The central location of the Lehigh Valley to major markets has led to the Lehigh Valley being known as the E-Commerce Hub for the East Coast of the United States. The large increases of online shopping has positioned the Lehigh Valley as a logistics hub and has created demand for warehouse and distribution space within the area.

Fed Ex Ground is currently building a warehouse facility in Allen Township that will become the biggest distribution center for Fed Ex Ground in the country. It is going to be a 800,000 square foot facility and will be feature automated distribution technology.

E-Commerce is changing the way Americans do business and is changing the business landscape forever. The focus is on getting the product to the consumer in record time and online retailers are constantly pushing the distribution channels to become more efficient and being able to deliver within two days and in some cases same day deliveries. To make this happen it is imperative that the distribution centers be located within corridors that make these delivery schedules possible.

The Lehigh Valley is benefiting from this trend that experts feel will continue into the future. Fed Ex Ground is not alone in picking the Lehigh Valley. Since the second quarter of 2010 the Lehigh Valley Interstate 78 corridor has grown faster than any other US industrial market. Developers have added millions of square feet of distribution and warehouse space and has increased the size of the market by more than 25%. New tenants include Walmart Stores Inc, Dollar General Corp, Ocean Spray, and Petsmart Inc. and collectively have added over 7 million square feet of distribution space into the Lehigh Valley. It is all about getting access to the highest number of people in the shortest amount of time.

With this growth, other businesses in the Lehigh Valley also benefit and the Go Lehigh Valley collection of hotels that are owned and operated by Meyer Jabara Hotels is here to serve the Lehigh Valley business community. The hotels include the Courtyard by Marriott Bethlehem/Lehigh Valley located on the I-78 Corridor, The Hyatt Place located in downtown Bethlehem, and the Holiday Inn Conference Center located on the west end of the Lehigh Valley.

For more information please contact us today 610-730-4002

The annual celebration of the Celtic spirit and it’s history is coming to downtown Bethlehem. Each year Bethlehem is transformed, and you will think you traveled across the pond. The Celtic Classic is sponsored by the Celtic Cultural Alliance and celebrates the dance, culture, and history of the Celtic tradition.

This year is the festival’s 29^th year and starts at 5:00 pm on Friday September 22 and ends at 8:00 pm on Sunday. It is a perfect time to visit Bethlehem as the weather starts to cool a bit and the autumn air starts to creep in.

The Celtic Classic features competitions in the Celtic tradition as well as a Festival for all ages to enjoy. This authentic festival features fiddling contests, pipe band competitions, musical performances, Celtic crafts, and of course food from the Celtic region.
This year’s performers will bring classic Celtic entertainment includes over 20 authentic performers including:

• Barleyjuice
• Barrule
• Burning Bridget Cleary
• Cassie and Maggie MacDonald
• Low Lilly
• O’Grady-Quinlin Academy of Irish Dance
• Timlin & Kane

The festival is real and is a great place to celebrate and learn about the Celtic culture. It’s a perfect getaway!

The Courtyard Bethlehem is just minutes from the Festival and is offering their special StayINN package that includes:

• Overnight Accommodations in their all new rooms
• Bistro Breakfast for Two
• Late 2PM Checkout

Click Here to Book Your Celtic Getaway

Courtyard Bethlehem/ Lehigh Valley sponsors and hosted veterans on behalf of the Wounded Warrior Project on the weekend of July 29^th. The event was put together in recognition of their service to the armed services of the United States.

The 68 war veterans from Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York participated in the events that was highlighted by a scuba diving certification for each of the veterans that took place at Dutch Springs in Lower Nazareth Township. Each veteran proudly received their scuba diving certification, which was part of the Wounded Warrior Project’s Physical Health and Wellness Program.

The annual event is organized jointly by the Wounded Warriors project and the Handicapped Scuba Association and is designed to help these handicapped war veterans stay active. The 15- hour course included several open water dives. Stewart Snyder of the Handicapped Scuba Association said, “You put them in the water… it empowers the soldier to go out and help themselves more”

Peggy Godfrey who is the Director of Sales for the Courtyard Bethlehem / Lehigh Valley, which is located   2220 Emrick Blvd, Bethlehem, PA was instrumental in making this event happen. There event was kicked off with a pre-ceremony meal at the Courtyard as well as a celebration event on Saturday night where the veterans received their scuba certifications. Peggy coordinated donations from local businesses who assisted in making this event a reality. A special thank you goes out to Banko Beverages, Sam’s club, Texas Roadhouse, and Ruby Tuesdays for the kind generosity of supplying food and drinks for both nights.

Peggy says, “It is my most cherished event that we host at the Courtyard. I get to laugh, cry, and  enjoy the many stories that the veterans share throughout the course of the weekend.”

The Wounded Warrior project offers an array of programs for injured veterans. The goal is to empower veterans and provide activities for their families and caregivers. For many, the program helps rekindle a sense of camaraderie. Since many of their friends are still serving overseas, the veterans are able to fill part of a void with the friendships they gain during the program.

For the past 33 years Bethlehem has been the host to the world famous Musikfest. The 10 day event draws over a million visitors each year. There are hundreds of performers that make Musikfest happen.

This year there will be street performers, comedy troupes, and lots of musicians.  There are both free events and ticketed events that are sure to please everyone from the youngest to the oldest and everyone in between.

The line-up of performers include:
X Ambassadors – August 5
Run DMC – August 6
Dierks Bentley – August 7
Boston – August 9
Don Henley – August 10
Sabrina Carpenter – August 12
Lady Antebellum – August 13
The Avett Brothers – August 14

When you are not catching a show, check out the all new beer garden – Lagerfest Platz, or become part of the Pokeman craze. Musikfest will feature over 24 PokeStops!

If you are hesitating because you don’t want to miss the RIO Olympics, no worries because there will be a huge outdoor LED television screen that will be showing all the action in RIO direct to Familienplatz.

After a fun filled day at Musikfest, why not relax at the Courtyard Bethlehem and take advantage of their Musikfest Package, that includes overnight accommodations in the newly renovated rooms. Free Shuttle service back and forth to the venue and breakfast for two. Click here to book your reservation.