Business & Tech

Changing of Guard for Forks Organization

New president for the Business and Commerce Association of Forks Township. Change was effective July 1.

There's been a changing of the guard at the Business and Commerce Association of Forks Township.

, who plans the township's annual celebration, recently informed the Forks Township Board of Supervisors that he would be stepping down as BCAF president, effective July 1.

While Lokitis said he would remain on the BCAF board of directors, he stated that Ron Roth -- executive director of the -- would replace him as president.

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"Brian did a fantastic job of partnering with our township to create and grow BCAF," township supervisor David Billings said. "I am hoping that BCAF and Forks Township continue to grow the relationship with our business community, while taking into account diverse ideas and opinions."

Lokitis was instrumental in expanding Community Days over the past few years, adding a and suggesting other ideas to bolster attendance, such as allowing patrons to carry their beers throughout the festival instead of being confined to a tent area.

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He also campaigned for BCAF welcome signs for Forks Township. And Lokitis chaired the first Forks a few months back.

Alison Miers, vice president of Easton Initiatives for the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce, has worked closely with Lokitis over the past few years.

"Brian’s impact on the business community within the township has truly been tremendous," Miers said.

Miers said that BCAF was formed in June 2009 as a regional council of the Easton Area Chamber of Commerce, part of the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce.

"The reasoning behind the formation of the association was for Forks Township businesses to better market their business through the chamber’s resources, get more involved with local government and their community, and to network with one another [business to business networking]," Miers stated.

She said Lokitis, working alongside the BCAF board and committees, accomplished those goals.

"He has put BCAF on the road to continued success," she said.

Miers said the organization is currently at 125 members, both small and large businesses, and continues to grow at "a remarkable speed despite a slow economy."

"Brian’s commitment to the Forks Township community has been unwavering, and truly immeasurable," Miers said. "He has motivated township businesses to become more active in their community because investment in your community yields great results for your business."

Miers said that Roth is the ideal successor for the BCAF board presidency as he works closely with many township businesses through his position at CIT.

"Ron has served on the BCAF board since its inception, so he is very familiar with the organization and its goals," she said. "I have every bit of confidence that Ron will continue to carry the torch of success, and will lead BCAF to great things."


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