Last year’s March of Dimes Commercial & Industrial Real Estate Awards event raised an all-time record of $125,000.

Just as technology is a major driver in the real estate profession, the Lehigh Valley March of Dimes Commercial & Industrial Real Estate Awards Committee will utilize best practices in communications and convene a virtual meeting and ceremony this year.

The prestigious 27th annual event, which has long honored individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to the Lehigh Valley real estate market and local community through their efforts in real estate, will be held virtually on Oct. 30.

“The commercial real estate community always seems to have the ability to adapt to the environment in which we operate,” said Steve Bowers, Committee Chair and banking executive for Penn Community Bank. “This year’s event will be a glimpse into how Lehigh Valley commercial and industrial real estate businesses may network and communicate in the future.”

This year’s event will honor attorney Joseph Zator as the 2020 Person of the Year, and the Majestic Bethlehem Center as the 2020 Project of the Year.

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Proceeds from the event will benefit the March of Dimes Northeast Pennsylvania Market.  The March of Dimes’ mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality.

The ceremony has raised $1.5 million over 26 years, and last year raised an all-time record of $125,000. The event will be held at 12 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 30, with plans for virtual networking as well as the awards ceremony.

“This annual event has been the premier gathering place of commercial and industrial real estate and allied professionals for nearly three decades,” said Joe Correia, Committee Vice Chair and Development Manager at J.G. Petrucci & Co. “We traditionally bring about 500 people to the annual event and have raised $100,000 per year to support the mission of the March of Dimes to help babies and their families.”

The Majestic Bethlehem Center is a dynamic area with a rich history and numerous amenities for employees and their families. It is located close to Interstate 78, with rail on site, next door to a Norfolk Southern intermodal facility, and not far from the large population centers of Philadelphia and New York City and their transportation infrastructure.

Majestic has a long history of community involvement and stewardship as part of its development approach. As a build-and-hold developer, Majestic considers itself a member of the communities where it puts down roots, according to Ed Konjoyan, Senior Vice President of Majestic Realty Co.

“Not only is the March of Dimes a wonderful organization that does profound and meaningful work, but they have established the signature commercial real estate award in the Lehigh Valley,” Konjoyan said. “The past awardees are a Who’s Who of instrumental stakeholders and community enhancing projects. It is a true honor for the Majestic Bethlehem Center to join their ranks.”

Zator is one of the region’s top real estate and business attorneys, helping businesses and real estate developers navigate the many aspects of land development, including property acquisition and getting projects reviewed, approved and ready for construction.

Zator leads a practice that is renowned for both “good counsel” and for the integrity he and his colleagues demonstrate throughout the community. Joe has also been an active community leader in various organizations, and takes great pride in working with both developers and municipalities.

The Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation (LVEDC) is a sponsor of the event, and LVEDC Director of Marketing Liz Martin serves on the March of Dimes Commercial & Industrial Real Estate Awards Committee.