Local Philanthropist Makes a Contribution to America on Wheels in Honor of Her Father

More great news from America On Wheels!! The entry wall to the South Gallery at America On Wheels has been dedicated in memory of former UPS Chief Executive Officer, Harold Oberkotter. The dedication was made possible by a generous $100,000 contribution from his daughter, Bethlehem philanthropist, Marlene “Linny” Fowler.
Mrs. Fowler said the contribution in her fathers name was made to inspire the young people who visit the museum. The dedication took place Tuesday and marks the 56 years of service that Mr. Oberkotter spent with the UPS company, beginning as a messenger and working his way up to become the company’s fourth Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. The dedication plaque showcases Mr. Oberkotter in 1925 as a messenger and his official portrait as Chairman and CEO of UPS from 1974-1980.
Mrs. Fowler was delighted to dedicate the wall in her father’s memory and hopes that the contribution will help inspire the young visitors of the America On Wheels Museum.
“We are very fortunate and grateful to receive the Fowlers’ support and honored to display Harold’s story, which is truly an inspiration for all of our visitors but especially for the young people who visit America On Wheels every week,” said America On Wheels Executive Director, Linda Merkel.
Additional naming opportunities are available at America On Wheels. Pleas contact Merkel for details at director@americaonwheels.org

Rail Freight Grant

Exciting news!! AEDC received a $1.8 million Rail Freight State Grant to restore an abandoned section of the Barbers Quarry branch rail corridor. It will connect 80 acres of industrialized zoned land near south 10th street to an Allentown rail line operated by RJ Corman, a rail freight company based in Nicholasville, Kentucky. The corridor was abandoned about 10 years ago and originally serviced industries along the Little Lehigh Creek and into the west side of Allentown. The project is pending the ability to obtain match dollars, but the hope is that it will become an asset to local manufacturers and future industrial development for the area. Can’t wait to hear the sound of train whistles blowing!!!

Hive 4A Taking Shape

On Tuesday night, a group of hackers got together at the Bridgeworks Enterprise Center to discuss the creation of a Lehigh Valley hackerspace in Allentown. Josiah wrote a great summary on his blog. Read it here