The Allentown Chamber of Commerce held its Annual Awards Reception on Thursday, May 30, 2024, at the Renaissance Allentown Hotel. The event honored businesses and individuals who have made significant contributions to the City of Allentown. Tony Iannelli, CEO of the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce, kicked off the evening by recognizing the importance of the dedication of local businesses and institutions like the Allentown Art Museum to the city’s ongoing development. Later in the evening, the Art Museum was awarded the Downtown Commitment Award, nominated by the community and selected by Chamber members. Accepting the award was AAM Trustee Carolyn Stennett, who was introduced to attendees by Chamber Board member Paul Williams.

Paul Williams and Carolyn Stennett

During her acceptance speech, Stennett referenced the Museum’s 90th anniversary, taking place this year. “Our founding father, artist Walter Baum, gathered with other civic minded leaders ninety years ago this April to establish the Museum with the aim of preserving and protecting our artistic and cultural heritage, and ensuring public access to that heritage. Today we continue that important legacy of ensuring public access to the arts, bringing people together, and being a vital cultural resource for everyone by offering Free Admission for All.”

After citing the Museum’s subsequent increase in the number of visitors and recent changes to the American galleries that highlight a diversity of voices, Stennett closed by saying, “For a little more than ninety years now it has been our mission and passion at the Allentown Art Museum to create a welcoming space for everyone, a special place for all. From our Board of Trustees to our president and CEO, Max Weintraub, to our small but mighty staff, we will strive to continue to meet this goal for at least ninety years more. Thank you!”

Other honorees included:
– New Commitment Award: DaVinci Science Center
– Good Neighbor Award: Assembly 88/Assembly88 for Her
– Dedication Award: Civic Theatre of Allentown

You can see our award on display at our Welcome Desk.