About Us
The next chapter in Made in the Lehigh Valley starts with Debi Rice under the umbrella of Fun-Nominal Events and Marketing. A lover of all things events, marketing, and local MitLV was a wonderful addition to our current offerings.
We will work to continue the solid foundation Gen has given the group and continue to grow the opportunities for makers and creators in the Lehigh Valley.
Debi Rice
President
Made in the Lehigh Valley
OUR MISSION
For over a decade, there has been a growing trend for consumers to “Buy local.” However, despite the best of intentions, consumers find it challenging to locate those businesses. It is equally challenging for those who make local goods, as they struggle to find new customers and gain access into the larger local economy and online space.
MiLV will be a website, a community, and a movement, supporting the Lehigh Valley by:
Our mission is to empower makers by providing a platform that enhances visibility, fosters marketing, and encourages networking. We support innovation through industry panels, shows, and a makers conference. Our goal is to create an inclusive environment for showcasing work, exchanging ideas, and collaborating to drive growth and development. By offering these resources, we aim to elevate the maker movement, inspire innovation, and build a vibrant community dedicated to craftsmanship and entrepreneurship.
About the Founder
Made in the Lehigh Valley was founded in 2023 as a passion project by Genevieve Terpstra. Gen grew up in the Lehigh Valley and, after going to Penn State, returned as a biology and chemistry teacher for 13 years (and FACS for 2 years!). While taking some time off to have her two kids, Gen noticed some things about our community... and Made in the Lehigh Valley is a way to fix those.
Genevieve Terpstra
Founder
Made in the Lehigh Valley
Advisory Council
This organization will be guiding with wisdom from these creators as well as the membership at large:
Cheryl Baker, Maker, Cheryl Baker Moravian Star Maker
Michele Fuentes, Coffees/Teas, Goddess Goodies
Taylor Neilsen, 3D Printer, Equality 3D Printing
Ryan Olszewski, Product and Wildlife Photographer, Drawing and Ceramic Artist, and owner of Ryan O Photography and Art.
Made in the Lehigh Valley would also like to express gratitude to all of our first members who joined in 2023. You recognized the need for our community to have a directory like this, and your participation encouraged us to keep going. We hope you will continue to support the "shop local" scene in the Lehigh Valley along with us!
Finally, we would like to thank Friends of Pete, 1 Million Cups, SCORE, and VentureX for the opportunities to partner and collaborate with the wonderful business owners of the Lehigh Valley. Thank you also to those Chamber members and executives who reached out to learn more.