BETHLEHEM, Pa. — The Lehigh Valley is tops in America.
The Valley logged more economic development projects in the nation in 2023 than any similarly sized market, according to Site Selection magazine.
The region also ranked fourth in all communities in the Northeast.
Both rankings were made public Thursday in a news release by Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corp.
“The number one ranking is a remarkable achievement, considering the Lehigh Valley competes against the hottest markets in high-growth regions of the South and Southwest."Don Cunningham, president and CEO, Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corp.
Last year, the Lehigh Valley ranked No. 2 nationally.
The Lehigh Valley competed against regions with populations of 200,000 to 1 million people.
Projects in the Lehigh Valley qualified under the criteria for the magazine’s prestigious Governor's Cup Awards. Projects were considered that have been completed or announced of at least 20,000 square feet, an investment of at least $1 million or the creation of at least 20 new jobs.
“The number-one ranking is a remarkable achievement, considering the Lehigh Valley competes against the hottest markets in high-growth regions of the South and Southwest,” Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corp. Chief Executive Officer Don Cunningham said.
“Our economic growth, which creates opportunities for people of all education and skill levels, is the result of partnership and collaboration, with the entire region working toward common goals with a unified voice.”
Success is no surprise
Among the Valley's major projects in 2023:
- Schless Bottles’ announced it would move its manufacturing operations from New Jersey to Allentown, creating nearly 100 jobs.
- The opening of HAWE Hydraulik’s manufacturing facility for pumps and compressors in Bethlehem Township.
- Nordson Medical, a global producer of medical device components, expanding its operations in Palmer Township.
The great economic news comes as no surprise to Becky A. Bradley, executive director of the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission.
"This is a successful region that is attractive to businesses and families in search of our high quality of life."Becky A. Bradley, executive director of the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission
"We have seen a steady increase in new development plans over the past decade," Bradley said in an email to lehighvalleynews.com.
"This is a successful region that is attractive to businesses and families in search of our high quality of life."
A complete list of projects will be published in LVEDC’s 2023 annual report, to be released at the organization’s annual meeting on March 19.
