Greater Northern Lehigh Honors Eight Oaks Farm Distillery as “Business of the Year” at the 27th Annual Spirit Awards!



 

Greater Northern Lehigh Chamber Presents:  
27th Annual Spirit Awards
September 19th, 2020 | 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM 

The Greater Northern Lehigh Chamber, proud partner of the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce presents the 27th Annual Spirit Award!

The Greater Northern Lehigh Chamber of Commerce (GNLCC), proud partner of the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber, is pleased to announce that the 27th Annual Business of the Year Award will be awarded to Eight Oaks Farm Distillery of New Tripoli, PA. The event and award ceremony will be hosted on Saturday, September 19th, 2020, at Ontelaunee Park Pavilion in New Tripoli, PA, beginning at 9:30 AM. The morning brunch will be held in this historic park, as we honor our awardees that have impacted the past, present and future of the Greater Northern Lehigh region.

The morning will consist of an outdoor event nestled in the hills of Ontelaunee Park and will provide ample opportunity for mingling while social distancing. Brunch will be catered by the coveted Curious Goods at The Bake Oven Inn, who sources their ingredients from local farmers and suppliers throughout the region. The Greater Northern Lehigh Chamber will also hold a basket raffle and 50-50 to benefit the GNLCC Scholarship fund and local food pantries.

Jason Ruff, local State Representative Candidate and sponsor of the event, stated “I’m thankful every day to belong to a community that cares so deeply about helping others, and contributes to the building of a Northern Lehigh region that continues to thrive!” Each year, the Greater Northern Lehigh Chamber recognizes individuals and organizations that make our region a better place to live and work, and Eight Oaks Distillery is a perfect example.

“Eight Oaks is the epitome of a true community partner and a true community leader in our Greater Northern Lehigh Area.  Through their hard work and creation of high quality locally distilled spirits, they play an important role in putting New Tripoli on the map across the Lehigh Valley.  We couldn’t be prouder to award Chad and his team with this well deserved award,” said Jessica O’Donnell, EVP of Affiliated Chambers for the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce.

 

Eight Oaks Farm Distillery is a veteran-owned, family-run and farm-grown craft distillery. Founded in 2014, Eight Oaks began operations in January 2016, growing their own grains (corn, wheat, rye and barley), crafting them from scratch into a wide range of spirits, including bourbon, rye whiskey, vodka, gin and more. According to Eight Oaks, they “practice their craft from the roots up, with love,” proudly growing their grains on their own farm and the farms of their neighbors, honoring the legacy of community that has made Eight Oaks such an important business in the region.

“Chad and his team continue to be a strong partner to the Chamber and our local nonprofits,” said Andy Gildner, Chair of the Greater Northern Lehigh Chamber of Commerce and Owner of Keystone Technology LLC. ““Eight Oaks has become a local household name.”

Rightly so, Eight Oaks was born out of a sense of family and community and thrives on those values today; after 25 years as an Army Aviator, Founder and President, Chad Butters, sought a new challenge and something that would allow him to spend more time at home surrounded by his family and the people he loves. With the support of his wife, Jodi, Eight Oaks continues to grow and positively impact the region through supporting local job growth, as well as non-profits in the area.

“I’m grateful to the Chamber for this award, and to the Crew for their hard work,” said Chad Butters. “For us, every day is about crafting the spirit of community, and to be honored at the Spirit Awards for our community efforts is special. It’s a great reminder that we’re doing something right and that’s what this is and should be about.”

 

Kylie Adams, Manager of Affiliate Chambers at Lehigh Valley Chamber, said, “For over 25 years, the Greater Northern Lehigh Chamber of Commerce’s Spirit Awards have celebrated individuals and organizations that have created a lasting impact within our community; we continue to strive to honor local business owners and residents who have committed to making our area a great place to live and work. When it came to discussing our 2020 Business of the Year, Eight Oaks Farm Distillery was unanimously voted for their dedication to our community, their commitment to sustainable practices and local farming, and for their philanthropic efforts to support nonprofits throughout the area. Chad and the Eight Oaks ‘family’ are valued members of our region and we are excited to shine a light on the wonderful things they continue to bring to our community!”

 

Also being celebrated at the 27th Annual Spirit Awards is David Altrichter (Spirit Award) and Parkland CARES Food Pantry, Lowhill Food Pantry, and Northern Lehigh Food Bank (Non-Profits of the Year). Attendees are encouraged to bring canned goods and donations for the food banks, which will be collected at the event and divided amongst the organizations, as well as cash for raffle tickets and 50-50! A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the food pantries, as well as benefitting the GNLCC Scholarship Fund.

 

For more information about Greater Northern Lehigh’s Spirit Awards or to purchase tickets, please visit the Greater Northern Lehigh’s website at: https://lehighvalleypacoc.wliinc16.com/events/-NEW-DATE-GNLCC-Spirit-Awards-837469/details.

Please note: An inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public place where people are present. By attending a Chamber event or meeting, you and any guests voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19 and agree not to hold The Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce including partnerships; the event venue; or other parties such as caterer or production company; or any of their affiliates, directors, officers, employees, agents, contractors, or volunteers liable for any illness or injury.

When: September 19, 2020 from 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM

 

Pricing Information: $40 Individual Member Rate/$75 Couple Member Rate; $50 Individual Future-Member Rate/$90 Couple Future-Member Rate.

 

Sponsors: 

Premier Sponsor: Ironton Telephone

Platinum Sponsor: Keystone Technology LLC

Gold Sponsor: Neff’s National Bank, Bechtel’s Pharmacy, Cindy Miller – SVN/Imperial Realty

Cocktail Sponsor: New Tripoli Bank, Jason Ruff for State Rep

Silver Sponsor: Blue Mountain Town & Country Gazette

Bronze Sponsor: Krysta Hankee Memorial Fund, Women Veterans Empowered and Thriving, Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Benjamin Real Estate (Schnecksville), Rentschler’s Auto, Service Electric

Supporting Sponsor: Robert Kempf

Candy Sponsor: Sam’s Club of Allentown
Floral Sponsor: Precious Petals Florist

Photography Sponsor: Mike Robinson Productions

 

 

About the Chamber:The mission of The Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce is to improve the economy and quality of life in the Lehigh Valley Metropolitan Area.  We accomplish this through business-to-business networking events and marketing products, affinity programs and exclusive, money saving member benefits, training programs, government affairs initiatives and public policy advocacy, and community development enterprises.  With nearly 5,000 members who employ more than 200,000, the Chamber is the largest in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, and in the top ten nationwide. 

 

Information provided to TVL by:
Kylie Adams
Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce
Manager of Affiliated Chambers (WACC, GNLCC)
https://www.lehighvalleychamber.org/