Bethlehem Economic Development Corporation

10/02/2026

“Over the many years, I have loved seeing the wonderful ideas that start as a prototype and evolve to a fully launched product that is on the market and becomes a successful business.”

In this month’s KIZ SouthSide Connect Newsletter, we’re spotlighting one of our fantastic Advisory Board members, Adrienne McNeil, representing Lehigh University. Adrienne shares her experience with the KIZ, the value it brings to our community, and one of her favorite former KIZ ventures from her time on the Board: Goblies Throwable Paintballs, founded by Lehigh alum Briana Gardell!

Check out the October newsletter to learn more about Adrienne and the continued innovation happening through the KIZ.

https://bedco-pa.org/so/5eQ3kZLTu?languageTag=en&cid=41fb5ede-0ba1-4919-b043-0bd54abdb668

City of Bethlehem

10/02/2026

Yesterday, we attended the 2026 Lehigh Valley Manufacturing Forum, presented by the Lehigh Valley Chamber at ArtsQuest SteelStacks campus. The forum brought together regional partners, including Workforce Board Lehigh Valley, Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation, County of Northampton, and Martin Guitar, to discuss strategies for strengthening our region’s manufacturing sector and building a more resilient industrial economy 🏭

10/01/2026

We stopped by the first preview night for the Bethlehem Co-op Market! 🎉

Congratulations to all of the member-owners on this milestone! It was great to see so many vendors expanding into the City of Bethlehem and choosing to be part of this new community-focused experience.

More opportunities to shop and check out the new store are coming up on October 15, October 29, and November 12, from 4–7 PM.

https://bethlehemcoopmarket.com/events/

09/17/2026

Hey, City of Bethlehem small manufacturers! 📢

See the below opportunity via Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development for energy efficiency & industrial decarbonization projects.

More information can be found here: https://penntap.psu.edu/stories/funding-for-small-pa-manufacturers-to-support-energy-efficiency-industrial-decarbonization-projects/?utm_id=97758_v0_s00_e0_tv1_a1demo0d6jjb24

09/01/2026

Our September edition of the Bethlehem Keystone Innovation Zone (KIZ) SouthSide Connect Newsletter is now LIVE! 📬 https://wix.to/vgKA5iv

We’re sharing updates on the transition of our grant programs, highlighting the latest work at our incubator facility, and spotlighting an opportunity for KIZ companies to share their work and accomplishments.



City of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern PA

08/31/2026

“This is a tremendous vote of confidence in the City of Bethlehem. One of the best economic development outcomes a community can achieve is having an existing employer choosing to invest, expand, and grow right here in our city.”

08/25/2026

08/13/2026

In 1996, the SouthSide hosted its first ever annual chili taste-off as part of the “Spring on 4th, What’s on 3rd?” community festival in Bethlehem. It was a way to bring people together and celebrate local pride. It was also built entirely by a group of local volunteers and small businesses.

30 years later and through many changes, SouthSide Arts District is happy to carry on the tradition that is beloved by so many. 🧡

The 30th Annual ChiliFest will take place on SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17 in the SouthSide Arts District.

We’ve listened to your feedback and have decided to add a WHOLE HOUR onto the festival so you don’t have to rush on the chili trail!

Tastings will now run from 12-5 PM (previously 12-4 PM) across town at our local restaurants, bars, and businesses!

Tickets will be a fixed price and include a sampling of every competing chili (there are a lot!) and your very own iconic ChiliFest spoon!

So mark your calendars and save your appetites! We’ll be announcing more soon, including info on tickets, participating locations, music, and more in celebration of 30 Years…..

Stay spicy. 🫘🔥

08/11/2026

🎶 Musikfest may be over, but the Southside Bethlehem Ambassadors aren’t taking an encore break!

July brought plenty of action beyond the music - high winds, heavy rain, extreme heat, and even poor air quality. Through it all, our Ambassadors kept SouthSide looking its best. 🌳💨☀️

They cleared storm debris from sidewalks, hauled branches and leaves, and kept public spaces clean and welcoming - all while navigating the summer heat and smoky skies. The team cleared 6,500 lbs of trash and greeted over 3,000 visitors in July.

The festival may have packed up, but our Ambassadors keep the beat going year-round. 💛

City of Bethlehem, Lehigh University, The Bethlehem Parking Authority, County of Northampton, Community Action Development Bethlehem, Block by Block