A new chapter in local history unfolded last week when the Whitehall Area Chamber of Commerce officially opened its new office and visitors center.

A ribbon cutting took place July 31 at the site in front of the Lehigh Valley Mall off MacArthur Road and Route 22, one of the most visible locations in the region.

An overflow crowd of dignitaries, chamber members and officers, politicians, mall personnel and the public packed the chamber's new home for the celebration.

"Today marks a historical day in the over 53 years that the Whitehall chamber has been in existence," said chamber President Frank Hesch III in opening remarks. "First established as a small group of Whitehall business owners looking for a way to support and give back to their community, the chamber has grown into a larger group of members that have expanded the organization's cause. Although we are growing by leaps and bounds and our members now extend to all parts of the Lehigh Valley, we have remained focused on the reason as to why our organization was founded – to have business and community work together in a positive, professional and truly caring way."

The new location, once the home of Lehigh Portland Cement offices and then Bixler Jewelers, features hardwood polished floors and displays such as photographs and artifacts from Whitehall Township Historical Preservation Society. An information hub offers numerous pamphlets on attractions in the Lehigh Valley.

Chamber Executive Director Laura Long and Hesch announced the Whitehall Township Police Department will locate a police substation in the chamber offices. Whitehall Police Chief Linda Kulp said it will serve as a place for the township Crime Watch group to meet in addition to other functions.

Several state and federal elected officials attended the ceremony along with Lehigh Valley Mall Manager John Ferriera and former chamber Executive Maria Sweeney.

"By moving into this space, we are clearly showing our support to the revitalization zone and its success," Hesch said.

The township and state began discussing plans to revitalize the lower portion of Route 145 and the new chamber offices fit in well with those plans, he said.