Bethlehem Chamber- March 2020 Connections Article

 Kristian M. Schafer
Bethlehem Chamber Chair

As you read up each month looking for what’s happening in Bethlehem, I wanted to share some good news- Madison Stephan has joined the Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce as our new coordinator! Welcome to the Bethlehem team Madison! 


As you look to plan out your calendar, please join us for State of the Schools on March 13th with Superintendent Dr. Roy, where our Bethlehem community and business leaders will come together for a school district update from Dr Roy. We will hear from mental and behavioral health experts on the health of our students & future employees. Breakfast and networking are included; starting time is 7:30AM at our Historic Hotel Bethlehem. You won’t want to miss this incredible program! 


The weather isn’t the only thing heating up as we move into March. Bethlehem is on fire, and continuing to build momentum on both sides of the river! This month’s BethleGEM is a business that joined our Community about a year ago, and through its innovative approach, and incredibly hospitable team, has grown to become an invaluable partner to our community- The Factory LLC! 


Based in a one of a kind, custom built 40,000 square foot innovation and scale-up facility in our booming Arts District, The Factory provides partner companies with support and resources so invested capital can be used for growth. Rich Thompson and his team are creating the next generation of opportunities for entrepreneurial innovators in the Lehigh Valley in the food, beverage, and pet health industries! They leverage life experience with strong intellectual acuity, and provide expertise in areas like product development, manufacturing, distribution and logistics, finance, legal, social media, and more! The Factory truly is a unique approach to building value and taking your business to the next level. Mind you, it’s not for start-up businesses, and with the capacity to help 20 businesses right here in the Lehigh Valley, 5 lucky businesses are already setting up roots here in Bethlehem for future growth and success! I’m telling you, if you get a chance, head over to The Factory. Take a walk around, and you’ll feel the entrepreneurial energy in the air, and know exactly why the Factory will be a community partner for many, many years to come!

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