LVEDC Vice President of Economic Development Matthew Tuerk speaking at the 2017 LVEDC Annual Meeting at Bethlehem’s ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks.

The Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation will recognize the past year’s economic development projects and the companies that have contributed to the region’s success during the 2018 LVEDC Annual Meeting on Wednesday, March 14.

Among the companies that will be in the spotlight is Air Products. The company will be recognized for its commitment to the Lehigh Valley, and Jennifer Grant, Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer with Air Products, will be a featured speaker.

Jennifer Grant

The Fortune 500 industrial gas company is planning a new corporate headquarters, and while the final location has not been determined, it is committed to remaining here in the Lehigh Valley. Grant is responsible for leading the company’s HR strategy and HR organization globally.

Additionally, LVEDC will also welcome the six newest members of the LVEDC Board of Directors during the annual meeting, which will be held at ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks in Bethlehem starting at 4:15 p.m.

The new board members include:

• Paul Anthony, Business Manager with IBEW Local Union 375
• Carol Kuplen, President of St. Luke’s University Hospital Bethlehem Campus, and Chief Nursing Officer of St. Luke’s University Health Network
• Phillips Armstrong, newly-elected Lehigh County executive
• Lamont McClure, newly-elected Northampton County executive
• Marty Nothstein, new representative from Lehigh County Commissioners
• William McGee, new representative from Northampton County Council

“I’m excited to join the LVEDC Board of Directors and look forward to working collaboratively with my fellow board members as we showcase the Lehigh Valley at every opportunity,” Anthony said. “This partnership allows for an exchange of ideas and experiences with the Lehigh Valley’s skilled and educated workforce.”

Kuplen also expressed excitement about joining the board, and said the mission and vision of LVEDC is in perfect alignment with that of the St. Luke’s University Health Network,. Where she has worked for three decades.

“Additionally, as a resident of the Lehigh Valley for that same time period, I am proud to serve our community through supporting the enhancement of economic, professional and personal growth opportunities for our residents and businesses,” Kuplen said.

LVEDC will voice its appreciation for six outgoing members of the LVEDC Board of Directors, including:

• Joel Fagerstrom, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at St. Luke’s University Health Network
• Andrew Hines, Director of Facilities at Lutron Electronics, Co.
• John Brown, former executive of Northampton County
• Tom Muller, former executive of Lehigh County
• Brad Osborne, former representative from Lehigh County Commissioners
• Seth Vaughn, former representative from Northampton County Council

Additionally, three board members already serving on the board have also been re-elected to second terms this year. They include:

• Cindy Feinberg, Partner with Feinberg Real Estate Advisors
• Lauren Goff, Executive Director of Corporate Social Responsibility at Olympus Corporation of the Americas
• Patricia Johnson, Vice President of Finance and Administration at Lehigh University

“It is an honor to continue to serve on the board of LVEDC which provides such a valuable service to our community,” Feinberg said. “As a commercial real estate professional, I value LVEDC’s work with site selectors to promote development and economic growth in the Lehigh Valley.”

Johnson added: “I am thrilled to be re-elected to the LVEDC board as the organization implements its new strategic plan. All of us benefit when employment opportunities grow in the Lehigh Valley. I support the mission and effort to bring industry to the Valley.”

Goff said her first term on the board proved her a tremendous opportunity to serve as a liaison to keep Olympus appraised of the important regional initiatives advanced through the work of LVEDC.

“I look forward to what a second term will bring such as continued participation in the Talent Supply Council, hosting site visits with leaders considering the region as a headquarters and other meaningful projects,” Goff said.

Visit here for more information about the 2018 LVEDC Annual Meeting. Attendance typically brings together more than 500 of Lehigh Valley’s most influential business professionals to learn about the development and network with peers.