Business News

The Lehigh Valley Planning Commission on Thursday voted to accept recommendations of its Comprehensive Planning Committee for a Bethlehem apartment complex and three area warehouses.

The Allentown Parking Authority hosted a public forum Tuesday night at the Americus Hotel to hear residents' complaints.

Gov. Josh Shapiro said he's long admired the Lehigh Valley's unique ability to build partnerships. It's a skillset he said he hopes to bring to other communities across the state to promote economic growth. Shapiro was keynote speaker at the Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corp. annual meeting in Bethlehem.

A week-long job fair helped to fill 1,500 seasonal positions in preparation for the 2023 season, but hundreds of openings remain for ride operators, security personnel, emergency medical technicians and lifeguards.

Contrasting points of view are at issue with the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission's decision to relocate its headquarters.

Zoning approval was granted for the 54.4-acre mixed use development at 617 N. Krocks Road including apartments, a hotel and retail space. The development will now have to address comments and submit land development plans to the township.

A Northampton County Judge found the Tally Ho Tavern to have implemented necessary remedies to past violations, thereby reversing a ruling by the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board denying renewal of its liquor license.

The building in South Bethlehem served as a Bethlehem Steel firehouse for decades. It was renovated in the early 2000s and contained a venture capital firm. Now an employee benefits consulting firm will make it its new headquarters.

The Greater Lehigh Valley Realtors' report highlights various housing statistics for February, including decreased closed sales, an increase in median sales price and a drop in pending sales.

The the Pa. Chamber of Business and Industry is putting out its own bracket called “Coolest Thing Made in PA.”

The City of Allentown is partnering City Center Allentown and AlphaGraphics, a marketing and custom printing firm, to give $5,000 to a small business in need of a facelift.

A new event called LGBTQ Inclusivity in the Workplace taught local businesses how to better include and support LGBTQ people.

Workers at a Starbucks store at Northampton Crossings are the latest to join a strike timed to Pride month, alleging unfair labor practices and disputes with the company over LGBTQ+ displays in stores. While striking, workers say they were kicked off of Starbucks property, with police involved.

Zoners approved variances for lighting and signage as the Raising Cane's project heads again to the township's planning commission in July.

Lehigh Valley International Airport Executive Director Thomas R. Stoudt said Tuesday he is not opposed to additional hotels being built at the airport. A Courtyard by Marriott is slated to open there late in 2025.

One hookah lounge owner said he bought a metal detector and is doing all he can to ensure customers are safe, but he wants help from police.

Take a look at stories that ran throughout the week of which we are most proud, had a profound impact on readers or that you might want to look at again.

'After-hours' establishments could face huge fines — and potential closure — for violating nuisance-abatement ordinances, under a resolution introduced by the city council. Council was critical of the Tuerk administration's response to violence.

WLVR's Megan Frank talks with Julian Abraham and Jay Bradley.

There is $1.5 million in funds to be distributed to those in need by Community Action Lehigh Valley.

The Parkland School Board renewed a sports medicine and school health needs agreement with St. Luke's after state Sen. Jarrett Coleman urged them not to. He suggested the health network should find better ways to spend the money.

Pennsylvania's Democratic-controlled House of Representatives approved a measure that would raise the minimum wage to $15 by 2026 in a close vote Tuesday. It has an uncertain future in the Republican-controlled Senate.