Greater Northern Lehigh Announces Honorees of the 31st Annual Spirit Awards!

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Greater Northern Lehigh Chamber Presents: 31st Annual Spirit Awards June 15th, 2024 | 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM

The Greater Northern Lehigh Chamber, proud partner of the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce presents the 31st 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 honorees of the 31st Annual Spirit Awards. The event and award ceremony will be hosted on Saturday, June 15th, 2024, 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.

This years awardees include Lynne Fedorcha (Spirit Award); Becky’s Drive-In (Business of the Year); Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Benjamin Real Estate (Milestone Award – 50 Years) and the Northwestern Lehigh Educational Foundation (Nonprofit of the Year).

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 2024 Non-Profit of the Year

“Receiving the Spirit Award is not just an honor, but a recognition of the profound impact one may have for their outstanding contributions to business and community,” said Cindy Miller, Chair of the Greater Northern Lehigh Chamber of Commerce and of SVN Imperial Realty. “Congratulations to this year’s recipients! They are a reminder of the importance of building strong relationships, supporting local initiatives, leaving a legacy of positivity, and dedicating oneself to the betterment of the Greater Northern Lehigh Community. Their stories serve as an inspiration to us all.”

The Spirit Award, established in 1993 by the Greater Northern Lehigh Chamber, has been a long-held tradition that honors a local individual who embodies community and volunteerism. This year’s honoree, Lynne Fedorcha, is a dedicated volunteer with the Slatington Public Library. Retirement from a fulfilling career in education allowed Lynne to dedicate herself to volunteering; as a board member and treasurer, she manages the website, and social media posts, and even don the traditional Mrs. Claus garb for the library and the Northern Lehigh Education Foundation Santa Breakfast! Mrs. Fedorcha is also active in her church, where she plays piano and serves as a lector and usher regularly. She is a proud wife of 52 years to her husband, Gary Fedorcha, and parent and grandparent to an extensive family.

Additionally, Becky’s Drive-In (Business of the Year); Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Benjamin Real Estate (Milestone Award – 50 Years) and the Northwestern Lehigh Educational Foundation (Nonprofit of the Year) will also be honored.

Kylie Adams-Weiss, Assistant Vice President of Affiliated Chambers for the Greater Northern Lehigh Chamber of Commerce, stated, “Year after year, The Chamber is honored to recognize the incredible community partners within the Greater Northern Lehigh Chamber region, and this year is no different. Becky’s Drive-In and Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Benjamin Real Estate have proven themselves for decades to be dedicated to serving our community, and the Northwestern Lehigh Educational Foundation works tirelessly to support educational initiatives for the future leaders of our community. We couldn’t be more excited to honor these three organizations, as well as Mrs. Fedorcha.”

Named Business of the Year, Becky’s Drive-In is family-owned and operated and located in Walnutport, Pennsylvania. Founded by William D. Beck (known as Becky), Becky’s Drive-In found its home on Route 248 in 1939. It has been continuously run by Becky’s family since its opening, now in caring hands of his four surviving children and their families, showing family films starting April to mid-October. They include sons Darrell and Dennis, daughters Mary Mayberry and Cindy Deppe and their spouses, Joe and Dean, plus countless grandchildren and beloved employees.

Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Benjamin Real Estate will be recognized for 50 years of business. An independently owned and operated franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC., Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices has been in business in Schnecksville for 50 years, providing excellent real estate advisement and service to their customers.

Named Nonprofit of the Year, the Northwestern Lehigh Educational Foundation (2024 Nonprofit of the Year) is being recognized for their instrumental efforts in supporting the educational goals and programs for the future leaders of our community. The Northwestern Lehigh Educational Foundation is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that supports the educational goals of the Northwestern Lehigh School District.

“All four of our awardees hold the spirit of community close to their hearts and values that tie them to our community at their core,” said Jessica O’Donnell-Gower, Executive Vice President of Affiliated Chambers for the Greater Northern Lehigh Chamber of Commerce. “We’re excited to be able to shine a spotlight on the businesses and individuals who embody the spirit of our community in such genuine ways!”

For 31 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; the award looks for organizations that commit to making the area a great place to work and live.

Tickets are available now for this event. For more information about Greater Northern Lehigh’s Spirit Awards or to reserve your seat, please visit the Greater Northern Lehigh’s website at: tinyurl.com/29kzkc63
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When: June 15, 2024 from 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM

Pricing Information: $45 Individual Member Rate/$85 Couple Member Rate; $60 Individual Future-Member Rate/$115 Couple Future-Member Rate.

Sponsors (as of 5/20/2024):

  • Premier Sponsor: Ironton Internet & Telephone
    • Gold Sponsors: Keystone Technology LLC & The Neffs National Bank
    • Silver Sponsor: SVN Imperial Realty
    • Bronze Sponsors: Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Benjamin Real Estate, Heintzelman Funeral Homes Schnecksville, Krysta Hankee Memorial Fund, and Rentschler Auto Group
    • Cocktail Hour Sponsors: Eight Oaks Farm Distillery, Sam’s Club of Allentown & Service Electric Business
    • Award Sponsor: BuxMont Awards & Engraving
    • Print Sponsor: EBC Printing

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-Weiss
Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce