Today's Business News in the Lehigh Valley, 12/21/12

Good morning, and happy Friday Lehigh Valley! Today is the first day of winter, and luckily for all of us the world has not ended! Today is the first day of the winter season.

Bethlehem's city council adopted a budget of $71 million for 2013, which includes a 7% property tax hike and an entertainment tax on certain concert tickets. Much of the debate around the budget focused on the rising pension costs the city is facing.

Air Products has expanded their operations in China, opening a new lab within its Asia Technology Center in Shanghai. "The advanced gas applications laboratory will further strengthen the center's research and development capabilities to support the increasing needs in China and across Asia, officials said."

Speaker Boehner's "Plan B" to avert the fiscal cliff failed to gather enough Republican support and was taken off the table yesterday. His proposed plan would have extended tax cuts that are set to expire at year's end for most people while allowing rates to increase to 1990 levels on income over $1 million.

Don't forget the Coca-Cola Caravan tomorrow in downtown Bethlehem, right in front of the Main Street Commons building. The truck will be decorated with 25,000 twinkling lights and will be parked on Main St. from 2 - 8 p.m. More information in the flyer below.

Article any source

Today's Business News in the Lehigh Valley - 11/30/12

Good morning and happy Friday, Lehigh Valley! Today is already the last day of November.

The city of Springfield, Massachusetts was once a bustling industrial town, akin to what we once had here in Lehigh Valley. They have another thing in common too: The city is looking at the model of Bethlehem in Allentown as it 'reinvents' itself in the post-industrial age, specifically the building of a casino. Mayor Callahan stressed the importance of the many factors that contributed to Bethlehem's redevelopment, including the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks and the new Sands Bethlehem Event Center.

Ice River Springs Bottling Co., a Canadian based producer of bottled water in recycled bottles, has recently opened up a plant in Hanover Township. The family owned company will bring about 49 jobs to the Lehigh Valley region over the next three years.

The Allentown Arena project at 7th & Hamilton has resulted in real estate prices rising in the city, with higher demand due to the tax benefits offered to businesses by the Neighborhood Improvement Zone (NIZ). Many of these businesses moving in believe this arena will help put Allentown back on the map. Yesterday was the official ground-breaking for the arena, which will host The Lehigh Valley Phantoms (Philadelphia Flyers' minor league team) beginning in the 2014-2015 season.

If you haven't been to the Christmas City Village yet, this weekend is a great chance to get started on any holiday shopping you have to do. Tomorrow is the first day of December, after all!

Have a great weekend Lehigh Valley!




Article any source

Daily Briefing, 9/14/12

Good morning Lehigh Valley, but more importantly, happy Friday!

In local news, Lehigh University is stepping up its efforts to increase political awareness on a relatively "apathetic campus." ArtsQuest's Blast Furnace Blues Festival kicks off today and runs through Sunday on Bethlehem's Southside. The Phantoms have officially confirmed the fact that Allentown's arena won't see hockey until the 2014 season. Sunday kicks off Bethlehem's Fashion Week, which runs through the 22nd and concludes with the Fashion Show.

In national news, stock futures point to further gains, buoyed by the Federal Reserve's third stimulus plan. McDonald's has announced that they will add the calorie counts to menu items, one year ahead of the federal regulations that will require it.

If you're looking for activities to keep you busy this weekend, make sure to check out The Express Times's "Ten Things To Do This Week In Lehigh Valley."

That's it for now, here's hoping you have a great day!
Article any source