If you’re about to join your family’s business, or you’re an entrepreneur starting your own, the last thing you want to think about is, “What if something goes wrong?”

Sewer lines aren’t a popular topic of conversation in most circles, but this year they’ve become a hot debate in Upper Mount Bethel Township. Wastewater systems are necessary to protect the environment, water quality and public health. Normally, a utility like this wouldn’t be controversial, but some residents are worried that an updated sewer system might open the door to rampant development.

The melancholy aphorism from “shirtsleeves to shirtsleeves in three generations” describes how too many family businesses transition from start up to tear down by the time the founder’s grandchildren are ready to move into the corner office.

The Architecture, Engineering and Construction industry, or AEC, is witnessing the expansion of the multigenerational workforce with the Z Generation preparing to move into the workplace, and Millennials increasing their presence to become the largest segment of the workforce in the United States.

According to the Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation, the Lehigh Valley’s top industry by employment is health care and social assistance. More than 30,000 people work for the region’s two largest employers, Lehigh Valley Health Network and St. Luke’s University Health Network.

For companies that aren’t the size of Google or Amazon, it can be challenging to attract top talent in today’s job market. With unemployment at historic lows yet hiring on a slowdown, a lot of small businesses are experiencing empty seats that are getting harder and harder to fill with quality talent.