Press Release

Second Greater Naz Business Fair Another Success!

Though the icy weather cut down on the crowd, more than 120 people were richly rewarded as they meandered around the table displays and ample wares of 40 businesses at the Second Annual Greater Nazareth 2020 Business Fair, held Monday evening, January 22nd, in the Nazareth Community Hall.. The event was organized by the Business Focus Group of Greater Nazareth 2020.

During the program portion of the Fair, business owner Tom Hoelting introduced each booth and gave commentary about them. Next, the prospects for the Middle Tule Wind Farm were presented by Mike Reesby, a wind developer representing Euras Energy. In addition, Bob Birkenfeld, chair of the 2020 Senior Issues Focus Group, gave an update on a Feasibility Study for an Assisted Living facility in the Nazareth area. Tim Farris, president of People's Bank in Nazareth, offered remarks on the successful year that their new bank had in 2006, reaching 31 million dollars in assets and 15 million in deposits. Rounding out the program, Mayor Ralph Brockman announced an upcoming public meeting to gather information on creating a Nazareth Community Foundation. Throughout the Fair, the crowd feasted on abundant hors d'oeuvres sponsored by Peoples Bank, and prepared by local caterers Christine Acker and Nellie Wilhelm.

Special "Peoples Choice" awards were presented to six Greater Nazareth businesses, as voted on throughout the evening by Fair participants. A Hall of Fame award for significant contributions to community pride went to Peoples Bank, while the Naz-Stop and Between Friends businesses garnered the Good Neighbor Awards for outstanding service. The 2020 Core Team also gave a new award for community beautification, the Petanna Award to the Nazareth Post Office. This award was named in memory of the community clean-up of Petronella Birkenfeld and the beautification efforts of Anna Ehly.

Many participants in the Fair learned of business ventures that were previously unknown to them, and two were awarded "Newbie" distinctions: Edwin Huseman's Handy Man, and Panhandle Cleaners, owned by Mr.& Mrs.Weldon Huseman.