Thanks to a strong support system, the Palmerton Area Chamber of Commerce remains financially sound.

A financial report for 2013, along with a proposed budget for 2015, were shared with members at their monthly luncheon on Tuesday.At that time, Peter Kern, chamber president, explained where the chamber has been and where it's headed."Although we ran a slight deficit in 2013, we expect that we will make that up in 2014," Kern said. "Some of our expenses were a little less in 2014."In 2013, Kern said nearly $11,000 in gift certificates were sold. Since 2000, he said the chamber has sold well over $50,000 worth of certificates that are used to purchase goods from local merchants, and those merchants are later reimbursed by the chamber.Kern said the Palmerton chamber does not compete with the Carbon Chamber and Economic Development Corporation for dues.Veterans DayAlso on Tuesday, several chamber members took a moment to pay their respects on Veterans Day.Goodwill Ambassador Richard Nothstein, who has been recognized for his support of veterans, was among them.Nothstein said it's because of our veterans that we are able to enjoy the lives we lead.Kern also expressed his gratitude."We have a lot to be thankful for," he said. "We appreciate what our veterans do for us, and have done for us."