Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce Blog - Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce

Whitehall Area Chamber- February 2020 Connections Article

2/19/2020

Dan Quay
Lehigh Valley Health Network
Whitehall Area Chamber Chair

Just like that January is over and February has begun! Your Whitehall Area Chamber has been busy planning many events that you are worth braving the cold to get out and attend!

First, on Thursday, February 13th come out to the Greater Valley YMCA – Suburban North in Catasauqua for a joint mixer between the Whitehall Area Chamber and Catasauqua Main Streets Program from 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm. Enjoy networking, healthy snacks and refreshments, followed by a FREE Zumba Class starting at 6:30 pm (so don’t forget your sneakers!).

Our annual State of the Region lun- cheon is also in the works; save the date for March 12 from 11:30 am – 1:00 pm at Fellowship Community! We will be zeroing in on key topics and keeping you up to date on what is happening in our local Boroughs and Townships.

Our annual Whitehall Area Restaurant Week is Sunday, April 19th through Saturday, April 25th. Believe me when I say that this is THE BEST TIME TO DINE in the Whitehall Area! No cooking or cleaning up, just enjoy the local flavors from our favorite restaurants in Whitehall, Coplay, North Catasauqua and Catasauqua. This event provides unparalleled exposure to our participants and sponsors, so make sure to sign up early for the maximum exposure!

Lastly, we want to thank everyone that came out to support our ribbon cuttings at Violet’s Closet in Catasauqua and the Red Crab Juicy Seafood in Whitehall. Your attendance and participation made these events truly memorable and is so important to our new businesses! Congratulations to both for these mile- stone accomplishments!

As always if you have any ideas that you want to share or if you want to get more involved please reach out to KylieA@le- highvalleychamber.org as we are always looking for new people and partnership opportunities.

Western Lehigh Chamber- February 2020 Connections Article

2/19/2020

Josh Clarkson

A month into a brand-new decade, the Western Lehigh Chamber is looking forward with great optimism as businesses continue to open and prosper in the region. As we continue to serve our members, future members, and the residents of Upper Macungie and South Whitehall Townships, we must effectively communicate our purpose as we evolve with a growing business community. To that end, I’m very excited to share with you that our Board has approved a brand-new mission statement.

It reads as follows:

The Western Lehigh Chamber of Commerce mission is to enable its members to thrive through networking opportunities, promoting economic growth in the region, developing an informed business community, and enhancing the quality of life in Western Lehigh County and the Lehigh Valley.

This will enable members of our community to immediately understand how the amazing group of professionals that we are proud to call Chamber Members will help their businesses, right here in their own backyard! I would like to personally invite you to come be a part of it. It was great to catch up with so many at the 2020 Economic Outlook at ArtsQuest and I’m looking forward to seeing you at our next event in Western Lehigh. Let’s connect. Let’s have a conversation. Let’s help our community. Let’s grow your business. Let’s prosper together!

Pocono Chamber: February 2020 Connections Article

2/18/2020

Chris Barrett
Pocono Mountain Visitors Bureau
Pocono Area Chamber Chair

Hello February!
In the middle of winter, there’s plenty that gets us through to the warmer months of spring and summer here in the Pocono Mountains. For one, we have a plethora of options for enjoying the outdoors this time of year with ski resorts, state and national parks as well as frozen lakes and ponds for skating or ice fishing. Indoors, there are shops and eateries in our unique downtowns which are scattered throughout the Poconos. Bigger attractions sport some rather comfortable temperatures and lots to do from splashing around to bet- ting it big. But maybe one of the most steadfast things that helps us through this chilly season is the love we find in our various relationships.
Mid-month is when St. Valentine and Cupid spark showings of affection for couples and families all over the world. In this corner of the world, we cater to these relationships and have for generations. Whether it was a G.I. and his sweetheart after WWII or honeymooners seeking a romantic destination, this season of love has been an integral part of our hospitality industry. Keep in mind, changes over the course of time have expanded upon the ways the industry fosters a love for this place, as well as for each other no matter if it’s family, friends, business relationships or worshippers on retreat. This truly is a region built on love for the beauty around us and sharing that with people who choose to experience it in the Poconos.

Phillipsburg Area Chamber- February 2020 Connections Article

2/17/2020

Diana Schipani
Budd Agency
Phillipsburg Area Chamber Chair

Happy 2020! The Town of Phillipsburg is ringing in the new year with a new mayor, Mr. Todd Tersigni. The Phillipsburg Area Chamber of Commerce welcomes everyone to join us on February 20, 2020 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at our “Meet the Mayor” event at La Bella Via. This event will be free to attend, and prior registration is encouraged. We hope to see you there!
The Phillipsburg Area Chamber of Commerce and its members are looking forward to working with our new mayor and town council members to continue improving the quality of life in the Phillipsburg area. It is going to be a great year, and we invite you to enjoy it with us!

Northampton Area Chamber- February 2020 Connections Article

2/16/2020

Mark Haldaman
Embassy Bank
Northampton Area Chamber Chair

The new year is in full effect and we are all struggling to write the correct date on our checks. The holidays have flown by and now we have to get all our accounting in order to keep our accoun- tants busy for the next few months. We here in Northampton are excited to get the new decade in full swing. We are excited for more grand openings, more events, mixers and anniversaries.

Anyone who lives in the surrounding community is happy to see the Northampton Coplay bridge has reopened ahead of schedule and makes access between the two communities faster and easier. I know I will be taking advantage of it for some fun over the river and I hope our Lehigh County neighbors will be visiting our shops and restaurants as well!

We want to congratulate Sabz Restaurant on their Grand Opening and thank them for inviting us to celebrate with them. While the restaurant has been open and providing some fantastic food to the own for a few months, they are having their official grand opening ribbon cutting on Thursday, February 6th. The Restaurant opened on Cherryville Road and brought a modern twist on Persian flavors to town!

I hope you can all join us as we have partnered with the Whitehall Area Chamber on Tuesday, March 24th at 11:30 for a luncheon tour of the FedEx facility on Willowbrook Road. It will be a very educational tour and an insight look to see how all those clicks on our phones end up as packages on our door- steps.

Thanks again to my wonderful board and all the local volunteers who make Northampton area the greatest town to call home!
To stay up to date on all the things happening in our community, ‘Like’ our Facebook page. Interested in getting involved, or hosting an event? Please reach out to either myself or our liaisons Jessica and Liana.

Nazareth Business Council- February 2020 Connections Article

2/16/2020

Michael Woodland
Dan’s Camera City
Nazareth Business Council Chair

It is quite an exciting time for the Nazareth Business Council. As recently announced, we will be partnering with the Nazareth Area Chamber of Commerce. Combining the extensive resources of the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce with the history and membership base of the Nazareth Area Chamber will create a wonderful organization. Both chambers have been focused on enhancing the businesses and community of the greater Nazareth area making this collaboration a win-win for all of the stakeholders.

Now businesses in the Nazareth area can enjoy the benefit of a single organization providing many opportunities. With events such as Martin on Main, Fall Fest, the Tree Lighting, and Christmas in Nazareth all coordinated by one organization we can provide our collective members more benefits and increase our efficiencies. Businesses will no longer need to either choose between our groups or pay double membership fees to belong to both. The municipalities we serve will have an easier time coordinating events and resources with a single organization.

We will look to maximize the strengths of each chamber. While there are still details to be resolved, I’m confident the future for the combined organization is very bright. I’m certain we’ll be much more than just the sum of our two parts. All members of the Nazareth Business Council should look forward to and embrace the opportunities that are before us. As we proceed please join me in welcoming the Nazareth Chamber Members.

Save the dates, and join in at some of our upcoming events: Wednesday, February 5th at BB&T on Broad Street, show some love at our joint mixer starting at 5:30 pm. Enjoy some light bites from the Widow’s Tavern and Grille, refreshments from Birthright Brewing and a great time as we show some love for our community by replenishing the Nazareth Food Pantry. We ask that everyone brings a non-perishable food item as a donation at the door. On Monday, February 10th we are partnering up with the Greater Bath Area Chamber once again for our annual Chocolate and Wine Pairing event at the Widow’s Tavern & Grille. Come out for live music, deliciously paired desserts with Black River Farms wines and great company.

To stay up to date on all the upcoming events, head over to our Facebook page for additional information.

Hellertown-Lower Saucon Chamber- February 2020 Connections Article

2/15/2020

Mark P. Albright
Law Offices Of Mark P. Albright
Hellertown-Lower Saucon Chamber Chair

What a tasty week we had in January for our Winter Restaurant Week! We had a record-breaking 17 Restaurants participating this year and they did not disappoint! This very special week showcased our area and our delicious eateries, while bringing local residents and people from across the Lehigh Valley into the Hellertown/Lower Saucon Area! We are proud of our community and the great businesses we have to offer – Restaurant Week provided a spotlight on the great things happening in Hellertown/Lower Saucon!

A very special thank you to all those who attended our recent Small Business Roundtable in Lower Saucon! We focused on our first responders from our area, and we cannot thank these men and women enough for all they do 24/7/365 to keep all of us safe! Our next Small Business Roundtable will focus on our Police Chiefs and will be held May 11 – mark your calendars and don’t miss out!

Our recent HALO Event at Taps Tavern brought together Hellertown-Lower Saucon with our friends at the Southern Lehigh Chamber for a great cause! We were able to raise money for Betty Lou’s Pantry which provides food and critical items to those in need. Doesn’t get much better than networking for a cause!

You may think I’m crazy but get your summer calendars out and mark down the return of our popular Summer Concert Series in Dimmick Park! We will be featuring The Large Flowerheads (June 7), Sunshine Symphony (June 28), Social Call (July 12), Craig Thatcher and Nyke Van Wyke (July 26) and wrapping up the summer with The Nerds (August 16)! These concerts are sure to please and we’ll have food trucks and adult beverages to make a night of it – save the date and come out for some great music.

We have tons going on, don’t we?!? Follow our Facebook page for all of the latest member news and event information. Are you celebrating a milestone for your business? Want to host an event? Want to get involved? We are waiting to hear from you. Contact Jessica O’Don- nell at JessicaO@lehighvalleychamber. org.

I’m headed to throw another few pieces of wood on the fire, so stay warm out there this winter!

Greater Northern Lehigh Chamber- February 2020 Connections Article

2/14/2020

Andrew Gildner
Keystone Technology, LLC
Greater Northern Lehigh Chamber Chair

The New Year is off with a bang! Greater Northern Lehigh is busy working to make our events the better than ever and we have two great events in February for you to mark your calendars for!

February 19 is our “Bucks and Bourbon” joint mixer with the Veteran’s Military Council at Eight Oaks Distillery! This networking and happy hour event aims to shine a spotlight on Veteran-owned businesses and to offer an opportunity to support our veterans. Tickets are $10 per person and include a two-spirit flight and complimentary hors d’oeuvres from Mission BBQ – and best yet, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to Camp Freedom, which promotes outdoor adventures for Veterans, First Responders and their families! We are always actively looking for ways to give back to our community in Greater Northern Lehigh, and this is a great opportunity to do just that! February 23 to February 29 is our second annual Restaurant Week! Last year’s restaurant week was a huge success, and we’re happy to be high-
lighting some great eateries in the Greater Northern Footprint. Follow Greater Northern Lehigh Chamber of Commerce on Facebook for our most up-to-date menus and to get a sneak peak on what tasty menu items are in store this year!

I also wanted to offer a huge “Thanks” to Jon Hall of 3 Seed Marketing for taking the lead with our Membership Committee! Jon will be working with our existing membership and prospective members to help develop our chamber, and he will be looking for willing participants to help make our chamber the best it can be! Please contact kyliea@ lehighvalleychamber.org to be put in contact with Jon.

Finally, a thank you to all of those who make our chamber the best it can be! You put the “Great” in Greater Northern! We are always looking for fresh insight – so if you’re looking to get involved with our committees or events, contact any of our board members or Chamber Liaisons today!

Greater Bath Area Chamber- February 2020 Connections Article

2/13/2020

Ann Flood
Lauren’s Hope Foundation
Greater Bath Area Chamber Chair

Ready, set...GO! We made it through the first month of this brand-new decade and are now entering the second and we should be excited about the opportunities ahead. There are many opportunities offered all year long through the chamber for you to grow your business and make new meaningful business connections. Take a look at some of the networking events that are being offered throughout the Lehigh Valley. Make sure to mark your calendar for our paired Greater Bath Area Chamber and Nazareth Business Council Annual Wine and Chocolate pairing on Monday, February 10th, 2020 from 5:30pm to 7:30pm at The Widows Tavern & Grille in Stockertown. Indulge in various delicious chocolate desserts paired with perfectly with wines from Black River Farms! So, kick-off your Valentine’s Day early and join us for this sweet event! Also coming up quickly, our “Moo’la” for our Main Streets, Main Street Grant Kickoff Luncheon on Wednesday, March 25th from 11:30-1 pm. Stay tuned for the location and more details!

Emmaus Main Street Partners- February 2020 Connections Article

2/12/2020

Michael Irwin
Vinyl Press and JABOA Enterprises
Emmaus Main Street Partners Chair

As I sit to write this article, we are experiencing some incredibly warm weather for January, with temps in the mid-60s for a few days in a row.

Seeing an opportunity in this little window of spring weather, a group of us made use of the triangle benches with a little lunch, each of us with different meals and snacks from the great little shops in Emmaus downtown. Another great way to enjoy this community we all share and support.

I hope everybody was able to enjoy that burst of warm air also because I’m sure as you read this, the icy snowy winter weather will finally be upon us.

When the winter chill is on, what better way to warm you, than a little soup. If you have never participated in the Emmaus Soup Crawl, you are missing out. Soup at every stop as you explore the lo- cal Main Street Partners like East Penn Diner and Laura’s Custom Framing & Fine Arts that you know and discover new businesses that you didn’t. Join us on our 2020 Soup Crawl February 29th from 12-4pm.

And while we are on the subject of eating, the 2020 East Penn Restaurant Week starts the next day on March 1st and goes through Saturday March 7. Enjoy special menus and deals at restaurants through-out Emmaus and our neighboring communities, as Emmaus Main Street Partners join with the East Penn Chamber to showcase all of the amazing eateries in the area. Thank you to our 2020 supporters! Present- ing sponsor New Tripoli Bank. Bronze Sponsor Burkholder’s Heating and Air Conditioning. Supporting sponsors QNB and Farmers Insurance Group – John ‘JT’ Tsiouvaras Agency.

So get these events on your calendar to help you power through the rest of the frozen season, and Spring will be here before you know it. See y’all around EmmaUS!