You have to check out this event that is being done through Bethlehem's Elm Street program (North by Northwest). It is called Movies, Games and More. To summarize, the program will play movies and Wii games on a 25 foot inflatable projector. AG Pitsilos, the program coordinator, tells me that the sound is absolutely amazing. This sounds like an outstanding event.
You should also check out the North by Northwest website. It was launched pretty recently.
Good luck, Bethlehem!
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Monday, May 26, 2008
Times are changing
Anyone who has heard me speak within the past few months has probably heard me say this before: times are changing. The economy is entering a recession and energy prices are shooting through the roof. The era of suburban developments, replete with McMansions, will soon be a thing of the past.
Capturing that trend perfectly is an article by Matt Assad of the Morning Call. Although the article does not touch on urban revitalization or our efforts directly, it does discuss how new construction is slowing, new house sizes are shrinking and planning efforts are underway to allow for less McMansions and smaller/more affordable housing to be built. This is a really interesting article and I encourage you all to read it.
Capturing that trend perfectly is an article by Matt Assad of the Morning Call. Although the article does not touch on urban revitalization or our efforts directly, it does discuss how new construction is slowing, new house sizes are shrinking and planning efforts are underway to allow for less McMansions and smaller/more affordable housing to be built. This is a really interesting article and I encourage you all to read it.
Friday, May 23, 2008
Morning Call Editorial on the Chamber Foundation
Hi all,
The other day, the Morning Call ran a great editorial on the Chamber Foundation. It's definately worth reading.
The other day, the Morning Call ran a great editorial on the Chamber Foundation. It's definately worth reading.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Giant Donates Twenty Benches to Lehigh Valley communities
One of the things that I talk most about in regards to Main Street is the need for private-public partnerships. In order for urban communities to revitalize, private enterprises must step up to the plate and assist these communities in any way possible.
I'm pleased to say that another Lehigh Valley business has met the challenge. Giant supermarkets, with twelve locations in Lehigh and Northampton, has donated twenty benches to Lehigh County communities. Eight will go to Allentown, while the remaining twelve will go to three BBRP communities: four to Alburtis, four to Hellertown and four to Coopersburg.
The donation was announced yesterday in the Allentown Arts Park at a press conference hosted by Lehigh County Executive Don Cunningham and Allentown Mayor Ed Pawlowski. Click here to watch the story.
I'm pleased to say that another Lehigh Valley business has met the challenge. Giant supermarkets, with twelve locations in Lehigh and Northampton, has donated twenty benches to Lehigh County communities. Eight will go to Allentown, while the remaining twelve will go to three BBRP communities: four to Alburtis, four to Hellertown and four to Coopersburg.
The donation was announced yesterday in the Allentown Arts Park at a press conference hosted by Lehigh County Executive Don Cunningham and Allentown Mayor Ed Pawlowski. Click here to watch the story.
Monday, May 12, 2008
Macungie Farmers' Market
Contact: Jody Hulber, Chairperson, Friends of the Macungie Farmers Market
610-967-6044 – jhulber@ptd.net
PRESS RELEASE
May 10, 2008
Macungie Farmers Market
Grand Opening June 5th, 4:00-7:00p.m.
Every Thursday 4:00-7:00p.m. June 5th – Sept. 25th
At Macungie Memorial Park
Committed to providing fresh locally grown and produced food
Supporting local small businesses, independent artisans & local farmers
Growing community spirit!
610-967-6044 – jhulber@ptd.net
PRESS RELEASE
May 10, 2008
Macungie Farmers Market
Grand Opening June 5th, 4:00-7:00p.m.
Every Thursday 4:00-7:00p.m. June 5th – Sept. 25th
At Macungie Memorial Park
Committed to providing fresh locally grown and produced food
Supporting local small businesses, independent artisans & local farmers
Growing community spirit!
May 11, 2008… The Macungie Farmers Market announces the beginning of its 2nd Annual Farmers Market Season June 5th from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at Macungie Memorial Park.
The theme of this year’s Grand Opening is “Fresh From the Farm”, highlighting the fresh locally produced products that will be available at the market. The Macungie Farmers Market hosts producers/growers/artisans of fresh seasonal fruits and berries and a wide variety of specialty produce and cut flowers, along with grass-fed beef and pork, fresh pastured chicken, free range eggs, and goat cheese and dairy. Wines produced by a local vineyard will be available throughout the season as well as baked goods and pastries made using locally produced ingredients. Vegetable & herb plants will be on sale at the Grand Opening, including heirloom tomatoes, peppers, melons, and herbs. Products are brought to market in season, ensuring the freshest, healthiest quality possible.
Along with samplings from the vendors, the June 5th Grand Opening will have live goats and chickens, an antique tractor, the Fieldstone Farm 1931 Model A Farm Truck and Jasper the Bear Macungie Mascot on display. There will be tractor barrel rides around the park for kids, a balloon sculpture artist and a strolling musician.
“When you support the Macungie Farmers Market, you support local small businesses, independent artisans, and local farming” says Jody Hulber, who is chairing a ‘Friends of the Macungie Farmers Market’ group of volunteers who help support the Farmers Market in Macungie. “The market really helps grow community spirit in our area. Best of all is our diverse collection of quality growers and producers, so the food you can buy is absolutely fantastic!”
The Macungie Farmers Market is open every Thursday from 4:00-7:00 p.m. May through September in Macungie Memorial Park. Special thanks to our returning sponsors, Great Bear Bank and Prudential Patt White Real Estate for their commitment to the community! Please come join us for good times and good food!
For more market information, visit www.macungie.pa.us
The theme of this year’s Grand Opening is “Fresh From the Farm”, highlighting the fresh locally produced products that will be available at the market. The Macungie Farmers Market hosts producers/growers/artisans of fresh seasonal fruits and berries and a wide variety of specialty produce and cut flowers, along with grass-fed beef and pork, fresh pastured chicken, free range eggs, and goat cheese and dairy. Wines produced by a local vineyard will be available throughout the season as well as baked goods and pastries made using locally produced ingredients. Vegetable & herb plants will be on sale at the Grand Opening, including heirloom tomatoes, peppers, melons, and herbs. Products are brought to market in season, ensuring the freshest, healthiest quality possible.
Along with samplings from the vendors, the June 5th Grand Opening will have live goats and chickens, an antique tractor, the Fieldstone Farm 1931 Model A Farm Truck and Jasper the Bear Macungie Mascot on display. There will be tractor barrel rides around the park for kids, a balloon sculpture artist and a strolling musician.
“When you support the Macungie Farmers Market, you support local small businesses, independent artisans, and local farming” says Jody Hulber, who is chairing a ‘Friends of the Macungie Farmers Market’ group of volunteers who help support the Farmers Market in Macungie. “The market really helps grow community spirit in our area. Best of all is our diverse collection of quality growers and producers, so the food you can buy is absolutely fantastic!”
The Macungie Farmers Market is open every Thursday from 4:00-7:00 p.m. May through September in Macungie Memorial Park. Special thanks to our returning sponsors, Great Bear Bank and Prudential Patt White Real Estate for their commitment to the community! Please come join us for good times and good food!
For more market information, visit www.macungie.pa.us
Working with the Borough: Hellertown
Another Working with the Borough guide has been completed! This one is from Hellertown. Click here to check it out.
Friday, May 9, 2008
Coopersburg to Hold 5K Race, Health Expo & Kids Fun Run
Coopersburg to Hold 5K Race, Health Expo & Kids Fun Run
Coopersburg, PA (May 12) – The 2nd Annual Coopersburg 5K Run is to take place once again, according to Jennifer Wescoe-Schaninger, Race Director. The 5K route is a scenic loop course throughout the historical district of Coopersburg Borough. All funds raised go towards the Coopersburg Business Revitalization Program and Make-A-Wish Foundation, which serves the Lehigh Valley.
This year’s event will be bigger than last year’s event, noted Wescoe-Schaninger. In addition to the 5K run, the event will also have a Health and Wellness Expo featuring local businesses and St. Luke’s of Bethlehem. All businesses as well as St. Luke’s will be promoting health and wellness in our community. The event will also feature a Kids’ Fun Run, sponsored by Liberty Bell Elementary School. It will be an 800 meter dash from the 5K start to the Coopersburg Borough Hall. Jennifer Wescoe-Schaninger stated, “I’m proud to be a part of something very special in our community. I look forward for our event to continue throughout the upcoming years.”
Mike Schlossberg, Coopersburg Business Revitalization Coordinator, commented on the importance of the event. “This event highlights the strong community spirit and business community of Coopersburg. It also raises money for charity. This is an outstanding event and we are incredibly grateful to all who are participating, including the runners, sponsors and the Borough of Coopersburg.”
The event itself will take place on Saturday, May 24. The 5K will start at 8:00 am at Coopersburg Borough Hall. The Kids’ Fun Run will start immediately after the start of the 5K at 8:05 am. The Health and Wellness Expo will start at 8:30 am-11:30 am and will be located at the parking lot of Coopersburg Village Center. Media coverage is strongly encouraged.
Coopersburg, PA (May 12) – The 2nd Annual Coopersburg 5K Run is to take place once again, according to Jennifer Wescoe-Schaninger, Race Director. The 5K route is a scenic loop course throughout the historical district of Coopersburg Borough. All funds raised go towards the Coopersburg Business Revitalization Program and Make-A-Wish Foundation, which serves the Lehigh Valley.
This year’s event will be bigger than last year’s event, noted Wescoe-Schaninger. In addition to the 5K run, the event will also have a Health and Wellness Expo featuring local businesses and St. Luke’s of Bethlehem. All businesses as well as St. Luke’s will be promoting health and wellness in our community. The event will also feature a Kids’ Fun Run, sponsored by Liberty Bell Elementary School. It will be an 800 meter dash from the 5K start to the Coopersburg Borough Hall. Jennifer Wescoe-Schaninger stated, “I’m proud to be a part of something very special in our community. I look forward for our event to continue throughout the upcoming years.”
Mike Schlossberg, Coopersburg Business Revitalization Coordinator, commented on the importance of the event. “This event highlights the strong community spirit and business community of Coopersburg. It also raises money for charity. This is an outstanding event and we are incredibly grateful to all who are participating, including the runners, sponsors and the Borough of Coopersburg.”
The event itself will take place on Saturday, May 24. The 5K will start at 8:00 am at Coopersburg Borough Hall. The Kids’ Fun Run will start immediately after the start of the 5K at 8:05 am. The Health and Wellness Expo will start at 8:30 am-11:30 am and will be located at the parking lot of Coopersburg Village Center. Media coverage is strongly encouraged.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Carbon monoxide detectors required in Alburtis buildings
Credit to Alburtis for such a forward thinking ordinance.
We can talk about physical improvement and business recruitment until we are blue in the face, but enhancing the safety and security of your Main Street residents is the most important thing any government can do!
We can talk about physical improvement and business recruitment until we are blue in the face, but enhancing the safety and security of your Main Street residents is the most important thing any government can do!
Chamber to offer training for Small Businesses
Hi folks,
As you can see below, the Chamber is offering five training sessions on a variety of topics that are of great importance to Small Business Owners: computer technology, communication, organization, strategic planning and interpersonal training. There is a fee for these trainings, but BBRP businesses can get in at the Chamber rate.
We are all obviously incredibly busy, but I think something that is often forgotten in our hectic world is the need for professional development. All too often, small businesses atrophy, fail to grow or close because their owners and managers have not made the time to take a step back and examine areas in which their skills need updates or improvements. These five areas that the Chamber is offering trainings on are critical to continued business success, and I want to encourage you all to attend any seminars that you think may be appropriate.
More information below. To go to the Chamber's website, click here.
----
The POWER of training
The Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce has partnered with Jim Byrnes & Associates to provide Powerful Training sessions, the training is designed for SUCCESS.
Date: Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Subject: “Mastering Quickbooks” TS 302
Held by: The Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce
Summary: Seminar presented by Vince & Nancy Triolo, Principals of Small Biz Assist. Both are Certified Quickbooks Pro-Advisors. Instruction will be done in a “hands on” computer lab. Cost includes lunch and workbook.
Where: DeSales University, Easton Campus, 3001 Emrick Boulevard, Bethlehem, PA
Time: Registration 8:30 a.m., Program 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with lunch break
Contact: Register on our website today, http://www.lehighvalleychamber.org/ or for more information contact Jim Byrnes, 610-657-3779, byrnesjim@msn.com
Cost: $199 members, $229 Non-Members
****
Date: Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Subject: “Communicate as a Professional” EC 201
Held by: The Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce
Summary: Seminar presented by Pat Abel, Principal of Abel & Associates. Pat has done training in more than 30 states.
Where: Penn State Corporate Learning Center, 100 Brodhead Road, Bethlehem, PA
Time: Registration 8:30 a.m., Program 9 a.m. to 12 Noon.
Contact: Register on our website today, http://www.lehighvalleychamber.org/ or for more information contact Jim Byrnes, 610-657-3779, byrnesjim@msn.com
Cost: $79 Members, $99 Non-Members
***
Date: Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Subject: “Get It Together – Organization, Efficiency and Time” TS 301
Held by: The Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce
Summary: Seminar presented by Leslie Robison, Principal of Mastery Consulting. She is a “CPO-CD” Certified Professional Organizer by the National Study Group on Chronic Disorganization.
Where: Penn State Corporate Learning Center, 100 Brodhead Road, Bethlehem, PA
Time: Registration 12:30 p.m., Program 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Contact: Register on our website today, http://www.lehighvalleychamber.org/ or for more information contact Jim Byrnes, 610-657-3779, byrnesjim@msn.com
Cost: $79 Members, $99 Non-Members
***
Date: Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Subject: "Plan To Succeed – Strategic Planning for Small Business” BM 401
Held by: The Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce
Summary: Seminar presented by Pat Abel, Principal of Abel & Associates. Pat has done training in more than 30 states. Cost includes lunch.
Where: Penn State Corporate Learning Center, 100 Brodhead Road, Bethlehem, PA
Time: Registration 8:30 a.m., Program 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with lunch break
Contact: Register on our website today, http://www.lehighvalleychamber.org/ or for more information contact Jim Byrnes, 610-657-3779, byrnesjim@msn.com
Cost: $149 Members, $179 Non-Members
Date: Thursday, May 29, 2008
Subject: “Coaching and Teambuilding for Managers & Leaders” ML 101
Held by: The Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce
Summary: Seminar presented by Jim Byrnes, Principal of Jim Byrnes & Associates. He is Skillpath Certified in Seminar Education in Coaching, Leadership and teambuilding. Cost includes lunch.
Where: Penn State Corporate Learning Center, 100 Brodhead Road, Bethlehem, PA
Time: Registration 8:30 a.m., Program 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with lunch break
Contact: Register on our website today, http://www.lehighvalleychamber.org/ or for more information contact Jim Byrnes, 610-657-3779, byrnesjim@msn.com
Cost: $149 Members, $179 Non-Members
As you can see below, the Chamber is offering five training sessions on a variety of topics that are of great importance to Small Business Owners: computer technology, communication, organization, strategic planning and interpersonal training. There is a fee for these trainings, but BBRP businesses can get in at the Chamber rate.
We are all obviously incredibly busy, but I think something that is often forgotten in our hectic world is the need for professional development. All too often, small businesses atrophy, fail to grow or close because their owners and managers have not made the time to take a step back and examine areas in which their skills need updates or improvements. These five areas that the Chamber is offering trainings on are critical to continued business success, and I want to encourage you all to attend any seminars that you think may be appropriate.
More information below. To go to the Chamber's website, click here.
----
The POWER of training
The Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce has partnered with Jim Byrnes & Associates to provide Powerful Training sessions, the training is designed for SUCCESS.
Date: Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Subject: “Mastering Quickbooks” TS 302
Held by: The Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce
Summary: Seminar presented by Vince & Nancy Triolo, Principals of Small Biz Assist. Both are Certified Quickbooks Pro-Advisors. Instruction will be done in a “hands on” computer lab. Cost includes lunch and workbook.
Where: DeSales University, Easton Campus, 3001 Emrick Boulevard, Bethlehem, PA
Time: Registration 8:30 a.m., Program 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with lunch break
Contact: Register on our website today, http://www.lehighvalleychamber.org/ or for more information contact Jim Byrnes, 610-657-3779, byrnesjim@msn.com
Cost: $199 members, $229 Non-Members
****
Date: Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Subject: “Communicate as a Professional” EC 201
Held by: The Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce
Summary: Seminar presented by Pat Abel, Principal of Abel & Associates. Pat has done training in more than 30 states.
Where: Penn State Corporate Learning Center, 100 Brodhead Road, Bethlehem, PA
Time: Registration 8:30 a.m., Program 9 a.m. to 12 Noon.
Contact: Register on our website today, http://www.lehighvalleychamber.org/ or for more information contact Jim Byrnes, 610-657-3779, byrnesjim@msn.com
Cost: $79 Members, $99 Non-Members
***
Date: Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Subject: “Get It Together – Organization, Efficiency and Time” TS 301
Held by: The Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce
Summary: Seminar presented by Leslie Robison, Principal of Mastery Consulting. She is a “CPO-CD” Certified Professional Organizer by the National Study Group on Chronic Disorganization.
Where: Penn State Corporate Learning Center, 100 Brodhead Road, Bethlehem, PA
Time: Registration 12:30 p.m., Program 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Contact: Register on our website today, http://www.lehighvalleychamber.org/ or for more information contact Jim Byrnes, 610-657-3779, byrnesjim@msn.com
Cost: $79 Members, $99 Non-Members
***
Date: Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Subject: "Plan To Succeed – Strategic Planning for Small Business” BM 401
Held by: The Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce
Summary: Seminar presented by Pat Abel, Principal of Abel & Associates. Pat has done training in more than 30 states. Cost includes lunch.
Where: Penn State Corporate Learning Center, 100 Brodhead Road, Bethlehem, PA
Time: Registration 8:30 a.m., Program 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with lunch break
Contact: Register on our website today, http://www.lehighvalleychamber.org/ or for more information contact Jim Byrnes, 610-657-3779, byrnesjim@msn.com
Cost: $149 Members, $179 Non-Members
Date: Thursday, May 29, 2008
Subject: “Coaching and Teambuilding for Managers & Leaders” ML 101
Held by: The Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce
Summary: Seminar presented by Jim Byrnes, Principal of Jim Byrnes & Associates. He is Skillpath Certified in Seminar Education in Coaching, Leadership and teambuilding. Cost includes lunch.
Where: Penn State Corporate Learning Center, 100 Brodhead Road, Bethlehem, PA
Time: Registration 8:30 a.m., Program 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with lunch break
Contact: Register on our website today, http://www.lehighvalleychamber.org/ or for more information contact Jim Byrnes, 610-657-3779, byrnesjim@msn.com
Cost: $149 Members, $179 Non-Members
Monday, May 5, 2008
Saucon Valley Farmers' Market
Congrats to the Saucon Valley Farmers' Market for the beginning of their third season. The Market, open at 9:00AM every Sunday at Water Street Park in Hellertown, held its opening ceremonies this past Sunday.
In this first picture, from left to right, is Hellertown Mayor Richard Fluck, SV Farmers' Market Committee Chair Shelley Goldberg and SV Farmers' Market Committee member Bud Prosser.
In the second picture, you can see the dignitaries that attended the first market. From left to right, you have Cheryl Cook (Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture), Mayor Fluck, State Representative Bob Freeman and Congressman Charlie Dent.
Thanks to all for attending!
Volunteers are the Life's Blood of our Programs
Hi folks, here's our first entry from Sharon Davis, not me!
----------
VOLUNTEERS ARE THE LIFE’S BLOOD OF OUR PROGRAMS
AND THEIR CONRIBUTION CAN BE MEASURED IN DOLLARS!
At a recent BBRP Training Session on Working with Volunteers, Geoff Brace cited statistics that quantify volunteer hours according to how much their volunteer efforts would cost in the job market.
Dollar Value for volunteer hours = $17.48/hour. *
We owe a debt of gratitude to the tireless, dedicated volunteers who care about their Boroughs and take time away from their own lives to contribute to the betterment of our communities.
Though I am new to the BBRP, I have spent much of my career working with volunteers and being a volunteer myself. I know the sense of pride that comes from working together for a cause we believe in.
Thank you!
----------
VOLUNTEERS ARE THE LIFE’S BLOOD OF OUR PROGRAMS
AND THEIR CONRIBUTION CAN BE MEASURED IN DOLLARS!
At a recent BBRP Training Session on Working with Volunteers, Geoff Brace cited statistics that quantify volunteer hours according to how much their volunteer efforts would cost in the job market.
Dollar Value for volunteer hours = $17.48/hour. *
We owe a debt of gratitude to the tireless, dedicated volunteers who care about their Boroughs and take time away from their own lives to contribute to the betterment of our communities.
Though I am new to the BBRP, I have spent much of my career working with volunteers and being a volunteer myself. I know the sense of pride that comes from working together for a cause we believe in.
Thank you!
Friday, May 2, 2008
Macungie: Working with the Borough guide
Well, another Working with the Borough guide is active and online. This one is for Macungie. Like the earlier guide for Coopersburg, The guide lists contact information of important people within the Borough, Zoning and Permit requirements and has a checklist of steps to take to form a business within the Borough. For the link, click here.
In the future, we're going to try to put relevant demographic information in the guide. This would hopefully give prospective businesses a better idea of whether or not their business would be appropriate for a particular Borough. Of course, we have to actually get that information first! That is what we are working on right now.
In the future, we're going to try to put relevant demographic information in the guide. This would hopefully give prospective businesses a better idea of whether or not their business would be appropriate for a particular Borough. Of course, we have to actually get that information first! That is what we are working on right now.
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