HE HAD A VISION Advocate Donald Bernhard saw Allentown’s revival years before it occurred

It’s been decades since Downtown Allentown has truly prospered, and the initiatives of the private and public entities behind its renaissance are giving the city a long-awaited vibrant rebound.

One advocate for the city’s revitalization has spent his entire career working to rebuild the city.

He is 62-year-old Donald Bernhard, director of community affairs at PPL Corp., where he manages a staff of seven and is responsible for community affairs throughout the company’s Pennsylvania footprint.

The fruit of his three decades of hard work finally is ripening.

Recently recognized with a Daddona Award from the Allentown Chamber of Commerce for his dedication, Bernhard was at the forefront of efforts to revive a city that now has hundreds of millions of dollars in construction projects underway – bringing jobs and an economic engine to what was once a dormant downtown.

“What I’m seeing now exceeds any expectation I’ve ever had,” said Bernhard, speaking like a proud father.

The award recognizes Bernhard’s long-term commitment and long-term results in making the downtown a better place. He had a role in bringing the PPL Plaza, Butz Corporate Center and the hotel now known as the Holiday Inn to Allentown’s center city.

“He has been a great asset to Allentown and PPL,” said Allentown Mayor Ed Pawlowski. “He understands the issues of the city and he’s worked well with us creatively and constructively to make the downtown a better place.

“And there’s still much more development to come.”

Bernhard noted that the award is named after the late Joe Daddona, the former mayor of Allentown.