Woodstone Country Club - Member of the Day

Written by Mike Keller, Director of Media Communications & Technology for The Chamber

A little over a week ago I had the chance to golf at Woodstone Country Club in Danielsville, an 18-hole championship golf course with 2 award-winning PGA Professionals and a newly renovated driving range. I received an invitation from Judy Parrey, Woodstone's Director of Sales & Marketing, also letting me know about their Membership Drive. I hadn't been out much at all this season (only twice actually, both times at Bethlehem Muni) so naturally I was a bit anxious and excited to play a long course. Woodstone has 7,091 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 72 . The course rating is 75.5 and it has a slope rating of 141 on Bent grass.

It turned out to be a near perfect morning, exactly what I like to consider 'golf weather' - foggy, somewhat cool, dew on the ground and not too much sun in the sky. I went out with my colleague Frank Facchiano and we tried to scramble and 'beat the course.' It actually worked out quite well in the morning; since there was a bit of dew on the greens, we were able to see the lines that our putts took and base the next putt off of that. By the back 9 the sun had come out, the greens picked up speed, and we had to rework our game plan. We ended up hitting 7 over par as we alternated shots throughout the day.

I don't get out nearly as much as I'd like to, but I think I could get used to playing at Woodstone. It was a long and challenging course (for me, at least!) and the food at the Oaks Restuarant afterwards was delicious after a round of golf. I had the burger of the day with mushroom and swiss. Side note- if a place ever has a burger (or soup) of the day, get it. You can probably bet it's delicious.

It’s a great time to join the Woodstone Country Club in nearby Danielsville. The pricing seems very reasonable, and if I had the time I think I'd go for it myself. Through their New Membership Drive they are inviting you to play now but pay no initiation fee and no dues until June 2014! How many tee times can you get in this year?  Go to www.woodstonegolf.com for more info.

Click here for a quick video about Woodstone.





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Up Close and Personal with the Blast Furnaces

Written by Lynn Collins Cunningham, VP, Bethlehem Initiatives

Okay. I KNOW that there are a ton of you Bethlehem-ites out there that have contemplated it. There are some that have attempted it….and a few that have even succeeded. As illegal as it is, you've wanted to climb up on the rusted tracks that run the length of the blast furnaces and get a closer look at those massive structures that have been an integral part of our heritage, and for years, our identity. Those tracks actually have a name: The Hoover Mason Trestle.

The Hoover Mason Trestle, named after the two engineers that designed it back in the early 1900’s, was the linchpin to getting the raw materials to the blast furnaces. Before the HMT, the raw iron ore, limestone and coke were physically transferred in vessels to the Stock House where they were stored as needed. To expedite the travel of these raw materials from the Ore Yard to the furnaces, Hoover and Mason were consulted. The result was the trestle and its ability to efficiently accelerate the movement of these resources, transformed Bethlehem Steel into the second largest steel company in the world.

And although it is a little thrilling to do something you’re not supposed to do, (I have a friend who, pre-redevelopment era -  climbed up onto the blast furnaces with a camera and took a shot… posing naked) come late summer of 2014, it will no longer be forbidden to get that closer look. The Redevelopment Authority of the City of Bethlehem and Mayor John Callahan announced in April that the Hoover Mason Trestle will now move people – not product – throughout the SteelStacks/ Beth Works area. From the Sands Casino Resort (the former Ore Yard site) to the Visitor Center (the former Stock House), visitors, tourists, and residents alike will be able to walk the length and get a first-hand look at the furnaces and structures that  churned out iron and steel from the American Civil War to 1995.

This $10.1 million project will be based on the plans and designs of Wallace Roberts and Todd, LLC, who were the master planners for the SteelStacks Campus and the designers of the SteelStacks’ Levitt Pavilion. To ensure that this undertaking will assist with the illumination of our history there was collaborative input from a group of representatives from various Bethlehem Historical organizations. The construction of the trestle will be managed by Boyle Construction Inc., who built the Levitt Pavilion.

The Sands Casino Resort, PBS Channel 39, the ArtsQuest Center, The Stock House Visitor Center all will be connected by the Hoover Mason Trestle giving pedestrians access that previously, only former steelworkers (and a few thrill seeking trespassers) had before: an up close and personal experience with the iconic structures that helped “build America.”                            

By Lynn Collins Cunningham




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Important Consumer Alert from Office of Senator Mensch

Important Consumer Alert from Office of Senator Mensch

The Pennsylvania Department of State has been made aware of solicitations that are being mailed to Pennsylvania businesses from two companies: Pennsylvania Corporate Compliance Company and Corporate Records Service. These solicitations are titled "Annual Meeting Disclosure Statement" and "2013 - Annual Minutes Form ." These mailings urge business corporations and limited liability companies to file information and send payment in the amount of $125.00 by a certain date in order to maintain proper records.

These solicitations include a citation to the Pennsylvania Business Corporation Law regarding corporate records. At first glance, these solicitations may look official; however, none of the information being requested is required to be filed with the Department of State or the Secretary of the Commonwealth. Pennsylvania corporations and limited liability companies are not required to file corporate minutes with the Department of State or with a private company such as Pennsylvania Corporate Compliance Company or Corporate Records Service . The Department is alerting all Pennsylvania business entities of this deceptive solicitation to prevent Pennsylvania businesses from completing the form and sending payment to a mailing center post office box address by the deadline on the form.

Despite the suggestive language on the mailing, the "Annual Meeting Disclosure Statement" and the "2013 - Annual Minutes Form" are not required to be completed. These formal-looking letters did not originate from any governmental office, nor are the Pennsylvania Corporate Compliance Company and Corporate Records Service affiliated or associated with Pennsylvania state government in any way. Similar scams have been reported in other states. This "Annual Meeting Disclosure Statement" and "2013 - Annual Minutes Form" documents should be disregarded by all companies which receive them.

Additionally, please keep in mind that any official notices sent to businesses by the Pennsylvania Department of State or the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s office will contain the letterhead and/or contact information for the Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations. Please contact the Bureau at (717) 787-1057 or ra-corps@pa.gov should you have any questions or concerns regarding these solicitations.
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Job Opening - Product Manager in Easton, PA

Product Manager:

This position is located in Easton, PA. We are looking for someone who will coordinate all product management functions including all product development programs.  Provides leadership for a cross functional team while responsible for delivering metrics for time, cost, and quality results.

Previous product management experience with a large retailer is a requirement. Work experience in a team environment and strong English communication skills are required. Proven ability to handle the development of multiple projects (5+) simultaneously. Must have solid financial fundamentals and be able to apply them. Knowledgeable in manufacturing processes and resources in Far East Knowledge of retail environment especially the Mass Merchants. Proven project management skills and experience with driving to schedules and accountability. MS Office. Comfortable in a team environment. 

Salary Range: $50K - $60K

For more information or to submit your resume for consideration please email: EFernandez@murrayins.com

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Job Openings - Northampton Community College

Listed below is a listing of our current job openings. 

Please visit our website at http://northampton.edu for additional information.

NCC is EEO/AA.

Full Time:

Computer Electronics Faculty

Experiential Learning/Internship Manager

Manager, Advancement Services

Part Time:

Adjunct Instructor - Philosophy

Adjunct Instructor in 3D Animation/MAYA

Automotive Instructor

CAD Adjunct Faculty, with Program Coordination

Dishwasher - evenings

Instructor – Introduction to Web Site Design

Line Worker Training Instructors

PT Drivers

Video Production Specialist

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PA Governor Tom Corbett passes $28.3 billion state budget

Good morning Lehigh Valley on this rainy Monday. It's already July... hard to believe!

Last night, Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett passed the 2013-14 budget of $28.3 billion, but action has stalled on a liquor privatization bill, pension reform, and a transportation funding bill.

The House was unable to pass the legislation that called for roughly $2 billion in transportation funding, and that may have to wait until the fall for approval.

Further votes on Pennsylvania's liquor privatization bill will likely have to wait until the fall as well. "Early Saturday morning, the Senate Republican majority won a key, preliminary vote on a measure that would allow retail beer distributors to sell liquor and wine and permit certain other stores to sell wine."

The Allentown School District got a $9.6 million increase in funding, part of the legislature's $123 million in increased funding for schools.

A bill to possibly extend Medicaid eligibility to Pennsylvanians under the 2010 federal health-care law also passed the Senate, but house leaders insist they will not allow a vote on it.

For more budget coverage, make sure to follow the below links.

Express Times coverage
The Morning Call coverage
WFMZ coverage



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Business News in the Lehigh Valley, 6/17/13

Good morning and happy Monday, Lehigh Valley. Today is "Eat Your Vegetables Day," strategically placed in the middle of National Fresh Fruit and Vegetables Month.

In recent business news, supporters of Braden Airpark were given 120 days to arrange a deal to purchase the property from the Lehigh Northampton-Airport Authority. "The authority wants to sell Braden and other properties to help pay off an estimated $16 million legal judgment that ended a lawsuit in 2011." Roughly 40 planes remain at Braden Airport, the only general aviation airport in Northampton County.

Today begins the construction on the Route 22 toll bridge between Easton, PA and Phillipsburg, NJ. The highway will be slimmed down to just one lane over the bridge for the next year and a half, as part of a $30.6 million project to rehabilitate the 75 -year-old bridge. Motorists are urged to take alternate routes during the construction period to cut down on traffic congestion along the bridge.

Lehigh Valley and Warren County are beginning to see signs of a resurgence for new home construction, according to Forks Township zoning officer Tim Weis. Weis says he’s seeing signs of recovery over the last six months, issuing between seven to eight permits per month and expects a 25% increase in housing starts compared to the previous year.

Vacation travel is picking back up across the country, with leisure travelers' hotel bookings for the next 12 months up 4.6%.




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Job Openings at Northampton Community College

  

Listed below is a listing of our current job openings. 

Please visit our website at http://northampton.edu for additional information.

NCC is EEO/AA.

Full Time:

Secretary, Community Programs

Art-Communication Design Faculty

Manager, Technology Support Services

Part Time:

Adjunct Instructor - Philosophy

Automotive Instructor

Clinical Adjunct Faculty – LPN Program

Yoga Instructor

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Business News in the Lehigh Valley, 5/9/13

Good morning Lehigh Valley. Today, May 9, is "Lost Sock Memorial Day."

There are only 3 days left until Mother's Day, so make sure to brighten her day with a bouquet from one of our Florist Chamber Members! If you're going to take her out to dinner as well, ch

The U.S. Conference of Mayors honored Allentown Mayor Ed Pawlowski for his small business work at a Chamber breakfast yesterday. Mayor Pawlowski was presented with the "Partner America 2013 Small Business Advocate Award" for his strong support of small businesses in Allentown.

Speaking of Allentown, The Lehigh Valley Trust building on Allentown’s Center Square will be brought back to life as high-end catering facility for events such as weddings, corporate lunches, holiday parties, bar mitzvahs and other celebrations. The building, owned by Jaindl Properties, is expected to cost nearly $3 million in renovations on the building before it opens.

Join us on Thursday, May 16 for the Bethlehem Mayoral Debate between Bob Donchez and Willie Reynolds at Historic Hotel Bethlehem. The debate will be taped by WFMZ's Business Matters and will air the night before the primary election. The debate begins at 4 p.m. and will end at 5 p.m., at which point there will be a reception where you can mingle with the candidates. Appetizers will be served and there will be a cash bar. Everyone is welcome, and the cost for the event is just $20. Register here.



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Member of the Day & A Special Deal - Bach Choir of Bethlehem

The Bach Choir of Bethlehem invites Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber members to join us in celebrating the 106^th Bethlehem Bach Festival and Artistic Director and Conductor’s 30 anniversary with the choir with a 50% discount on tickets ($10-$14) to the Friday May 10^th concerts. 

At 4 p.m. you'll hear the Festival premiere of Beethoven’s Choral Fantasy featuring a virtuosic piano solo by Thomas Goeman, and at 8 p.m. The Bach Choir and Festival Orchestra perform Lux Aeterna, by legendary American composer, Morten Lauridsen. 

Both concerts include several Bach Cantatas and are performed at Packer Memorial Church at Lehigh University. Chamber members may also purchase discounted tickets ($15) to the Saturday morning May 11 concertfeaturing the internationally-renowned Rioult Modern Dance Company in an all-Bach program played by the Bach Festival Orchestra performed at the Zoellner Arts Center at 10:30 am. 

For additional information, visit www.bach.org. Tickets may be purchase by calling 610.866.4382, ext 10 or 15 or at the door by stating that you are a member of the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce.

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Business News in the Lehigh Valley, 4/15/13

Good morning Lehigh Valley, and happy Monday! Today is April 15, and many CPAs and Accountants are celebrating across the U.S. as the end of tax season is here!

Ahead of his lecture this week at the State Theatre, Steve Forbes has been discussing change coming to America's economy. “The most immediate thing in addition to not putting on new taxes is to remove the uncertainty around Obamacare,” said Forbes, the publishing magnate and two-time Republican presidential candidate.

The public is invited to hear Steve Forbes' lecture this Thursday night, April 18th at 8:00 p.m. Tickets are $35 and $40, but members of the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce get a special rate of $18.75. The Chamber is hosting a pre-lecture Signature Networking Event from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the theater’s Brown-Daub gallery at 453 Northampton St. It includes a cash bar and complimentary hors d'oeuvres.


Pennsylvania Budget Secretary Charles B. Zogby said the state has closed on a $950 million general obligation bond with Bank of America Merrill Lynch, which will allow the state to finance public capital projects, provide grants to local water and sewer projects and provide funding for other programs.
The lender was among six companies that offered bids and was successful with a bid offering a 2.904% interest rate. The sale yielded the lowest-ever interest rate, credited to the state's strong fiscal management and good bond ratings.


David Vassilaros, Director of Healthcare Reform and Regulator Affairs at Capital BlueCross, answered a slew of questions last week during a live chat on our Health Care Reform Resource Center. In case you missed his Q&A section, you can still watch it on LVB.com.

In national news, The automakers GM and Ford announced yesterday they will team up to create nine-speed and 10-speed transmissions, that will be smoother and more fuel efficient than the gearboxes currently in their cars and trucks. More speeds will enable the car to shift more smoothly, as there is not as dramatic a change between gears, as well as improving fuel economy.

That's all for now, have a productive and enjoyable Monday Lehigh Valley!

Need more? Check out the "10 Things to Know for Today" from the Associated Press.




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Business News in the Lehigh Valley, 3/18/13

Good morning, and happy Monday Lehigh Valley! Here's hoping you had a great, restful weekend and you're ready to take on the week.

After 17 years of holding their training camp at Lehigh University, the Philadelphia Eagles have announced that they will no longer be returning to Bethlehem, and instead remain closer to home in Philadelphia, with practice sessions at Lincoln Financial Field and invitation-only sessions at the NovaCare Complex.

The Pennsylvania Senate and House of Representatives designated March 13, 2013 as "Industrial Resource Center Day" in Pennsylvania, reflecting the growth of the state's manufacturing sector. A total of seven industrial resources centers are located throughout the state, including Manufacturers Resource Center, a Bethlehem-based economic development and manufacturing consulting organization that advances the performance of manufacturing companies.


The roads may be somewhat slick today as more winter weather is expected to come our way. Forecasts are calling for a winter weather advisory for most of the area until around 8 a.m. Tuesday morning.

In local news, an apartment fire over the weekend has tragically claimed four lives in Emmaus. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
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Business News in the Lehigh Valley, 3/12/13

Good morning, and happy Tuesday Lehigh Valley. It's a good day to be a duck with the rain we're getting today!

Tonight, Dan's Camera City in Easton is hosting a business mixer and offering professional headshots for the low price of $25 (Regular price $80). If you're currently using an outdated headshot for your business profile, now is the time to update it and show your best side. You must make a reservation to participate in the headshot promotion.

The groundbreaking for Easton's $26 million transportation center is finally scheduled and expected to begin with a month, following a decade of planning and speculation. The transportation center will give commuters and visitors a centralized bus space at the intersection of Larry Holmes Drive and S. Third Street.


Both the Dow and S&P have grown seven consecutive sessions, with the Dow setting another record high on Monday and the S&P within 10 points of its all-time closing high of 1,565.15 set in 2007. The stock futures dipped slightly yesterday, but any pullback by investors may be short-lived as many have been using recent dips as a buying opportunity.

In case you missed Business Matters last night on WFMZ, worry no more. You can watch previous episodes anytime from the convenience of your own computer. Click the link to watch last night's episode, Will Right to Work" be the end of unions in PA?

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Autism Speaks - Light It Up Blue Across the Lehigh Valley

As you may know, April 2 is World Autism Awareness Day and to recognize it, buildings and organizations all over the globe participate in Autism Speaks’ Light It Up Blue campaign.  The Empire State Building, the Sydney Opera House, and the Pyramids in Egypt are just a few of the notable landmarks to Light It Up Blue.  Locally, Air Products will be shining Blue Lights on our headquarters in Trexlertown for the third year to show our support for autism awareness.  We are inviting other companies and schools in the Lehigh Valley to Light It Up Blue for this international event.  

Our goal is to have at least 88 businesses, schools, and organizations Light It Up Blue in the Lehigh Valley this year.  This number represents the 1 in 88 American children who are diagnosed on the autism spectrum.   

If you need assistance to Light It Up Blue, visit www.LightItUpBlue.org (click Tools & Resources) for more ideas.  Showing your support for autism awareness can be done very economically and it has a big impact!  

If you have any questions, please contact lehighvalley@autismspeaks.org.  We encourage you to email photos showing participation in the Lehigh Valley Light It Up Blue campaign.  We will share them through our website, social media, and at our Lehigh Valley Walk Now for Autism Speaks (www.walknowforautismspeaks.org/lehighvalley) that will be held April 20 at Dorney Park.  Thank you very much for your support to Light It Up Blue in the Lehigh Valley!

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The Power of Partnerships - Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce

By Tony Iannelli, President and CEO, Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce

March 11, 2013

For the past 15 years, it has been my honor to preside over the fastest growing Chamber of Commerce in the United States. Serving 800 members in 1998 when I began this journey through today, we now close in on 6,000 members strong, and there is no doubt as to how that growth came to fruition. It can easily be summed up by our mantra: "The Power of Partnerships," business leaders coming together for the common good of the Lehigh Valley — that's how this Chamber, the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce, became the ninth largest in the United States.

The growth from a small-town organization to what we've become today didn't happen by chance. It happens when community leaders, stakeholders — from both the public and private sectors — agree to stand together and unite with one voice to focus on the needs of the entire community. In one word, "regionalization" positions this Valley on par with the larger municipalities in the state and nation. Move over Philadelphia and Pittsburgh — the Lehigh Valley has arrived!

I can't say enough about how impressed I am with the leadership in the Lehigh Valley municipalities, large and small. Their contribution to the Valley becoming the fastest growing and third most populous region in Pennsylvania has been immeasurable, and it is why it has become such an allure to people and businesses from neighboring states.

Boasting a $30 billion gross regional product, our metropolitan region is home to more than 820,000 people in Lehigh and Northampton counties in Pennsylvania and Warren County, N.J. If you look at our proximity to New York City (75 miles), Philadelphia (60 miles) and even Washington, D.C., (200 miles) — along with our affordable housing market and comparably low taxes — throw in an ever advancing quality of life — you will see how we've become the 64th most populated metropolitan area in the country.

I can't overstate our rapidly improving quality of life and its impact on our appeal as a destination. When it comes to sports, we've reached a higher level than we ever dreamed! We are proud to be the home to a Philadelphia Phillies affiliate in the Lehigh Valley IronPigs at Coca-Cola Park and soon a Philadelphia Flyers affiliate in the Lehigh Valley Phantoms at its new Allentown PPL Center arena.

Our arts community continues to thrive with gems like Easton's State Theatre and Crayola Experience, Bethlehem's SteelStacks complex, and the Allentown Art Museum. Any company looking for an educated talent pool should look no further than here, with its abundance of top-notch colleges (Lehigh, Muhlenberg, Lafayette, Cedar Crest, Penn State, Moravian, and Lehigh and Northampton community colleges) and exceptional technical institutions, as well.

Our current 15,300 employers in the Valley provide close to 300,000 jobs. We are proud to be the home-base to world renowned corporations such as Air Products and Rodale, and have welcomed nationwide manufacturers such as Sam Adams and Ocean Spray while always remembering that our small businesses are the backbone of our community.

More than two-thirds of Valley businesses employ nine or fewer people, and exist on every main street from Northampton to Coopersburg and Fogelsville to Phillipsburg, and everywhere in between. Providing those employers with the networking opportunities, innovative programming and pro-business public policy advocacy is the daily work of the 26-member Chamber staff located and working on every main street across this Valley.

Let me close by saying this economy won't escalate at the rapid pace of the '90s, but it will improve at a deliberate and steady pace. Businesses are running leaner and poised for expansion like never before. They are eager to expand in the coming years. I'm hopeful our political leaders will join us and make the necessary difficult decisions that will increase confidence in our nation's economic future. I look forward to a bright 2013-14 in a region that, no doubt has arrived.

Copyright © 2013, The Morning Call

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Growing Your Business in 2013 - I Hate Rules

Today's guest blog post is from Carol Ritter of CarolTalks.com.

Rules make the world go ‘round! I was checking out of a hotel recently and I said to the gal respectfully, “I have two issues with my bill before I check out.” She looked down and started to type like crazy. I waited and waited and waited, she looked up and said, “You’re all set.” I looked confused and said, “What about the two issues I have with my bill?”  She said,  “You have to do that before I check you out.” “I told you I had two issues.” She replied, “I know but you didn't say what it was.” THE RULES ARE THAT YOU HAVE TO TELL ME BEFORE YOU CHECK OUT. “I did and your response was to type. How are you going to fix this?” She told me to go down three floors to the bell captain and tell him you were charged for parking. I didn't really have time for that, I was in a hurry and that would take too long. She ultimately fixed the problem by re-doing everything that she should have done the first time around.

 If your business is going to be successful, wildly popular, with outrageous cash flow, I might suggest you consider Carol’s Grow UR Biz - UnRULES.....

1. Hire BIG Personalities - those with the courage to break the rules for the sake of a lifelong customer
2. Don’t FEAR Change - those who do just generally don’t have enough information
3. Hire IMPERFECTION - Perfectionists will never launch you into greatness, they are just too cautious
4. DREAM BIG, DREAM OFTEN - dreams turn into vision, vision turns into mission, mission turns into action
5. Strength Building will lead to high performing personnel, don’t spend much time managing the weaknesses of your staff, focus on strengths

START TODAY...did you know that when people over 65 were asked, 'If you could live your life over, what would you do differently?' They answered these three things: 'I'd take time to stop and ask the big questions. I'd be more courageous and take more risks in work and love. I'd try to live with purpose -- to make a difference.  Now, that’s inspiring, I know we need rules but some of them interrupt the possibilities to GROW UR BIZ.   -

Carol serves as a featured writer for the Home News and the Lehigh Valley Chamber Blog.
Carol is an accomplished professional speaker, coach and educational consultant specializing in innovative leadership, outrageous fundraising, million dollar marketing, and building organizational alliances throughout the country.  Carol’s creative  leadership with bullet proof ideas for recruiting MORE MEMBERS, MORE MONEY AND BETTER LEADERS. www.caroltalks.com 610-442-4545 tellkids@aol.com  Like me on  Facebook at Caroltalks and CarolCoaches!  Carol S. Ritter, Immediate Past President, National Speakers Association Philadelphia

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Business News in the Lehigh Valley, 2/27/13

Good morning Lehigh Valley, and happy Wednesday!

PPL stated yesterday that the price of electricity for most PPL customers will drop from 7.769 cents per kilowatt hour to 6.935 on March 1. A spokesman with PPL said the change will reduce the bill by about $8.30 per month for a residential customer using 1,000 kilowatt hours of electricity.

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie signed a bill yesterday to legalize internet gambling in the state. The bill included setting a 10-year trial period for online betting, and raising the taxes on the Atlantic City casinos’ online winnings from 10 to 15 percent.


Air Products and Chemicals Inc. of Trexlertown announced it has won the second largest order ever for an air separation unit in China. The company has been doing business in China since 1987.

Allentown city residents will not be granted a chance to get a say in Allentown's water privatization plan due to an issue with the legality of the petition. The May vote would have allowed citizens to vote on selling or leasing any city asset worth more than $10 million.

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Business News in the Lehigh Valley, 2/21/13

Good morning, but more importantly Happy Friday, Lehigh Valley! It's hard to believe we're almost through February already. Here's a quick recap of news that you may have missed in the last few days.

The Allentown Arena now has an official name, following an announcement held yesterday. "PPL Center" will be the name of the Lehigh Valley Phantoms arena in downtown Allentown. From the article on lvb.com -  "George Lewis, director of corporate communications for PPL, said the investment was part of an ongoing commitment to economic development in the city's downtown. "PPL has been in the downtown since it was founded in 1920," he said. "We have an interest in promoting Allentown, where we are located and where many of our employees live."

The Children's Hospital at Lehigh Valley Hospital - Cedar Crest has been named as the beneficiary of the 2013 Lehigh Valley Auto Show Gala proceeds. Tickets for the gala are priced at $75 each or $125 for couples. For more information, click here.

The Chamber held its monthly Signature Networking Event last night at Hotel Bethlehem, immediately following the monthly New Member Orientation. The networking event drew a crowd of about 200 business professionals to 1741 on the Terrace in the hotel. Thanks to all who came out! Next month's will be held at Shula's - American Steak House in Center Valley.

That's all for now, check in later and have a great Friday!
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Business News in the Lehigh Valley, 2/19/13

Good morning Lehigh Valley, and happy Tuesday. You got through Monday, so give yourself a pat on the back.

City Center Lehigh Valley has hired Sheila Johnson, former vice president of Berks Economic Partnership and PPL Economic Development Director, in an effort to attract out-of-area businesses to Downtown Allentown. City Center Lehigh Valley will construct two high-rise office buildings adjacent to Allentown's arena at Seventh and Hamilton streets.

Bethlehem's ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks is in the running for another top international architecture award, as a top five finalist in the urban transformation category for the Architizer A+ Awards. Votes can be submitted through March 19 by following this link.

Pennsylvania's new Attorney General has stated that Governor Corbett's proposal to privatize the lottery is not within his authority, but rather it rests with state legislature. She also said she reviewed the constitutionality of the proposal, "not the validity or business wisdom of it."

That's all for now - here's hoping everyone has a productive day today!









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Express Business Center - Member of the Day

Today's Member of the Day is Express Business Center, a proud and active Chamber member since 2007. I've known Murtaza Jaffer, the owner of Express Business Center (EBC), since I started working at the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce and ever since I have been meaning to visit and take a tour of their facility. I had been told multiple times that Andrea Hemphill, their Director of Development, made a delicious cup of coffee, and I finally found the time to see for myself.

Andrea makes a delicious cup of coffee!

EBC is located in Trexlertown at 6900 Hamilton Boulevard. At first glance it looks like your standard pack and ship store, but once I was inside I realized how wrong I was. The facility was much more advanced than I expected. In addition to their print and copy services that they offer in the front of the store, they had a whole back room filled with these enormous printers. Murtaza showed me drawers full of client work that they fulfilled while Andrea made me a cup of her 'famous coffee.' It certainly lived up to the expectations, and I have been dreaming of that coffee ever since. Unfortunately, she didn't tell me the secret to how she made it though, so you're going to have to head on over and try it for  yourself.

In addition to their full-service packaging and shipping operations in the front of the facility, they offer high speed color copying and printing, laminating, notary services, photo developing (through Dan's Camera, another great Chamber member), and even income tax preparation! They are seriously a one-stop shop for everything. While I was there they were in the middle of printing hundreds of blank coloring pages for an order through Red Robin. Side note - I really love to see all these Chamber members working together!

As I was talking to Andrea in the front of the store, Murtaza rushed out of the back and said he had to show me something. Their banner printer (Yes, they print full-size banners too) was in the middle of printing this hockey banner on canvas. They have the capability of printing banners five feet wide in amazingly clear detail. If you need anything printed that you can't do in house, do yourself a favor and go visit Murtaza and Andrea over at EBC to see what they offer. They are both great people and are usually in attendance at many of the Chamber events we hold. If you'd like an introduction, I'd be happy to help. Thanks for the hospitality Express Business Center, and I'm glad I finally had the chance to visit.

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