Over the last 12 years, Main Street Lehigh Valley has provided $400,000 in support to over 250 projects in every community in the Lehigh Valley, leveraging over $8 Million, a 20x return on investment!
Originated as the Citizens Christmas Committee in Bethlehem in 1985, the Bethlehem Area Chamber Foundation sold Christmas Seals to fund holiday decorations on Main Street. When the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber merged with the Bethlehem Area Chamber of Commerce, we decided to expand the wonderful benefits of investing in thriving Main Streets to all of the communities served by the Chamber – and the Main Street Lehigh Valley project was born. We are improving every Main Street in the Lehigh Valley, one project at a time, through targeted investments in:
With parks, housing, restaurants, retail, and arts all in one place, each downtown becomes a destination to visit with things to see and do - a hub of activity honoring the area’s heritage. Our program is successful because communities present these projects to us having already secured at least a 50% financial match to our grant, ensuring that the community is truly invested in the success of each project. Matching dollars are raised from holding bake sales, car washes, 5K runs and other fundraisers to support revitalization projects in their downtown and surrounding traditional neighborhoods. This model creates grass roots coordination, community investment and, most importantly, community pride. Chamber Foundation from Lehigh Valley Chamber on Vimeo. Join us in making our Main Streets beautiful! Contact your Main Street Lehigh Valley representative for more information: |
|