The Discover Lehigh Valley Ambassador program is at the heart of our mission, strengthening the economy through tourism while promoting regional pride. Each unique ambassador story is a testament to the energy, diversity, and boundness enthusiasm that make Lehigh Valley not just a place to visit, but a place to belong. Learn more about our influential ambassadors, as they inspire experiences, give back to their community, and encourage the world to discover the magic of Lehigh Valley!
Andrea Weismiller: Joshi Hotel Group
November 2024 Lehigh Valley Ambassador Spotlight
Andrea has lived in and loved Lehigh Valley her whole life. As VP of Sales at Joshi Hotel Group and a proud alumni of Northampton Community College, she supports young professionals in reaching their full potential while inspiring locals and visitors to embrace everything this region has to offer.
What do you love most about living in the Lehigh Valley?
Being a Lehigh Valley native and having gone to school here, I’ve built both my career and family in this vibrant community. I love the sense of togetherness, and there's nothing like seeing the area come alive with events that everyone can enjoy. We’re so lucky to host amazing festivals like Musikfest and Celtic Classic, which are two of my personal favorites. Not only do I love attending these events, but through Joshi Hotel Group, it’s been an honor to support and partner with them over the years. The Lehigh Valley is filled with tradition, energy, and community spirit—qualities I’m proud to be part of every day!
What does being a Lehigh Valley ambassador mean to you?
Being a Lehigh Valley ambassador means embracing a role that bridges my pride in my hometown with the experiences I help create for our associates, customers, family, and friends. It’s about showcasing the character, resilience, and beauty of the Lehigh Valley, while encouraging others to see what makes it a great place to live, work, and visit. Sharing this enthusiasm inspires a sense of connection and pride, helping everyone who comes through our doors feel as much at home in the Lehigh Valley as I do.
How do you engage with and inspire younger generations to take an active role in their community?
I focus on leading by example through my work and connections at Northampton Community College (NCC), where I serve as an Alumni Emeritus, and on the Foundation Board. My role involves cultivating relationships and securing scholarships that help ensure students have the financial support they need to succeed, including the Andrea C. and Dustin W. Weismiller Scholarship specifically for Hospitality students. By doing so, I aim to show young people the impact they can have on the lives of others through community engagement and support. In addition to financial initiatives, I contribute to the next generation's growth by teaching online courses in sales and marketing, empowering students with practical skills they can apply in their careers.
AJ Suero: PPL Corporation
September 2024 Lehigh Valley Ambassador Spotlight
Skilled content creator, digital marketer, and bilingual communications professional, AJ Suero embodies Lehigh Valley pride while guiding the leaders of tomorrow. AJ moved from New York to Lehigh Valley 20 years ago, and his love for the region and all that it offers motivated him to become an ambassador and continuously give back to his community.
What do you love most about living in the Lehigh Valley?
The Lehigh Valley offers great entertainment, restaurants, family-friendly events and activities - all with a small town feel. I enjoy helping others discover all of the great people and places all around us. The Lehigh Valley has such a rich and proud history, which is evident in great celebrations like Musikfest, the Allentown Fair, BaconFest and so many more. At the same time, there are new events and venues popping up all the time, creating even more to explore.
How do you see the Lehigh Valley evolving over the next five years, and what role do you hope to play in that transformation?
The Lehigh Valley is quickly becoming one of the most pivotal communities in the state, in terms of employment, business development and even politics. We each have a role to play in the growth of our region. I’ve been honored to serve along some of the most talented, innovative and forward thinking leaders both on the Hispanic Chamber Board and on the Board of Governors of the Lehigh Valley Chamber. We have amazing people who are prepared to face the challenges of tomorrow and help us rise to the top.
What are some of the key initiatives or projects you are currently involved in that aim to improve the Lehigh Valley?
I’m proud to lead the Board of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of the Lehigh Valley (HCCLV). Our motto, Somos Familia (“We are Family”), invites others to learn more about la cultura, and experience it up close. At the Chamber, we are entering the fourth season of our “Somos Lehigh Valley” podcast. We have had the chance to get to know so many of our business and community leaders through the program and learn about their love for the community.
What are some hidden gems or lesser-known attractions in the Lehigh Valley that you think people should know about?
One of my family’s favorite restaurants is Francisco’s Salvadorian Restaurant in Bethlehem. We’ve been going there as a family since the time our kids were in strollers, and now they’re high schoolers.
We recently discovered Mesa in Easton. Really nice modern Mexican fusion menu with great cocktails.
Bally Bansal: Aman's Artisan Indian Cuisine
July 2024 Lehigh Valley Ambassador Spotlight
Bally has called Lehigh Valley home for over 25 years and, in 2019, opened Aman's, the first upscale Punjabi Indian Restaurant in the area. Bally's love and enthusiasm for Lehigh Valley shine through as he gives back to the community and uses good food to bring people together.
What first inspired you to become involved with the Lehigh Valley Ambassador Program?
My love for Lehigh Valley and its diversity inspired me to become an Ambassador. LV is rich with vibrant communities, world-class restaurants, entertainment districts, recreational activities, sports, culture, and more. As the owner of an award-winning restaurant, I frequently meet customers from NYC, NJ, Central PA, Boston, and CT who ask about other activities in the area. Through the ambassador program, I've learned so much more about Lehigh Valley and now enjoy sharing this information, promoting LV as both a vacation spot and a place to call home.
What does being a Lehigh Valley Ambassador mean to you?
It's like a badge of honor. I promote my home area to everyone, whether they're planning vacations, day trips, or even considering moving here. As a restaurant owner, my family and I meet many people interested in visiting or relocating. The information from Discover LV helps us effectively promote our area to them.
What advice would you give to someone looking to get more involved in community activities in the Lehigh Valley?
I encourage anyone with talent, time, and ideas to approach the right authorities and help make Lehigh Valley even better. Get out and volunteer, talk to others to see their perspectives, and meet people who are different from you. Smile, don’t assume. Take advantage of this area’s diversity. Don’t be stuck on your phone all the time.
Is there a particular success story or achievement in the community that you’re especially proud of?
We opened our restaurant just six months before COVID, investing our entire life savings. We had no idea what was coming and soon had to shut down all dining. It was the craziest stress I've ever experienced. During the shutdown, we knew people needed help, so we turned our restaurant into a food pantry and delivered over 5,000 meals to the community. I am very happy, humbled, and proud of our entire family, staff, and volunteers for their dedication.
Elizabeth Strong: Elizabeth Anthony's Salon
May 2024 Lehigh Valley Ambassador Spotlight
Elizabeth was born and raised in Bethlehem, PA, and is a proud supporter of the Lehigh Valley. Not only is she a master hairstylist, makeup artist, and stylist, but she also empowers other women to chase after their dreams and reach their fullest potential.
What first inspired you to become involved with the Lehigh Valley Ambassador Program?
I've noticed the huge growth in Lehigh Valley, particularly with small businesses and empowerment events! It's amazing how citizens, business owners, and visitors are supporting and inspiring each other. I also think people outside of the Lehigh Valley are starting to take notice of everything it has to offer, and I wanted to help share all of the amazing things going on right here in my community.
Can you share a memorable experience or interaction you’ve had while serving as an ambassador?
I’m so happy to say that I get asked almost on a daily basis about places to go and things to do and to see here and Lehigh Valley! I think I’ve been an ambassador before I even officially had the title! I travel often, and it’s really fun for me when I’m traveling internationally and someone talks to me about an amazing event we had here at home that they saw on my Instagram!
What do you believe are the most significant attractions or events that visitors should not miss in Lehigh Valley?
We truly have something for everyone! From arts, culture, and sports to museums and fine dining. Fashion, beauty, wineries, boutiques, hotels, and B&Bs - we've got it all. Highlights include the new Da Vinci Science Center, PPL Arena, LV Phantoms, The Iron Pigs, Dorney Park, and our vibrant Puerto Rican and Dominican Festivals. Not to mention Musikfest and Chriskindlmarkt - no one celebrates Christmas like the Christmas City!
Looking forward, what new initiatives or projects within the Lehigh Valley are you most excited about?
I'm thrilled to witness our community's growth, from thriving businesses to the recent surge in women-owned and minority-owned enterprises! I'm also eager to see the new developments, like the Moxy Hotel at 10th and Hamilton and the upcoming Archer Music Hall!
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