Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber meeting has musical touch
For several minutes Thursday, the Wind Creek Event Center was transformed into the Copacabana.
The opening act for the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce's Annual Meeting was a rendition of Barry Manilow's classic hit "Copacabana" with chamber President and CEO Tony Iannelli as lead singer, with backup from the Allen High School theater department.
Bright lights and Iannelli's vocals got the capacity crowd rocking as members of the Valley's business community were ready to look forward two days after the election.
"We wanted to do something crazy for the opening," Iannelli said. "We wanted to celebrate the Valley."
The annual meeting is more of an awards ceremony than a formal meeting and several prominent Lehigh Valley businesses and organizations were recognized for their service and longevity.
The Business of the Year award went to the PPL Center and Lehigh Valley Phantoms, who are celebrating their 10th season on Hamilton Street in downtown Allentown.
"The PPL Center truly serves as the anchor and main catalyst to the revitalization and growth of downtown Allentown," said award presenter Vicki Doule, Lehigh Valley executive of Capital Blue Cross. "It's hard to remember downtown Allentown without the PPL Center."
Rob Brooks, co-owner and governor of the Phantoms, said "it's been a great first 10 years, and we look forward to many more."
"First and foremost, we'd like to thank our colleagues in the office, and it's a real joy to work with so many friendly, passionate people," said Brooks, who was onstage with his brother and team co-owner, Jim. "They truly are our memory makers. In fact, we have 50-plus members that are with us today, that were with us 10 years ago. We're really proud of that. We'd like to thank our customers, fans for their support. We also like to thank our loyal sponsors and especially our founding partners. They give us the real confidence to try new events and keep our family-friendly prices."
The Volunteer of the Year was the 2024 Veterans & Military Brush Up Committee, which paints the homes of veterans and their families. This year, volunteers spruced up seven homes.
Thomas Applebach, director of veterans affairs for Lehigh County, said the program is modeled after one in Nebraska and was brought to the Lehigh Valley 10 years ago with help from Sherwin-Williams.
"The best part about this program is you're actually touching the people who are receiving the help," Applebach said. "And it can't get any better than that, doing something directly with the people and building those relationships and friendships."
Lehigh Valley Health Network was recognized with a Milestone Award as two of its hospitals were celebrating significant anniversaries: 125 years for Lehigh Valley Hospital-17th Street in Allentown, and Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest in Salisbury Township.
Accepting the award was Joseph Cacchione, CEO of Jefferson Health, which merged with LVHN this year .
"With me being the new kid on the block and all the people that have preceded us, it's humbling for me to be up here to accept this award for 125 years," Cacchione said. "Health care is very complex, it's hard and simple. It's about caring for people. This honor celebrates every person who has served at LVHN, as they have consistently provided the highest quality care for the members of this community."
Miller Symphony Hall in Allentown also has its 125th anniversary. It is home to the Allentown Symphony Orchestra, which purchased the building at 23 N. Sixth St. in 1959.
Executive Director Al Jacobson said the theater has seen several events over the years and many more are planned for the future.
"I encourage you all to take advantage of this opportunity, this gem we have here in the Lehigh Valley," Jacobson said. "You don't need to go to Philly or New York to enjoy an incredible professional orchestra."
The other Milestone Award was for LifePath, which is celebrating 50 years. The nonprofit organization provides services to people needing specialized support in the Lehigh Valley and the Philadelphia area.
Executive Director/CEO Susan Leyburn said LifePath is proud to be part of a caring and supportive community in the Lehigh Valley.
"At LifePath, our mission is to provide compassionate care with dignity and respect to those we serve, and we're grateful to all who join us in that purpose," she said. "Thank you for helping us show that our friends and neighbors, family members with disabilities, are valued members of our community, deserving lives full of opportunity, meaning and joy."
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