ARTICLE
Today, in my opinion, Chambers of Commerce need to additionally be "Chambers of Community." The simple economics of the past have changed dramatically. Maintaining a vibrant community has a lot of moving parts. Now more than ever public/private dollars are needed to create community-changing projects. The public sector has less and less available dollars to fuel growth and it appears it's going to get worse going forward. They need to focus not only on improving the economy but, also, the quality of life. Creating jobs is a key driver toward a robust regional economy. More people working, more people spending, more people contributing, more happy families, brighter futures ... you get the picture. However, equally important as the Lehigh Valley grows: How will we maintain and improve our quality of life? Will we still be more affordable than the regions to the east and south of us? Are our cities a place that future companies will be impressed with and want to call home? Will we leave our Northamptons and Hellertowns, the smaller outlying municipalities, behind in this growth? Will our growing minority communities play a key leadership role (not just be patronized) and feel genuinely included in our future? I could go on, but suffice it to say it's a very challenging balance to make a region a great place. It takes a committed partnership between very astute public and private sector leaders. Now more than ever, we seem to have that leadership across the Valley. So, let's start with jobs and be thankful for our many companies that employ so many of our neighbors who drive this economic engine. We have approximately 15,000 businesses, large and small, working hard to maintain their market share and remain a vibrant part of our future. But, when the work week is completed, now what? Does the community provide an exciting lifestyle that makes you thankful that you live here and want to stay? Not only stay, but contribute by going to restaurants, arenas, entertainment centers, volunteering and giving back? The more committed to improving our region, the better off we will be. So, when you earn a living here, spend it here. Nurture your community every way possible. Now, my main point: We have always had many community-minded companies that have given back so much to this Valley. Companies with a culture that insist that we're a better place and that their money and people be a part of that better place. Would the dream of an incredible ball park be a reality if it wasn't for our local folks from Coca Cola, Air Products, Capital Blue Cross and many others sponsors? Would a gorgeous arena be rocking downtown Allentown without PPL, Lehigh Valley Hospital, The Morning Call and others? I don't think so. These are millions of dollars invested back into your community that have a real impact on our quality of life. If you haven't noticed lately, in any given weekend there are concerts featuring talent you used to drive to Philadelphia or New York to see. There are more quality restaurants and retailers than we ever dreamed. There are more recreational trails, parks, playgrounds and places to enjoy than ever before. So, please be mindful of how far we've come. Notice what companies love our community and appreciate the contributions they make to improve our quality of life. Some do in great measure — others not so much. We need everyone "all in" to continue this growth. While we have a lot of work to do, we've come so far in this Valley and we can make this great place even greater. Tony Iannelli is president and CEO of the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce. His column appears weekly on the Business Cycle. He can be reached at tonyi@lehighvalleychamber.org. Read the original article here.