The Greater Northern Lehigh Chamber of Commerce, proud partner of the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber, announces the honorees of the 30th Annual Spirit Awards. The event and award ceremony will be hosted on June 17 at Ontelaunee Park Pavilion in New Tripoli, beginning at 9:30 a.m.

Awardees are Patricia Stewart (Spirit Award), of Ironton Telephone; Rentschler Auto Group (Business of the Year); The Neffs National Bank (Milestone Award – 100 Years) and The Venture Group (Nonprofit of the Year).

“We had an overwhelming number of nominations for this year’s awards and all were extremely deserving of being in the running,” said Andy Gildner, chair of the Greater Northern Lehigh Chamber of Commerce and Owner of Keystone Technology LLC. “Our honorees were selected because of their dedication to the Greater Northern Lehigh region and the work they do to make our community a great place to live and work.”

The Spirit Award, established in 1993 by the Greater Northern Lehigh Chamber, has been a long-held tradition that honors a local individual who embodies community and volunteerism.

Patricia Stewart, is the CEO of Ironton Telephone and is a dedicated volunteer throughout the region at various nonprofits, including (but not limited to) Neffs UCC Church, Boy Scouts of America, Upper Lehigh Historical Society, the Schnecksville Grange, Allentown Symphony, Schnecksville Fire Company, and local 4-H groups. She’s been described as a “true mentor, someone who gives herself to her family and business staff every day,” by her many nominating colleagues and employees.

Kylie Adams-Weiss, Assistant Vice President of Affiliated Chambers for the Greater Northern Lehigh Chamber of Commerce, said, “Our slate of awardees this year is truly one of a kind and represents the incredible community partners within the Greater Northern Lehigh Chamber region. Rentschler’s and The Neffs National Bank have both served our community for 50 and 100 years, respectively, and The Venture Group’s volunteers work tirelessly to ensure the Slatington Trailhead and D & L Trail is a clean, safe and beautiful pillar of our community. We’re excited to honor all three organizations this year, in addition to Ms. Stewart.”

Rentschler Auto Group (Rentschler Chevrolet and Rentschler Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram) is family-owned and operated and located in Slatington.

As a premier auto dealer in the Lehigh Valley, Pocono and Carbon County region, its tenure has been established on their dedication to top notch customer service and repair and maintenance work for their customers since 1973, earning the title of a 5-Star Dealer for sales and service since the program was established.

The Neffs National Bank is an independent community bank with a long tradition of quality customer service. Established in February 1923, the bank originally conducted its business operations using a small room between The Neffs Hotel and Kern & Moser’s General Store until the present-day’s bank building was constructed in 1937.

In 1986, Neffs Bancorp Inc. was formed and continues in operation as a one-bank holding company, and The Neffs National Bank was the sole subsidiary of Neffs Bancorp Inc.

In April 2020, The Neffs National Bank opened its second location in Walnutport. “From its modest beginning in 1923, the growth of the bank has been influenced by the prosperity of the local communities. Individuals and businesses continue to contribute to promoting community-oriented, independently-operated banking. Community banking continues today under dynamic leadership of a dedicated board of directors, the excellent cooperation of the employees and loyal support of the shareholders and depositors,” said their website.

The Venture Group was established to maintain the trailheads of the D & L Trail and the Heritage Trail in Slatington. This volunteer-led organization manages the multi-use trails, and is responsible for the construction of the restrooms and pavilion on Main Street, Slatington, which has quickly become a hub for trail activities and local recreation and entertainment.

“All four of our awardees hold the spirit of community close to their hearts and have family legacy that ties them to our community at their core,” said Jessica O’Donnell-Gower, Executive Vice President of Affiliated Chambers for the Greater Northern Lehigh Chamber of Commerce.

Tickets are available now for this event. For more information about Greater Northern Lehigh’s Spirit Awards or to reserve your seat, visit the Greater Northern Lehigh’s website.