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Greater Northern Lehigh Chamber Presents:
28th Annual Spirit Awards
June 12th, 2021 | 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM
The Greater Northern Lehigh Chamber, proud partner of the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce presents the 28th 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 28th Annual Non-Profit of the Year Award will be awarded to K9 Kop Project of Lehigh Township, PA. The event and award ceremony will be hosted on Saturday, June 12th, 2021, 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 and networking prior to the awards presentation. 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 to benefit the GNLCC Scholarship fund and the 2021 Non-Profit of the Year, K9 Kop Project.
Started in 2019, the Non-Profit of the Year award is given to organizations within the Greater Northern Lehigh Chamber footprint who continually invest in helping our neighbors and community partners through their efforts. A portion of the ticket sales to the basket raffle will benefit the organization.
Kevin Schmidt, of Neffs National Bank and sponsor of the event, explained that, “The Spirit Awards give us a chance to recognize individuals, businesses and organizations for their contribution to the Greater Northern Lehigh Area. The GNLCC Events Committee and Liaisons always do a great job making it a fun and memorable event. The camaraderie and networking opportunities are important to Neffs, we never miss out!
K9 Kop Project was founded by Vickie Richards, who has a passion and love for animals (especially dogs) and an extensive background in business development. “I’ve had animals all my life, and from the time I was a little girl, my dream was to be working with them as many ways as possible,” said Richards. A Lehigh Valley native, Richards is a US Army Veteran and after leaving the military, spent many years in other states, working and owning a variety of businesses. In 2011, Richards’ moved back to be around family in the Lehigh Valley.
“I’m currently in Walnutport, Pennsylvania, and applying my business knowledge to benefit my own foundation the K9 Kop Project which helps supply K9 units with everything from K9s to equipment to immediate needs and emergency supplies,” added Richards.
The mission of the K9 Kop Project is to ensure that K9 Units have support, equipment and whatever finances they need to execute the critical operations they are tasked with everyday to protect people from harm. The K9 Kop Project believes that by filling unmet needs and by raising national awareness about their incredible courage, loyalty and commitment to our safety, we are demonstrating our infinite gratitude for their selfless service.
“We have several events throughout the year to help raise money for our programming,” said Richards, some of which were adjusted in 2020. The list includes a K9 officer calendar, photos with Santa and a K9 Officer, a 5k run and 1 mile Pet walk with our signature yearly event the “East Coast K9 Trials” (ECK9 trials). “It is a fun filled, educational event that allows the public to come and watch K9 and military officers compete against each other,” added Richards. Donations can also be made on the K9 Kop website (https://www.k9kopproject.org/). .
“When I say it was an easy decision to recognize Vickie Richards and her team at K9 Kop as this year’s Non-Profit of the year, I am not exaggerating,” said Andy Gildner, Chair of the Greater Northern Lehigh Chamber of Commerce and owner of Keystone Technology, LLC. “When looking at the work that K9 Kop does within Lehigh Township, as well as across the country, the Greater Northern Lehigh Chamber and Events Committee could not be prouder to have such an incredible resource in our region and to honor them with this award.”
Some of the organizations Cops and “K9 Kops” will be at the event to meet and greet attendees.
“We are thrilled to be able to recognize the efforts of the K9 Kop Project,” said Kylie Adams, Assistant Vice President of Affiliated Chambers for the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce. “The resources they provide our police departments in the Lehigh Valley and across the United States are immeasurably important. We could not be prouder to elevate and recognize their impact at this year’s Spirit Awards.”
“For 28 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;” added Jessica O’Donnell, EVP of Affiliated Chambers for the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce. “The award looks for organizations that commit to making the area a great place to work and live.”
Also being celebrated at the 28th Annual Spirit Awards is Nancy Treskot (Spirit Award) and Bechtel’s Pharmacy (Business of the Year). Attendees are encouraged to purchase raffle tickets for a basket raffle at the event, which will benefit K9 Kop Project. Ticket sales for the event will benefit the Greater Northern Lehigh Chamber 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://web.lehighvalleychamber.org/events/GreaterNorthern%20Lehighs%20Spirit%20Award%202021%20%20GNLCC-837943/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: June 12, 2021 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
Gold Sponsor: Neffs National Bank, Bechtel’s Pharmacy, Cindy Miller – SVN/Imperial Realty, Keystone Technology LLC
Cocktail Sponsor: Sam’s Club, Eight Oaks Farm Distillery, PenTeleData
Silver Sponsor: Northern Valley EMS
Bronze Sponsor: Rentschler’s Auto, Service Electric, Krysta Hankee Memorial Fund, Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Benjamin Real Estate (Schnecksville), Action Party Rentals
Floral Sponsor: Precious Petals Florist
Photography Sponsor: Michael Straub Photography
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.
