Surprise!
Bethlehem, PA has become an under-rated and recently recognised economic
development opportunity.
Recently,
the latest supercharged dynamo of Economic Development, Alicia Karner, has been
put in charge of Bethlehem’s Economic Development Office.
The
City Council has yet to approve funding for the two additional staff members,
but don’t let that discourage you. You
know you have to spend money to make money (even if they don’t) and there are
still “ground floor” opportunities available in Bethlehem—before the economy
[picks up speed.
·
Sands
Casino has primed the pump.
· ArtsQuest is attracting the Artsy Crowd (read culture) and
·
Downtown
is the target of CRIZ, KIZ, and BEDCO.
Do
not be fooled into looking elsewhere.
CRIZ: The City Revitalisation Improvement
Zone (I would have thought investment zone).
Still, don’t be discouraged.
Investments are improvements. You make the investment and the politicians
will share credit for the improvements.
KIZ: Keystone Innovation Zone.
BEDCO: Bethlehem
Economic Development Corporation.
The
last one surprised me. 12 years ago I
tried floating the idea of the Slate Belt Economic Development Corporation, but
the idea went over like a lead balloon.
Still I do have a nodding acquaintance with the Lehigh Valley. Please see my CV on my LinkedIn Profile with
the list of my activities: www.linkedin.com/in/slimfairview
Another
asset is Tony Iannelli, the CEO of
the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce.
Recently, Mr. Iannelli told me he just returned from a business trip to
China. Need I say more?
Next,
we have State Senator Lisa Boscola. Senator Boscola got her foot in the door
because her Dad worked for Bethlehem Steel. (Read: street-cred and massive
local support). However, Senator Boscola’s staying power comes from her ability
to keep up with the increasingly faster changing world of business, economics,
and technology. Also, the Senator
outlasted the impediments in Harrisburg.
Things are moving along at a brisk pace.
Thought
Bethlehem Steel is gone, the SteelStacks Project appears to be operating in
full vigor.
But
wait, there’s more…
Restaurants, Bars, and
Cigars—Oh my!
In
addition to economic development you have restaurants such as the Melting Pot,
Blue Moon, and The Twisted Olive. For those who need
a more specific point of reference, you have The Bethlehem Brew Works where
President Obama stopped for a beer during a trip to Pennsylvania.
Aside
from eateries there are two “Cigar Bar” businesses in the area. And they are not just for those Cigar
Chomping Party Bosses in smoke-filled back rooms and Derby hats cutting deals.
You can enjoy a Pleiades
or a Macanudo Prince Philip Café
with a coffee or a Calvados. Derby hat optional.
Housing is moving along at a cheerful pace. And you won’t have to bear the shame of
living in a McMansion. While they may be
called Millennial Mansions by some, there is abundant land for development and
the homes are situated on ample-sized lots routinely adjacent to or near one or
more of the areas many country clubs. Conversely, there are many historic homes
both in and out of historic districts, with the original wide plank floors and
beamed ceilings just like the homes we used to see on This Old House. Horse and
buggy upgrades are available—don’t ya
know.
Sports! It is my understanding that there are may
sports venues offering a variety of athletic events. However, I am not a sporty sor of person, so
you'
The key people in the area, as I said, are
Alicia Karner, I would give you her phone number but I’m not
sure if the Council voted to provide funding for a telephone.
Tony Iannelli, and Senator Lisa Boscola are in the book.
And
don’t let the Big Investors scare you away. The Shoo-fly pie is big enough for
SMEs and B2Bs to enjoy a slice.
Disclosure:
Any references
to products or services are at my discretion and no offer of remuneration or compensations
was solicited, offered, or accepted.
Also, they are for information purposes and do not constitute an
endorsement. You’ve been informed. You
are on your own.
However,
if you are an investor, and you find any of this information to be helpful,
please do not hesitate to send me a really tricked out MacPro and to tuck a few
dollars into the envelope along with the thank you note.
Warmest
regards and best of luck,
Slim
Slimviews
and Sidestreetjournal are unfunded, unsupported, non-profit weblogs written by
the Blogger known as Slim Fairview.
Copyright
© 2014 Slim Fairview Robert Asken
All
rights reserved.
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