The Lehigh Valley finished 2022 with an economy stronger than ever. The region’s economic successes are highlighted in the new Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation (LVEDC) 2022 Annual Report, which will be distributed at the LVEDC 2023 Annual Meeting on March 21.

Every indicator – employment, labor force, economic output – shows the Lehigh Valley has recovered from recent economic shocks and is exceeding previous highpoints.

The region reached a record-high Gross Domestic Product of $47 billion, ranked second in the nation among regions its size in the U.S. for economic development, and welcomed nearly 60 companies that announced plans or completed new projects. And manufacturing led the way, becoming the top contributor to the GDP for the first time in 15 years. That economic performance was fueled by a growing population, particularly among people ages 18-34, attracted to the Lehigh Valley because of job opportunities and quality of life.

The digital version of The Annual Report can be downloaded here.

The 40-page report includes details about the LVEDC’s current three-year strategic plan, the efforts of the LVEDC-led coalition to fortify the talent pipeline, a new Life Sciences marketing campaign, highlights of the “Made Possible in Lehigh Valley” marketing campaign, increased interest from internationally-owned companies to come to the Lehigh Valley, and the downtown renaissance in Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton and other Lehigh Valley communities.

It also contains details on the latest expansions and projects of the Lehigh Valley’s companies, including a map showing exactly where each project is located. Additional features are provided on projects ranging from B. Braun Medical’s $200 million manufacturing expansion to Spot & Tango, a pet food company that moved here after searching the Northeast for the best location.

The LVEDC Annual Report was designed by Michelle Chrin, who has designed the organization’s award-winning report as its Commercial Real Estate Reports, Investment Opportunities brochure, and other marketing materials.

Last year, for a fifth consecutive year, the International Economic Development Council recognized LVEDC’s Annual Report as among the best published by economic development organization. LVEDC competed in the largest population range for the IEDC awards (500,000 or greater), meaning the Lehigh Valley’s report was selected ahead of much larger regions with far more resources available to them.