The Greater Northern Lehigh Chamber of Commerce, proud partner of the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber, announces that the 28th Annual Business of the Year Award will be awarded to Bechtel’s Pharmacy of Slatington.

The event and award ceremony will be hosted on June 12 at Ontelaunee Park Pavilion in New Tripoli, beginning at 9:30 a.m.

Brunch will be catered by the coveted Curious Goods at The Bake Oven Inn, which sources their ingredients from local farmers and suppliers throughout the region. The Greater Northern Lehigh Chamber will also hold a basket raffle to benefit the GNLCC Scholarship fund and the 2021 Non-Profit of the Year, K9 Kop Project.

“Jack, Ed and their team continue to be a strong partner to the chamber and our local nonprofits,” said Andy Gildner, chair of the Greater Northern Lehigh Chamber of Commerce and Owner of Keystone Technology LLC. “Bechtel’s is easily a household name in the Slatington Area, and both Ed and Jack Bechtel continue to serve the community in and out of the pharmacy. Personally, I couldn’t imagine a business more deserving of this milestone award. The dedication to the health of our community is exemplary and above reproach.”

Kylie Adams, assistant vice president of Affiliated Chambers for the Greater Northern Lehigh Chamber of Commerce, said, “In celebrating 60 years of service to the Greater Northern Lehigh region, Bechtel’s Pharmacy was an easy choice for this year’s Business of the Year. After pivoting, adjusting and ensuring our community was still safely provided the medications and supplies they needed throughout the pandemic, the family at Bechtel’s proved that they are not only dedicated to serving our community but adaptable and creative in their means of doing so.”

When the COVID-19 pandemic forced closures of businesses in 2020, Bechtel’s Pharmacy, considered an essential business, adjusted their services to ensure the safety of their customers. They offered delivery to patients and customers too vulnerable to leave their home, and curbside pickup to those who needed prescriptions and pharmacy items when their doors were otherwise closed.

“While many larger businesses and grocery stores were permitted to keep their doors open, many were still uncomfortable venturing out into those crowded environments,” Adams said. “Jack and Ed Bechtel made sure there was a safe alternative for those who needed one.”

This level of service goes hand-in-hand with the history of Bechtel’s Pharmacy. After purchasing the former Moyer’s Rexall Drug Store, located at 320 Main St. in Slatington, from Charles F. Moyer, Joseph G. Bechtel, R.Ph., took control of the business on June 19, 1961. Ten years later, he moved the store to its current location on the corner of Main and Center streets, where it stands as a local landmark.

Bechtel built his business with excellent service, not just to his customers, but also to his community. He was an active member of the Slatington Chamber of Commerce, Northern Lehigh Jaycees, Rotary Club of Slatington, Lehigh Valley Pharmaceutical Association, and the Assumption B.V.M. Parish, and served on the Slatington Borough Council, showing his commitment to his business, community, and profession.

In 1983, his son, Edward, joined Joe in the business.

Ed Bechtel has followed in his father’s footsteps serving his community, as committee chairman for Boy Scout Troop 58 and president of the Northern Lehigh Chamber of Commerce, and his profession, as president of both the Lehigh Valley Pharmacists Association and the PA Pharmacist Association. Ed Bechtel has also served the residents of the commonwealth as a member the State Board of Pharmacy, acting as chairman for two years. Both Joe and Ed have been honored by their profession with The Bowl of Hygeia Award for Community Service, and both are also past Spirit Award recipients.

As Joe Bechtel approached his retirement from full-time work, another son, John, joined the business as its business manager.

Jack, as he is known, got involved with the youth sports programs of the Northern Lehigh area, serving as the director of the NLYAA Basketball program for 10 years and coaching baseball, soccer and basketball.

He has served as treasurer of both the Northern Lehigh Chamber and the Slatington Library and is a past president of the Greater Northern Lehigh Chamber of Commerce.

“Bechtel’s Pharmacy is the epitome of a true community partner and a true community leader in our Greater Northern Lehigh Area. We couldn’t be prouder to award Joe, Jack, Ed and their team with this well-deserved award,” said Jessica O’Donnell, executive vice president of Affiliated Chambers for the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce.

Also being celebrated at the 28th Annual Spirit Awards is Nancy Treskot (Spirit Award) and K9 Kop Project (Non-Profit of the Year). Attendees are encouraged to purchase raffle tickets for a basket raffle at the event, which will benefit K9 Kop Project. Ticket sales for the event will benefit the Greater Northern Lehigh Chamber Scholarship Fund.

For more information about Greater Northern Lehigh’s Spirit Awards or to purchase tickets, visit the Greater Northern Lehigh’s website: https://bit.ly/3idV5LE