Business News

Northampton County's controller told members of the County Council Wednesday that Hotel Bethlehem underreported revenues and underpaid hotel room taxes owed to the county over the past two years.

The Small Business Council of the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce recognized local businesses with Excellence in Business Awards on Wednesday at Northampton Country Club.

Few, if any, bridges in Pennsylvania insulate the steel beams in their decks, PennDOT Deputy Secretary Mike Rebert said Wednesday. High-intensity fires capable of destabilizing those bridges are rare, but do happen.

Democrats in Pennsylvania are optimistic that Republicans will finally agree to raise the state's minimum wage after years of debate. A Republican member of the state Senate's leadership team is leading a bill to increase the minimum wage to $15 an hour, providing hope for a resolution, although challenges remain in the GOP-controlled state Senate.

Cold Nose Lodge, which opened in October 2008, is expanding its location in Alburtis. They'll hold a groundbreaking party on June 26 at the facility.

The Lower Macungie Township Planning Commission recommended approval for the nearly 59-acre Lehigh Valley Town Center project, including its TopGolf component. Township commissioners could give the green light at their July meeting.

The Greater Lehigh Valley Realtors reported home sales dropped 22% in May — normally a busy season. Increased interest rates and tight inventory in Lehigh and Northampton counties were driving the figures, according to GLVR.

A developer is seeking approval for an 868-unit self-storage facility on Hanover Avenue on Allentown's East Side, but the official notice for a zoning hearing advertised 749 units.

The Lehigh County District Attorney's office brought a successful lawsuit against Lowhill Township, arguing they unlawfully appointed supervisor Curtis Dietrich.

The United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley raised a record $22.6 million in the campaign that ended earlier this year. It supports programs and agencies in Lehigh, Northampton and Carbon counties.

Willow Haven Farm farmer Reuben DeMaster and independent contractor Bill Kuklinski are partnering to open an organic grocery store at 8150 Hamilton Boulevard in Breinigsville.

Good Shepherd Rehabilitation announced a new program to train long-term care nursing aides. Those who enroll will get paid while training and will be hired at the health care provider upon completion.

North Whitehall Planning Commission on Tuesday recommended approval to a plan for a business park with a Wawa, an Autozone and a new traffic circle.

CEO Tim Fallon has been associated with PBS39 and Lehigh Valley Public Media for 27 years. Fallon announced Tuesday he'll soon take on a different job within the organization and step away from day-to-day operations.

The Upper Macungie Planning Commission recommended approval to a plan to expand Americold Logistics' cold storage warehouse. Nearby residents brought a lawyer to express their concerns.

Since 2009, the Neighborhood Improvement Zone has invested $500 million of state tax dollars into redeveloping 128-acres of Allentown. State Sen. Jarrett Coleman has called for a review of the program to ensure Pennsylvania's making a wise investment.

Slime Time, an entertainment venue allowing kids to make their own slime, will soon open in Suite 606 at The Promenade Shops next to Batch Microcreamery and Altar’d State.

A “bold, thoughtful” mural is the goal — one that honors the area’s food culture, farmers and residents themselves, according to co-op General Manager Eric Shamis who recently shared the latest with WLVR's Brad Klein.

Players league wide are complaining about Major League Baseball's new uniforms, particularly the see-through pants. The uniforms were manufactured by Fanatics' facilities in Easton.

Wyatt Selzer gives back to the local community in any way he knows how — as long as it is within walking distance, he said. Now, a local business in Nazareth is determined to give the young man a new set of wheels.

Three industrial buildings in Upper Macungie have plans to expand: Americold Logistics' cold storage warehouse, XPO Logistics' trucking terminal and ATAS International's manufacturing facility.

While there is no news on future expansions, chamber members praised the CEO and heard an emotional take on her journey.