The latest from Main Street Lehigh Valley

At The Chamber, we like to say that we are On Every Main Street.  This means that we have staff on virtually every Main Street in the Valley and work to improve these core communities.  This also involves our work through the Main Street Lehigh Valley Foundation, which seeks to raise money and then distribute it to the Valley's urban communities for a variety of projects.  In today's Connections article, Anne Baum, Chairwoman of the MSLV Foundation, discusses their latest initiatives and projects.
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- Anne Baum – Capital BlueCross
The Chamber Foundation Chair
Main: (610) 820-2700 • anne.baum@capbluecross.com

Both public and private partnerships are the key to downtown corridor revitalization efforts. Historically, our Main Street community development programs have received funding and support from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Lehigh and Northampton Counties, and local governments. We have been able to leverage these public funds into additional support through foundations like Main Street Lehigh Valley, investments from business owners and corporate donations.

Private sector support is crucial to the long term sustainability of our programs. As governments at all levels slash their budgets, it is essential that we strengthen our existing partnerships with the business community and forge relationships with potential new partners. Corporate and private donations have already helped to fund many projects in the Lehigh Valley including: holiday and seasonal festivals; promotion and operation of local farmers markets; restaurant and retail guides; public art installations; community clean-ups; events; and
façade improvement programs. Donations also support the cost for individual communities to participate in the Borough Business Revitalization Program (BBRP).

Together, we are succeeding in building our communities and creating excellent environments in which businesses and the community grow and thrive together. These partnerships prove that what’s good for the community is good for business. And that strong communities attract strong businesses.

Join us! Invest in your community. The Main Street Lehigh Valley Project accepts tax-deductible donations in support of our programs. Visit us at www.lehighvalleychamber.org/MainStreet for more information.

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