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The founder of ArtsQuest and Musikfest, Jeff Parks, will be honored Wednesday during the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce’s Excellence in Business Awards. Parks, whose book, "Stronger Than Steel: Forging a Rust Belt Renaissance," chronicles the development of Musikfest and more during the period when Bethlehem Steel was failing, will receive the Chamber’s first Lifetime Achievement Award. It was the nonprofit ArtsQuest under Parks’ direction that spawned its flagship event, Musikfest, 35 years ago and helped create ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks and the Banana Factory Arts Center. ArtsQuest's programming reaches approximately 1.5 million people annually, according to a news release. The organization's programs and events, approximately 65 percent of which are free to attend, have a combined economic impact of more than $100 million annually in the region. The Chamber will dole out other awards during Wednesday’s event, which will be held at ArtsQuest Center. The awards will go to: African American Business Leader of the Year -- Carolyn Stennett, Victaulic Ambassador of the Year Award -- Mike Lichtenberger, enTrust Merchant Services Excellence in Business Award (1-25 employees) -- 3rd & Ferry Fish Market Excellence in Business Award (26-100 employees) -- American Bank Hispanic Business of the Year -- Don Juan Mex Grill LGBT Business of the Year -- Apollo Grill Outstanding Woman in Business -- Carol Obando-Derstine, PPL Electric Utilities Outstanding Nonprofit Organization -- Valley Youth House Young Professionals Future Leader of the Lehigh Valley -- Sarah M. Murray, Gross McGinley The Chamber distributes the annual awards to individuals and companies that exemplify quality in business. Wednesday’s event starts at 5 p.m. at the ArtsQuest Center, 101 Founders Way. For more information, including cost to attend, contact the Chamber’s Danielle Joseph at 484-226-0128 or email daniellej@lehighvalleychamber.org. Read the original article here.