Greater Lehigh Valley
A regional effort to educate the business community and encourage sustainable business methods throughout Lehigh Valley and the surrounding area.
The Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce is working hard to advance more sustainable business methods throughout the region. The Chamber’s Energy and Environmental Task Force was recently created to develop “long term business-sensitive strategies for sustainable energy efficiency initiatives, environmental protection and infrastructure development that will improve the business climate and quality of life for business owners, employees and their families.” In order to advance this challenging mission, the Task Force concentrates its resources on educating and engaging the business community and collaborating with local, state and federal organizations to promote sensible energy policies.
The Energy and Environmental Task Force has made sure that useful information for the local business community is easily found. Many helpful resources are publicized on their website such as the Small Business Energy Efficiency Grant Program run by Pennsylvania’s Department of Environmental Protection. The program provides matching funds up to $25,000 for small businesses in Eastern Pennsylvania to employ strategies that improve energy efficiency and prevent pollution. In addition to highlighting programs available through other local organizations, the Lehigh Valley Chamber provides a valuable annual resource of their own through a regional convening.
In September 2009 the Chamber hosted the third annual Lehigh Valley Environmental Innovations Conference & Expo. Roughly 200 regional business leaders attend the conference every year to learn about cutting edge strategies and technologies to improve energy efficiency and green performance. “This conference focuses on cost cutting, money saving, energy reducing business practices that can improve any businesses’ bottom line and have a more positive effect on the environment.” Attendees are invited to explore the annual Environmental Tradeshow featuring exhibits of local green product and service providers. Through the hard work and dedication of the Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce, area businesses are saving money and shedding pounds of waste and inefficiencies while improving local quality of life for employees and residents.