The Lehigh Valley Manufacturing Forum is on Thursday, October 3. Explore the diverse array of industries thriving in the Lehigh Valley. Learn best practices, efficiencies, economic outlook and updates from Harrisburg and DC! (See PG. 5)
FEATURED BUSINESS: HABITAT FOR HUMANITY RESTORE (PG. 7)
President & CEO
Tony Iannelli........................................610-739-1513
President & Chief Executive Officer tonyi@lehighvalleychamber.org
Assistant to the President, Chamber Foundation, Nonprofit & Business Partners Council
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
Tom Groves, Equinox Benefits Consulting Chair, The Chamber
I know you’re hearing it here first, but summer went way too fast! But now time at the beach is behind us and the kids are back in school. As we transition into fall, I want to update you on what The Chamber’s volunteers and staff have planned to ensure a great membership experience through the end of the year and into 2025. Your Chamber membership signals that you operate a reputable business and a great workplace. Beyond that, Chamber events offer an essential opportunity to expand your network through experiences that are relevant, informative, and entertaining. Exciting Fall Events to Look Forward To:
· Allentown BeerFest on Saturday, September 7
· Carbon Chamber Sturm Cup Golf Tournament on Monday, September 9
· Whitehall, Greater Northern, and Veterans Clay Shoot Tournament also on Monday, September 9
· Pocono Chamber Bizzy Awards on Thursday, September 12
· The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Annual Gala on Friday, September 13
· The Lehigh Valley Fall Manufacturers Forum on Thursday, October 3
· The Nonprofit & Business Partners Council Fall Collaboration Breakfast on
Tuesday, October 8
· The ATHENA Awards Celebration on Tuesday, October 29
· The Chamber Annual Meeting on Thursday, November 7
These are just a few of the significant, Valley-wide events planned for the coming months. Additionally, your local chambers, business councils, and government affairs and public policy committees are continually working to provide a wide range of informational, business, social, and professional development events and programs tailored to your needs. Stay Connected: For more details, be sure to check LehighValleyChamber.org, keep an eye on our weekly Chamber emails, and don't miss your copy of the monthly Connections publication. You can also reach out directly to any Chamber staff member or volunteer for more information.
Raise Your Profile:
If your goal is to build your business by expanding your network, consider sponsoring and attending events that align with your objectives. There's no better way to enhance your visibility and connect with other leaders in the community. We’re looking forward to a productive and engaging fall season, and we can’t wait to see you at these
Scan
Thursday, September 5
6-8pm - Phillipsburg Summer Concert Series - Dr. Dick (Free Event)
Saturday, September 7
1-5pm - 7th Annual Allentown Beer Fest
September 8 - September 14
Nazareth Shop Local Week
Monday, September 9
8am-3pm - 18th Annual Carbon Sturm Cup Golf Tournament
8:30am-1pm - 6th Annual Clay Shooting Tournament
Tuesday, September 10
4-6pm - United Federal Credit Union Branch Celebration (Free Event)
5-6PM CreekView Dental Easton One Year Celebration Ribbon Cutting (Free event)
Thursday, September 12
11:30am-1pm - Chamber President's Roundtable with Pete Ruggiero, CEO of Crayola
5-7pm - B Social Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting (Free Event)
5-7pm - Fall in the Fairgounds (Free Event)
6-8pm - Phillipsburg Summer Concert Series - Timewhys (Free Event)
Friday, September 13 - Sunday, September 15
Forks Township Community Days
Friday, September 13
8-10am - Building Brighter Futures: Addressing the Early Childhood Crisis presented by the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation
6pm - Hispanic Chamber Annual Awards Gala
Saturday, September 14
11am-4pm - Uptown Northampton Street Fair (Free Event)
11:30am-1pm - How Can I Help: A Luncheon Conversation on Hunger in East Penn & Western Lehigh
Wednesday, September 25
5-7pm - Economic Empowerment Series Presented by African American Business Leaders Council
Thursday, September 26
5-6pm - Platinum Star Cleaning Easton Ribbon Cutting (Free Event)
5-6pm - Fidelity Bank Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting Celebration (Free Event)
Monday, September 30
5-9pm - A Toast to Our Community at Lost Tavern Brewing (Free Event)
Tuesday, October 1 -
5-7pm - Allentown Design Week (Free Event)
Tuesday, October 2
11:30am-1pm - Her Path to Public Service presented by the Women's Business Council
5:30-7:30pm - Falling for Flavors Tasting Event at Members 1st Federal Credit Union
Thursday, October 3
7:30-11am - Carbon County: State of the County
8:30am-12pm - Lehigh Valley Manufacturing Forum
4-5pm - Maximize Your Membership at Wind Creek Bethlehem
5-7pm - Signature Networking
Don't miss our legendary, infotaining Annual Meeting! A sound and light extravaganza with more than 1,000 members in the audience.
It is THE place to see your colleagues, customers, and competitors and to be seen by them! It’s the biggest and best opportunity to build your network and connect with other leaders of the Lehigh Valley business community.
Join us as we entertain, inform and turn the spotlight on our members through special appearances, updates and award presentations!
The program starts promptly at 11:15 AM and goes till 1:00 PM.
Doors open at 10:00 AM to allow plenty of time for networking and to visit our sponsor's exhibits.
Scan Here to Reserve your spot today!
Tom Groves CEO, Equinox Benefits Consulting
John Yurconic CEO, The Yurconic Agency
LEHIGH VALLEY ECONOMIC REPORT
Dr. Kamran Afshar, Chamber Chief Economist
The Chamber’s Finance Committee
610-691-3272 • ka@kaa-inc.com
The Growth Rate of Retail Sales Has Slowed
After the COVID shutdowns, retail sales exploded upwards, rising by more than 18% in 2021, followed by another historically high increase of 9% in 2022. During these two years, retail sales increased by more than $150 billion, equal to 8 years of pre-pandemic increases combined, causing the highest inflation in 40 years. The growth rate of retail sales dropped to a much more normal 3.6% in last year, and in the last 12 months, its growth at a rate of 2.3%. The COVID shutdowns created a sizable pent-up demand. The government transfer payments ballooned disposable income, creating the perfect storm. Huge demand was met with trillions of dollars of windfall money, spiking consumer expenditure sky-high. During the first six months of this year, retail sales have increased by only 0.2%, a significant drop from 3.3% during the same period of last year and 6.8% in the year before. Adjusted for inflation, retail sales have decreased this year; however, it is still 12% above its pre-pandemic
high. Restaurants were among the biggest losers of the Covid shutdowns and its immediate aftermath. However, the market soared to new heights for those businesses that survived the crisis. They are making record-breaking sales almost every other month. In May, their sales reached another record at $90 billion, 50% above its pre-pandemic high. Our expenditure patterns have changed significantly in the last 50 years; in the early 1970s, we spent 16% of our budget on food and only 8% on medical care. This equation has reversed; today, we spend 16% of our budget on medical care and only 8% on food! We spent between 5 to 6% of our budget on motor vehicles and parts 50 years ago, now that number has dropped to 4%. And it is interesting to note that we have reduced our expenditure on clothing from 7 to 3% of our budget in the last 50 years and it shows! Contrary to the common belief, we are not buying everything online! According to the Census Bureau, only 16% of all retail trade is done
through e-commerce. However, the increase in e-commerce sales is six times faster than other modalities. There are two major indicators used to forecast retail sales demand. Disposable income is the primary, and the consumer sentiment index is a secondary indicator of future consumer expenditure plans. Over the last 12 months, disposable personal income is up by 4.1%. Adjusting for inflation, our real purchasing power is up 1.4%, indicating improved financial situation; however, the Consumer Sentiment Index has dropped below last year’s level, indicating a modest in-
crease in demand. On the supply side, the relative size of retail inventories is a key indicator for forecasting future supply. Over the past 12 months, retail inventories have grown by 5%, whereas sales have only increased by 2%. This has led to a significant accumulation of excess inventory. Accordingly, we expect a smaller increase in demand in to meet a larger increase in supply, leading to more sales signs with bigger discounts hanging around longer in the coming months.
Won’t You Be Our Neighbor?
Written by Gina Loiacono,
It’s early June 2024, and the Habitat Lehigh Valley construction staff rolls their trucks into a desolate parking lot just off Main Street. The sun is high in the sky and shining, as the morning fog lifts and the haze burns off the ground on a muggy, hot day. They unload their vehicles, ready for one of their largest projects to date - renovating Hellertown’s beloved Neighbors Home and Garden Center into Habitat Lehigh Valley’s new, additional ReStore location.
The farmhouse sitting on Main Street casts a shadow over the lot and reminds staff and volunteers it is a place to cool off from the sun and will house office and conference space for HLV staff and volunteers. On the other side of the main entrance sits the barn and deck area, where retail and event space potential patiently wait.
In early 2024, it became clear to the Habitat Lehigh Valley staff the organization needed to grow in order to better serve the Lehigh Valley community. As the Neighbors property sat vacant for nearly four years, it was a space begging to be utilized for the surrounding community and by the surrounding community. How could Habitat Lehigh Valley honor Neighbors’ rich tradition of being a Hellertown staple and spread their mission of building strength, stability, and self-reliance through shelter?
Proudly anticipating an October 30, 2024 grand opening, the Habitat Lehigh Valley Hellertown ReStore, located at 38 Main Street, Hellertown, PA 18055, will be Habitat Lehigh Valley’s second ReStore location - a sister store to the already existing Whitehall ReStore, located at 1053 Grape Street, Whitehall, PA 18052. Habitat Lehigh Valley’s programs serve those seeking affordable homeownership and critical home repairs throughout our local community, but the ReStore component of the organization will now extend its reach and service capability to even more Lehigh Valley families. Both locations operate TuesdaySaturday from 10am to 4pm for donations and Wednesday - Saturday from 10am to 6pm for shopping.
When you shop at the ReStore, you are doing more than just saving money on new and gently used items. Every purchase of furniture, home decor, building supplies, and more at the ReStore generates funds that funnel directly back into the organization in order to build and repair more homes in Lehigh and Northampton Counties. Every donation dropped off at either ReStore location becomes another purchase that generates those funds. Habitat Lehigh Valley believes in supporting our future homeowner and home repair families with a hand up - not a hand out - and when you support the ReStore locations by donating, shopping, and volunteering, you are helping provide that hand up for low to moderate income families right here in Northampton and Lehigh Counties.
The Whitehall and Hellertown locations thrive on supporting the local community. All revenue from the ReStore builds and repairs local homes, both in the Homeownership and Critical Home Repair Programs. We accept donations from local families, businesses, contractors, builders, etc. Habitat Lehigh Valley builds locally, repairs locally, and serves locally. ReStores are crucial to the success of the Habitat for Humanity mission. Without them, providing affordable housing options for our neighbors is not possible. The funding secured from the ReStore’s sales is unrestricted and supports building endeavors for the most vulnerable community members in our area - single mothers, Veterans, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities. At Habitat Lehigh Valley, our Critical Home Repair Program, now in both Lehigh and Northampton Counties, depends on grant and ReStore funding in order to serve our
low to moderate income friends and neighbors at no cost to them.
Supporting the ReStore means supporting your neighbor…supporting your community. What does it mean to be a good neighbor? A good neighbor sees the needs around them and works with others to address those needs. A good neighbor lends a helping hand. A good neighbor supports their local community. At Habitat Lehigh Valley, we address the needs of the affordable housing crisis in the Lehigh Valley. We work with our community partners to support our homeowners and help our home repair clients safely age in place. We steadfastly commit to serving, shopping, donating, building, and volunteering locally. We can’t wait to see you beginning Tuesday, September 10th for donations only and Wednesday, October 30th for our grand opening!
It may not be the Neighbors property anymore, but the Habitat Lehigh Valley ReStore is a new neighbor in Hellertown…a neighbor that believes every family deserves a decent place to live and that every family should have access to a local community filled with opportunity and sustainability. Your new Hellertown neighbor promises endless possibilities and the limitless gift of helping others build their home and their dreams.
For more information about Habitat Lehigh Valley, its mission, and the ReStore locations, visit www.habitatlv.org or call 610-776-7499 today!
Habitat Lehigh Valley ReStore - Whitehall Hours:
Donation Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 10 AM - 4 PM
Shopping Hours: Wednesday - Saturday 10 AM - 6 PM
Habitat Lehigh Valley ReStore - Hellertown Hours:
Donation Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 10 AM - 4 PM, beginning Tuesday, September 10th
Store Hours: Wednesday - Saturday 10 AM - 6 PM, GRAND OPENING Wednesday, October 30th
Community Engagement & Grants Manager, Habitat for Humanity of the Lehigh Valley
Ojeil Law
Patrick Ojeil 573 Long Lane Road Walnutport, PA 18088 484-201-9093 www.ojeillaw.com
Barbers & Barber Shops
Flow Factory Barbershop 639 Northampton Street Easton, PA 18042 610-330-2779
Business Consultants, Developers & Incubators
Katherine Jones
Communications Consulting
Katherine Jones 1636 North Cedar Crest, #208 Allentown, PA 18104 610-417-6557 www.kjonescc.com
Bio-Hazard Remediation
Compleat Restorations
Natalie Dorshheimer 974 Marcon Boulevard, Suite 220 Allentown, PA 18109 717-738--2121 www.compleatrestorations.com
Entertainment & Festivals
Doctor Jay's Comedy Milieu
Janear Hankerson Bethlehem, PA 18015 610-748-7093 www.docjaycomedymilieu.com
Exterminators
Viking Pest Control - Bethlehem
Alicia Maresco 3400 Bath Pike, Suite 100 Bethlehem, PA 18017 800-618-2847 www.vikingpest.com
1021 Main Street Bethlehem, PA 18018 985-492-0404 www.elixirlv.com
Pocono Community Pharmacy II
Kelly Pennell 175 E Brown Street, Suite 107 East Stroudburg, PA 18301 570-664-8226
Home Care- Non Medical
Bayada Habilitation (Bayada Home Health Care)
Danielle Ralph 961 Marcon Boulevard Allentown, PA 18109
484-795-5920
www.bayada.com
Lagom Care
Brian Miranda 1405 North Cedar Crest Boulevard, Suite 108 Allentown, PA 18104 484-816-8600 www.lagomcare.com
Home Improvement & Remodeling
445 Deerfield Drive
Nazareth, PA 18064
www.roofmaxx.com
Interior Design & Decor
SJ Interiors LLC
3711 West Chew Street Allentown, PA 18104
www.sjinteriors.com
Investment Services
501 Corporate Circle, P. O. Box 5900 Harrisburg, PA 17110
www.conradsiegel.com
Manufacturing Services
Royal Industries 1131 North Plymouth Street Allentown, PA 18109
www.royalindustries.com
Photographers & Photography Studios
McKinney Media Carter McKinney 306 South New Street, Suite 110 Bethlehem, PA 18015 484-222-5062 www.mckinneymedia.co
Real Estate Agents, Brokers and Other Services
JDog Junk Removal & Hauling Jim Andrews Bethlehem, PA 18017
610-297-0070
www.jdogjunkremovalrdsc.com
Restaurants, Bars & Cafes
Alibi Bar & Lounge Orwa Makhoul
203 East 3rd Street Bethlehem, PA 18015 610-882-3888 www.alibibarandlounge.com
Bonefish Grill - Whitehall
Martin Kempfe 901 Lehigh Lifestyle Center Whitehall, PA 18052 610-264-3476 www.bonefishgrill.com
Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers
Gregory Elchert 6240 Hamilton Boulevard Allentown, PA 18106 833-442-2637 www.raisingcanes.com
The Wicked Chef
Georgiann Moniak 279 Cetronia Road Allentown, PA 18104 484-274-6022 www.thewickedchefpa.com
Retail Sales
Tat My Luggage
Verona Gaynor 1850 Union Street Allentown, PA 18104 877-513-5203 www.tatmyluggage.com
Schools
At Any Age Swim Academy
Kyra Uniejewski 104 Michael Lane Stroudsburg, PA 18360 570-350-5620 www.atanyageswinacademy.com
Security Guard and Patrol Services
Alpine Security Guard Services
Elijah Eigene 750 South Hall Street Allentown, PA 18103 610-333-7586
Surveyors
Taylor Wiseman & Taylor
David Nowicki 2158 Avenue C, Suite 205 Bethlehem, PA 18017 856-235-7200 www.taylorwiseman.com
AMBASSADORS & SMALL BUSINESS COUNCILS
SMALL BUSINESS COUNCIL
Bill Benz Carnegie Agency Chair, Small Business Council
I am thrilled to assume the role of Chair of the Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce Small Business Council, continuing the exceptional work of Ben White, President of Supporting Strategies Lehigh Valley. Looking ahead to the 2024-2025 season, we’re focused on driving economic development by hosting engagement opportunities for our members. Welcome Lisa Pammer, Founder and CEO of Green Pond Packaging, as our newly elected Vice Chair.
This year, we are excited to invite the Nonprofit and Business Partners Council to co-host this year’s Snowball Gala with the beneficiary, our own Main Street Lehigh Valley Foundation.
Excellence in Business Awards—Recognizes the outstanding achievements of organizations within our community. Start thinking of those businesses that have made a positive difference.
Lehigh Valley Business Summit—We are thrilled to announce
not one but two business summits in the spring and fall. Feedback about our AI panel, emceed by Byron Roth, Byron Roth Consulting, and TAB Lehigh Valley on AI, was overwhelming. Mark your calendars. Part 2 is in the works.
Masterminds Program—Tailored to ignite growth within existing chamber organizations, these sessions offer practical advice and innovative approaches in operations, finance, talent acquisition, and marketing, helping one another navigate business challenges.
The Small Business Council's vision and mission are to promote small business growth and sustainability in the Lehigh Valley while increasing member engagement by providing key business program initiatives, stewardship, and outreach through the exchange of ideas and best practices.
I am eager to get started and look forward to collaborating with each of you to achieve our shared goals.
CHAMBER SEEN!
Photos from Maximize Your Membership on August 1st at Madeline's
TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE
Owen O'Neil, Executive Director, LANTA Transportation Committee Member
NONPROFIT & BUSINESS PARTNERS
Kathleen Trimble, Pinebrook Family Answers Chair, Nonprofit & Business Partners Council
Embracing Growth: A Year of Achievements and Exciting Plans
As summer unfolds, we hope you’re enjoying the warmth and relaxation. The Nonprofit and Business Partners Council has been hard at work, planning for an exciting new year! Last year, our programming—focused on the timely theme of AI and the Intersection of Technology and Humanity—resonated with our community. The pinnacle of our efforts was the Collaboration Conference held at DeSales University in April, drawing over 250 attendees and garnering much positive feedback..
But we’re not ones to rest on our laurels. As we dive into planning for the upcom-
ing year, we’ve unanimously chosen our guiding theme: Growth. This theme will infuse our initiatives and events with fresh energy and purpose.
Make sure to mark your calendars for our annual Collaboration Breakfast on October 8, 2024, at the Ben Franklin Technology Center. Under the banner of Nurturing a Growth Mindset, this event promises valuable networking opportunities and a chance to reconnect with colleagues after a summer apart. Join us as we cultivate growth and community—it’s an event you won’t want to miss!
MAIN STREET LEHIGH VALLEY
Jody Piagesi, Northampton Pool & Patio Chair, Chamber Foundation
On August 22 the Chamber Foundation held its annual meeting and grant awards program, touting over $1million and counting. The Foundation invested directly into the community for beautification and covid emergency grants, and over $12 million leveraged so far in community development projects. Many elected officials, sponsors, board members and recipients gathered to celebrate 15 new community beautification projects getting underway across the valley. In Lehigh County there will be additions of picnic tables in the Slatedale park to give residents a place to sit while they visit the newly constructed pickleball courts, dog park and accessible playground. Emmaus is adding a colorful community mural; the 19th Street Theatre district in Allentown will display beautiful new planters to encourage more walking and visiting businesses and restaurants; in Alburtis, new pole banners will create a sense of community pride, Coopersburg is adding outdoor seating; and the Parkland Library will also create a peaceful(? Or a better word) new space.
In Northampton County, the town of Nazareth will have a new kiosk to keep residents informed; Catasauqua will no longer cut and truck their Christmas tree – instead they’ve opted to plant one and decorate it in a space where the community can gather; the Northside of Bethlehem is adding beautiful planters; Easton is adding bicycle racks as part of a major overhaul of the Delaware Canal Park on the D&L Trail, and Hellertown will add historic signage giving some significance to the bridge trussell built in the 1800s that still remains. Our Northern tier is also growing – with the addition of beautiful landscape enhancements in Jim Thorpe and Lehighton; 150th anniversary decorations in Bangor; and hometown heroes banners in East Stroudsburg. We hope you willget out and visit all of these special main streets throughout the year. They and you play an important role in supporting the Chamber’s mission of improving the economy and quality of communities in the Greater Lehigh Valley.
The Fine Feather Foundation recently completed a mural dedicated to bringing awareness to mental health. Located on 9th street between Hamilton and Walnut, the “Symbols of Freedom” artist Monica Salazar worked with kids from the Excelsior Summer Camp to complete the mural with suport from Lehigh Valley Arts & Cultural Alliance, Community Action Allentown, The Chamber Foundation and Allentown Mural Arts.
Tony & Wendy Iannelli
EASTON AREA
Photos from Phillipsburg Concert Series
DIVERSITY COUNCILS
CHAMBER SEEN!
CHAMBER SEEN!
Photos from Party on the Patio hosted by the LGBTQ Business Council
Photos from the Veterans & Military Council Board Planning Session
CHAMBER SEEN!
Photos from 8th Annual William George Mini Golf Outing & Membership Picnic on July 25th at Bear Rock Junction
EAST PENN CHAMBER & EMMAUS MAIN STREET
SOUTHERN LEHIGH & WHITEHALL AREA CHAMBERS
SOUTHERN LEHIGH CHAMBER
Hal Warner, Lehigh County Humane Society Chair, Southern Lehigh Chamber
Greetings! I’m Hal Warner, CEO of the Lehigh Valley Humane Society and the current chair for the Southern Lehigh Chamber of Commerce. I’m super excited to continue working with the Chamber in service to the people and animals of the Lehigh Valley.
The SLCC has a number of exciting events coming up and I hope you can find the time join us for a few of them. On October 10th we will be hosting the annual Octoberfest at Link Beverages. This is a great networking event that features lots of great beverages and food and even a live brass band for entertainment. Tickets are only $10!
One of our primary focus areas is raising funds for a scholarship awarded each year to a Southern Lehigh student. Our first fundraiser for this project is a fall mum sale that is supported by Tilley’s Nursery. $10 vouchers can be purchased on the Chamber website and redeemed in store for an 8” mum.
On November 30th we will host the annual Coopersburg Tree Lighting from 6-8pm. This is an amazing event with lots of food, beverages and fun activities for kids of all ages. We hope to see you at some of our upcoming events.
CHAMBER SEEN!
Photos from Berkshire Hathaway Center Valley Mixer
Photos from Martin on Main on July 27th
GREATER NORTHAMPTON AREA CHAMBER
GREATER NORTHAMPTON AREA CHAMBER
David Kerper, Lehigh Valley Restaurant Group
Chair,
Greater Northampton Area Chamber
SUMMERS OVER - BUT STILL PLENTY TO DO IN GREATER NORTHAMPTON
What a summer it's been for the Greater Northampton Area Chamber of Commerce! In addition to our normal everyday initiatives, we kicked off our event season with the "Spuds and Spurs" event in Bath on June 15. July saw us cooling off at the ever-popular Hillside Mini Golf and Ice Cream, in Allen Township where connections were made over scoops of delicious frozen treats. But we are not done - YET! Mark your calendars for September 14, when we host our signature event - the 35th Annual Uptown Northampton Street Fair on Main Street. This beloved community gathering showcases the best our area has to offer, from local artisans to mouth-watering food vendors. We're still accepting applications, so don't miss this chance to showcase your business to thousands of attendees.
As we reflect on these events, we're reminded of what makes our Chamber truly special: the people. Our small but mighty board works to keep Northampton great, but we need your help to continue growing. We're seeking volunteers to join the Greater Northampton Area team, as your unique perspective could be the key to unlocking new opportunities for our area. Joining is a low-risk, low time commitment opportunity, that has many benefits including making new valuable connections. After all, people prefer to do business with those they know and like. Join us - because together, we're not just good, we're great!
To learn more about available volunteer opportunities, or to sign up for street fair contact me at 540-220-3766 or dkerper@redrobinpa.com.
CARBON CHAMBER
Patrick Reilly, Mauch Chunk Trust Company Chair, Carbon Chamber
September is a very busy month for CCEDC beginning with the highly anticipated 18th Annual Sturm Cup Golf Tournament at the picturesque Jack Frost National Golf Club, in Kidder Township on Monday, September 9th . Registration opens at 8 a.m. and the tournament begins with a shotgun start at 9:00 am. Whether you're a seasoned golfer looking to showcase your skills or a casual player seeking a fun-filled day on the course, the 18th Annual Sturm Cup Golf Tournament is an event not to be missed.
If you are an avid “indoorsman”, like me, plan to attend the MCT Economic Outlook on Tuesday, September 17th at the Hofford Mill, 500 Bridge Street,
Weissport. Guest Speaker, Dr. Edmond J. Seifried, Co-Chairman Emeritus, Seifried and Brew, Professor Emeritus of Economics and Business at Lafayette College and educator for community bank boards and staff is back by popular demand. Doors open at 7:00 a.m. Come for the breakfast - stay for the Economic Outlook!
Looking ahead to October, the CCEDC will host their 2024 “State of the County” at Blue Mountain Resort, followed by a great bus trip to our state capital with Senator Argall! Whether you’re looking to focus locally or get an inside look at how our state government is run, there are ample ways to learn and network as we look ahead to the fall!
CARBON & POCONO
Melanoma: The Less Common but More Dangerous Skin Cancer
Amber loved the tanning bed at her local salon.
Unlimited access for a mere $19.99 a month? She could swing that, even as a college student. So Amber rolled the tanning bed into her normal routine. “What started as a couple of times before a dance or trip, turned into a relaxing activity that I began to enjoy and do more regularly,” Amber writes on aad.org, the American Academy of Dermatology website. “I didn't think much about it.” She thinks about it now, and has done so ever since her physical therapy professor noticed a “funny looking mole” on her tummy one day during a PT lab. A week later, at just 23 years old, Amber was diagnosed with stage II malignant melanoma.
The Most Serious Skin Cancer
As we continue through the dog days of summer, Amber’s sobering story serves as a warning siren to limit our exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays, be they from natural sunlight, sun lamps or tanning beds. “Melanoma is far less common than many other skin cancers,” said Dr. Jeremy Wigginton, Capital Blue Cross Chief Medical Officer. “But it’s also far more dangerous because of its greater likelihood to spread to other areas in your body if it’s left undetected and untreated for too long.” Dr. Wigginton says you also can lower your risk through commonsense UV-lessening measures such as seeking shade, using sunscreen, clothing as much of your body as you comfortably can, and wearing hats and sunglasses.
The toll
Melanoma is diagnosed less than 2% as often as nonmelanoma skin cancers in the United States, yet is up to four times more fatal, with the NCI estimating nearly 8,000 deaths in 2023. While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) doesn’t break down its reported
$8.9 billion annual skin cancer cost by cancer type, melanoma’s serious nature requires more ongoing and expensive treatments, so it likely comprises a larger percentage of the price tag than more common skin cancers. Employers can help through skin cancer education initiatives, and by offering quality healthcare that offers necessary preventive and treatment coverage. Many Capital Blue Cross plans cover preventive visits for skin cancer screening and counseling with a healthcare provider, and many Capital plans also help members cover treatment for diagnosed skin cancers.
Amber’s Arithmetic
It’s a good thing her professor spotted that “funny looking mole” several years ago.“Little did I know she saved my life,” Amber writes on aad.org. But that doesn’t mean it’s been smooth sailing. Far from it. Amber reports that her melanoma has required 38 excisions, 67 stitches, and 27 dermatologist appointments, and generated seven abnormal pathology reports, 19 scars, and a chest x-ray. Math that makes that $19.99 a month seem like much less of a bargain.
(For more health and wellness news and information that can benefit your business and employees, visit thinkcapitalbluecross.com.)
The Bach Choir of Bethlehem returns home from their European tour to Germany and Austria, feeling more connected than ever to our sister city of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania and to our city’s roots in Germany. The Choir’s journey through Germany was part of a larger mission to serve as cultural ambassadors, fostering harmony and collaboration across borders. From the historic Bachfest Leipzig to the spiritual Moravian town of Herrnhut, the Choir carried a message of unity and cultural exchange. Executive Director Leela Breithaupt expressed, "Our visit marks the beginning of a new era for the sister city relationship that began in 1991 but had been largely dormant for many years. As we stand together, we rekindle that bond and pledge to keep this connection active and vibrant.”
Gross McGinley is pleased to announce the addition of Attorney Catherine E. Sears. Attorney Catherine E. Sears joined Gross McGinley in July 2024 and immediately became an integral part of the Wills, Trusts, and Estates practice group. Catherine was raised in Chester County and returned to the Lehigh Valley area after attending law school and beginning her career in Virginia, where she lived for ten years. A graduate of William and Mary Law School, Class of 2017, Catherine started her legal career in Williamsburg, Virginia as a Clinic Fellow, then as a Law Clerk, and then as an Associate Attorney at The Peninsula Center for Estate and Lifelong Planning.
KidsPeace announced that it has received a $4,500 grant from the First Community Foundation Partnership of Pennsylvania to support youth in care with peer engagement activities. The grant covers youth receiving services through the KidsPeace Foster Care and Community Programs (FCCP) office in Bloomsburg, PA. The grant comes from FCFP’s “Pearls With A Passion” Fund, and will be used to support the office’s efforts to give those youth the opportunity to participate in interest-based, social and recreational activities.
Iliza Martinez-Mondschein of Bethlehem looks at her son, now 18 months, and sees two miracles. Frank “Frankie” Mondschein was born at St. Luke’s Anderson Campus on January 24, 2023, an IVF baby –and the first miracle. The second miracle was the blood transfusions Martinez-Mondschein received soon after giving birth that possibly saved her life. Martinez-Mondschein had lost a lot of blood during delivery via C-section. The next day while she was recovering in her hospital room, she felt weak. “I couldn’t hold my son,” she recalls. Next thing she knew she passed out. Bloodwork showed she had a dangerous iron deficiency and low platelet count. She needed a blood transfusion right away, and thanks to Miller-Keystone Blood Center, blood was immediately available.
This fall, Northampton Community College (NCC) is excited to announce several new academic programs as it continues to meet the needs of its students and communities, all while continuing to offer a mix of in-person, online, and hybrid course options across its 120+ programs and majors.
Member News
McKinney Media invites prominent networking groups and organizations from the Tri-State area to join us for a premier networking event at Venture X Bethlehem on January 3, 2025, from 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm EST. This event will connect entrepreneurs, artists, content creators, and professionals in the Lehigh Valley’s dynamic coworking space. Venture X Bethlehem provides the perfect backdrop for fostering meaningful connections, with McKinney Media offering professional headshots and engaging photo opportunities. We are also seeking a top-tier catering partner to deliver exceptional food and manage sales directly to guests.
Ryan Kern recently joined HRG as a senior project manager. He is responsible for providing municipal and transportation engineering services to clients throughout the Lehigh Valley region and beyond. HRG assists with the planning, design, and management of community infrastructure like roads, bridges, water and wastewater systems, and commercial developments.
McKinney Media is excited to announce the expansion of our service offerings to include 360° virtual tours and drone videography! Specializing in professional photography, videography, and innovative marketing strategies, McKinney Media is your go-to partner for elevating your brand’s visual impact. Our state-of-the-art equipment and creative expertise ensure that your brand stands out in today's competitive market.
On July 26, Moravian Church Settlements was inscribed on the prestigious World Heritage List at the World Heritage Committee meeting in New Delhi, India. Moravian Church Settlements of Bethlehem, USA; Herrnhut, Germany; and Gracehill, Northern Ireland/UK now join Christiansfeld, Denmark (inscribed in 2015) as a single World Heritage Site that represents the outstanding universal value of these historic settlements and the worldwide influence of the Moravian Church.
The Board of Directors of The Arc of Lehigh and Northampton Counties is pleased to announce the appointment of Lisa Musselman, as Chief Executive Officer, effective August 19, 2024. Musselman succeeds Karen Shoemaker, who will retire August 31 after 25 years of dedicated service. With an impressive track record spanning over 20 years in the nonprofit sector, Musselman brings a wealth of experience and a visionary approach to The Arc. She currently serves as President/CEO at Martha Lloyd Community Services, based in Troy, Pa., where she led the transformation of programs and services to a more community-inclusive model.
Via of the Lehigh Valley is pleased to announce the promotion of Jenna Trach as Vice President of Human Resources. As Vice President, Trach will lead the human resources team and provide human resource guidance to the organization. She will be responsible for the overall administration, coordination, and evaluation of the human resources department and
programs. In addition, she will oversee human resource-related duties in the following functional areas: employee relations, training, recruitment, benefits, affirmative action, and employment policy.
Agentis Plumbing is excited to announce the addition of Krista Berardelli to their team as the new Business Development Director. Krista joined the company in July 2024, bringing with her a wealth of experience and a passion for building strong customer relationships. In her new role, she will focus on expanding Agentis Plumbing's brand awareness and presence throughout the Lehigh Valley.
Via of the Lehigh Valley is pleased to announce that its Board of Directors has elected a new member, Sedgwick L. Harris, Ed.D. Harris is Vice President of Administrative Affairs at Northampton Community College in Bethlehem. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Communications from Northwestern Oklahoma State University, Master of Arts degree in Educational Leadership from Western Michigan University, and Doctor of Education in Community College Leadership from Ferris State University.
The hard lessons former NFL running back Rocky Bleier learned early in life helped him to overcome adversity and reach his goals both on and off the football field. This former Pittsburgh Steelers teammate will share his message in a motivational evening on Monday, Nov. 4, sponsored by the Lehigh Carbon Community College Foundation. Proceeds will benefit scholarships for veterans. The event will be held from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Glasbern Inn in Fogelsville.
Good Shepherd Rehabilitation recently welcomed Daniel D. McNeill, DO, and Tariq Rajnarine, MD, as new physicians to the rehabilitation network. Dr. McNeill serves as medical director of Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Hospital (3200 Center Valley Parkway in Center Valley), which features 76 private rooms, leading technologies and CARF-accredited inpatient rehabilitation programs for stroke, spinal cord injury, brain injury, limb loss and complex medical rehabilitation. He comes to Good Shepherd from the Reading area. Before joining Good Shepherd, Dr. McNeill most recently served as regional director of rehabilitation services at Rehabilitation Associates’ Mid-Atlantic Region and physician, chief executive officer and owner of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Specialists, Inc. He also served as medical director at Patient Care Home Health Reading and medical director at Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Reading. Also based out of Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Hospital in Center Valley, Dr. Rajnarine is medical director of Good Shepherd’s Brain Injury Program. Prior to joining Good Shepherd, Dr. Rajnarine served as an attending physician in both the stroke and spinal cord injury rehabilitation programs at Jefferson Moss-Magee Rehabilitation in Philadelphia. During his tenure, he also co-established and was the clinical director of Klein Family Parkinson’s Rehabilitation Center.
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More high fives. Less crossed fingers.
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