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LVEDC Annual Meeting on Pace to Host Another Record Audience, for Celebration of 30th Anniversary

Published Tuesday, February 25, 2025
by Nicole Radzievich Mertz and Paul Muschick

 

More than 500 people have registered to attend Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation’s 2025 Annual Meeting, which will celebrate the organization’s 30th Anniversary.

The meeting, March 18 at ArtsQuest at SteelStacks in Bethlehem, will explore where the Lehigh Valley was in 1995 when LVEDC was incorporated, how far it has come today, and how it is primed for more growth in the years ahead. There is no cost to attend but registration is required. Register here

Business leaders founded LVEDC in 1995 amid an upheaval of bedrock industries including garment and steel manufacturers. LVEDC was charged with developing a regional economic strategy and collaborating with partners in the community to forge a comeback.

Today, the Lehigh Valley’s balanced and diverse economy, driven by manufacturing, has reached a record GDP of $55.7 billion. Median household income has risen to $81,709 and grown by $17,000 over five years, outpacing inflation.

In celebration of its 30th Anniversary, LVEDC’s Annual Meeting will feature a “Made in Lehigh Valley” exhibition showcasing the products and ideas that have helped paved the way for Lehigh Valley’s economic renaissance.

A driving force of that success has been the talented individuals who power those innovative companies. At the Annual Meeting, a panel discussion will feature talented individuals who have moved to the Lehigh Valley and explore the exceptional quality of life that keeps them here.

Other scheduled speakers include Rick Siger, Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, and Jay Garner, an Atlanta-based site selection consultant who has done extensive work in the Lehigh Valley and who wrote the book, Economic Development is [Still] Not for Amateurs.

LVEDC has created a special logo for the event.

Registration begins at 2:30 p.m., the formal program at 3:30 p.m., and a networking reception begins at 5 p.m. The “Made in Lehigh Valley” exhibition will take place during the reception portion of the event.

Capital Blue Cross is Presenting Sponsor of LVEDC’s 2025 Annual Meeting.

Other sponsors to date for the 2025 Annual Meeting are 30th Anniversary Sponsor: Crayola. Cocktail Sponsors: Boyle Construction and Fitzpatrick Lentz & Bubba. Gold Sponsors: First Commonwealth Federal Credit UnionFreshpetFulton BankLehigh UniversityNorris McLaughlinWFMZ; and Workforce Board Lehigh Valley. Silver Sponsors: B. BraunKlunk & Millan AdvertisingLehigh Valley Health Network, part of Jefferson HealthMKSD architectsOlympusPennsylvania Department of Community & Economic DevelopmentPromus FinancialSt. Luke's University Health Network. Community Sponsors: American BankBarry Isett & AssociatesBen Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern PennsylvaniaCLAEARTHRES, a division of RESPECHNL Lab MedicineJ.G. Petrucci Co., Inc.Lehigh Carbon Community College for Innovation and LearningOraSure Technologies, Inc.; and Penn Community Bank

Sponsorships remain available. Contact Annie Hollands Lanscek, LVEDC Marketing Administrator, at alanscek@lehighvalley.org for sponsorship information.

Last year’s Annual Meeting was attended by about 750 people. Watch last year’s Annual Meeting here.

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