Dick Bus, longtime President at ATAS International, and the Da Vinci Science Center received the Individual of the Year and Project of the Year awards from the Lehigh Valley Commercial & Industrial Real Estate Foundation. 

The awards were presented Oct. 25 at a sold-out breakfast of more than 400 real estate and allied professionals at ArtsQuest at SteelStacks in Bethlehem. 

The new Da Vinci Science Center at PPL Pavilion opened in Center City Allentown in May, moving from its previous location across town. The center is projected to draw more than 400,000 visitors and generate an economic output of nearly $34 million annually. 

Da Vinci is an asset for developing the Lehigh Valley’s workforce of the future, exposing young visitors and their families to the possibilities available to them. Among the 67,000 square feet of interactive experiences are several that showcase the innovative businesses leading the Lehigh Valley’s growing economy, and highlight the diverse, in-demand career opportunities in science-related fields.

“The $80 million science center … would not have been possible without the strong community support,” said Jack Gross, Chair of Da Vinci’s Board of Directors.

Scientists, engineers, healthcare professionals, educators, and artists were among those who pitched in.

“This center was driven by the practical need for more space, our vision to create a world class resource for STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, math) learning, to help build a pipeline of skilled workers to contribute to our growing economy, to be an integral component of downtown Allentown’s revitalization,” Gross said.

ATAS International is among the Lehigh Valley manufacturers who have sponsored exhibits related to manufacturing careers. Bus previously served on Da Vinci’s Board of Directors.

He has been President at ATAS International, an industry leading manufacturer of metal panels for the building envelope, since 1995. ATAS has 200 employees and a total of 645,000 square-feet of space at its Lehigh Valley headquarters in Upper Macungie Township and several other locations across the United States.

The company was founded in 1963 by Jacobus “Jack” P. Bus, Dick’s father, in his home’s basement in Rochester, N.Y.

“I owe my success to a lot of people throughout my life, starting with my parents, immigrants from Holland, who knew nothing about the construction or manufacturing industry, but had a nerve to start a business to feed eight kids,” Bus said.

He said he is proud of the company's longevity and growth, its family heritage, and its commitment to the Lehigh Valley community.

“The most rewarding things that I've done are not usually business-related,” Bus said. “Top of the list was being Scout master.”

He led Boy Scouts of America Troop 150 in Orefield. He’s also sponsored and assisted with the Let’s Build Construction Camp for Girls. Bus has helped to introduce students to careers in manufacturing by ATAS International’s participation in “What’s So Cool About Manufacturing®” and the National Association of Manufacturers annual Manufacturing Day.

Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corp. (LVEDC) was among the sponsors of the Lehigh Valley Commercial & Industrial Real Estate Foundation’s award breakfast. In October, LVEDC held its annual Fall Signature Event, “Talent and Tech for Tomorrow’s Lehigh Valley,” at the Da Vinci Science Center.

The mission of the Lehigh Valley Commercial & Industrial Real Estate Foundation is to support babies and their families impacted by medical challenges. Over 31 years, it has raised more than $2 million, including $165,000 from this year's awards breakfast.

(Photo of Dick Bus courtesy of ATAS International, photo of Da Vinci Science Center by Rick Kintzel)