Citizens’ Christmas City Committee seeking donation of large Christmas Trees

The Citizens’ Christmas City Committee is seeking donations of tall trees for the Christmas holiday season.   Although the request is made early, the committee found the time to be appropriate since it is a time of year when homeowners are addressing landscape issues and may be want to replace an oversized fir tree.

The trees need to be nicely shaped, 40-50 feet in height, must be accessible by the roadway, and within no more than 10 miles of the city center.  City Electrician Greg Cryder, will come out to the location and inspect the tree for acceptability.

Donation of these trees will be recognized at the annual Christmas City Tree Lighting Ceremony, which will take place on Friday, November 29, 2013, at 4:30PM on Payrow Plaza.

Anyone wishing to donate a tree should call Greg Cryder or Chris Lenhart at 610-865-7108.

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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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Touchstone Theatre - Corporate Creativity, Non-Profits, and Moving Toward the Future

Thoreau said that we are all artists--that, "we are all sculptors and painters, and our material is our own flesh and blood and bones.” Well, Henry David was a very smart guy, but there seems to be this great confusion, misunderstanding, that art is for …what?  …entertainment?  Has nothing to do with business?  They tell me if you look up the word “art” in the dictionary, and you go to its earliest roots, it basically means “making things”.  That makes sense to me.  We’re all in the business of “making things” in one way or another, so at the root of it, we must all be artists.

My name’s Bill George.  I’m a Founder and Ensemble Member at Touchstone Theatre over here on the South Side of Bethlehem, and for us folks in the art business, things are changing.  Fast.  And for us, creativity, which is at the heart of the process of making, is the most important tool in our tool box to deal with this constantly changing social, technological and economic landscape.  Even we so-called “artists” are lagging behind in understanding how to make work that can effectively express this ever more rapidly emerging reality--one that is at once increasingly diverse, often dangerously contentious, yet more and more inter-connected.

The Chamber has begun a major not-for-profit initiative here in the Valley, and as we move forward, there’s a lot we profit/non-profit folks can learn from each other to deal with this change.  If we can successfully move from competing in isolation towards working together, collaborating, supporting each other, we’ll all benefit in unexpected and extraordinary ways.  That’s a very safe bet in my book.

But there's (at least) one more thing. This creativity, working together thing, this art thing, isn't just a question of learning new skills or efficiencies to allow us to better survive.  I think we all, to one degree or another, recognize it as a sort of “maturation of consciousness” that is part of our human evolution.   It’s big, it’s important, and the promise of the future, if we can just hold on to it, is bright, beyond our wildest dreams—even mine.

In our own small way, to further this “evolution”, Touchstone is holding,  September 24th from 8 to 9:30 am, a Corporate Creativity Event called Four Secrets to Effective Collaboration.  We’ll be playing with Tina Fey’s “Rules for improv…and the workplace” -- Respect. Create. Contribute. Adapt. –with plenty of room for discussion and sharing among visiting business representatives. You’re sincerely invited.  It’s hosted by Chad Paul, President and CEO of the Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania, and David Shaffer, Co-Chief Executive Officer of Just Born, Inc.  There’s free food and goodie bags for all. Please join us.

To Register, click on the following link immediately below:  

https://www.vendini.com/ticket-software.html?t=tix&e=5916878c4843763fdf899a2aed119228

http://www.touchstone.org

bill@touchstone.org

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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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Current Job Openings at Northampton Community College - 6/27/13

  

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:

Art-Communication Design Faculty

Computer Electronics Faculty

Part Time:

Adjunct Instructor - Philosophy

Automotive Instructor

CAD Adjunct Faculty, with Program Coordination

Instructor - ESL

Line Worker Training Instructors

Program Assistant, Art Dept.

PT Drivers

Raw Cooking Instructor

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Current Job Openings at ABEC, Inc. in Bethlehem, PA

Current job openings at ABEC, Inc. - ABEC is focused on design, engineering and manufacturing of high quality production equipment for pilot and commercial scale bio-pharmaceutical manufacturing.

Contact: HR@abec.com  with cover letter, compensation requirements and resume.
Comprehensive, low cost to employee benefit program
Excellent 401k program- Profit sharing program- Equal opportunity employer

Position:   Receiving and Inspection Team Lead
Description:   Hourly, Full-time, Permanent
Responsibilities:  Hands-on position coordinating activity of team responsible for the processing of incoming materials and quality documentation.  Perform physical inspection of machined parts (dimensional, surface finish, plating).  Enter data in to ERP system and process Quality documentation.
Requirements:  High School Diploma or GED, at least one year experience, able to lift 50lbs.  Ability to prioritize and multi-task, highly organized.  Prior supervisory and ERP usage experience a plus.

Position:   Mechanical Assembler
Description:   Hourly, Full-time, Permanent, 2nd Shift, Travel Required (Domestic and International)
Responsibilities:  Fabricate and assemble piping systems.  Machine, bend, tack weld and assemble stainless steel parts to print specifications.  Assemble valves, measurement instruments, pumps and the like to specially designed bioprocess equipment.
Requirements:  High School Diploma or GED, Vocational/ Technical school preferred, able to lift 75lbs.  and mobility to climb ladders, movement in confined spaces and manual dexterity.

Position:   Electrical Assembler
Description:   Hourly, Full-time, Permanent, 2nd Shift, Travel Required (Domestic and International)
Responsibilities:  Fabricate and assemble electrical systems.  Assemble and wire electrical panels to print specifications.  Complete conduit wiring and pneumatic routing on assembly systems and the like to specially designed bioprocess equipment.
Requirements:  High School Diploma or GED, Vocational/ Technical schooling preferred, minimum 7 years’ experience, able to lift 75lbs.

Position:   Mechanical Designer
Description:   Hourly, Full-time, Permanent
Responsibilities:  Perform the day-to-day project duties of designing, developing and releasing deliverables used in the fabrication of production bioprocess equipment.  Primary responsibility involves generating design plans utilizing Autodesk Inventor and AutoCAD software.  Some travel may be required.
Requirements:  Associates Degree in CAD and Drafting or equivalent, Proficient in MSOffice applications, knowledge of 3D Parametric CAD and Autodesk Inventor preferred.  Detail oriented with solid understanding of drafting standards, design fundamentals and fabrication processes.  Autodesk Inventor Routed Systems, Tube and Pipe Design, Autodesk AutoCAD 2D/3D and ERP software and prior piping design experience a plus.

Position:   Electrical Designer
Description:   Hourly, Full-time, Permanent
Responsibilities:  Utilize independent judgment to perform the day-to-day project duties of designing, developing and releasing detail electrical schematics, control panel assembly drawings and the related bills-of material.  Utilize AutoCAD software and (Syteline) materials management software to generate electrical design documentation.  Some travel may be required.
Requirements:  Associates degree or relevant experience in 2D design using AutoCAD.  Experience with ERP platform highly desired; good understanding of electrical control circuit design for PLC’s, Instrumentation and motor controls. The understanding of documentation requirements for the pharmaceutical industry is also desirable.

Position:   Automation Engineer
Description:  Salaried, Full-time, Permanent
Responsibilities:   Program PLC, HMI DCS and Instrumentation as requested.  Understand requirements, estimates automation requirements and defines scope of work.  Develop all required project documentation and execute project quality plan.  Support training, commissioning, technical support and field service.
Requirements:  Bachelors degree in related discipline or equivalent automation related experience.  Preferred training in RSLogix 5000 and FTView Studio. Other platform experience such as DeltaV, Siemens, Cimplicity, Quantum considered.  Some travel required.

Position:   Electrical Engineer
Description:  Salaried, Full-time, Permanent
Responsibilities:  Ensure appropriate electrical design, development and installation of electrical hardware and systems in support of electrical engineering and design functions.  Define scope of work, estimate and forecast, write and execute test and quality plans.
Requirements:  Minimum BS in Electrical Engineering, 5 years in system designing.  Experience in AutoCAD, Inventor, and biopharm/pharmaceutical industry a plus.  Some travel required.

Position:   Project Engineer
Description:   Salaried, Full-time, Permanent, Travel Required (Domestic and International)
Responsibilities:  Process and unit operation, design calculations, component technical review and
selection.  Client and project team interaction, and execution of acceptance test protocol. Prepare functional requirement specifications for process automation system design. Develop and implement cost reduction and continuous productivity opportunities. Maintain project documentation. Ensure start-up readiness for production.

Requirements:  Bachelor Degree in Chemical/Mechanical/Electrical Engineering, minimum 3 years’ experience with cross-functional team.

Position:   Project Manager
Description:   Salaried, Full-time, Permanent, Travel Required (Domestic and International)
Responsibilities:  Manage the project in all aspects including from quotation, through sales support and ultimate execution.  Significant interaction with clients, project team and sales.  Commercial perspective required.
Requirements:  Bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering preferred.  Mechanical engineering degree will be considered.  Experience in third party, complex capital projects is required. Travel will be required.

Position:   Quality Manager
Description:   Salaried, Full-time, Permanent, Travel Required (Domestic and International)
Responsibilities:  Manage all aspects of the Quality Control function on a company –wide basis.  Direct application of abec personnel and equipment resources to ensure compliance with all internal SOPs, quality guidelines and industry-related quality standards.
Requirements:  Bachelor Degree in Chemical/Mechanical/Electrical Engineering, minimum 7 years’ experience.

Please inquire for more details on these additional opportunities:
Quality Inspection/ Documentation
Validation Engineer
Validation Technician

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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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The Bethlehem Chamber’s 96th Annual Dinner Celebration

Written by Lynn Cunningham, VP of Bethlehem Initiatives

The Musikfest Café was filled with nearly 300 attendees from the Bethlehem business community to participate in the 96th Annual Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce Dinner. Laughter, tears and a boat load of memories were found at this event which was sponsored by Capital Blue Cross, Caruso Benefits Group and BSI Corporate Benefits among others.

The Chamber honored four individuals:
Receiving the Frank Marcon Award was Tony Hanna for his work overseeing all of the unprecedented economic development projects in the City of Bethlehem over the last 16 years (and straddling the terms of two different mayors) which includes overseeing all of the projects that have been/will be built on the Beth Works site as the Redevelopment Authority Director. The Bethlehem Chamber staff put together a terrific Prezi production of all of the projects that Tony Hanna had a hand in, in the City of Bethlehem. Set to the music of Michael Buble’s “Feeling Good”, it was a moving retrospective   of all of the work that has been accomplished in the last two decades. Mayor John Callahan awarded Mr. Hanna the award adding in his own personal touch to the presentation.

Receiving the Priscilla Payne Hurd Award was Alan Jennings, Director Community Action Committee of the Lehigh Valley  who has been a voice and advocate for the poor. Over his tenure at CACLV, they have started educational programs to assist the poor in starting their own business, getting façade loans for their business and their neighborhoods,  addressing quality of life issues that need to be improved in those poor neighborhoods and even educating the downtrodden to make better decisions that will help them succeed. Don Cunningham, in awarding Alan the PPH Award, affectionately referred to Mr. Jennings as a “pain in the ass” and we are lucky to have him because every community needs someone who makes us think and act upon things that are more comfortable to ignore.

Former Mayor Gordon Mower received The Downtown Visionary Award because of his vision and plan of implementation for a historic looking downtown. Presented by Joe Lennert of Caruso Benefits Group, the award was bestowed because of Gordon’s advocacy which turned Main St into the quaint street it is today with Victorian lampposts, the lay-byes and the brick and slate sidewalks. This was the start of the downtown transformation.

Christine Ussler of Artefact received the second Downtown Visionary Award for all of her work on the facades of the downtown and other sections in the City of Bethlehem. Her designs gave many of the downtown buildings (north and south sides) their historic look and have been influenced by Christine’s eye.  As he was presenting the award, Tony DaRe of BSI Corporate Benefits spoke of the charm of downtown Bethlehem and sited it as a reason that he settled his business there.

The Bethlehem Chamber acknowledged the passing of Linny Fowler and Priscilla Payne Hurd with a moving tribute video produced by Fire Rock Productions. The Valley has benefitted greatly from these two women and no community felt their impact more than the Bethlehem community.  The video, which featured comments by recognizable Lehigh Valley personalities, can be watched here. http://vimeo.com/66251455

Significant Anniversaries were celebrated by three businesses:

The PEEP turned 60 years old. Just Born VP of Corporate Affairs Matt Pye accepted the award along with the PEEP who waddled up on the stage but didn’t actually hold the award because she is a PEEP.  With wings.  No hands. Every table was adorned with special 60th Anniversary PEEPs and the special dessert of the night was made of PEEPS. Thanking Just Born for employing over 600 Lehigh Valley residents and cultivating the PEEP cult status was Terri Bretz, Vice President, Commercial Sales Group, Capital Blue Cross.

American Hairlines celebrated its 20th Anniversary last weekend. Lynn Cunningham, a 14 year customer and VP of Bethlehem for the Chamber presented the award to co-owners, David McCormack and Dru Thomas, citing their contribution to the health and vitality of the Historic Downtown Shopping District in Bethlehem.

The 30th anniversary of Musikfest was celebrated in a unique fashion: when the first strands of the “Chicken Dance” started to play, hundreds of multi-colored balloons dropped from the balcony above to close out this unforgettable evening. We captured it on video for your enjoyment... just don't blame us when the song is stuck in your head!

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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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ArtsQuest, Chamber Top Lehigh Valley Addy Awards

Original story appeared on LVB.com.


ArtsQuest and the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce took “Best of Show” honors Friday night at the 2013 ADDY Awards. The awards, held by the American Advertising Federation/Greater Lehigh Valley, recognize the best advertising in a variety of categories including interactive media, television, newspaper, public service, consumer magazine and sales promotion.

ArtsQuest was honored for its Musikfest Mobile App in the Digital Media Campaign category, and the chamber won for the Bethlehem Vegfest Poster Campaign (designed by Christian Weber) in the Collateral Materials Category. Both entries also won gold awards.

In total, 14 agencies, companies and nonprofits won 23 gold awards at the event. The organization also presented 38 silver awards and nine student ADDYs.

Other gold medal winners included Air Products (4), Spark (3), PPL Inc. (2), The Morning Call/Media Arts Group (2), Adams Outdoor, Christian Weber Creatives, Express Business Centers, Trexlertown, enze, First Generation, Mojo Active, Mosaic and Signs by Tomorrow – Allentown.

The ADDY Awards Competition is a three-tiered national competition conducted annually by the American Advertising Federation. It is the advertising industry's largest competition.

All of the award winners will be posted on the AAF-GLV website: aafglv.com

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Business News in the Lehigh Valley, 3/6/13

Good morning Lehigh Valley. Today the region is expected to get it's first significant amount of snow this winter, with forecasts calling for anywhere between 2-4 inches for most of the Lehigh Valley area. How every much your area does get, please be careful driving and take your time!

The Allentown Mayor's Breakfast was held this morning at Muhlenberg College's Seegers Union. Both the Bethlehem and Allentown Breakfasts sold out, but there's still a chance to reserve your spot at both the Phillipsburg Mayor's Lunch and the Easton Mayor's Breakfast.

The Lehigh Valley has ranked as No. 9 in Site Selection Magazine's Top 10 Metro Areas with populations between 200,000 and 1 million, with a project count of 24 in 2012. Pennsylvania finished third in the nation with 430 new or expanded corporate facilities in 2012.

Sam Adams Beer and the Rising Tide Community Loan Fund of the Lehigh Valley have announced they will expand their program that helps small business owners. The program provides coaching, mentoring and educational resources to small business owners in the food & beverage, brewing, and hospitality industries.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average reached a record high on Tuesday, climbing more than 125 points to close at 14,253.77, while the S&P 500 finished at its highest level since October 2007. On the jobs side, the ADP National Employment Report showed that private-sector employment increased by 198,000 jobs in February.

In world news, Venezuelan President Huge Chávez passed away yesterday, 21 months after he first revealed he had a tumor.




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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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Business News in the Lehigh Valley, 1/18/13

T.G.I.F., Lehigh Valley! We hope everyone has a great Friday.

Lehigh Valley home sales in 2012 were up 13.1% from 2011 figures. A total of 5,674 homes were sold last year, the highest number of sales seen in the past three years.First-time buyers were motivated by lower interest rates and prices as well as job market stability. The Lehigh Valley Association of Realtors has called 2012 a 'year of recovery,' implying the beginning of a housing market recovery.

Sources have alleged that the Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem could be for sale, as Las Vegas Sands Corp. is reportedly asking for up to $1 billion for the property. Sands is the second largest casino in the state in terms of gambling revenue.

Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation (LVEDC) will operate differently moving forward, said CEO Don Cunningham. Many of the organizational decisions were previously made by their executive committee during closed-door meetings, but now those decisions will be made by the full LVEDC board. Cunningham said the goal is to make board membership more appealing and to entice more local business leaders to join.

Join us for the Lehigh Valley Easy Pages Annual Distribution Party and Chamber Signature Networking Event on Thursday, January 24 from 5 - 8 p.m. This event is free and open to the public and will be held at Miller Symphony Hall. Enjoy "Business After Five" as you network with fellow Chamber members, enjoy complimentary hors d'oeuvres, and even get a chance to win gift certificate giveaways.



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Business News in the Lehigh Valley, 1/3/13

Good morning Lehigh Valley. On this day in 1959, President Eisenhower signed a proclamation admitting Alaska to the Union as the 49th state.

A New York City based brewing company, Ruckus Brewing, has won the right to try to convert the run-down Neuweiler Brewing Company in east Allentown into a multipurpose development. Roughly half of the property would be used to brew the company's different beers and would also house a brewpub, and the other half would be re-purposed into various retail and commercial uses.

On Wednesday, Bethlehem City Council unanimously voted in favor of the amusement tax, which would put a 5% tax on event tickets (concerts, sports, etc.) valued at $10 or more, and the tax would have a cap at $1.50/ticket. The money from the tax will go towards the funding of police and emergency services at such events. The tax will not affect events with fewer than 200 people, or tickets for movies or high school sporting events.

Governor Tom Corbett announced Wednesday that the state of Pennsylvania would sue the NCAA for strict sanctions placed against Penn State University in the wake of the Sandusky scandal. Gov. Corbett alleges that NCAA was "overreaching and unlawful" in their punishment against the University. He also went on to say that the sanctions imposed mostly punish the local businesses and citizens of Pennsylvania.

 New Jersey Governor Christie criticized House Speaker Boehner on Wednesday for refusing to allow a vote on Hurricane Sandy relief to the Northeast. It has been 66 days since the hurricane hit the states, and the delay in congress is much longer than following other natural disasters. Within hours of the speech, Boehner and Republican House leadership announced there would be a vote for an initial round of this week, followed by a vote on the remaining amount on January 15.









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Christmas in Bethlehem - by Lynn Cunningham

My office is located on the second floor of the Main St. Commons overlooking Main and Broad Streets. Throughout the year, I am filled with pride at what a terrific community it is that I grew up in, live in and work in: when I walk outside to see a slew of Musikfest volunteers, employees and vendors setting up for the upcoming 10 day festival; when I’m working late in September and I can hear the clear sound of a lone bagpiper practicing somewhere in the neighborhood for the Celtic Classic and when I see my staff and the merchants of the downtown helping decorate the streets with hay bales, corn stalks and pumpkins to prepare for the Fall shopping season and Harvest Festival.

As the Vice President of Bethlehem for The Chamber my focus is centered on tourism, marketing and the overall financial health of the business community. Much of the work we do in the office revolves around Christmas – the logistics of bringing Christmas to the Christmas City – most of which doesn’t really involve the birth of Christ.  It is the business of Christmas: building, decorating and managing the Christmas City Village, coordinating the 100 details that go into The Community Tree Lighting Ceremony, raising the funds to pay for the 800 trees that go up throughout the town, marketing the many events that occur here during the Christmas season; and finding sponsors and managing The Christmas City Trolley. Much is riding on the success of the Christmas season and in this 75^th year of Bethlehem being designated as “Christmas City, USA” it is more so.  The one event that does involve the spiritual aspect of Christmas - the Community Advent Breakfast – must be handled as a business venture; ordering  beeswax candles, Moravian Sugar Cake, booking speakers, and marketing this  47 year old tradition. Year after year since I’ve had this job, the warmth that I should feel during this holy season is delayed because of my role in making sure that Christmas happens in the Christmas City… and is paid for.

That ended this year. The Citizens Christmas City Committee – one of my committees - has been raising funds for the City of Bethlehem’s Christmas decorations since 1964 with the Christmas City Seal. Every year we mail out thousands of envelopes with a sheaf of stamp-like seals and hope that the residents of Bethlehem and the Lehigh Valley send us a donation. Every year these donations decrease. The population that donates to the Christmas City Seals is getting older and their income has been fixed for almost two decades. This year, because of staffing changes, I took on the task of opening these envelopes for the first time. What I thought was going to be a drudgery job turned into a joy. Hundreds of names that I have heard from my 53 years of growing up here kept coming before me: Petraglia, Meixel, Uhler, Buzzard, Kessler, Pongratz, Barnett, Ytsma and to my utter delight - my own mother - who has been donating to this committee for most of the last 48 years. There were a few checks for $100 or $25 but most of the checks were for $10 and some envelopes had just one dollar stuffed inside. I cannot begin to tell you the warmth and affection that I felt while opening every single one of these envelopes.

Vernon Melhado, the President of the Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce in 1937 said “Bethlehem didn’t create Christmas, Christmas created Bethlehem” referring to the Moravian’s christening of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania  in 1741. When “O Little Town of Bethlehem” is sung, it has a double meaning to all of us. With Bethlehem’s many churches, Vesper concerts and Christmas putzes, the spirit of Christmas is prevalent. I now know that this community is also invested in Bethlehem as the Christmas City. Christmas is in the hearts of its residents which is interwoven with their faith, their pride and sense of community.  I want to express my gratitude to everyone who contribute - day in and day out - to make Bethlehem, Pennsylvania a great place to work, live, raise a family…and celebrate this holiday. Merry Christmas, everyone!

Lynn Collins Cunningham, born and raised in Bethlehem, is the Vice President of Bethlehem for the Greater Lehigh Chamber of Commerce

Work Address: 561 Main St, Suite 200, Bethlehem, Pa 18018

Mobile Phone: 610-739-1510

Email Address: lynnc@lehighvalleychamber.org

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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.

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Today's Business News in the Lehigh Valley, 12/20/12

Good morning and happy Thursday, Lehigh Valley. Tomorrow is the Winter Solstice, and no, it will not be the end of the world! However, tomorrow will have the longest night and shortest day of the year.

PA state and federal Democratic lawmakers are calling for increased gun control legislation in the wake of the tragic shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School last Friday. There are plans for a Democratic task force that will examine "a comprehensive approach to reducing gun violence, including a better system of background checks for gun purchases and expanding mental health services."


Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE) will begin offering direct international flights as early as 2014. On Tuesday the airport authority endorsed a $5 million plan to add a U.S. Customs station that would allow LVIA to have flights out of the country.


NYSE Euronext, the operator of the New York Stock Exchange, will be sold to IntercontinentalExchange in an $8.2 billion cash and stock deal. IntercontinentalExchange operates commodity and derivatives markets around the world and has a larger market value than NYSE.

The United States Treasury will be selling its remaining shares in General Motors over a 15-month period, with plans to sell the 500 million shares bought during the bailout back to GM for $5.5 billion.

Today's Member of the Day is Copperhead Grille, with locations in Allentown and Center Valley. Copperhead Grille is offering a $10 voucher when you buy $50 in gift cards, perfect for the last minute shoppers out there! 
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Today's Business News in the Lehigh Valley, 12/18/12

Good morning Lehigh Valley! On this day in 1958, The world's first communications satellite was launched by the United States aboard an Atlas rocket.

In recent news, Lehigh County was named among the Top 10 counties in the United States to attract future growth and investment, ranking 7th in the "large sized counties" segment with populations between 150,000 and 499,999 people. A key factor was the regional cooperation regarding community and economic development.

The city of Allentown recently broke ground on the American Parkway Bridge over the Lehigh River, a $46 million project that will  provide drivers with immediate access to Airport Road and Route 22 and Downtown Allentown. Construction of the bridge will begin very soon, but could take up to two years to complete.

The mobile advertising market in the U.S. is growing at a rapid pace, much more quickly than originally anticipated, expected to reach around $4 billion. It will nearly triple in the upcoming year, with companies like Facebook, Google and Twitter expanding their mobile advertising markets.

After the horrific shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School on Friday, gun control is a topic that is getting discussed in great length. According to CNN, "Over the past few days, several lawmakers have promised to introduce or reintroduce gun control legislation, ranging from a reinstatement of a federal ban on assault weapons to banning the sale of high-capacity magazines."
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Today's Business News in the Lehigh Valley, 12/13/12

Good morning and happy Thursday, Lehigh Valley. There are 18 days left to finish up your 2012 resolutions!

Small businesses have found a new way to prosper during the holiday season, not by stiff competition but rather by a method of community cooperation. Business owners in Lehigh Valley have been able to boost their sales through special promotions and events, including Christmas City Village in Bethlehem, Men's Shopping Night in Easton, and other promotions throughout the region.

Easton City Council has approved their 2013 budget, wherein the property taxes will remain the same and drivers will see an increase on the city's parking meters, from 50 cents/hour to $1/hour, which is still relatively low compared to most cities. They will supplement their revenue through other means as well, including the increasing income from their cut of the table games in neighboring Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem.

Nationally, there has been little to no progress regarding the impending fiscal cliff. Vast differences still exist in the way the White House and the Republicans would like to handle the tax increases and budget cuts that once implemented could send the country back into a recession. "If a deal is not reached, taxes will go up for almost all working Americans at the start of the New Year and steep government spending cuts will kick in."

For users who bought the iPhone 5 and miss having the functionality of Google Maps, then worry no more. Google Maps has made its way back into the App Store, this time offering turn-by-turn navigation that was not available on iOS before now.

Have a great, productive Thursday!
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