Greater Northern Lehigh Chamber’s 29th Annual Spirit Awards!
The Greater Northern Lehigh Chamber of Commerce (GNLCC), proud partner of the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber, was pleased to announce the honorees of the 29th Annual Spirit Awards on Saturday, June 18th, 2022, at Ontelaunee Park Pavilion in New Tripoli, PA. The morning brunch was held in this historic park, as we honored our awardees that have impacted the past, present and future of the Greater Northern Lehigh region.
This years awardees included Walter Niedermeyer (Spirit Award), former mayor of Slatington, local volunteer and veteran; Heintzelman Funeral Home – Schnecksville (Business of the Year); and Krysta Hankee Memorial Fund (Nonprofit of the Year).
The morning consisted of an outdoor event nestled in the hills of Ontelaunee Park and provided ample opportunity for mingling and networking prior to the awards presentation. Brunch was catered by the coveted Curious Goods at The Bake Oven Inn, who sources their ingredients from local farmers and suppliers throughout the region. The Greater Northern Lehigh Chamber also held a basket raffle to benefit the GNLCC Scholarship fund and the 2022 Non-Profit of the Year.
“Our nominations were lengthy this year and all were extraordinarily 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, Walter Niedermeyer, Heintzelman Funeral Home and Krysta Hankee Memorial Fund 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. This year’s honoree, Walter Niedermeyer, is a long-time resident of Slatington, where he served as Mayor for 20 years and was named the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce’s “Mayor of the Year” in 2009. Niedermeyer also worked as a firefighter for the city of Allentown for 33 years, 12 of which he served as a lieutenant. He is heavily involved in the Slatington Lions Club, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Venture Group; he also served in the US Navy.
“I’ve done a lot for the community, and that’s all I intend to keep doing,” said Niedermeyer. “I’m honored to be receiving the award and intend to keep serving my community in years to come.”
Additionally, Heintzelman Funeral Home and Krysta Hankee Memorial Fund were honored as the Business of the Year and Nonprofit of the Year, respectively.
Jessica O’Donnell, Executive Vice President of Affiliated Chambers for the Greater Northern Lehigh Chamber of Commerce, stated, “Both Heintzelman Funeral Home and Krysta Hankee Memorial Fund have continued to be incredible community partners over the years, advocating for both businesses and the community alike. We’re excited to honor both organizations, as they continue to be great Chamber partners!”
Heintzelman Funeral Homes is located in Schnecksville and is family-owned and operated; the Schnecksville location has been operating since 1938, which was founded by the late Walter and Florence Bard. It was founded by the late Walter and Florence Bard. The business was passed to their nephew, the late Richard A. Heintzelman. Richard attended the former Eckels School of Mortuary Science in Philadelphia. After becoming licensed he became sole owner and operator of the business in 1953. Richard, with his wife Jean, continued to grow the business as well as the physical structure adding major additions in 1989. Richard’s sons, Robert B. Heintzelman and David J. Heintzelman, became licensed funeral directors in 1980 and 1981 respectively. Both attended the Funeral Service Program at Northampton Community College, Bethlehem. Richard A. Heintzelman, their father, died November 13, 2011. His legacy of dedication and service will never be forgotten. His loving wife, Jean, continues to actively participate in the everyday operations of the business. Robert B. Heintzelman was appointed Supervisor prior to his father’s passing, and continues to provide care for Schnecksville and surrounding communities to this day.
The Krysta Hankee Memorial Fund was founded in 2007 in loving memory of twenty-two year old Krysta Hankee. The Fund has three missions: to maintain & support the “Krysta Cares (KC) Flight Club” initiative for the purpose of identifying needs within the community, partnering with service providers & awarding Giant Gas gift cards for specific purposes identified & supported by the Board; to provide leadership and community service scholarships to worthy students in Northwestern Lehigh School District and Lehigh Carbon Community College; and to increase organ donation awareness and registration, as Krysta was a donor and, in her passing, saved the lives of five others.
“We are fortunate to have a Chamber that takes the time and effort to recognize the individuals, businesses and non-profits who work hard to build a better community,” said Bill and Chris Hankee of the Krysta Hankee Memorial Fund.
“All three 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 Kylie Adams-Weiss, Assistant Vice President of Affiliated Chambers for the Greater Northern Lehigh Chamber of Commerce. “The Greater Northern Lehigh region is one that echoes these sentiments – it’s a place that our families invest in, work in, grow in, and do business in. We’re excited to be able to shine a spotlight on the businesses and individuals who embody the spirit of our community in such genuine ways.”
For 29 years, the Greater Northern Lehigh Chamber of Commerce’s Spirit Awards have celebrated individuals and organizations that have created a lasting impact within our community; the award looks for organizations that commit to making the area a great place to work and live.