Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation (LVEDC) hosted state legislators and other state and federal officials for an update on the Lehigh Valley’s economic growth and the strategies underway to keep the momentum going. 

“Lehigh Valley’s federal and state legislative delegation has long been a strong supporter of LVEDC’s mission. Our award-winning talent strategies work would not be possible without funding secured by a bipartisan coalition of state legislators,” said Don Cunningham, President & CEO of LVEDC.

Attending the June 5 event at Melt in Center Valley were State Representatives Gary Day, Ann Flood, Jeanne McNeill, Milou Mackenzie, Zachary Mako, Josh Siegel, and Steve Samuelson.

Also attending were Fadia Halma, Lehigh Valley Regional Director for the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, and officials from the offices of U.S. Senators John Fetterman and Dave McCormick; U.S. Rep. Ryan Mackenzie; State Senators Lisa Boscola, Jarrett Coleman, and Nick Miller; and State Representatives Joe Emrick and Peter Schweyer.

LVEDC hosts the annual legislative event to keep lawmakers informed about the latest economic data and trends and to discuss how to address challenges.

Among the topics that were discussed by the legislators and LVEDC staff were public transportation and its economic significance, and the challenge for municipal officials to balance continued growth with quality of life.

Cunningham shared how the Lehigh Valley’s economy is at new highs in economic output (a Gross Domestic Product of $55.7 billion); employment (more than 340,000 jobs); and median household income (more than $81,000, exceeding the state and nation).

The economy is diverse, led by manufacturing, which makes up 16% of the region’s GDP, higher than the national rate of 12%.

Cunningham highlighted some of the new manufacturers that have moved to the region, along with several existing companies that have expanded.

• FLSmidth Cement, which produces equipment for cement and other industries, opened a new 122,000-square-foot factory in Allen Township that will create 60 jobs.
• Gesellschaft für Micronisierung mbH (GfM), a German company that specializes in micronization of pharmaceutical, food, nutritional, and cosmetic ingredients, is locating its U.S. headquarters in Bethlehem, creating up to 100 jobs.
• Glenmark Pharmaceuticals, a multinational manufacturer based in India, opened a logistics center in Upper Macungie Township.
• Bazzini, America’s oldest nut company that also produces other confections, expanded its Lehigh Valley presence by purchasing the former Stuffed Puffs facility in Hanover Township, Northampton County.
• Coherent, which produces semiconductors, plans to expand its Palmer Township manufacturing center with a grant from the federal CHIPS and Science Act, creating 320 jobs.
• Infinera, which produces semiconductors, plans to build a new testing and advanced packaging facility in Bethlehem with a CHIPS grant.
• D. Gillette Industrial Services, a defense contractor, relocated to a larger manufacturing location in Forks Township.

Cunningham also shared an overview of LVEDC’s recently approved strategic plan for 2025-2027.

Economic sectors targeted under the plan are: life sciences, pharmaceuticals, and biomedical; advanced manufacturing, technology, and production; professional and creative services; food and beverage processing; and entrepreneurship, startups, and early-stage businesses.

Sites targeted for development include urban infill locations and brownfields.

Talent development will continue to be a priority, with a study to begin soon to identify talent gaps and evolving needs. Ongoing efforts to build coalitions and link employers with educators will continue to be an emphasis.

Karianne Gelinas, LVEDC’s Vice President of Regional Partnerships & Talent Strategies, and Kristin Cahayla-Hoffman, LVEDC’s Vice President of Business Development & Attraction, shared with the state and federal officials LVEDC’s strategies to develop talent and attract businesses through various advertising campaigns and regional branding efforts.

Joe Uliana, Managing Principal of J.M. Uliana & Associates, outlined LVEDC’s economic policy agenda. Priorities include advocating for continued state support of talent strategies and for policies that encourage economic competitiveness and development opportunities.

LVEDC supports proposals to increase economic development funding and to streamline programs, including pending legislation that would make it easier for semiconductor and biomedical manufacturers to tap existing state tax credits.