The Manufacturers Resource Center is launching its eighth “What’s So Cool About Manufacturing” contest in the Lehigh Valley. And with eight years of student video entries of the workings of area manufacturers saved up it is launching a comprehensive library of those student videos.

Having a hard time finding that perfect Christmas tree this year? You’re not alone, but don’t blame the Grinch. You can blame the pandemic, at least for making a bad situation worse.

Don Cunningham, president and CEO of the Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corp., said the region had a record-breaking GDP of $43.3 billion in 2019. That’s 5.7% over 2018 and the Lehigh Valley outpaced Pennsylvania’s growth of 4%.

Officials said the new department, which includes an expanded adult ER and new observation and trauma facilities, is now the largest and most advanced in the state.

An Illinois-based global insurance broker has acquired an employee benefits firm with two Lehigh Valley offices.

Forward Air Corp. said its expansion into the Lehigh Valley is part of an overall growth strategy that involves infrastructure investments in its less-than-truckload service, including acquisitions of similar businesses.

The PJW Restaurant group held a grand opening for its sports bar concept on Union Deposit Road in Lower Paxton Township. It’s the 19th P.J. Whelihan’s restaurant in the chain and the 26th restaurant in the overall restaurant group.

The second phase of construction is set to begin on the new Lehigh Valley Hospital-Hecktown Oaks in Lower Nazareth Township. The new hospital is scheduled to open in the summer of next year.

The much anticipated Dave & Buster’s in Whitehall opens at noon on Monday. The restaurant, sports bar and game center replaced a number of outbuildings at the Lehigh Valley Mall on Mac Arthur Road, including a former Wendy’s and Friendly’s and an office building that had previously housed tenants such as the Whitehall Area Chamber of Commerce.

RLB Accountants of Allentown has named William E. Bloss as its managing partner. He will take over for Martin C. Levin, who has served as managing partner since the firm was formed in 2009.