Main Street Initiatives - September Connections Article

On every Main Street. These are more than just words to us, they represent who we are and what we do,  as proven by our most recent round of Main Street Lehigh Valley (MSLV) grant projects:

Our four cities are the hub of the Lehigh Valley, and by funding projects in their neighborhoods we are making a difference one small project at a time - projects that encourage community bonding or tourism - many achieve both. Grants were awarded in the cities of Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton and Phillipsburg to civic groups for events with tourism appeal  and accompanying site furnishings at event locations; downtown cleanliness and sidewalk flower bed plantings; way-finding, identity, and historic house signage; alleyway string lighting; holiday décor; and a restaurant guide.

Alburtis is touting their history, their story, by applying for National Historic District designation, and the Foundation is helping them on this path by helping to fund a professional architectural property inventory. Thousands of people attend the Walnutport Canal Festival, an educational celebration of history and heritage; we are now a contributor towards this tradition. We are part of preserving this history.

Coopersburg and Bath previously received MSLV money to fund aesthetic enhancements in their towns. Coopersburg is replacing decade old street banners and Bath is  pursuing the purchase of 3 illuminated American flags in the downtown. Coplay is eagerly anticipating both welcome signs and pole banners this year. A series of eight signs will be installed along Fogelsville’s business corridor to create identity and consistency in a rapidly expanding area. We are part of these high quality visual enhancements, where a little change goes a long way.

We are thrilled to support billboard advertising for Nazareth area library’s “touch a truck” event, a family friendly and educational opportunity for kids that is also  a fundraiser for the library. Emmaus needs financial support in marketing their businesses, as does Forks Township and the Foundation is stepping in to help.

Hellertown benefitted from MSLV funds last year to help construct the band-shell at Dimmick Park. This year, they are investing in the restoration of an historic fountain at Authority Park.

Slatington is pursuing the finishing touches on their Memorial Park, established in 2010.

Northampton plans to purchase a gazebo to be their centerpiece for a new park uptown that will be built on a borough vacant lot. We are part of this enhancement and maintenance of recreational assets.

Bangor Heritage Mural number two is in the works – a follow up to the renowned first mural featuring real people and real places. Catasauqua is following in the success of Bangor – with the installation of their own community-driven mural. Pen Argyl is promoting last year’s MSLV project with a film on their Wisdom Walk: an inspiring, painted sidewalk trail through the business district. We are part of learning and being healthy through art.

Macungie created a $50,000 Streetscape Plan several years ago and they are now ready to take it to the next level; but first, they need a re-evaluation of the proposed improvements. Fountain Hill is making updates to a decade old plan for Stanley Avenue recreation area, which will bring the plan from to completion. The chamber is part of this project for which improves quality of life.

We ARE on every Main Street and these projects are our legacy – join us in making Main Street Lehigh Valley great. 

Anne Baum, Capital BlueCross

Chair, The Chamber Foundation

Buddy Lesavoy, Lesavoy Butz & Seitz, LLC, Co Chair

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Growing Your Biz in 2013 - Deadheads

Guest blog from Carol Ritter of CarolTalks.com

I’ve always wondered where the greatest ideas come from.  What makes an idea work and why do some people have great ideas but somehow they just never leave the ‘great idea’ gate?  

I like to look back on the minimal success of some and the over the top success of others.  It’s always the same, the greatest ideas in the world cannot be great without the TRIBE.  I have worked for some brillant people over the years, watched them manuver through their goals, have plans that are wildly focused but yet sometimes two things were missing;

1. They have no idea how to gather a TRIBE, in some cases they didn’t even want to
2. And, they don’t focus on surrounding themselves with and taking care of great people

If you look up the many definitions of  the word TRIBE, you will find they have one thing in common, a TRIBE is a community, a social group with simular values, interests or common bond.  A good example of this are the Dead Heads who were commited to and followed The Grateful Dead’s music in the 70’s.  The Dead Heads were loyal, obsessed and completely committed to following, listening to and, most importantly, spending money on the Grateful Dead.  

All businesses need Dead Heads.  Loyal, obessed and willing to spend dollars on that obsession.  

So, how do you go from having an out of this world product or service with no 

Dead Heads to a business with an out of this world product or service and a TRIBE?  

Building the CLAN or gathering the TRIBE is not a science but takes complete focus and commitment.

Here we go:

Remember this...the founding members of your TRIBE are your employees! If they don’t have the Dead Head passion and loyalty, there will be no TRIBE

1. Listen to your customers, learn why they love what you do
2. Create situations where your customers feel valued - ask them for advice
3. Take care of people - give them something once and in a while, pay attention to               their needs
4. Just like your plan to improve your product, create a plan for growing your TRIBE
5. Take the focus off of you and your service and put it on them
6. Learn everything about what makes your customer tick so you can transfer that       loyalty to new TRIBE members
7. Don’t ever assume TRIBE members will stay forever, you must nuture them, create new services or products  (or new songs like the Greatful Dead)
8. Recognize creative people and surround yourself with them (creative people sometimes aren’t great rule followers, so you will have to cope)
9. Embrace a true entreprenurial spirit, if you are not passionate about what you do how would you expect the gather a TRIBE
10. Always prioritize, 

1. EXCELLENT PRODUCT OR SERVCE
2. OBSESSION WITH CUSTOMER SERVICE
3. COMMITMENT TO THE TRIBE

YOU JUST CAN’T BE OVER THE TOP SUCCESSFUL WITHOUT THOSE DEAD HEADS! 

Check out my new You Tube page at www.youtube.com/caroltalks

          Watch for Carol’s New Website Launch 

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 TER LEADERS. www.caroltalks.com610-442-4545 tellkids@aol.com  Like Carol on  Facebook at Caroltalks and CarolCoaches!  Carol S. Ritter, Immediate Past President, National Speakers Association Philadelphia

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Chamber to Host U.S. Senator Toomey for LIVE One-On-One Business Matters

On Wednesday, September 4, the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce will host U.S. Senator Pat Toomey for an exclusive D.C. Update and One-on-One chat to be aired on an upcoming Business Matters episode.

You're invited to be part of the live audience for the show and enjoy a delicious buffet breakfast at Lehigh Country Club. Register here. For more information, please contact mikek@lehighvalleychamber.org.

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Growing Your Business in 2013 - Ping Pong

Guest blog post from Carol Ritter of CarolTalks.com

As a kid, I used to love the game of Ping Pong.  A fun, silly, sometimes very competitive game. It was inexpensive, too.  You didn't need equipment, shin guards, face mask or even a monogrammed t-shirt.  You just needed to know someone who had a table and was willing to host some fun.  I remember learning “the spin serve” a unique serve where you spun the ball before serving to throw off your competition.

I’ve witnessed Ping Pong of another nature just recently.  Yesterday,  I left an envelope in my car that was being repaired because of an accident.  I arrived at the dealership and noticed my car ripped apart and being repaired.  A sign warning that customers cannot enter the garage without a hard hat was prominently hung.  I asked a gentlemen if I could go in and get my envelope, he directed me to the receptionist to get permission.  I went to the receptionist she said I had to go to the person who runs the garage....so I went back to the garage.  Finding no one,  I went in.  I made sure the car was not on a lift and proceeded to get my envelope.  I called my friend and said I got the envelope after an intense game of CUSTOMER PING PONG.  I spent way too much time there with the employees trying to avoid helping me.  Has this ever happened in your BIZ?  I interrupted the guy’s computer work, then I interrupted the receptionist’s quest to find her mid morning snack and the person who runs the garage was missing in action.

This group of employees wore uniforms clearly identifying them, they are in a competitive business and they did everything to avoid helping me.  The moral of the story is; make sure your employees are trained on how to handle customers with questions.  Teach them to get up once in a while and greet the customer instead of sitting there.  And, set the company culture right from the start, customers first, snacks, computers and breaks second.  It’s a competitive world out there, especially if you have perfect the spin serve in your game of PING PONG!

Check out my new You Tube page at www.youtube.com/caroltalks

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 TER LEADERS. www.caroltalks.com 610-442-4545 tellkids@aol.com  Like Carol on  Facebook at Caroltalks and CarolCoaches!  Carol S. Ritter,  Past President, National Speakers Association Philadelphia

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Keystone Harley Davidson - Member of the Day 7-19-13

Today's Member of the Day is Keystone Harley Davidson located in Parryville PA.

Jean Davidson, granddaughter of Walter Davidson (one of the founders & the first President of Harley-Davidson® Motor Company) will be at Keystone Harley Davidson Saturday July 20^thfor a very special Family Day at the dealership. Family Day takes place from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. and Ms. Davidson will be here most of that time.

Jean Davidson has just completed her 6^th & final book, “Harley-Davidson® Family Memories” and is debuting her book at Keystone H-D® that day! This book has not been seen nor distributed anywhere… Keystone H-D® is honored to have been chosen to debut this amazing publication.

In addition to her writing, Ms. Davidson is also passionate about her 501c(3) foundation, “Yell and Tell”, which is set up to teach young children what to do in dangerous situations.  She will be sharing a Yell and Tell lesson with all kids in attendance at 11:00 a.m. on July 20^thas well.

  

In addition to Yell & Tell and the book debut, Family Day will also have a few other great features:

The PA State Police will be on hand between 10 – 2 & will provide fingerprinting & digital photos of the kids in attendance. Their families will be provided with a complementary safety card that day in case of emergency. 

For lots of fun, local magician Tom Yurasits will present a Magic Show at 1 p.m. & in the atrium and they’ll have a Moonwalk Bounce House and a big cooler of Lehigh Valley Polish Water Ice for the kids!  The Parryville Fire Department will be selling Funnel Cakes outside too. 

All events will be conducted inside the 50,000 square foot dealership. This heat wave won’t get in the way of fun that day!

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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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Growing Your Business in 2013 - Free Frenzy

Guest blog from Carol Ritter of CarolTalks.com.

Someone very special in my life makes me laugh a lot.  One of his favorite lines is ,“If it’s free, it’s for me!”  Let’s go surfing on the internet to see what we can get for free.  If you have a Facebook account, almost daily a ‘free’ page shows up.  Today it was Unlimited Free Stuff.  I just had to try it.  Bob Evans is giving away a free cup of “BOLD” coffee.  You just click and click again and a coupon shows up good till the end of the month.  We are definitely missing out on free stuff when we don’t investigate this awesome opportunity.  I clicked for free corn chips and guac at Chili’s, I clicked for free Ritz Crackers, and I’m going to click more later today.  We all love free stuff so why don’t we, as business owners, know that?   If it’s free, it’s for all your customers.  It’s time to leverage the “FREE FRENZY”

Carol’s FREE FRENZY Ideas

Facebook - the best opportunity in the world to promote your business or event.  Build a page - it takes about 15 minutes.  Begin with pictures, questions, and then promotions, FREE FRENZY

1.  Join the Lehigh Valley Chamber, the membership dues are low and the value is high, $5,000 high.  Yes, you can leverage $5,000 in value by joining the chamber.  Start today with a FREE Sunday ad in the Morning Call, tomorrow put your company in their monthly magazine - FREE, or go on the radio this Friday on WAEB. FREE FRENZY

2.  Send out press releases for your events, giveaways etc - FREE FRENZY

3.  Purchase a magnetic sign for your car or a car wrap with your website, phone number and email, it’s not free in the beginning but you will get back the cost in business and then it will turn into a FREE FRENZY for years to come

4.  Many times Vista Print offers free business cards (don’t store them, give them away) - FREE FRENZY

5.  Educate people, position yourself as a expert and give away free information - FREE FRENZY

6.  Utilize LinkedIn to promote your business and expertise, make sure it’s up to date and packed full of useful information to appeal to future customers

7.  Last, but certainly not least, build your word of mouth epidemic, share your mission with everyone, invite your customers to write testimonials, throw them up on your website - FREE FRENZY

I clicked again!  This time I’m getting free tea, free vitamins, free detergent and free dog food. Now that’s a FREE FRENZY, try it!

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 TER LEADERS. www.caroltalks.com 610-442-4545 tellkids@aol.com  Like Carol on  Facebook at Caroltalks and CarolCoaches!  Carol S. Ritter, Immediate Past President, National Speakers Association Philadelphia

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Job Opening: Nazareth Business Council Seeks Part-Time Downtown Coordinator

GREAT THINGS ARE HAPPENING IN NAZARETH!  

WE NEED A GREAT COORDINATOR!

Seeking an enthusiastic and outgoing part-time Downtown Nazareth Coordinator to advocate for the business community.

The Borough of Nazareth and the Nazareth Economic Development Commission (NEDC) have partnered with the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber’s (The Chamber) Main Street Lehigh Valley (MSLV) initiative to help encourage business growth and expansion in the borough.

Nazareth has seen an increasing need for additional economic development and revitalization in recent years.
This evolving partnership and its downtown initiative aim to help build and attract business to Nazareth. This collaborative effort has also received the support from Northampton County and the Nazareth Bath Chamber of Commerce.

This goal of the Downtown Nazareth Coordinator position is to serve as a catalyst for the prosperity of the Nazareth community it serves as well as adding to the overall growth of the business community as a whole.
The downtown coordinator will mobilize volunteers and businesses, helping them to strengthen their own local economy. This person will coordinate programs and initiatives to improve the aesthetics of the town, and establish connections among community stakeholders and local organizations.

With support from the business community, the coordinator will develop and administer efforts that will promote the borough’s physical, economic, cultural, and historical assets – which affect the image and identity of the downtown, and ultimately the entire business climate of Nazareth. He/she will guide the business community in defining their goals, and help put them in touch with the resources they need for success.

The Chamber has experience in similar downtown revitalization efforts via programs of their non-profit MSLV Foundation. Established in 2005, The Chamber’s regional Borough Business Revitalization Program helps initiate efforts in several small Lehigh Valley boroughs that aim to provide economically-healthy, vibrant, pedestrian-friendly, and aesthetically-pleasing downtowns. Chamber coordinators, with County support from both Lehigh and Northampton, promote the business districts and community assets while providing technical assistance and access to both regional and state resources.

Interested Candidates: 
Must be an enthusiastic advocate for the business community within the borough and knowledgeable about information, resources and programs related to revitalization initiatives. Duties include working with volunteers in the community to promote downtown development by marketing properties; working with property owners on building improvements; recruiting and retaining businesses; and producing downtown promotional material. Strong computer skills and social media knowledge required. An interest in historic preservation preferred.

Strong public speaking and media exposure required with interpersonal and team-building skills; ability to build and leverage strong relationships. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, organizational and supervisory experience and the ability to work independently are essential.

Downtown Nazareth Coordinator needs to manage revitalization initiative in Nazareth and must have willingness to attend after hours business and networking events.  Volunteer management experience necessary. Valid drivers’ license required. Economic Development experience necessary.  Please forward resume with cover letter and salary requirements to:

Marlyn Kissner
Executive Vice President
marlynk@lehighvalleychamber.org

Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce
18 S. Main Street
Nazareth PA, 18064

The Main Street Lehigh Valley Foundation, The Chamber’s charitable arm, was established as a 501(c) 3 in Bethlehem, originally to raise funds for holiday decorations. Now that the Chamber has merged with 13 regional partners, and the Foundation has grown to serve all of its communities as part of the Main Street Lehigh Valley Initiative.  Main Street Lehigh Valley uses contributions from private sector donors along with assistance from Lehigh and Northampton counties to directly fund community development projects in Lehigh Valley’s communities.

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Business News in the Lehigh Valley - June 24, 2013

Good morning Lehigh Valley! We hope you had a great weekend and started the summer off on the right foot. It's going to be a hot week in our corner of the world, with most day's high temp around 90 degrees.

The state unemployment rate dropped slightly in May for the fourth consecutive month, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry. May’s 0.1% improvement to 7.5% puts Pennsylvania below the national average for the first time since July 2012. The national average is now just higher at 7.6%.

The Allentown Chamber of Commerce has named its new board president, Lehigh Valley Grand Prix partner Mike McCreary. McCreary, just 29, will be the youngest board chair of any of the Chambers in the Lehigh Valley's history. "The main goal this year is to strengthen the partnerships we have in the city, including the City of Allentown, Hamilton District Main Street Program, West End Alliance and the Seventh Street program," McCreary said.

The City of Allentown’s future arena complex is in receipt of a 2013 Commonwealth Award from 10,000 Friends of Pennsylvania, the state’s leading advocate for responsible land use. Mayor Ed Pawlowski accepted the award last night at a ceremony at the Crowne Plaza in Harrisburg.

Two different restaurateurs that have found success in downtown Bethlehem are soon to open new locations just a few blocks away on Linden Street. Billy Kounoupis, owner of Billy's Downtown Diner, is opening a his "Bethlehem Burger Bar" on the 600 block of Linden Street, at the current location of "Theo's Gyros & More."  Nino Basile, owner of Mama Nina’s Foccacheria, will be opening his new restaurant Pane E Pasta on the 700 block of Linden. The menu items will be similar to Mama Nina's, with pizza, subs & burgers for takeout. Who knows... maybe we'll see a new restaurant row on Linden Street soon? There are already two other great establishments close by, with Mach's Gute, Flama Tropical and Hometown Heroes right along the way.

That's all for now, follow us on twitter and facebook for more business news updates throughout the day!


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Rentschler Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram-Chevrolet Celebrate 40 Years with a Chamber Mixer!

Greater Northern Lehigh Chamber and Carbon County Chamber and Economic Development Present:

“Rentschler Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram-Chevrolet Mixer”

WHEN: Tuesday, June 11, 2013

WHERE: Rentschler Chevrolet and Rentschler Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram
     Route 873 (255 North Walnut Street) Slatington, PA 18080

TIME: 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

COST: Event is FREE


Details:

You are “PRE-APPROVED” to join Rentschler in celebrating their 40th Anniversary in Slatington. Take a tour and celebrate the grand opening of the two newly remodeled and renovated showrooms and service departments.  Food and beverages will be provided, and be sure to bring plenty of business cards for networking!

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Growing Your Business in 2013 - You've Got Mail!

Guest Blog from Carol Ritter of CarolTalks.com.

Sometimes email gets a bad rap.  The real question is, does it make more work for you or does it make it easier to communicate with your colleagues and friends?  What do you think?  For my work, I love it.  I can crank out an answer in seconds and I love crossing things off my to-do list.  Then, there’s the junk and the sales (sometimes good sales) and don’t forget the drugs you don’t need or want that they are trying to sell you. 

Remember that movie, You’ve Got Mail?  Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan would rush home to turn on their computers and wait for the mysterious, sometimes humorous emails from each other.  Back then I wonder if they ever thought email would become such a BIG piece of our lives.  Even though I love it, I do have my limits.  Here are my Pet Peeves:

Carol’s 5 Email Pet Peeves - You’ve Got Mail

the fake email dressed up like it’s from a friend and it’s really from a scam artist

the emails that don’t let you unsubscribe but say they do

the class reunion emails from people I did not go to school with

the emails from someone stranded in a foreign country who needs money immediately

and the emails telling me I should join a dating site for people over 55

Now that we are done complaining, here are my ideas for utilizing email in your biz....

Make sure future customers can email you through your free social media-Facebook & LinkedIn

Have your email address on all marketing materials (make it easy to find) - I was recently at a networking event, a guy gave me his business card with no email address on it

Don’t forget to offer free stuff and specials- keep customers coming back

Collect email addresses at your place of business or through networking

I really don’t mind getting emails telling me what’s on sale, where I can get a deal or a nice note from a friend.  I love the fact that I have written documentation of tasks completed and a quick response sometimes saves the day. When it comes to GROWING UR BIZ - email is now a necessity, so turn on your computer, click on your email and see if You’ve Got Mail!

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 TER LEADERS. www.caroltalks.com 610-442-4545 tellkids@aol.com  Like Carol on  Facebook at Caroltalks and CarolCoaches!  Carol S. Ritter, Immediate Past President, National Speakers Association Philadelphia

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Growing Your Business in 2013 - WINNING!

Guest blog from Carol Ritter of CarolTalks.com

Not everything is rosy in running your own small business.  Stuff happens whether you are prepared or not.  Dr. Phil just wrote a new book, “New Rules for Winning in the New World”.  Winning, remember just a few short months ago Charlie Sheen coined the word “winning” in order to tell the world he was in charge and always ahead of the next press release or rag magazine.  Dr. Phil states, “Success is created, and, just as importantly, once obtained, it must be managed and protected. I didn’t see a single success story in which the person at the center, the hero, the victor, didn’t come under some attack at some point. You’ve heard the saying “It’s lonely at the top,” and it’s true”.

In the game of life, being able to identify evil can and can put you in a better position for success.  Even those of us who have been in business for many years can be fooled by someone who isn’t exactly of upstanding character.  Dr. Phil has stated his “Evil Eight” as the way to identify evil before it hits you square between the eyes.  Do you know anyone with these traits?

1) Arrogant entitlement personality
2) Lack of empathy
3) No remorse/guilt
4) Irresponsible/self-destructive
5) Thrive on drama
6) Brag about outsmarting
7) Short-term relationships
8) Live in a Fantasy World/Delusional

A friend of mine recently watched a colleague with all these traits begin to self-destruct.  He will get his way or win at all costs, throwing trusted work-mates under the bus, compulsively lying and bringing his personal life drama into work.  It took almost a year to identify the Evil Eight.  Everything seemed “rosy” in the beginning, then you begin to question the intentions, then you have proof of the betrayal and then it’s time to say good-bye.

Statistics show, on average, it takes two years to get to know someone, because it takes that long for us to reveal our true selves to one another.  If you have a collegue that exhibits even half of these traits, you may want to try this...

Begin to document everything -
Set up the black and white guidelines (example: personal stuff stays personal)
Set up weekly meetings to identify the issues and share soluntions
Let them go if they become the focus of all your employee issues

Winning does not necessarily mean you will be successful, however if you can’t identify these 8 traits and take action on it, I can see WINNING in your future!

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 TER LEADERS. www.caroltalks.com 610-442-4545 tellkids@aol.com  Like Carol on  Facebook at Caroltalks and CarolCoaches!  Carol S. Ritter, Immediate Past President, National Speakers Association Philadelphia
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Win 2 FREE Plane Tickets During The Chamber's May Signature Networking Event on May 16

Are you looking for an easy summer getaway? Lehigh Valley International Airport will be offering two free tickets to Myrtle Beach during the Chamber's Signature Networking Event on May 16.

The Chamber and Lehigh Valley International Airport to host Signature Networking Event on Thursday, May 16th, from 5 - 7 p.m. This event will be a chance to enjoy “business after 5”, while networking with fellow Chamber members. 

All attendees will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win two FREE tickets on Allegiant Air to Myrtle Beach! 

Immediately prior to the networking event, there will be a new member orientation from 4-5 p.m., open to Chamber members who wish to review their member benefits.

When: Thursday, May 16, 5 - 7 p.m. 

Where: Lehigh Valley International Airport, Main Terminal, 2nd Floor. Park in Short Term Parking and bring your parking pass to get validated.

Pricing Information: Free to Chamber Members, $10 for Non-Members 

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Growing Your Business in 2013 - Shark Weak

Guest blog from Carol Ritter of CarolTalks.com

If you own a business, I insist you watch Shark Tank on Friday night at 8 p.m. This amazing show hosts the worlds most famous investors. Barbara Corcoran, a real-estate mogul, Mark Cuban, owner of the Dallas Mavericks, Robert Herjavec, founder of 125 million dollar technology company, Daymon John, creator of global fashion brand FUBU, Lori Greiner, the Queen of QVC, and the villain Kevin O’Leary, chairman of O’Leary Funds. The purpose of the show is to help struggling entrepreneurs with money, connections and mentorship.  Each week a number of wanna-be’s show up for their once in a lifetime opportunity to “GROW UR BIZ.”

The wanna-be’s walk, run, jump into the ‘tank’ and present their pizzazz. The SHARKS begin the drill, how many have you sold, what is your market, how much does it cost you to make, is there a patent pending and how much money of your own have you invested. Their answers have everything to do with whether or not they will get a deal.

How about you? Are you SHARK STRONG or SHARK WEAK? Can you answer the questions above and would these SHARKS be interested in your biz? What’s your pizzazz, your WOW factor?

A a small business owner recently said to me, “business is so slow.” I offered suggestions, he had little response. Summer is approaching, the SHARKS are ready to attack, if your biz is SHARK WEAK you may want to consider a jump into the SHARK TANK

Take more time to network, get out of the office
Hold events at your biz - bring people in 
Hold customer appreciation days - give something away
Promote your pizzaz, up your marketing 50%
Join a “Mastermind Group”  for idea sharing and problem solving

BTW, Lori Greiner, QVC, recently paid $150,000 for 65% stake in ReadeRest, a magnetic reading-glasses holder. The end of the story is $3.5 million in sales on QVC and climbing.

This wanna-be entrepreneur is now SHARK STRONG, how about you?

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 TER 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, April 30, 2013

Good morning, Lehigh Valley! It appears to be slightly less cloudy than yesterday, and the weather is expected to be cloudy again, with a high of 64 degrees and only a 20% chance of rain. On this day in 1974, George Washington was inaugurated as the first president of the United States during a ceremony in New York City.

In recent business news, the city of Allentown has formed a public-private partnership to enhance the appearance of buildings and spur investment within city districts adjacent to its Neighborhood Improvement Zone. City Center Lehigh Valley is providing $200,000 in private funding for the first phase of this initiative. PPL will support the initiative through the $100,000 in funding it currently provides for the Main Street and neighborhood-improvement programs on Hamilton and Seventh streets.


Buyers are putting a dent in the housing inventory throughout the Greater Lehigh Valley area, including a huge leap in sales of 45.5 percent in Berks County. Home sales for the region increased by 32.6 percent in March compared to February. "We're seeing a shift in the overall market swinging from a buyer's market towards a seller's market," said Brad Patt, senior vice president of Prudential Patt-White and the Premier Group, Coopersburg. Read the full story on LVB.com.


On May 16, The Chamber will host a mayoral debate between Bethlehem Councilmen J. William Reynolds and Robert Donchez, both Democrats, are the city’s two mayoral candidates for 2013. The debate will take place at 4 p.m. on May 16 at Hotel Bethlehem. There’s a nominal fee for the reception that follows at 5 p.m. and the debate also will air on Business Matters 7:30 p.m. May 20 on WFMZ.

In national news, President Obama has named Charlotte Mayor Anthony Foxx as the next Transportation Secretary. Obama chose him because of the city’s investments in transportation and other projects that have boosted the local economy. While Foxx has been in office, the city has broken ground on a streetcar project for the downtown area, extended its light-rail system and expanded the Charlotte airport.

That's all for now, make sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter for up-to-date event information and member news!

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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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The Action Alphabet

Guest blog post from Amy Burkett/PBS39 Station Manager -AmyBurkett@johnmaxwellgroup.com

So you feel like you're stuck in a rut.  It happens to all of us.  Maybe it's your business that's grown for years and now seems like it's stuck in park.  Or maybe you're having trouble getting to that next career goal.  Trust me friends we all go through these times of professionally stalling.  I admit I'm not a fan.  I'm more of a put the pedal to the metal scream forward kind of gal.  But like you, things don't always happen the way I'd like them to everyday.  Here's what I do when I feel stuck.  I seek out a new leadership book so I can get some help to find a way to move forward.

Back in 2008 I hit a pretty big career speed bump and thank heavens a dear friend gave me Robert Schuller's book, TOUGH TIMES NEVER LAST, BUT TOUGH PEOPLE DO!  Seriously, I couldn't put it down.  Every page was better than the last and I felt encouraged...better yet it gave me some concrete tips on things only I could do to make life better and achieve my dream.  I'd like to share a few letters and tips from Schuller's ACTION ALPHABET with you.

•  A-Affirm that you can do it. You CAN find a job.  You CAN change careers.  You CAN succeed and YOU deserve to succeed.
• B-Believe that somehow, some time, somewhere through someone's help you CAN achieve your heart's highest goal.
• C-Commit yourself to a dream.  Nothing holds people back more than the fear of failure. Go back to school, take a course, do whatever it takes to succeed.
• D-Dare to try.  If you don't dare to take a risk, you'll never get ahead.  You'll never solve your problems.
• E-Educate yourself.  Don't be tempted to take shortcuts, to avoid the hard years.  The training may be hard but those who are too lazy to learn, weaken their chances for success because knowledge is power.
• F-Find the talent, the possibilities, the time, the money and the way.
• G- A Giving attitude is the secret to successful living!  When you have the attitude of "I want what I want when I want it," people can tell and they are repelled.

I know there are 26 letters in the alphabet, but I only had space for seven.  Putting these seven into action will help you a lot toward moving your career and business forward.  This may be the help you need to shift out of neutral into drive.  VROOM VROOM...I think I hear you speeding forward already.

Amy is an Emmy Award winning producer who's passionate about developing people.  She is a John Maxwell certified leadership trainer, speaker and coach.  Like me on Facebook at Amy Burkett Sucess Seekers, 610.814.0610 Amyburkett@johnmaxwellgroup.com.

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Chamber Seeking Easton & Phillipsburg Area Initiatives Intern

The Chamber of Commerce is an association of businesses and individuals that work to improve the economic conditions and enhance the quality of life in the Easton area through involvement with community organizations and the programming of special events.  The Chamber serves the City of Easton, the City of Phillipsburg, Palmer Township, Forks Township, and Williams Township, Nazareth, the Slate Belt, the Pocono Mountains, and the Boroughs of Wilson, West Easton and Glendon. Aspects of this position include database management, event planning, advertising, public relations and networking with the Easton area business community.

An intern in this position would assist with in planning and executing activities and events to further the growth and development of the Easton area.

•       Upbeat, energetic, willing to meet new people and take on new projects.

•       Event planning assistance

•       Have a strong computer background, including the use of Office and the willingness/adaptability to learn new programs.

•       Outbound phone calls to members or potential vendors for events

•       Basic office duties including photocopying, typing meeting minutes, etc.

•       Must have a drivers license and own transportation.

•       Able to work at least 4 hours, but no more than 12 hours per week for part time, and no more than 35 hours per week for a full time internship position. May be asked, but not required to attend events in the evenings.

Contact Person:         

Alison Miers, VP of Easton & Phillipsburg Initiatives 

alisonm@lehighvalleychamber.org

Phone: 610-739-1512, Fax: 610-330-9177

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Exclusive Corporate and Personal Benefits with Chamber Membership

Exclusive Corporate and Personal Benefits

The Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce offers many valuable exclusive benefits to its members. As the largest Chamber in Pennsylvania and New Jersey with more than 200,000 employee members, The Chamber is able to negotiate cost-saving programs for services and products that are commonly used by businesses across the Valley.

The Chamber offers several exclusive benefit programs and will continue to add programs that are of a common interest to its membership. (Visit the Chamber’s website at www.LehighValleyChamber.org for the most current list of benefits.) In addition to the exclusive benefit programs, there are also several member-to-member discount programs, which all members are encouraged to offer.

For more information about the programs outlined below, or to present a program that could be considered as an exclusive benefit for Chamber members, please contact Gina Martens at 610-739-1511 or email ginam@lehighvalleychamber.org.

Health Insurance:

Capital BlueCross

The Chamber is the only one in Pennsylvania with a direct plan with Capital BlueCross. For more information about the five different health plans, contact any Capital BlueCross licensed broker or The Chamber’s consultants at Caruso Benefits Group, 610-865-0261. The Chamber also offers life, dental and vision plans. This program is only available to businesses in Northamptonand Lehigh Counties.

Voluntary Insurance:

Capital BlueCross

Several voluntary benefits are offered through this program, including PersonalBlue PPO (for individuals), short-term major medical, group term life, accidental death & dismemberment, long-term disability, Accident-Cancer-Critical Care Elite and long-term care insurance. Call 1-800-451-1181 for more information.

Aflac

Aflac’s nationwide service and reputation make it natural to offer to our members. Aflac policies are designed to pay cash benefits to employees to help cover expenses associated with serious illness or injury. Because Aflac products are employee owned, group rates apply and premiums are deducted on a “pre-tax” basis. These policies pay in addition to any other insurance policies your employees currently have. Plans include Personal Accident, Sickness & Catastrophic, and Specific Health & Cancer cash benefits. For more information, contact Bob or Maureen Friedman at 610-398-3727, bobfried@ptd.net or maureens@ptd.net.

Business Insurance:

Penn National Insurance

This program offers business insurance to qualified, participating member businesses at competitive prices with specialized coverage, claims and loss control services, plus the potential to earn dividends based on group loss experience. For more information, contact Program Administrators: John Yurconic Agency at 610-770-6600.

Prescription Discount Program:

The Valley Rx Card

The Chamber is proud to offer a FREE Prescription Assistance Program - The Valley Rx Card - as a way of responding to the rising costs of prescription drugs. The Valley Rx Card is FREE to all residents of the Greater Lehigh Valley area and provides savings of up to 75% on prescription drugs at most retail pharmacies.  This program has no restrictions to membership, no income requirements, no age limitations, and there are no applications to fill out. Just go to www.LehighValleyChamber.org and click on the Valley Rx Card icon to print out your new card and start saving today!

Intelligent Energy Solutions:

Constellation

The Chamber’s Electricity Procurement Program provides access to competitive pricing for electricity as the Central Pennsylvania region lifted rate caps/deregulated.  Constellation helps members like you develop intelligent energy management solutions to stabilize their energy budgets, reduce energy costs, improve facility operations, and advance sustainability goals. Learn more at www.constellation.com/lehigh.

Natural Gas Savings:

Shipley Energy

This program provides members with savings on mounting natural gas costs. The program provides a discount on Shipley’s already competitive natural gas prices exclusively for Chamber member businesses. Members save on natural gas costs, as well as secure a locked-in rate for ease of budgeting and planning. For more information contact Joe Facchiano at610-442-9076

or jfacchiano@shipleyenergy.com. This program is only offered in Pennsylvania.

Merchant/Credit Card Processing Program:

Embassy Bank

This program offers businesses a true flat rate credit card processing program tailored to the individual merchant based on monthly sales activity. No more trying to decipher multiple rates and unknown fees! For more information, contact Bryan Lobach at blobach@embassybank.com or 484-821-1205.

Print-to-Digital Publishing:

P2iWebBook

The Chamber has a program that helps maximize your printed marketing investment by transforming printed materials into a fully-functional digital publication, enhanced with a host of interactive features. Convert PDF files into hosted, interactive, web-based publications; create online versions of books, brochures and documents. This is also great for the small business owner that doesn’t have the time our resources to host a website. For more information, contact Tom Butera at 610-332-2884 or email thomasb@p2ionline.com.

Office Supplies & Furniture:

Jiorle’s Office Supplies

This program offers an average of 50-60% savings off manufacturer’s list price on more than 26,000 office supply items and an average of 30- 40% savings on furniture, janitorial supplies and technology products. These items are available for free next-day delivery. Individual price plans are developed for each customer based upon their unique needs. Orders may be placed online at www.jiorles.com, by phone at 908-454-3433 or via fax at 908-454-1748.

Recycling & Remanufactured Toner Cartridges: 

Recycle Rewards

This program enables businesses to dispose of and recycle toner cartridges and cell phones. Participating members receive free collection boxes, complete with pre-paid UPS return labels. This program does not accept previously recycled toner cartridges, only new cartridges. For more information, contact Gina Martens at 610-739-1511 or ginam@lehighvalleychamber.org. 

Office Space:

The Office Quarters – Allentown

Chamber members receive discounts on office suites and virtual office suites at The Office Quarters. The Office Quarters offers special packages for Chamber members that provide a range of spaces – both physical and virtual – as well as business services like telephone, internet, receptionist, copying, faxing, etc. For more information, contact Brenda Ptacin/The Office Quarters, Allentown, at 484-224-3000, brenda@theofficequarters.com, www.theofficequarters.com. Also, call The Chamber if you’re looking for lease space in other Lehigh Valley areas, as we work with Ashley Development Corporation/Bethlehem and Unistar Advisors/Easton.

Email Marketing Template Service:

Constant Contact

Chamber Constant Contact offers e-mail templates as well as survey templates for every occasion to improve customer service and gather customer feedback. Plus, users get a lot of back-end functionality with reporting functions, so you can track who is reading your e-mails and what links they click on, etc. Chamber members get a 20% discount for 6-month contracts and 25% discount for 12-months. There are also discounts for non-profit organizations. To get started, visit chamberprogram@constantcontact.com.

Member to Member Discount Benefits

Make Your Best Offer to other Chamber Members with Our FREE Member-to-Member Discounts and Coupon Program – Log in to The Chamber’s Members Only section of www.LehighValleyChamber.org and go to our Coupon section under Membership Information. Fill out the online coupon form, putting in your discounts, specials, expiration dates, etc. The discount appears with your online profile and has a dedicated page on the website and on a homepage link. This information is also linked to The Chamber’s weekly email blast/eConnections to all members. A real-time full listing of member discounts is also posted on The Chamber’s website at www.LehighValleyChamber.org/Coupons. (Offer at least a 20% discount, an exclusive package or special offer, etc.)

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Chamber Signature Networking Event at Shula’s Steakhouse – Thursday, March 28th

Lehigh Valley, PA – March 26th, 2013: The Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce will be host a Signature Networking Event at Shula’s Steakhouse on Thursday, March 28th.   Networking will run from 5 -7 p.m.. Join fellow Chamber members for quality networking, complimentary hors d'oeuvres, and a cash bar. Future members are welcome. Register here.

Event Information:

When: Thursday, March 28th, 5 - 7 p.m.

Where: Shula’s Steakhouse, 2960 Center Valley Parkway, Suite 700 (at Saucon Valley Promenade Shops)

Pricing Information: This Event is FREE for members, $10 for future members. Cash Bar.

About the Chamber: The Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce’s mission is to serve as the voice for business by continuously improving the economic climate and creating growth opportunities for the Greater Lehigh Valley region. We accomplish this through business-to-business networking events and marketing products, affinity programs and exclusive, money saving member benefits, training programs, government affairs initiatives and public policy advocacy, and community development enterprises.  With nearly 5,000 members who employ more than 200,000 individuals, The Chamber is the largest in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, and in the top ten nationwide.

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