One of the goals of the Carbon Chamber is to connect business with the community and also to connect businesses with each other.

It makes our administration smile each time we have the opportunity to educate our members or provide a reference.And there is nothing more gratifying than seeing a connection through.Recently, we witnessed the birth of a beautiful partnership, born from the connection between Carbon County's only micro-brewery, The Red Castle Grill in Lehighton and Galen Glen Winery in Andreas.Both businesses are leaders in their respective beverage.Galen Glen's wines have and continue to represent the United States in competitions like The Six Nations Wine Competition, a competition where only one hundred wines from each of the six nations are invited to participate. This year, the American judge has selected two Galen Glen wines to be part of the 100.The Red Castle Brewery is featured in restaurants all over eastern Pennsylvania and is known for being the first on only microbrewery in Carbon County. They are recognized for being passionate about creating old-world fashioned, hand-crafted microbrews made from natural ingredients.One might think that beer and wine do not go together.But, nothing could be further from the truth.Through chamber connections the owners and management of these two businesses began brainstorming how they could work together."About a year ago, Frank called me and asked if we could provide wine for his newly renovated wine bar. We were happy that he wanted to feature Galen Glen Wines and was even placing our wines on his menu," said Kathy Matson, Galen Glen's tasting room manager."We wanted to work together; however, while a brew pub may sell PA Wines, a winery currently is not permitted to sell beer. That's when we decided to have Frank and Tony come to the winery to share some of their delicious food and samples of beer."On Father's Day, visitors to Galen Glen Winery may purchase a Polish sausage sandwich from The Red Castle at Galen Glen Winery from noon to 5 p.m.Guests over the age of 21 will be able to sample two of the Red Castle's beers and Galen Glen will be offering complimentary wine tastings to all men to celebrate Father's Day.Galen Glen Winery is located at 255 Winter Mountain Drive, Andreas and details for the event can be seen on their website, galenglen.com.Connections like this one are priceless and handedly display the power of partnerships. Looking for ways to connect with local businesses? Visit the Carbon Chamber website at

www.CarbonCountyChamber.org or call us at 610-379-5000.Alice Wanamaker is member relations director for the Carbon Chamber and Economic Development Corporation.