Women always have made noteworthy positive impacts in our businesses and communities, so honoring their contributions is an idea long overdue. That’s why Lehigh Valley Business presents its inaugural Women of Influence awards that honor 28 women in our region for their career accomplishments, leadership, vision and community service. It’s a powerful list of honorees that we’re proud to profile.

Join us in celebrating 14 Greater Lehigh Valley companies and their notable anniversaries — from 10 years to 120 years ― in this first annual edition of Milestones. These companies have stories of impressive business ideas, hard-working employees and incredible displays of perseverance and leadership — all of which we're sharing in this publication. After all, you just might be able to capture some of these ideas for your own business.

Besides regular training, what do all great athletes do before a big race? They stretch. Stretching helps increase muscle control, flexibility and range of motion. The same is true of our 2012 Business of the Year award winners and finalists, who have spent years building their experience and growing their businesses. They're flexing their business muscles, and you can learn from these success stories.

Meet our region’s “big fish,” the Top 25 Fastest Growing Companies that have grown significant revenue — seamlessly and quickly — over the past few years. These 25 ambitious companies tell stories of leadership, vision, talented employees and strong tenacity, and they’re worth hearing. Go ahead and learn from these tales and start taking over your “pond.” Once you start outgrowing your fishbowl, you just might rank on the Top 25 list.

Our Construction & Real Estate supplement hammers out the insights that are important to the Greater Lehigh Valley and provides the nuts and bolts about finding the best location to build — and at the best price. Expert contributors include the CEO of the Lehigh Valley Association of Realtors and the president and CEO of the Associated Builders and Contractors Eastern Pa. Chapter. To advertise in our next Construction & Real Estate supplement, contact Lehigh Valley Business sales manager Tom Vrana at tomv@lvb.com.

Picturesque Berks County is enjoying an industrial renaissance with several major corporations, including PetSmart and Dollar General, taking up residence in Berks Park 78 in Bethel Township. Meanwhile, downtown Reading has become a happening place where retail space is in great demand. This special supplement details what's driving business to Berks County and includes comments and projections from the men and women working for a better tomorrow.

Our Business Profiles supplement includes insights into some of the finer companies in the Lehigh Valley. The Business Profiles format provides area companies with an outlet for showcasing their key employees and their business in general — and in color. To reserve a spot for your company in the next Business Profiles supplement, contact Lehigh Valley Business sales manager Tom Vrana at tomv@lvb.com.