the engine driving economic growth

The engine driving economic growth
2011 annual Report
HELPING TO IMPROVE ECONOMIC GROWTH
YEARS
10
ATTRACTED
225 COMPANIES
INVESTMENTS
IN PUBLIC AND PRIVATE PROJECTS
$2 BILLION
FINANCING ASSISTANCE
$252 MILLION IN LOANS
JOBS
27,400
2
Letter from the Chairman and CEO
Thank you for making LVEDC the dynamic economic development leader it is today.
LVEDC has a unique investment value for our region and thanks you for your investment in its mission.
We understand that economic development is ultimately about creating an outstanding economy through jobs
and private- and public-sector investments that will support a vibrant quality of life and community for our
Lehigh Valley citizens.
LVEDC is the only single agency anywhere in the Lehigh Valley that provides the array of dynamic economic
development services. Our two counties, three cities, investors, volunteers and collaborative organizations
have helped our region be a model for Pennsylvania.
This understanding stems from our ability to provide strong economic development leadership. Our agency is
comprised of a seasoned team of professionals and board leaders who work closely with businesses to deliver
personalized solutions to their challenges, allowing businesses to focus on what they do best: their business.
We are proud of the programs and incentives we provide to help advance the continued growth and retention of
jobs and capital needs of the Lehigh Valley’s economic community. These services benefit our region in many ways:
• Quality Jobs: Every time LVEDC attracts, retains or helps businesses expand, it creates new jobs.
• Financing: LVEDC administers loans that help worthy enterprises create employment with the
opportunity for personal and professional growth.
• Business Growth and Retention: As a steward of sustainable economic growth, we partner with
individual and collective organizations to provide the capital, strategy and execution of their longand short-term goals, so they are more likely to stay here.
• Marketing: LVEDC understands the power of presentation regionally and nationally – this raises the
significance of the Lehigh Valley’s business climate.
How does this impact you? The additional tax revenue generated by economic development investments
directly correlates to improved infrastructure that is woven into the fabric of the community. The economic
vitality of our municipalities and citizens is thereby improved.
Thanks again for your leadership and support.
Donald Bernhard
Philip B. Mitman
Chairman of the Board
President & CEO
1
LVEDC 5-YEAR Strategic Plan
Strategic Priority A
Cultivate Business in
the Lehigh Valley
“Increase efforts to retain existing businesses while growing new companies, and maintain attraction of
target industries that enhance the vitality of the Lehigh Valley economy.”
Attracting new companies is one facet of successful economic development. Enhancing the competitiveness
of existing businesses is another. LVEDC does both through a probing business retention and expansion
program that accumulates, analyzes and addresses information that ultimately increases a company’s
competitiveness. Our Finance Department makes dreams a reality for qualified companies by infusing our
region with much-needed capital.
In 2011, when one of the world’s best-known companies pitched an idea, LVEDC stepped up to the
plate and hit one out. Coca-Cola’s rich history was created in part through its vision of the future.
When its future included expanding its Lehigh Valley bottling plant in Upper Macungie Township
to include a state-of-the-art hot fill line to make Vitamin Water, PowerAde, Fuze beverages and other
non-carbonated products, LVEDC helped fund construction by securing a cool $1.25 million
Infrastructure Development Program loan.
LVEDC also smoothed out some bumps with the township for the expansion of a roadway adjacent to
the plant and for the enlargement of the wastewater system as a result of the expansion. This dynamic
partnership means new jobs in 2012 when the line is expected to be fully functional.
2
LVEDC 5-YEAR Strategic Plan
Strategic Priority B
Advance Sustainable
Development Themes
“Enhance the Lehigh Valley’s reputation for sustainable economic development by promoting urban
redevelopment, the reuse of brownfield sites and the attraction, creation, retention and expansion of
alternative energy businesses.”
For more than a decade, LVEDC’s Lehigh Valley Land Recycling Initiative has led the way in
transforming the region’s former industrial sites again into viable centers of commerce. A perfect
example of LVLRI’s success is Highline Imports in Easton, located at the former Coretec site.
In 1999, LVLRI helped the City of Easton and Coretec clean up and properly close the former railroad
roundhouse on the site through Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection’s (PADEP’s)
Special Industrial Area Program. After more than a decade of inactivity at the site, a new buyer, Highline
Imports, purchased the property. Again, with the help of PADEP, LVLRI was able to help Highline
Imports reinstate the remediation requirements and transfer the project to a Small Business Administration
504 loan program. Thanks to LVEDC’s knowledge of the site and long-standing ties to PADEP, the process
was expedited and Highline Imports received the highly technical support it deserved.
In 2010, LVEDC coordinated a regional proposal for a $3.4 million grant from the U.S. Department
of Housing and Urban Development. LVEDC was awarded one of only 29 Sustainable Communities
Regional Planning Grants from U.S. HUD. This grant has already furthered the region’s reputation
for sustainability. Over the three-year implementation of this grant, LVEDC and the Lehigh Valley
will continue to move toward becoming a sustainable community.
3
LVEDC 5-YEAR Strategic Plan
Strategic Priority C
Intensify Regional
Partnerships
“Leverage the Lehigh Valley’s reputation for regional cooperation by building on its success in
forging agreement on economic development priorities.”
The Lehigh Valley’s urban cores have faced numerous challenges, including residential and
business suburban flight and a deteriorating tax base paired with rising expenditures and lack of
development opportunities.
Revitalizing the region’s cities remains a priority and spurred our support of the Borough Business
Revitalization Program (BBRP).
Serving the communities of Alburtis, Bangor, Bath, Catasauqua, Coopersburg, Hellertown and Pen
Argyl, the program uses two full-time coordinators and a part-time supervisor, who work to revitalize
their commercial core through a four-point approach that targets design, organization, promotion and
economic restructuring. BBRP is a partnership among various public and private entities that is now
funded in part by LVEDC.
46
LVEDC 5-YEAR Strategic Plan
Strategic Priority D
Boost Innovation and Talent
“Develop programs and strategies to attract and retain entrepreneurs and young professionals and
assist start-up and small businesses that bring a diverse workforce to the Lehigh Valley.”
For seven years the Southside Bethlehem Keystone Innovation Zone (KIZ) has helped bring
cutting-edge businesses to the city. Working with Lehigh University, Northampton Community
College and additional partners, the KIZ emboldens entrepreneurial prospects to develop and
grow their businesses by providing the tools they need to do so.
LVEDC has played a lead role in the KIZ and has encouraged the City of Bethlehem’s development
of a new technology center, known as The Pi Center. Standing for “Partnership for Innovation,”
The Pi Center features several former KIZ companies including Element ID, Viddler, Adept
Packaging and rVibe.
During 2011, the Innovation, Talent and Entrepreneurship (ITE) Committee continued to
advance programs and strategies that attract and retain entrepreneurs and young professionals
and assist start-up and small businesses that bring a diverse workforce to our Lehigh Valley. This
vision manifested itself in a probing document entitled the “Gap Analysis,” which identified needed
entrepreneurial services and programs and also in Drive, an ambitious web portal devoted solely to the
entrepreneurial community that is a conduit of information and resources. The ITE Committee also
crafted a Lehigh Valley-wide student internship program, designed with the assistance of nine
participating colleges and universities, that will begin placing students in the spring 2012 semester.
5
LVEDC 5-YEAR Strategic Plan
Strategic Priority E
Create the Capacity to Succeed
“Reinforce the ability to achieve our mission by strengthening leadership, regional partnerships,
stabilizing funding and optimizing investor services.”
LVEDC depends on partnerships with our public- and private-sector investors, local nonprofits, the
region’s three cities and many municipalities, and state and federal agencies to benefit the Lehigh Valley.
Thanks to these partnerships, we provide solutions to the issues facing businesses and job creation
throughout the Lehigh Valley. We provide them with access to the assistance they need in a way no
other local organization can do.
Thanks to our coalition of partners that showcase regionalism, LVEDC is able to obtain valuable state
and federal grants that allow us to foster economic development priorities. One example of that is the
reclamation of brownfield sites.
In 2010, LVLRI was awarded a $1 million three-year grant from the United States Environmental
Protection Agency to perform the cleanup planning, assessment and redevelopment of these sites:
FL Smidth, Thomas Iron Works, Coretec, Slate Belt YMCA, Wyandotte Cleaners, Neuweiler Brewery,
the Simon Silk Mill and four affordable housing projects with Valley Housing Development Corporation.
Approximately one-third of the grant, $330,219, has been utilized to date for the redevelopment of the
Lehigh Valley brownfields.
Our Partners for Regional Economic Performance (PREP) initiative aims to streamline the services
provided by the region’s many economic development entities. By working together to review and
evaluate opportunities, we create greater efficiencies in program delivery, client management and
collaboration on new joint initiatives. This results in better customer service for companies and will
ultimately lead to the retention, expansion and attraction of more high-quality jobs in the Lehigh Valley.
We value our investor and private-sector funding, as it is critical to LVEDC’s continued success. In 2011,
6
we added 52 new investors and $72,110 in new investor pledges and in-kind contributions.
How we help
In 2011, our Regional Development efforts
3. Once we have determined its needs, we work
assisted 100 prospective companies and
closely with the company to provide a range of
businesses. These attraction, expansion and
services, from economic development incentive
retention efforts resulted in 1,194 jobs being
financing programs and industrial site reuse funds
created and retained in our region.
to workforce incentives and development grants.
But what does that mean? What role did LVEDC
play in helping a company from outside the area
relocate here? How did we help an existing Lehigh
Valley company stay here in order to retain jobs or
help them expand in order to create more jobs?
4. Next, we work with the company to apply for
grants or financing, select a site and coordinate
approvals with local municipalities.
5. Finally, we see everything through until the
very end, offering consultation and advice until
its relocation is complete or until its expansion
Here’s how we do what we do:
is finished.
1. Through our network of brokers, site
selectors and our own development team,
we seek companies that want to relocate to
the Lehigh Valley or companies looking to
expand their current operations – ones that
have greater potential but might be held back
due to limitations.
2. During an initial meeting, we ascertain the
company’s needs and determine its interests.
Does it need help with financing? Is it a
minority- or women-owned business? Would
it consider redeveloping a brownfield? Is it a
start-up business that needs support from
the ground up?
7
Regional Highlights
As LVEDC continues to implement our Strategic
A prime example of LVEDC’s comprehensive
Plan amid a challenging economic backdrop, our
portfolio of services at work can be realized
two-county, three-city region continues to see
in the relocation of Avantor Performance
substantial investment, growth and development.
Materials. When it wanted a larger, more
modern workspace that would energize its
Our efforts to market the region to brokers,
operations, the Lopatcong Township, N.J.,
developers, site consultants and other target
company selected Upper Saucon Township for
audiences resulted in the attraction of companies
its relocation plans. The net result means about
like Daiichi Sankyo, Inc., Avantor Performance
200 new jobs for our region.
Materials and United Bank Card, while our efforts
to assist existing businesses resulted in 25 projects
The year ended with an announcement that has
financed and 70 business retention visits.
potential to change the Lehigh Valley’s future.
In November, LVEDC, serving as the lead applicant,
The Lehigh Valley Sustainability Consortium consists
was awarded a historic $3.4 million grant from
of 11 public and nonprofit entities, which will work
the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
together to create a sustainable Lehigh Valley by
Development (HUD) to develop the Lehigh Valley
implementing the Comprehensive Plan – The Lehigh
Sustainable Plan. This project will enhance the
Valley … 2030. This initiative will positively impact
region’s long-term livability and sustainability by
the quality of life for all of the region’s residents
addressing economic and social distress in the
by focusing on an economic development vision,
three cities.
affordable housing policies and public transportation.
Hearings will seek public input.
8
2011 UNAUDITED EXPENSES
2011 UNAUDITED REVENUE
PROJECTS COMPLETED IN LEHIGH VALLEY DURING 2011
Company
Municipality
Facility Use
Project Type
Jobs Created
RADETEC
Hanover Township**
Manufacturing/HQ
Attraction
14
Daiichi Sankyo, Inc.
Bethlehem Township**
Pharmaceutical Packaging
Attraction
82
Jacobson
Lower Macungie Township*
Warehouse/Distribution
Attraction
40
WindKits, LLC
Upper Macungie Township*
Manufacturing
Attraction
50
Schutt Sports
Palmer Township**
Helmet Reconditioning
Retention
150 (retained)
Avantor Performance Materials
Upper Saucon Township*
HQ
Attraction
200
United Bank Card
Hanover Township*
HQ/Service Center
Attraction
175
Diasol
Hanover Township*
Manufacturing
Attraction
15
Thermo Fisher
East Allen Township**
Warehouse/Distribution
Expansion/Attraction
80
Coll Materials
South Whitehall Township*
Manufacturing
Attraction/Retention
70
Rehrig Penn
Glendon**
Manufacturing
Attraction
23
Ballan & Son’s
Allentown*
Manufacturing
New
10
Bazzini Company
Upper Macungie Township*
Manufacturing
Attraction
30
Palram
Weisenberg Township*
Manufacturing
Expansion
40
SunOpta
Upper Macungie Township*
Manufacturing
New
107
Southside Bethlehem KIZ
Bethlehem, City of**
Entrepreneur
Expansion
8
Total:
1094
Symbols: * Lehigh County; **Northampton County
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OMWOB/FTZ/Southside
Bethlehem KIZ
Entrepreneurs run the gamut, but all want success. During 2011, LVEDC leveraged our resources for
their benefit.
Through the Office of Minority and Women-Owned Business (OMWOB) and the Southside
Bethlehem Keystone Innovation Zone (KIZ), LVEDC assists entrepreneurs with capital, counseling
and connections. We help them lead the way with financing for new innovations generated in an ideas
incubator, site selection services for the best place to locate their new business and certifications that
allow them to get ahead in their fields.
Office of Minority and Women-Owned
Businesses (OMWOB)
economic stability and transforming Southside
Amid a challenging economic climate, OMWOB
vibrant forward-thinking community.
Bethlehem, and the entire Lehigh Valley, into a
supported 156 entrepreneurs and helped to
establish businesses that created or retained
In 2011, the KIZ continued its successful track
72 jobs at a myriad of establishments ranging from
record of developing partnerships that help
business and infrastructure planning to financial
entrepreneurs thrive. Thanks to $100,000 in grants
aid. We assisted more than 50 inner-city businesses
from the Pennsylvania Department of Community
to revitalize our city centers. And, the region
and Economic Development and contributions
welcomed seven new businesses as a result.
totaling $165,000 from KIZ members, we were
able to expand programming, while providing
Keystone Innovation Zone (KIZ)
more internships and technology transfer grants.
The Southside Bethlehem Keystone Innovation
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Zone’s goal is simple: Multiply technology
LVEDC’s partnership with 15 Lehigh Valley
and economic development activities, creating
leaders like Lehigh University, Northampton
Community College and various business support
In March 2011, the FTZ board approved a
organizations is what allowed us to serve 28 active
request for a Subzone with Manufacturing
companies this year. We have worked with 45 new
Authority for Grundfos Pump Corporation,
start-up companies and early-stage businesses
which LVEDC assisted the company in filing
since the KIZ was started in 2004. These clients
the previous year. LVEDC also assisted Piramal
are on track to generate nearly $18 million in sales
Critical Care in submitting the same request
in 2011. A $90,000 Technology Transfer grant
to the board in August 2010.
was extended to six clients, including our ninth
student-owned business. With the support of the
To make the FTZ even more beneficial for the
City of Bethlehem, a new commercialization
region, LVEDC has prepared an application to
center called The Pi Center will open inside the
the board requesting a change to the Alternative
KIZ in early 2012 and is expected to be fully
Site Framework, which will reduce start-up costs
occupied by tenants that are either current
and waiting times for companies applying for
or former KIZ companies.
FTZ benefits. Approval is anticipated in early 2012.
Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ)
Another example of how LVEDC leads the way
for the region’s economic development is with the
creation of Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) #272 in
2007. This federal program helps Lehigh Valley
companies involved in international trade to
reduce or eliminate the negative U.S. tariff
impacts on the products they use, thus allowing
these companies to stay competitive against
foreign businesses.
11
LVLRI
Redeveloping one of the Lehigh Valley’s many brownfield
sites is no easy task. For 13 years, Lehigh Valley Land
Recycling Initiative (LVLRI) endeavored to expedite the
process by serving those developers with the foresight to
see the incredible value that these properties hold.
In 2011, LVLRI saw large projects in the region’s three
major cities come to completion after years of effort, as
smaller projects in Catasauqua, Hellertown, Bangor and
Wind Gap move forward.
At the 2011 National Brownfields Conference, LVLRI was
singled out in the keynote address by U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency Administrator Lisa Jackson for the
progress the region is making toward sustainability.
LVLRI staff members were also featured in a panel
workshop at the conference about the innovative
redevelopment of the former Bethlehem Steel site.
PADEP Secretary Michael Krancer visited the Lehigh
Valley in August for a brownfield tour and meeting
with LVLRI. We also hosted an educational program
on stormwater permits for key brownfield sites, which
featured the PADEP Chief of Division of Waterways,
Wetlands and Stormwater Management Ken Murin.
12
LVLRI continues to garner state and national
Calo Building, Allentown, Lehigh County –
recognition for its proactive, regional approach
Located along the Lehigh River waterfront and
to brownfield redevelopment. The unique
vacant for more than 30 years, this large concrete
partnership among Northampton and Lehigh
and steel building was demolished and remediated
counties and LVEDC is a model of how regional
in early 2011. LVLRI coordinated the use of
efforts can be highly successful. An example of
Lehigh County’s EPA Cleanup RLF grant for
this success was the statewide recognition the
the remediation and demolition work costing
program received as the recipient of the 2011
approximately $400,000.
Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence
for its role in balancing economic growth with
Karl Stirner, Arts Trail, Easton, Northampton
the environmental health of the Lehigh Valley.
County – Not all of LVLRI’s projects involved the
remediation of land for future commercial use.
LVLRI and LVEDC couldn’t be leaders in the
This particular project involved environmental
redevelopment of brownfield properties without
cleanup along the Bushkill Creek, required for
the support of our partners, which include
the development of a new walking trail. LVLRI
Northampton County, Lehigh County and the
provided the city with a Phase II Environmental
United States Environmental Protection Agency.
Site Assessment that led to the proper closure for
Support from the region’s three major cities,
some portions of the trail.
LVLRI Advisory Committee and its chairman
is invaluable as we continue to preserve our
East Allen State Dairy Farm, East Allen Township,
environment for future generations.
Northampton County – Using funding provided
by the county, the property’s lessee, First Regional
Key project highlights include:
Compost Authority, demolished some of the old
Coretec, Easton, Northampton County – This
buildings to remediate lead paint. This will allow
project is an example of how LVLRI’s services and
the authority to expand operations and service
support are needed more than once by a particular
more clients. LVLRI assisted the county and
property. Back in 1999, this former industrial site
property owners by acting as project manager and
was one of the first projects supported by LVLRI.
providing technical assistance.
We originally helped the company and city submit
the site into the PADEP Special Industrial Area
Program. After falling vacant for several years,
the property became bank owned in 2010 before
securing a new buyer in 2011. LVLRI worked
with the buyer, Highline Imports, and PADEP
to ensure that the agreements for the Special
Industrial Area Program were put back into place
so the property could be redeveloped.
13
Financing
projects
When constructing the big picture, financing is
often the subject most out of focus. But LVEDC
can help credit-worthy businesses create their
business masterpiece. Equipped with an arsenal
of financing tools, we assist businesses of all sizes
2011 highlights include:
• A Tax Increment Financing District was created
to support the West Hill Business Center,
a 230-acre industrial park being developed
by Hillwood Development Company, LLC
in western Lehigh County. LVEDC worked
with Lehigh County Industrial Development
Authority, Northwestern Lehigh School
gain access to more than a dozen loan programs.
District, Weisenberg Township and Lehigh
Our partnerships with financial institutions,
develop 2.3 million square feet of commercial/
nonprofits and the state and federal governments
help us create financing opportunities that offer
low-interest loans for the purchase of property,
equipment and even working capital.
County to create the incentive. The project will
industrial space, generate $115 million in private
investments and create up to 1,500 jobs
over 10 years.
• LVEDC’s loans division, in partnership with the
Northampton County New Jobs Corp., Lehigh’s
• In 2011, 28 project loans were written with
Economic Advancement Project, Manufacturer’s
a total value of more than $26 million that
Resource Center and Lehigh University’s Small
leveraged projects worth about $238 million.
Business Development Center, completed work
This created 1,783 jobs and retained another 872.
on a $1 million application for the Partnerships
for Regional Economic Performance Program.
It is a commonwealth economic development
funding program focused on developing
innovative relationships between economic
development service providers in Pennsylvania.
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LVEDC 2011 Financing Projects Summary
Company
Municipality
County
Program
Project Status
Charles Chrin Companies
Palmer Twp.
Northampton
IDP
Closed
Gentis Restaurant Corporation dba
Prime Steak House
Hanover Twp.
Northampton
SBA 504
Closed
Famous Smokeshop PA, Inc.
Forks Twp.
Northampton
PIDA
Approved
Scot Lubricants of PA, Inc.
Northampton
Northampton
PIDA
Closed
Loikits Industrial Services, Inc.
Coplay
Lehigh
SBA 504
Closed
Bethlehem Technik, LLC
Northampton
Northampton
SBA
Approved
ALEDCO, Inc.
Hanover Twp.
Lehigh
SBFF
Closed
DLH, Inc.
Bethlehem, City of
Northampton
PMBDA
Closed
Northwestern Physical Therapy & Fitness, Inc.
Heidelberg Twp.
Lehigh
SBA
Approved
Applied Separations, Inc.
Allentown
Lehigh
PIDA
Closed
Rheangel, LLC dba The Goddard School
Bethlehem Twp.
Northampton
SBA 504
Closed
Ecopax, LLC
Forks Twp.
Northampton
SBA
Approved
Driven By Disasters, Inc. dba Servpro
of Easton, Bethlehem & Whitehall
Allentown
Lehigh
SBA
Approved
Lightweight Manufacturing, Inc.
Allentown
Lehigh
SBFF
Closed
Samuel Adams Pennsylvania Brewery Company
Upper Macungie Twp.
Lehigh
IFIP
Converted
Austin’s Auto Service
Bethlehem, City of
Lehigh
PMBDA
Approved
Highline Imports, LLC
Easton
Northampton
SBA 504
Approved
The Coca-Cola Company
Upper Macungie Twp.
Lehigh
IDP
Approved
INetU, Inc.
Hanover Twp.
Lehigh
SBA 504
Approved
Performance Coatings International
Laboratories, LLC
Bangor
Northampton
SBA 504
Approved
Everson Tesla, Inc.
Lower Nazareth
Northampton
PIDA
Approved
Musclemaker Grille of PA, LLC
Hanover Twp.
Lehigh
PMBDA
Approved
Sanctuary by Michael Perry Salon & Day Spa
Easton
Northampton
PMBDA (state)
Approved
West Hills Business Center
Weisenberg
Lehigh
TIF
Approved
American Millwork & Cabinetry, Inc.
Emmaus
Lehigh
SBFF
Approval Pending
Dent Design Hardware, LTD
Lower Nazareth Twp.
Northampton
PIDA
Approved
Stephens Funeral Home
Upper Macungie Twp.
Lehigh
SBA
Approved
15
From brownfields
to greenway.
South Bethlehem Greenway
An abandoned railroad right-of-way in Bethlehem has been revitalized as a
park and part of the South Bethlehem Greenway. A 34-acre parcel that once
belonged to Norfolk Southern now connects downtown neighborhoods to
public recreation and greenspace. The greenway also links to other scenic
elements of Pennsylvania’s Rails-to-Trails network beyond the city limits.
LVLRI, which is funded primarily by Northampton and Lehigh counties and
is an initiative of LVEDC, helped Bethlehem acquire funding from PennDOT
and the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
Additional support was provided to develop an essential site assessment
that saved the city $50,000. “Through a consultant they hired, the LVLRI
completed the Phase II report we had to have,” said Darlene Heller, the city’s
director of planning and zoning. “That gave us the information we needed to
move forward — and the clearance to do so.”
Renovating
the renovators.
BUSINESS SUCCESS DEPENDS
ON KNOWING THE RIGHT PEOPLE
IN EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA.
Kitchen Magic
Kitchen Magic restores and rejuvenates tired kitchens and bathrooms. When its
work was limited by facilities that were too small and improperly configured, the
company called on LVEDC and found the help to keep growing.
LET US INTRODUCE OURSELVES.
Seeing the perfect potential in a 35-year-old Nazareth property was only the
first step. The space needed to be reconfigured into a manufacturing plant and
office space that could support Kitchen Magic’s work in seven states. LVEDC
shepherded Kitchen Magic’s application for a $1.8 million SBA 504 loan. Brett
Bacho, a member of the family that owns the company, said LVEDC rendered
essential assistance in securing necessary capital. “They were instrumental in
providing us with access to special finance programs. They focused us here,
and it became a smart choice to make the move to Lehigh Valley.”
We’re Lehigh Valley Economic Development
Corporation in Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania.
Our mission is to help grow all types of
businesses. Turn to us for help with everything
from finding the right location, getting loans,
accurate demographic research and cutting
government and corporate red tape. We’re
Lehigh Valley’s premier business resource—the
first place to call when you want to locate and
grow your company here. Let’s talk soon.
Call 610-266-6775 or visit LehighValley.org.
A nurturing current.
EcoTech Marine
Unless it’s the fish, no one understands the need for an ocean-like flow in
aquariums better than EcoTech Marine. The Bethlehem company’s advanced
VorTech pumps simulate the broad, gentle flow of the ocean’s water that coral
reef aquariums need to thrive. The company’s pumps have been winning
enthusiastic converts among aquarium aficionados since its establishment
in 2005.
In the Keystone Innovation Zone, EcoTech Marine has found a similarly
nurturing environment. LVEDC assisted the company in navigating the
sometimes complex currents of enterprise growth. “Lehigh Valley Economic
Development helped us find grants to start the company,” said Patrick Clasen,
director of finance for EcoTech Marine. “They helped us get into our building
and obtain financing through state programs. They showed us how to move
past every roadblock we’ve encountered.”
EcoTech Marine is a true American success story, born from the nucleus of
desire, genius and talent. These graduate students from Lehigh University
started with nothing and have become an eminently profitable company.
16
just a few of the
prominent people
ready to help you
build your business.
All the
business
resources
you need
under one
very big roof.
growth
Economic growth for all.
We’re Lehigh Valley Economic Development
and our mission is straightforward enough:
promoting regional economic prosperity.
We accomplish that by working with all
types and sizes of businesses to help them
get started, relocate here, grow and stay
in the area. LVEDC offers a wide variety of
services and resources to help businesses
succeed, including financing, real estate
services, site location assistance, workforce
training, technology support, economic
data and much more. If your business needs
help relocating, starting or expanding in
Lehigh Valley, call us first. We’re the region’s
premier business resource.
for all
One business contact you’ll be happy you made.
2158 Avenue C, Bethlehem, PA 18017
610-266-6775 | LehighValley.org
Marketing summary
LVEDC continued to brand the Lehigh Valley to
Our commitment to implementing the Strategic
the region and nation as a place to do business
Plan was furthered by creating the Drive
through various electronic and print outlets,
web portal, a site for entrepreneurs and small
videos and media through a year of transition.
business owners that will serve as a resource
database. The marketing team also continued to
At the beginning of the year, LVEDC implemented
seek and produce grants that allow LVEDC to
and improved Search Engine Optimization to
help businesses reach their potential and, more
drive traffic, develop analytic tools and measure
importantly, create jobs that improve your quality
key entry points to LVEDC’s web site. We
of life in the Lehigh Valley.
produced collateral materials that highlight the
region, which are used by LVEDC with prospects.
Through news releases, the LVEDC blog and
e-news blasts, LVEDC communicated our success
stories while keeping the focus on where it should
be: the businesses. LVEDC also hosted events
such as the Annual Meeting, Mid-Year Meeting,
Legislative Governmental Relations Breakfast
Series and others that show the value of the
organization not only to investors, but to the public.
17
2011 LVEDC Investor Contributions
Visionary
$50,000+
Lehigh County m r
Northampton County m j r
Strategic
$20,000-$49,999
Air Products d r
Discover Lehigh Valley
Lehigh University j r
Lehigh Valley Workforce Investment Board, Inc. d j
Northampton County New
Jobs Corp. j
PPL Corporation j r
UGI Utilities, Inc. j
Unity
$10,000-$19,999
Capital BlueCross
Innovative Designs &
Publishing, Inc.
Lehigh Valley Health Network j r
Liberty Property Trust c
Lutron Electronics Company, Inc.
PNC Bank j
Wells Fargo Bank d r
Valley
$7,500-$9,999
ArtsQuest r
FirstEnergy Corporation
KNBT, a Division of
National Penn Bank r
Lafayette Ambassador Bank r
Majestic Realty Co. c
St. Luke’s Hospital & Health
Network j r
Verizon Foundation r
West Side Hammer Electric r
Alliance
$5,000-$7,499
401 Creative
Arcadia Properties, LLC r
Bank of America
Ben Franklin Technology Partners
of Northeastern PA j
BMW North America c
City of Bethlehem j r
Community Action Committee of the
Lehigh Valley
Gibralter Development Corp Inc
Green Knight Economic
Development Corporation r
J.G. Petrucci Co., Inc. m
Lehigh Valley Industrial Park, Inc. c
18
Lehigh Valley International Airport
Northampton Community College j
Piramal Critical Care c
Prologis c
Sigma-Aldrich c
Tallman, Hudders & Sorrentino, P.C.,
the PA office of Norris McLaughlin and Marcus, P.A.
Cornerstone
$2,500-$4,999
B. Braun of America, Inc. r
Brown & Brown of Lehigh Valley, Inc.
Cobalt Computers r
Concannon, Miller & Co., P.C.
Fitzpatrick, Lentz & Bubba, P.C. r
HDR Engineering, Inc. m r
Ironton Telephone Company
J.M. Uliana & Associates, LLC
JHG Hotel Management:
1. Hilton Garden Inn
2. Staybridge Suites
3. Marriott TownePlace
Mack Trucks, Inc.
Mosaic Interactive
MSG Quandel
Palram Americas Group
QNB
Serfass Construction
Sovereign Bank d
T & M Associates
URS Corporation
Zep, Inc.
Community
$1,000-$2,499
44 Business Capital
Active Data Exchange, Inc. r
AFC Reverse Mortgage, Inc. r
Albarell Electric, Inc.
Allan A. Myers
Allied Barton Security Services LLC
Allied Building Corporation
Alvin H. Butz, Inc.
Applied Separations
Best Western Lehigh Valley Hotel
& Conference Center
Blue Rock Construction, Inc.
Bohler Engineering
Borton Lawson
Breslin Ridyard Fadero Architects
Brinjac Engineering
Brown-Daub, Inc.
BTI Coopermatics Inc.
Buckl Architects
Buckno, Lisicky and Company
Calicor Staffing
Caruso Benefits Group r
Cedar Crest College
Charles Chrin Companies
City Center Lehigh Valley
Coca-Cola Corporation
Compass Point, Ltd. r
Continuous Financial Improvement
Coordinated Health Systems
Corporate Environments r
Craighead Associates, LLC
Crayola LLC
Crystal Signatures
CURA Hospitality
Derby Supply Chain Solutions
DeSales University
DesignPoint, Inc.
D’Huy Engineering
Dietrick Group, LLC
Duggan & Marcon, Inc.
EarthRes Group, Inc. m
Eastern Time
Easton Area Industrial Land
Development Company, Inc.
Easton Coach Company
Eco-Tech, Inc.
Elk Environmental
Embassy Bank for the Lehigh Valley r
Enterprise Systems Partners, Inc.
eScott Marketing
Essroc Cement Corp.
Express Employment Professionals Northampton County
fiberAmerica
First Niagara Bank
First Telecom Services
FlexLink Systems, Inc.
Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network
Gorski Engineering, Inc
Gray Connective
Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber
of Commerce r
Haines & Kibblehouse, Inc.
Hampson, Mowrer, Kreitz Agency, Inc.
Handlon Business Resources r d
HealthAmerica
Highline Imports, LLC
Highmark Blue Shield
Hillwood Investment Properties
Historic Hotel Bethlehem
Horwith Trucks, Inc.
i360 Tours
Inova Technologies, LLC
Intercontinental Distributing, Inc.
J & J Affordable & Luxury Transportation
JMT Environmental
Just Born, Inc.
Keystone Consulting Engineers, Inc.
King, Spry, Herman, Freund & Faul, LLC
Kitchen Magic, Inc.
Klein & Hoffman, Inc.
Klunk & Millan Advertising
Lafayette College
Langan Environmental &
Engineering m
Lehigh Carbon Community College
Lehigh County Authority
Lehigh Valley Association of
Independent Colleges
Lehigh Valley Association of Realtors
Lehigh Valley Rail Management
Lesavoy Butz & Seitz LLC
Lightweight Manufacturing, Inc.
Majestic Athletics, A Division of VF
Imagewear
Manufacturers Resource Center
Maser Consulting, P.A.
McTish Kunkel & Associates
Mericle Commercial Real Estate Services
Meyer Jabara:
1. Holiday Inn Conf. Center
2. Courtyard by Marriott – Bethlehem 3. Hyatt Place – Bethlehem
Miers Insurance
MKSD Architects
Mohr Management Resources
Moonstone Environmental m
Morris Black & Sons, Inc.
MRA Group
Musclemaker Grille
MVM Associates, Inc
Nacci Printing, Inc.
NAI Summit
New World Aviation
Nic Zawarski & Sons, Inc.
North Star Construction
Management, Inc.
Northwestern Physical Therapy and
Fitness Inc.
Nova Bank
Ondra-Huyett Associates, Inc.
OraSure Technologies, Inc.
Originate Ventures
Penn State Lehigh Valley
Pennoni Associates, Inc. m
Performance Coatings International
Laboratories, LLC
Prudential Patt, White Real Estate
Reeb Millwork Corporation
RLB Certified Public Accountants
Rothrock Motor Sales Inc.
Sam Adams/Boston Beer Company
Sanctuary by Michael Perry
Salon & Day Spa
Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem r
Scot Lubricants, LLC
Servpro of Easton, Bethlehem
& Whitehall
Spark Marketing Communications
Sperry Van Ness/Imperial Realty
Spillman Farmer Architects
SSM Group
Stevens & Lee
Stiegler, Wells, Brunswick & Roth, Inc.
Superior Quartz Products, Inc.
Susquehanna Bank
Sustainable Energy Fund
SYNACT, Inc.
Taggart Associates
TD Bank
Team Capital Bank
The Frederick Group, LLC
The Goddard School
The Norwood Company
The Pidcock Company
The Seltzer Group
The Stone House Group
Ultra-Poly Corporation
Univest
Upper Macungie Township
Vistacom, Inc.
Wacker Chemical Corporation
Waste Management, Inc.
Wind Gap Electric, Inc.
Wind-Drift Real Estate Associates
Small Business Associates
$500-$999
AAA East Penn
ActionCOACH
Adams Outdoor Advertising
Aerotek, Inc.
Alfred Benesch & Company
Allied Personnel Services
Artefact, Inc.
Associated Builders and Contractors,
Eastern PA Chapter, Inc.
Barry Isett & Associates, Inc. m
Berger-Epstein Associates, Inc.
Broughal & DeVito, LLP
C.F. Martin & Company, Inc.
Comfort Suites Bethlehem
Computer Aid, Inc.
Cushman & Wakefield of PA
Daniels Cadillac, Inc. – BMW
Deiter Brothers
DME Alliance
Dunn Twiggar Company, LLC
Dutch Springs
Eastern PA Business Journal
Electronic Commerce, Inc.
Express Employment Professionals –
Lehigh County
FastSigns
Fedetz & Martin Associates
First Star Bank
Fishburn Realty Company
Follett Corporation
Franklin Realty Development Corporation
Gelcor Realty, Inc.
Hanover Engineering Associates, Inc.
Hanover Township (Lehigh County)
Hanover Township
(Northampton County)
Hawley Realty, Inc.
Integrity Personnel, Inc.
Kelly Car & Truck Center
Kistler O’Brien Fire Protection
Knopf Automotive
Lehigh and Northampton Transportation
Authorities
Lehigh Career & Technical Institute
Management Recruiters of Bethlehem, Pa.
Mark Wetzel Accounting Management
& Consulting
Merchants Bank of Bangor r
Modern Precast Concrete
Modernfold of Reading Inc.
NTH Consultants, Ltd.
O’Donnell & Naccarato, Inc.
Offix, LLC r
Ott Consulting, Inc.
ParenteBeard, LLC
Pennsylvania Metallurgical, Inc.
Reimer Real Estate, Inc.
RenewLV m
RETTEW Associates, Inc.
SAGE Design-Build, Inc.
Schlouch, Inc.
Select Sales, Inc.
SmitHahn Company, Inc.
Somerset Properties, Inc.
Stemie’s 1818 Tavern
The Bar Association of Lehigh County
The Garibaldi Group
Trans-Bridge Lines Inc.
United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley
Wells Fargo Advisors
William Elek, Ltd
Woodmont Properties, LLC
Entrepreneurship
$250-$499
cumulusIQ
IMC Biotechnology
Walton Motivation, Inc.
Key
Indicates additional contribution:
mLVLRI:
Lehigh Valley
Land Recycling Initiative
dO
MWOB: Office of Minority &
Women-Owned Businesses
jK
IZ: Southside Bethlehem Keystone
Innovation Zone
c Foreign Trade Zone
r I ndicates board of directors member
of LVEDC
19
2011 LVEDC Leaders
OFFICERS
CHAIRMAN
Mr. Donald M. Bernhard
Director – Community Affairs
PPL Corporation
1ST VICE CHAIR
Mr. Richard E. Thulin
President
Arcadia Properties, LLC
2ND VICE CHAIR
Mr. William D. Michalerya
Associate Vice President for
Governmental Relations
Lehigh University
Treasurer
Ms. Jane L. Kohler
SECRETARY
Mr. Tom Garrity
Managing Partner
Compass Point, Ltd.
The Hon. John Callahan
Mayor
City of Bethlehem
Mr. Donald Cunningham
County Executive
Lehigh County
Mr. John Cusick
President
Northampton County Council
Ms. Margaret “Peg” Ferraro
Vice President and Designated
County Representative
Northampton County Council
Mr. Vito Gallo
Asst. VP for State Relations
Lehigh University
Mr. Tom Garrity
Managing Partner
Compass Point, Ltd.
Ms. Sally Handlon
EX OFFICIO
President
Handlon Business Resources
County Executive
Lehigh County
Ms. Kassie Hilgert
Mr. Donald Cunningham
EX OFFICIO
Mr. John Stoffa
County Executive
Northampton County
EX OFFICIO
The Hon. John Callahan
Mayor
City of Bethlehem
EXECUTIVE
COMMITTEE
Mr. William Ahlert
Vice President
HDR Engineering, Inc.
Mr. James Bartholomew
Executive Vice President
Embassy Bank for the Lehigh Valley
Mr. Donald Bernhard
Director – Community Affairs
PPL Corporation
Mr. Dean Browning
Chairman
Lehigh County Commissioners
Dr. Percy Dougherty
Commissioner and Designated
County Representative
Lehigh County Commissioners
20
Senior Vice President of Marketing
and Advancement
ArtsQuest
Ms. Jane Kohler
Mr. Seymour Traub
Chairman
Allentown Economic
Development Corporation
BOARD OF
DIRECTORS
Mr. William Ahlert
Vice President
HDR Engineering, Inc.
Mr. Peter Albanese
Treasurer – Board of Directors
Green Knight Economic
Development Corporation
Mr. James Bartholomew
Executive Vice President
Embassy Bank for the Lehigh Valley
Mr. Donald Bernhard
Director – Community Affairs
PPL Corporation
Mr. Anthony Biondi
CEO
Merchants Bank of Bangor
Mr. Dean Browning
Chairman
Lehigh County Commissioners
Dr. Percy Dougherty
Mr. John Krajsa
President
AFC Reverse Mortgage, Inc.
Commissioner and Designated
County Representative
Lehigh County Commissioners
Mr. William Michalerya
The Hon. John Callahan
Associate VP for Governmental Relations
Lehigh University
Mayor
City of Bethlehem
Mr. Philip Mitman
Mr. Donald Cunningham
President & CEO
Lehigh Valley Economic
Development Corporation
County Executive
Lehigh County
The Hon. Sal Panto
Mayor
City of Easton
Chair
Bethlehem Economic
Development Corporation
The Hon. Ed Pawlowski
Mr. John Cusick
Mayor
City of Allentown
President
Northampton County Council
Mr. Michael Stershic
Ms. Margaret “Peg” Ferraro
President
Discover Lehigh Valley
Mr. John Stoffa
County Executive
Northampton County
Mr. Richard Thulin
President
Arcadia Properties, LLC
Mr. Luke Cunningham
Vice President and Designated
County Representative
Northampton County Council
Mr. Bert Daday
Secretary
Lehigh Valley Partnership
Ms. Adriana DeFrancisco
CEO
Offix Systems
27
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