Spotlight

Lighting Fixture & Supply Company

1033 Sumner Avenue  l  Allentown, PA  l  610-435-9691  l  lightingfixtureandsupply.com

Sue and Jim Brophy took over Lighting Fixture & Supply Company when Sue’s father, Rolland Rodgers, retired in 1992.  Established in 1955, Lighting Fixture & Supply has been serving the Lehigh Valley for more than 55 years and has been at its present location, 1033 Sumner Avenue, Allentown since 1965.  Since Sue and Jim took the helm, three additions have been made to the now 3,000 square foot showroom which houses every imaginable type of lighting including under cabinet kitchen lighting, recessed lighting, chandeliers, exterior lighting, ceiling fans, landscape and outdoor lighting, track lighting and LED lamps.  Working display areas allow customers to see exactly how the fixtures look installed and how the items work.

A large, well-trained staff is on-hand to demonstrate products and assist with decision-making based not only on aesthetics but also functionality and efficiency.  If you are looking to update a single light fixture or are choosing lighting for your entire house, the staff at Lighting Fixture & Supply is experienced in the merits of lighting and “will help you create the look you are looking for,” says owner Sue Brophy.  Above and beyond the wide variety of showroom items, Lighting Fixture & Supply has the ability to order from many manufacturers whose items are featured on the company’s website.  In addition to lighting, Lighting Fixture & Supply Company sells central vacuum systems and specialized doorbells, among other items.   Says Sue, “if it’s got electricity, it’s here.”

Bricks 4 Kidz®

The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley  l  Suite 810  l  Center Valley, PA  l  610-841-9352  l  bricks4kidz.com

Architecture, science, engineering and fun.  That may sound like an odd combination to some, but that’s exactly what kids will find at Bricks 4 Kidz®.  An experienced based educational program, Bricks 4 Kidz® focuses on introducing children to the principles of science, technology, engineering and architecture using LEGO® bricks.  Owner Neil Schroder says “We don’t have the expertise in those fields that we used to; Bricks 4 Kidz® introduces kids to the technical side of schooling at a very young age.”

Students will design and build machines while developing problem solving and critical thinking skills.  Imagination and creativity are combined with the exploration of engineering, architecture and physics while participants explore outer space, create new inventions and replicate famous buildings.  “We learn, we build, we play,” says Schroder, an engineer and father of seven.

After school programs are held at schools and community centers throughout the Lehigh Valley.  Lessons run 60 minutes once a week and, depending on the curriculum, the programs are held for 4, 6 or 8 weeks and designed for specific grade levels.  The Bricks 4 Kidz® Creativity Center, located in the Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley, offers “pay to play” sessions for kids of all ages and provides a fun alternative venue for birthday parties.  Bricks 4 Kidz® is more than just playing with LEGOs® — confirms Schroder, “it’s the perfect combination of education and fun.”

Trexler-Haines

6635 W. Tilghman Street  l  Allentown, PA  l  1-877-TREXLER  l  trexlerhaines.com

Do you have serving platters that just won’t fit into your refrigerator?  Do you have glasses that still have lipstick marks on them even after they’ve been run through the dishwasher?  Before you invest in a new appliance, Trexler-Haines encourages you to “test-drive” your appliance before you buy it. “An appliance is an investment you are going to use every day, so you need to pick the best option for your particular needs and lifestyle,” says Betty Smith, President and CEO.

Smith’s father, Russell C. Trexler, created Trexler Gas Service Company in 1935, which later merged with Haines Gas to form what is known today as Trexler-Haines, Inc. Following in the entrepreneurial spirit of her father, Smith enhanced the business by adding fine kitchen appliances and gas hearth/log products.  The Trexler-Haines showroom includes ten live kitchens, live-burning gas fireplaces, outdoor kitchen equipment and grills. Of course propane, with a variety of residential uses, remains a core product for Trexler-Haines.

Continuing in her father’s footsteps, Smith continues to reinvent Trexler-Haines by now focusing on growing the commercial side of the business. After completing a lengthy and complex application process, Smith was recently awarded a Women Owned Business certification by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. In the traditionally male-dominated appliance and propane industries, Smith is a true pioneer.

The Bank Street Annex

316 Northampton Street  l  Easton, PA  l  610-253-0515  l  bankstannex.com

If you are searching for the perfect venue to celebrate a special occasion, look no further than The Bank Street Annex.  This private facility, once home to the Easton National Bank, retains the charm and character of the 1920’s while offering all the modern amenities of today.  Because The Bank Street Annex holds only one event a day, the dedicated staff of professionals will be attending to you exclusively throughout your special occasion.  The Annex includes a full-service, on-site kitchen which is manned by an owner for each event.  The servers are well trained and respect the importance of your special day.  Says co-owner Jonathan Davis, “We understand there are no “do-overs” so we do it right every single time.”

The Bank Street Annex has been hosting events, primarily weddings, since 1998 and is a sister-property of the popular Pearly Baker’s Ale House.  The high standard of quality food and exceptional service found at Pearly Baker’s is replicated at The Annex.  Davis remains perplexed by the number of people who are unfamiliar with the Bank Street Annex, which he describes as a “treasure.”  Nestled in a revitalized downtown Easton, The Bank Street Annex and the City of Easton, have a lot to offer.  If you’re planning a wedding and looking for a unique, elegant setting The Bank Street Annex may just be your dream location.

Morris Black Designs

984 Marcon Boulevard  l  Allentown, PA  l  610-264-2700  l  Route 611 Shoppes at Crossroads  l  Bartonsville, PA  l  570-619-7173  l  morrisblack.com

Heated towel racks, warming drawers, custom cabinets, trash roll-outs, built-ins for dog dishes. These are just a few of the amenities Morris Black Designs can include in your new kitchen or bathroom.  Whether you are renovating an existing room or adding a new one, the professional in-house designers at Morris Black will help create a space you will enjoy for years to come.

Poised to celebrate its 105th anniversary next year, Morris Black is steeped in a history of innovation. At its Allentown location, Morris Black’s 4,000 square foot showroom features 28 fully-furnished displays of kitchens, baths, home offices and built-in furniture for any room in the house.  A second location in the Poconos was established in 2010.  A designer will review your needs, wants, budget and lifestyle and then guide you through the showroom.  Next, the designer will visit your home, take measurements and address your goals, both functional and aesthetic.  Once the project is underway, Morris Black assumes the role of project manager for the duration of the job.  A project coordinator will handle the scheduling of any subcontractors (plumbers, electricians) as well as deliveries and installations.    If you opt to install new appliances, Morris Black carries a wide selection of professional-grade appliances from Whirlpool, KiitchenAid, Viking, SubZero, Wolf and many other manufacturers.

“We provide a comprehensive process, from design through installation culminating with a final walk- through to confirm it [the project] is exactly the way the customer wants it,” says Cindy Miller, Director of Sales and Marketing.

The Finish Line Running Store

10 S. 4th Street  l  Emmaus, PA  l  610-966-9939  l  finishlinerunningstore.com

Whether you are getting ready to run your first mile, are a seasoned marathoner or just looking for the perfect pair of sneakers for walking around town, you will feel welcomed at The Finish Line Running Store.  Owner Chris Schmidt has created an environment where you will feel like a friend or family member, and never intimidated.  Having worked in the shoe industry his entire career, Schmidt worked at The Finish Line for 8 years before purchasing the store in 1997.  With a background in pedorthic foot management, Schmidt is uniquely qualified in understanding the properties of footwear and the interaction between the foot and shoe, therefore skilled at fitting footwear.  Every shoe is special fit by Schmidt or a member of his professional staff.

Offering a wide variety of running, walking and cross-training shoes, The Finish Line has been in business for 31 years and at its currently location – the Triangle in Emmaus – since 2007.  In addition to the longevity of the store, Schmidt is also proud The Finish Line was named one of the 50 Best Running Stores in America in 2011 by Running Insight.  The Finish Line is a  regular supporter of organized runs throughout the Lehigh Valley including the annual Emmaus Halloween 5K Race and the annual 10K Trail Race at the Ironton Rail Trail (IRT).

Why should you shop at The Finish Line?  Answers Schmidt, “Simply put, you owe it to yourself and your feet to experience the knowledgeable, friendly, hassle-free way we sell shoes.”