LEHIGH CHAMBER
30 | Connections Magazine
HELLERTOWN LOWER SAUCON AREA & WHITEHALL AREA CHAMBERS
Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce | 31
NAZARETH AREA & GREATER NORTHAMPTON AREA CHAMBERS
32 | Connections Magazine
CARBON CHAMBER
Upcoming Events in...
CARBON CHAMBER
CARBON COUNTY!
Patrick Reilly, Mauch Chunk Trust Chair, Carbon Chamber
The 2026 State of the County at Blue Mountain Resort
Chamber Seen
The 2026 State of the County at Blue Mountain Resort
DEC
DEC
NOV
NOV
Chair Article
NOV
NOV
EXPLORE • LEARN • CONNECT
DEC
Chamber Seen
Upcoming Events in...
CARBON COUNTY!
10 13 16 18 8 8 17
Understanding PA’s Business Growth Strategy 11:30 AM - 1 PM • $15 Member Rate, $20 Future Member Rate
CCEDC Classroom (137 South St., Lehighton)
Annual Awards Gala: A Night in Tuscany! 5:30 - 8:30 PM • $80 Member Rate; $90 Future Member Rate Blue Mountain Resort (1660 Blue Mountain Dr., Palmerton)
Wellness Matters Part III: Community Wellness 4-6 PM • St. Luke’s Carbon Campus • FREE TO ATTEND!
Jingle Bells Shoppe Sip & Shop 5-7 PM • Free & Open to Public!
Jingle Bells Christmas Shoppe (12 Race St., Jim Thorpe)
Meet the Workforce Board & PA CareerLink (Lunch & Learn) 11:30 AM - 1 PM • CCEDC Classroom • $15 Member Rate; $20 Future Members
Panther Valley Blueprint’s Small Business Summit 5:30-7:30 PM • Hilltop Community Center • Free & Open to Public
Home for the Holidays Mixer
5-7 PM • Free to Attend & Open to Public Mauch Chunk Trust Company (Lehighton Branch)
FOR FULL DETAILS, SCAN HERE FOR OUR EVENT CALENDAR!
Chair Article TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE CARBON CHAMBER, VISIT CARBONCOUNTYCHAMBER.ORG!
NOV NOV NOV DEC
On October 6, we hosted our State of the County program, bringing together local leaders to discuss many of the Now, we're turning our attention to our Chair Article issues shaping our future, including Annual Gala on November 13, one of education, energy and infrastructure, my favorite events of the year. We're real estate, county government, and expanding our award categories to the ongoing work of the CCEDC. The recognize even more of the businesses, conversation was a great reminder that organizations, and individuals whose progress happens when people come hard work and dedication help our together with a shared commitment to community thrive. Carbon County has making Carbon County stronger. no shortage of success stories, and the Gala gives us an opportunity to celeA few days later, on October 13, we brate them together. welcomed attendees to our 2027 Economic Outlook breakfast with Mauch Thank you for your continued support Chunk Trust Company (MCT). Nation- of the CCEDC. I look forward to seeing ally recognized economist Dr. Edmond many of you at the Gala and wish you a J. Seifried shared insights on the econ- wonderful holiday season ahead.
DEC
omy, interest rates, inflation, and the trends expected to influence businesses and families in the months ahead. While none of us can predict the future with certainty, understanding what's on the horizon helps us prepare for it.
DEC
As the days get shorter and the leaves put on their annual show, I’m proud of the momentum we continue to see throughout our community.
NOV
EXPLORE • LEARN • CONNECT
10 13 16 18 8 8 17
Understanding PA’s Business Growth Strategy 11:30 AM - 1 PM • $15 Member Rate, $20 Future Member Rate
CCEDC Classroom (137 South St., Lehighton)
Annual Awards Gala: A Night in Tuscany! 5:30 - 8:30 PM • $80 Member Rate; $90 Future Member Rate Blue Mountain Resort (1660 Blue Mountain Dr., Palmerton)
Wellness Matters Part III: Community Wellness 4-6 PM • St. Luke’s Carbon Campus • FREE TO ATTEND!
Jingle Bells Shoppe Sip & Shop 5-7 PM • Free & Open to Public!
Jingle Bells Christmas Shoppe (12 Race St., Jim Thorpe)
Meet the Workforce Board & PA CareerLink (Lunch & Learn) 11:30 AM - 1 PM • CCEDC Classroom • $15 Member Rate; $20 Future Members
Panther Valley Blueprint’s Small Business Summit 5:30-7:30 PM • Hilltop Community Center • Free & Open to Public
Home for the Holidays Mixer
5-7 PM • Free to Attend & Open to Public Mauch Chunk Trust Company (Lehighton Branch)
FOR FULL DETAILS, SCAN HERE FOR OUR EVENT CALENDAR!
Chair Article TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE CARBON CHAMBER, VISIT CARBONCOUNTYCHAMBER.ORG!
Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce | 33
POCONO CHAMBER
34 | Connections Magazine
Cut health plan costs, not quality of care. Manage rising healthcare costs while giving employees access to St. Luke’s nationally recognized care. Ask your broker or Capital Blue Cross representative about Valley Advantage EPO.
Capital Blue Cross, Jefferson Health Extend Agreement Capital Blue Cross and Jefferson Health have extended their network agreement through June 2029, reinforcing their shared commitment to providing Capital members and Jefferson Health’s patients in the Lehigh Valley with access to high-quality healthcare close to home.
preserve access to high-quality care while helping maintain affordable coverage. Finalizing the Jefferson Health extension provides long-term network stability and helps Lehigh Valley employers and consumers plan ahead with confidence as they make workforce and benefit decisions.
“This extension carries forward the longstanding relationship Capital Blue Cross established with Lehigh Valley Health Network and reinforces our shared commitment with Jefferson Health to support the people and communities of the Lehigh Valley,” said Capital Blue Cross President and CEO Todd Shamash. “We thank Jefferson Health for its partnership in reaching this agreement. As a trusted health insurer in the region, we value strong provider partnerships that help ensure our employer group customers and members can get the care they need through a stable, comprehensive network.”
“This agreement shows what is possible when a health plan works in good faith with providers to reach a fair and sustainable outcome,” said Jefferson Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Mike Harrington. “We appreciate how Capital Blue Cross recognizes the importance of investing in patient care, preserving access to the physicians and hospitals members rely on, and giving patients, families, and employers greater certainty.”
As healthcare costs continue to challenge employers, consumers, and communities, Capital Blue Cross remains focused on negotiating provider agreements that
U N I V E R SI T Y HE A LT H NE T W OR K
Capital Blue Cross is an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.
The agreement extension applies to Jefferson Health providers and hospitals within Capital Blue Cross’ 21-county service area. Capital members may also access participating Jefferson Health providers outside Capital’s service area through the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association’s BlueCard program.
Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce | 35
Fresh Chamber News Delivered to Your Inbox! Scan the QR Code to sign up to The Chamber’s weekly email newsletter!
36 | Connections Magazine
Member News Moravian University announced it will officially welcome the largest incoming class in its 284-year history on Friday, August 28, 2026. As colleges and universities across the nation struggle to meet enrollment goals and maintain financial stability, Moravian continues an upward trajectory that has been building over the last decade, including being recognized as the fastest-growing university in the region since 2014. Grace Montessori School has earned accreditation from the American Montessori Society (AMS), joining a select group of just eight AMS-accredited schools across Pennsylvania and remaining the only accredited Montessori school in the Lehigh Valley. St. Luke’s University Health Network has received statewide recognition for its for outstanding performance in patient safety. The Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania (HAP) is recognizing four St. Luke’s campuses through its 2026 Excellence in Patient Safety Recognition program. The recognition honors Pennsylvania’s top-performing hospitals that have demonstrated low rates of health care-associated infections. Touchstone Theatre is gearing up for their 202627 season, featuring brand new original performances, their annual theatrical staples, and several community storytelling experiences. The season runs from September 1 to June 30 at their intimate 77-seat venue on the Southside of Bethlehem, as well as other locations throughout the Lehigh Valley. Attendance is free or Pay-What-You-Will for many events; select events have an admission fee. This season includes work by the Touchstone Ensemble, local artists and organizers, and acclaimed guest artists from beyond the Lehigh Valley. Lehigh Carbon Community College (LCCC) has announced that its Center for Workforce Development is officially launching a new Phlebotomy Comprehensive program at the Donley Center location in downtown Allentown this fall. The accelerated program is now live on the fall schedule and open for public enrollment. Muhlenberg College has been named one of the top higher education institutions in the nation, securing the #198 spot on the inaugural TIME America’s Best Colleges 2026-2027 list. Created in partnership with data research firm Statista, the new ranking evaluates the top 500 colleges in the United States to highlight institutions that provide the exceptional educational value, strong learning environments, and proven student outcomes. The National Energy Improvement Fund (NEIF) is proud to announce its partnership with the Energy Efficiency Alliance (EEA) to support the Pennsylvania Contractor Network, a free, grant-funded initiative connecting contractors with education, industry updates, events, and information on programs that impact their businesses.
United Federal Credit Union (United) has once again been recognized as one of American Banker’s Best Credit Unions to Work For, earning the distinction for a third consecutive year and highlighting the organization's ongoing investment in workplace culture, employee engagement, and leadership development. Jaindl Beverage Company has officially completed the acquisition of Allentown-based Hawk Enterprises. The strategic purchase accelerates the beverage company’s growth, expanding its core distribution territory beyond the immediate Lehigh Valley into a five-county regional footprint that includes Lehigh, Northampton, Berks, Carbon, and Schuylkill counties. As employers confront rising healthcare costs, workforce pressures, burnout and rapid advances in technology, nearly 400 business and community leaders gathered in Bethlehem today to consider a different question: What if some of the limits organizations have accepted are not actually fixed? BSI Corporate Benefits’ 2026 CORE Annual Summit brought together CEOs, CFOs, CHROs, business owners, human resources and benefits executives and community leaders to share ideas, challenge conventional thinking and explore new approaches to building healthier businesses, stronger cultures and more resilient teams. For the past 16 years, QNB Bank has teamed up with the Lehigh Valley IronPigs to help raise money for local libraries through the “Batting for Books” campaign. On September 9 at Coca-Cola Park in Allentown, QNB donated $4,500 to this year’s proud beneficiary, the Lansdale Public Library. Since the program’s inception in 2011, QNB has donated $65,450 to local libraries. Keystone Consulting Engineers (KCE), a regional leader in civil engineering and surveying, has announced that it is moving its third office to a larger Brodheadsville facility, extending its services to Monroe County and the Pocono Mountain region. Platinum Star Cleaning, a Lehigh Valley-based residential and commercial cleaning company headquartered in Downtown Easton, has been named one of the 2026 CO— 100, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s annual list recognizing 100 of the best and brightest small and midsized businesses in America. Turnstone Creative, a Lehigh Valley-based strategic communications, marketing and video production agency, has named Giovanni Amodei manager of strategic growth, bringing more than a decade of sales and relationship management experience to the agency's business development efforts. Members of the Carbon County Chapter of the Penn State Alumni Association have established a new scholarship through the Carbon County Community Foundation to provide financial assistance to graduating high school seniors in Carbon County who plan to attend Penn State University.
Hilary Unger’s acclaimed Perianth Interior Design firm, which is currently celebrating its 25th Anniversary, has just been selected as a 2026 IDS Designer of the Year Award Finalist, with results to be revealed at ceremonies in late September. Local financial firm, One Financial Services announced the promotion of Nicole Geiger to Senior Client Relationship Coordinator. Michael McGuire, president and founder of Atlas Advisors, has been named a 2026 Lehigh Valley Business & Finance Leader by Lehigh Valley Business, recognizing his leadership in financial services and commitment to building a business rooted in understanding client needs and integrity. St. Luke’s University Health Network has earned the 2026 HIMSS Davies Award of Excellence, becoming the first and only health care organization in the world to receive the prestigious honor four times. The unprecedented achievement—following St. Luke’s awards in 2019, 2020 and 2023—establishes the Network as America’s leader in hospital digital innovation. A world of experiences can be found right here in the Lehigh Valley. Global flavors, vibrant businesses, welcoming neighborhoods and employers attracting talent from around the world are part of what makes the region a place where people can build careers, connections and community. This fall, LINC will celebrate the people and places that make the Lehigh Valley world-class at “Around the World, Right Here: Celebrating a World-Class Lehigh Valley,” its annual fall fundraiser presented by Victaulic. Community Bank, N.A. announced Dan McGrenehan has joined the bank as Senior Vice President, Commercial Market Executive for the Lehigh Valley. Valor Clinic Foundation will host The Patriots Ball, a formal fundraising gala benefiting homeless and wounded veterans, on Saturday, November 7, 2026, from 6:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. at Mount Airy Casino Resort, 312 Woodland Road, Mt. Pocono, PA 18344. In the midst of a national crisis for employment-seekers, highly credentialed coaching professional and entrepreneur Shelley Maley announces the launch of the GRADvertise™ program. Developed by Maley’s consulting company, Dreamcatcher Career Coaching, this personalized, video-centric career support program helps recent college graduates and young professionals showcase their skills, professionalism, and personalities as a differentiator in the oversaturated, automated hiring landscape. Life Always Facing Forward, a cancer support non-profit, has been selected as The Phantoms Community Partner for the Saturday November 28th game. A portion of all tickets sold will help support their mission. Visit www.gofevo.com/event/Lifealways2 to learn more about LAFF and to purchase your seats!
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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