How would you say that the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce has grown and evolved over your many years at its helm?
I think the biggest and the most obvious is the regionalization—the fact that we have grown in size and with that grown in impact. First and foremost is the growth that we've had in terms of regionalizing and bringing the chambers of commerce together so that business owners don't have to join 10 different chambers. I think politically we're a little stronger and more able to impact legislation. Just generally, the unification of the Valley, and with that unification I think that the Valley has become stronger economically and stronger relative to its positioning in the state.
What are you most proud of about the work that you do? What makes it rewarding?
I just think that I've been so blessed. I started on the assembly line at Mack Truck and to be where I am today is a miracle. I love being around people, I love government and what it can accomplish, I love private sector business and what it can accomplish—and it's the combination of those. My proudest moments are when we are, let's say, at the annual meeting at Wind Creek, and we have 1,300 people in one room and we're celebrating the Lehigh Valley. I think that's one of the areas where we've kind of found a niche, and that is to celebrate the Valley—celebrate each one of its main streets, large and small, so while we came together, we're still focused individually on our communities. I think one of the really proud moments was when the chamber put up about a quarter of a million dollars the first week of COVID, knowing that businesses needed it. They weren't huge grants, maybe $1,500, but then we partnered with the counties and were able to give away almost 50 million dollars during COVID. Businesses have been there for us and it was kind of a great reversal that we could then be there for them.
What advice would you give someone looking to get involved in and feel more a part of their community?
It sounds so trivial and so chamber of commerce-like, but never underestimate the impact a singular person can have if they're motivated and have passion and a strong work ethic—you can accomplish so much in your community and beyond.
Tony Iannelli (Voices of the Valley), S20E12 from The PEAK TV on Vimeo.
Tony Iannelli (Voices of the Valley), S20E12 from The PEAK TV on Vimeo.
Published as “3 Questions With” in the March 2023 edition of Lehigh Valley Style magazine.
