ULI Philadelphia - The Next Industrial Revolution: Returning Manufacturing to Dense Urban Environments

"The Next Industrial Revolution: Returning Manufacturing to Dense Urban Environments" will be the focus of ULI Philadelphia’s Lehigh Valley satellite forum on May 20.

Join members and guests from throughout the region for a panel discussion, walking tour and reception, from 2-6pm, when we spotlight the many ways in which Allentown is working to enhance its manufacturing economy, including adaptive reuse of existing industrial space, retrofitting industrial space for modern use, brownfield remediation, planning for new flex industrial space and incentive programs for manufacturers.

Allentown's long industrial history stretches back to the Revolutionary War, when Continental forces established a rifle repair factory in the city. Through the years, the Lehigh Valley has maintained economic vitality with a diverse mix of manufacturers, growing to be a manufacturing giant in the first half of the 20th century. As Billy Joel said in his famous song “Allentown,” the shift in manufacturing hurt many cities in the second half of the 20th Century as employers fled. But there is still a surprisingly strong and growing manufacturing and industrial base.

Registration begins at 2:00 pm at the Bridgeworks Enterprise Center Business Incubator, 905 Harrison Street, Allentown, followed by a welcome from Allentown Mayor Ed Pawlowski, and State Rep. Jennifer Mann. Next there will be a panel focused on "Urban Industrial: The Next Industrial Revolution," with speakers: R. Scott Unger, Executive Director, Allentown Economic Development Corporation; Holly Edinger, Director of Community and Economic Development, Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation and Jim Vozar, of J.G. Petrucci Company.

Following the panel discussion, participants will "hit the streets" for a walking tour that will include The Bridgeworks Enterprise Center Business Incubator; Bridgeworks by the Creek and Bridgeworks Industrial Center. Finally, we'll have a networking reception at the Lehigh Valley Grand Prix (www.lehighvalleygrandprix.com). Special Thanks to Event Title Sponsors: Allentown Economic Development Corporation and J.G. Petrucci Company.