Spirit Award
Each year The Greater Northern Lehigh Chamber honors a citizen in the community who has dedicated their time to serving the local community and our chamber.
2012 Spirit Award Nomination Form
Gary S. Fedorcha graduated from Lehighton High School where he met his future wife Lynne Merluzzi. Upon graduation Gary worked as a metallurgist at the New Jersey Zinc Co. in Palmerton. He then went to NYC and entered the Fashion Institute/University of NY and worked in the garment industry in various capacities form pattern maker to designer then to plant manager and production manager. He received his degrees in education at Temple University, and in 1971 he began teaching at Lehigh County Vocational Technical School in Schnecksville during which time he became active on both educational and community committees. In 1972 he married Lynne, a teacher, and they had three wonderful children: Kori, a third grade teacher in Slatington; Kyle and Kody, both account managers for industrial products. They now are proud grandparents of five beautiful grandchildren: Tyler, Franki, Kyle, Derek, and Aaron. When Gary retired from LCTI he had been working in administration and was Director of Adult and Continuing Education.
Since his retirement Gary has remained dedicated to our community. He has been and continues to be an active member on multiple educational organization boards as well as boards serving the community, and currently serves as the Vice President of the Northern Lehigh School Board. He is committed to the revitalization of this community as evidenced by his involvement in the efforts to build the Trailhead along with members of the Venture Group. Gary has continued to organize Christmas on Main bringing Santa to greet the areas children and lighting of the community trees at the Slatington Memorial Park, where he has been instrumental in the development of the park which has included the installation of trees, benches and a gazebo.
As a member of the Northern Lehigh Community Center board of directors, he assists in fund raising and working to assure the building of a new center. Gary also devotes his time to Future Focus by welcoming businesses to the area, and helping to secure grants that assist in the enhancement efforts for the area. In addition to this, he is a board member and the current treasurer of the Delaware & Lehigh Heritage Corridor which maintains the trails that run from Lackawanna County to Bucks County which boast many beautiful sights and breathtaking views that are appreciated by hikers, bikers and local residents out for a leisurely stroll.
As the past president and a board member of the Greater Northern Lehigh Chamber of Commerce, Gary continues to see the need to bring in new businesses and industry to strengthen and build our community. Gary recognizes that a thriving community can only happen with the cooperation of all the local organizations, as well as with the support of the borough, township and county officials and works hard with fellow community members to bring unity and support this effort.
Sponsors:
- Ironton Telephone
- Keystone Technology, LLC
- Maron Financial Solutions
- PenTeleData
- Prudential Benjamin Real Estate
- Rentschler Chevrolet-Chrysler-Jeep-Dodge
- The Neffs National Bank
- Working Dog Press