The National Museum of Industrial History (NMIH) presented Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation (LVEDC) with its Spirit of Innovation Award during the Museum’s Annual Gala celebration on Sept. 13. 
“At the Museum, we champion the legacy and ingenuity of our region’s workers, innovators, and entrepreneurs to inspire and empower our young people to reach their full potential,” said Museum President & CEO Andria Zaia. “We are thrilled to honor LVEDC in their 30th anniversary year for their long-standing commitment to fostering innovation and improving quality of life and economic vitality in our community.”
Don Cunningham, President & CEO of LVEDC, accepted the award.
“LVEDC is honored to receive this recognition from NMIH,” Cunningham said. “The success of the Lehigh Valley comes from its partnerships and the region’s ability to celebrate our rich history while working to build today’s economy. The close relationship between NMIH showcasing our industrial history while being focused on today’s growth, and LVEDC’s work on economic development and 21st century advanced manufacturing is a winning formula and a fun partnership. It’s that approach that makes the Lehigh Valley one of the leading manufacturing centers in the United States.”
The Annual Gala celebration is the signature fundraiser for NMIH. It featured live music, cocktails & hors d’oeuvres, and interactive artifact demonstrations as well as the award presentation. All proceeds support the organization’s exhibits, educational programming, and community events as well as the preservation of its historically significant collections and archives.
A Smithsonian Institution-affiliate, the National Museum of Industrial History is dedicated to preserving America’s rich industrial heritage. Housed in an 18,000-square-foot, 110-year-old former Bethlehem Steel facility on the largest private brownfield in America, the Museum is home to exciting exhibits, engaging programs, and amazing history.
LVEDC was founded in 1995, as globalization challenged the heavy industry that had been the cornerstone of the region’s economy for more than a century. Business and community leaders made a bold choice to market the region not as two counties, three cities, and 62 municipalities, but as one Lehigh Valley, and lay the foundation to support the creation of a diverse economy for the 21st century.
(Photos courtesy of National Museum of Industrial History/Mario Acerra)