German business news magazine WirtschaftsWoche is the latest international publication to shine a spotlight on the bustling commerce occurring in the Lehigh Valley.
It published an article, “Suddenly, American Beauty Again,” on Oct. 3 that explained how the resilient region known for its industrial roots now boasts a diverse economy that includes advanced manufacturing and technology and a supportive environment for small business startups. 
“The Lehigh Valley in Pennsylvania was once a proud industrial center,” says the article by reporter Julian Heissler. “It was a long time ago. But now, the belief in a bright future is back.”
WirtschaftsWoche is similar to Business Week. It is the second international publication in recent months to take an interest in the Lehigh Valley’s economy and transformation. In September, the region was featured in Neue Zürcher Zeitung, a German-language daily newspaper in Switzerland that is comparable to The Wall Street Journal.
Combined, the publications have a monthly audience of more than 8 million.
The WirtschaftsWoche article cites the Lehigh Valley’s growing population; its record Gross Domestic Product of $47 billion, led by manufacturing; and its No. 2 ranking for new development projects among mid-sized regions in 2022.
In September, reporter Heissler toured Mack Trucks’ production plant in Lower Macungie Township and Evonik’s production facility in Upper Macungie Township. He visited iDEAL Semiconductor, Saladax Biomedical, and Mussel Polymers at the business incubator operated by Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania in Bethlehem. And he interviewed Don Cunningham, President and CEO of Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corp. (LVEDC).
The article traces the Lehigh Valley’s “impressive resurgence” through the lens of Mack Trucks. It opened its Lehigh Valley facility at the turn of the 20th century and like the surrounding region, has changed with the times. It now manufactures electric vehicles.
Tracey Mole, Vice President & Site Manager of Evonik’s Business & Innovation Center, explained in the article that the workforce is what makes the Lehigh Valley an attractive place to set up operations.
"We can access an enormous talent pool of potential workers from here," Mole said. He cited the region’s 11 colleges and universities, and its proximity to universities from Boston to Richmond, Va.
The Lehigh Valley’s momentum has taken on a life of its own, Mole said: "We want to be part of that growth."
In August, Neue Zürcher Zeitung reporter Christof Leisinger toured ABB’s Northeast Distribution Center that opened in May in Palmer Township and B. Braun Medical’s manufacturing facility in in Hanover Township, Lehigh County, that opened a $200 million expansion last year.
In that article, Cunningham summarized what is driving the Lehigh Valley’s growing economy.
"Authentic charm, good schools, a safe environment, a diverse population, as many good companies as possible - at the end of the day, enough attractive jobs that allow for a good life at all social levels make a location attractive," Cunningham said.
In May, Le Monde, a prominent French daily newspaper, highlighted the Lehigh Valley in an article about companies abroad investing in the United States.