Economic development drives opportunities.
Perhaps the most striking example is Eli Lilly and Company’s recent decision to invest $3.5 billion in a pharmaceutical facility in the Lehigh Valley.
The largest economic development project in regional history and the biggest life sciences deal ever in Pennsylvania, Lilly Lehigh Valley will bring 2,000 construction jobs, 850 permanent jobs, and an economic impact of $4 for every $1 invested.
But economic development is about more than a single project.
As Economic Development Week begins May 4, here’s how economic development is creating opportunity across the Lehigh Valley.
Expansion
When companies start or expand a business in the Lehigh Valley, they hire people from the area and recruit workers from outside the area who spend money in the regional economy and support Lehigh Valley businesses.
Latest Data
The Lehigh Valley was named the #1 mid-sized market in America for the number of economic development projects in 2025, ranked by Site Selection magazine, an authority on corporate real estate.
Diving Deeper
- The region in 2025 logged nearly 50 expansions and new projects across a variety of industry sectors, including:
- B. Braun, a global leader in life sciences, announced its second major expansion in three years, investing $20 million to modernize and increase production capacity in Hanover Township, Lehigh County, with 200 new jobs.
- Kervan USA, a Turkish candy maker, expanded its presence in the region by breaking ground on a 90,000-square-foot S. headquarters and packing facility in Bethlehem and Lower Nazareth townships, bringing 40 new jobs.
- Honeywell established a new office for the liquefied natural gas division it acquired from Air Products in Upper Macungie Township, retaining 100 jobs.
What Leaders Are Saying
“Honeywell’s investment in the Lehigh Valley reflects the region’s deep engineering talent, strong academic pipeline, and our shared commitment to developing innovative technology solutions that help drive global security.” - John Palamara, Vice President & General Manager, Honeywell’s LNG Business.
Job Opportunities
Increasing employment opportunities provide more choices for people in the Lehigh Valley to support themselves and their families.
Latest Data
Lehigh Valley companies employ a historic high of 343,975 people, 35,000 more than a decade ago. The Lehigh Valley is a job center, with more people commuting into the region for jobs than commuting out for work.
Lehigh Valley is also among the Northeast’s fastest-growing communities, with the population reaching 708,794. That labor force, coupled with the region’s strong training programs, is producing talent that helps companies flourish.
Diving Deeper
One in every 10 jobs is in manufacturing, which has grown three times faster than the nation as a whole. When coupled with the logistics industry, the industrial sector makes up the largest part of the Lehigh Valley’s economy. Health care makes up the second largest.
The average wage in manufacturing is $86,287, exceeding the average wage of the region as a whole.
Source: Chmura Economics JobsEQ, Q3 2025
What Leaders Are Saying
“What makes the Lehigh Valley location attractive for any business is there’s an incredible talent pool.” - Thomas Ripsam, President & CEO, C.F. Martin & Co.
Stronger Communities
Community improvements create vibrant downtowns, Main Streets, and neighborhoods where people want to live, work, and play.
Latest Data
USA Today recently ranked Lehigh Valley first in the nation for a variety of attractions, including the best minor league ballpark (Coca-Cola Park), music festival (Musikfest), Main Street (Bethlehem), and Historic Hotel (Hotel Bethlehem).
Dive Deeper
As the region has grown, so have the cultural and recreational opportunities. Employment in the entertainment industry in the Lehigh Valley has jumped by 134% since 2001, about 2.5 times the national growth rate.
During that time, the Lehigh Valley welcomed new venues like SteelStacks (operated by Musikfest parent ArtsQuest), Wind Creek Event Center, PPL Center, Coca-Cola Park, Archer Music Hall, and popular festivals like Bacon Fest in Easton.
Source: Chmura Economics JobsEQ, 2021-25
What Leaders Are Saying
“The arts and entertainment sector has become one of the Lehigh Valley’s most powerful engines for economic growth and quality of life.” - Kassie Hilgert, President & CEO, ArtsQuest
(Photos by LVEDC, Rick Kintzel, Lehigh Valley IronPigs)