(Editor’s note: In this week’s special issue, business and other leaders in the Greater Lehigh Valley tell us what’s in store for 2016.)
(Editor’s note: In this week’s special issue, business and other leaders in the Greater Lehigh Valley tell us what’s in store for 2016.)
Growth.
Fueled by demand.
That’s the mantra for 2016 in business in the Greater Lehigh Valley.
From transportation projects, hotels, shopping centers and commercial districts – land is in demand. It’s why the region this year is headed for a steady rise in new construction, renovations and redevelopment of existing structures.
And it’s a growth that spans across many industries and locales.
For example, downtown rebirths in the region are expected to continue to drive commercial and residential growth, including a trend toward upscale urban apartments. New restaurants and bars will mark the rapid and pervasive rise of a new food and entertainment culture shaping our cities.
With local governments working more collaboratively with businesses, the possibility of a seamless approach to redevelopment could drive even more commercial growth in 2016.
Strong transportation corridors throughout the Greater Lehigh Valley will create opportunities for companies to build new sites or relocate from other regions, increasing the Valley’s international draw for firms around the world. E-commerce and the ability for consumers to order just about anything online will ramp up even further, which means more distribution centers are on the way.
Tourism is expected to flourish even further as lodging facilities and resorts in the Poconos continue to invest in upgrades, adding to the rise of year-round recreational opportunities.
