On Saturday evening, the Greater Northern Lehigh Chamber of Commerce came together to show appreciation for accomplishments of one of their own.

Edward J. Bechtel, co-owner of Bechtel's Pharmacy in Slatington, is the recipient of the 21st Annual Spirit Award by the GNLCC.The atmosphere was joyous and exciting with 80 guests present to share in the presentation of the award. Nancy Treskot, first vice president of the GNLCC, opened the evening by reading a poem about volunteerism. She went on to say, "this evening is about honoring what a volunteer really does for their community."Treskot said, "This is a way to say thank you for the time and talent volunteers dedicate to their community."Treskot introduced Joseph Bechtel, father of Edward Bechtel and a recipient of this same award two years ago.Joseph Bechtel commented on the accomplishments of the group and his son Edward."Being the eldest of eight children, Ed set the tone to lead the others on the road of straight and narrow," Joseph Bechtel told the crowd.Joseph said, "After receiving a telephone call in 1983 from Ed to let him know that he was attacked after leaving work but that he was OK," he told his son to come home and work in their pharmacy"Edward did and has been serving the community ever since.Edward Bechtel took the podium and thanked the crowd for the standing ovation and support."I have been blessed to be part of a lot of great organizations," Edward said.It all started when he joined the Jaycees, who have since folded their local chapter, Edward said, "but I think of the last line of their creed often The service to humanity is the best work of life."State Rep. Julie Harhart was on hand to present a certificate of appreciation for Edward's years of service to the Greater Northern Lehigh Community.Nancy Treskot read proclamations received from U.S. Rep. Charles Dent, Sens. Robert Casey and Pat Toomey, as well as a proclamation from Mayor Walter Neidermeyer and the Borough of Slatington.Kevin Schmidt, president of the GNLCC, presented Edward Bechtel with the Spirit Award from the chamber.In closing, Edward Bechtel said, "There are many really good people, doing some wonderful things, I have the pleasure of getting up in a community I love and working in a community I love, thank you all for the recognition."