What started with a single blazer in the trunk of a car has become one of the Lehigh Valley’s most powerful stories of community-driven change.
In this episode of the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast, host George Wacker sits down with Sarah Barrett, Executive Director of YWCA Allentown, to celebrate the 25th anniversary of The Perfect Fit, a workforce empowerment program that’s helped more than 13,000 women step into new careers with confidence.
Topics include:
How The Perfect Fit began as a grassroots effort
Why clothing is just a tool, and the real heart is community support
Career workshops, tech certifications, and professional mentoring
Kostas Hatalis Ph.D – Co-Founder, Alexander Labs; Developer of GoCharlie
Paul Gosselin – Co-Founder, Alexander Labs
In this episode of the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast, host George Wacker sits down with Paul Gosselin and Kostas Hatalis of Alexander Labs, an AI incubator based in Allentown, Pennsylvania, that’s putting the Lehigh Valley back on the innovation map.
You’ll hear how this growing team is not only building on-premise AI systems and custom large language models, but doing it all from the region that produced the world’s first commercial transistors — long before the rise of Silicon Valley.
From community collaboration and tech talent to data privacy and enterprise-level solutions, Alexander Labs is working to make AI accessible, secure, and proudly local.
Alexander Labs and the Future of AI in the Lehigh Valley
“We built the first transistor here.”
Kostas Hatalis opens with a bold statement: the Lehigh Valley isn’t just a place with warehouses — it was the original Silicon Valley. The region manufactured the world’s first commercial transistors in the 1940s, and yet few in tech today give it credit. That legacy is exactly what inspired Alexander Labs, an AI incubator based in Allentown that’s trying to bring innovation back home.
From Empty Space to AI Lab
Paul Gosselin, co-founder of Alexander Labs, walks us through how the project started — with an empty room, a few whiteboards, and a wild idea. Paul had been running software companies when he met Kostas, a Lehigh Ph.D. who had already built his own large language model. They talked, they brainstormed, and soon they realized: “We need to create a lab. One that brings the community in and builds something real.”
That idea became Alexander Labs — an incubator not just for AI startups, but for a smarter, more connected Lehigh Valley tech ecosystem.
Meet GoCharlie: AI Built in Allentown
One of Alexander Labs’ most exciting projects is GoCharlie, a next-generation AI assistant that can write, analyze, and support business operations. But what makes it special isn’t just what it does — it’s where and how it was built.
GoCharlie’s models are developed right in Allentown using an approach Kostas calls “small language models.” Instead of billion-dollar infrastructure, these models run on a single GPU or CPU, making them affordable, fast, and customizable for real businesses.
In a world where companies send sensitive data into massive black-box systems like ChatGPT, GoCharlie offers something better: AI you can understand, control, and host locally.
On-Prem AI and the Power of Local
Alexander Labs is also building its own on-prem data center — allowing businesses to plug in directly and run GoCharlie inside their own walls. Paul calls it GoPrem — and it’s already helping companies avoid relying on Silicon Valley giants for AI tools.
“We’re really focused on enterprise,” he says, “but it’s more than that — we’re helping companies get their data in order, whether structured or unstructured, so they can actually use AI meaningfully.”
Cost, Control, and Trust
Throughout the conversation, privacy and autonomy come up again and again. Alexander Labs isn’t just building AI — they’re building trust. Kostas explains how big tech companies are scraping public data to train their models, while businesses are becoming increasingly wary of handing over proprietary information.
That’s why localized, on-premise AI is such a key differentiator. “You can’t just trust Microsoft or Google with everything,” Paul says. “We can offer the same kind of power — but right here in the Valley, with local partnerships and control.”
Making the Lehigh Valley a New Kind of Tech Hub
Despite the region’s rich tech history, the Lehigh Valley hasn’t been part of the AI conversation — until now. Alexander Labs is trying to change that. With support from Ben Franklin Technology Partners and other local initiatives, they’re helping seed the next wave of innovation.
“We’re trying to build culture here,” Paul says. “It’s not easy. But if we can keep talented students and young founders in the Valley, we can build something real.”
What’s Next?
Looking ahead, the conversation shifts to the future of AI. Kostas explains that the next wave isn’t just smarter chatbots — it’s AI agents: autonomous systems that can do real work across tools like Slack, Zoom, and WordPress. “If it’s a task that can be done remotely, AI is coming for it,” he says.
But for Alexander Labs, the goal isn’t replacing people — it’s empowering them. By creating scalable, local-first AI, they’re making sure small businesses can keep up — and even outpace the giants.
Final Takeaway
This episode isn’t just about AI — it’s about ownership. It’s about building technology that serves local communities, respects data privacy, and creates opportunity where it’s needed most. Alexander Labs is betting that the next big thing in tech doesn’t have to come from California — it can start in Allentown.
And if they’re right, the Lehigh Valley may just become the first Silicon Valley all over again.
In this episode of the Shop Local Harder Holiday Series, we visit Camp Bow Wow Allentown to talk with Bobby Ludwig. Discover how this premier doggy daycare and boarding facility is ensuring your furry friends are cared for and loved. From training programs to doggy playtime and boarding services, Camp Bow Wow offers everything your pet needs to feel at home. Tune in to learn more about their holiday boarding availability and how they’re creating a fun and safe space for pets year-round.
In this episode, we take a walk with Marc Rittle, Executive Director of New Bethany, through the heart of South Bethlehem. Marc shares how New Bethany is helping Lehigh Valley residents in need, including the recent transformation of their food pantry into a choice pantry. Families can now shop for fresh produce and groceries in a setting that feels like a real store, giving them the dignity of choice and empowering them in a meaningful way.
The holiday season is right around the corner, and New Bethany’s Turkey Drive on Friday, November 22nd, is set to be a huge event at Coca-Cola Park in Allentown.
This year, they’re aiming to collect 1,200 turkeys to meet requests from local organizations, ensuring that hundreds of families from Allentown to Bethlehem have everything they need for a memorable Thanksgiving.
Want to get involved? Drop off a 10-12 lb frozen turkey at Coca-Cola Park or donate virtually by texting “LVturkeydrive” to 41444.
They’re also collecting holiday meal sides like stuffing and green beans, so feel free to add a little extra to the donation!
Tune in to learn more about New Bethany’s work and how you can make a difference this Thanksgiving season.
Big thanks to this episode’s sponsors: Wind Creek Event Center, Michael Bernadyn with Remax Realty, Molly’s Irish Grille & Sports Pub, Bingo Bango Beverage Company, and WDIY 88.1 FM!
In this episode, we take a tour of the Allentown Art Museum’s first floor, exploring the New American Galleries with incredible pieces from artists like Rigo Peralta and Keith Haring, plus a visit to the legendary Frank Lloyd Wright room.
Then, we talk all about the upcoming Cocktails & Collecting event happening Saturday, October 5, followed by the Art Fair for All on Sunday, October 6.
It’s a packed weekend of art, culture, and fun, so get ready to dive in with us!
Cocktails and Collecting Link: https://www.allentownartmuseum.org/cocktails-collecting-2024/
This week, we’re joined by Kyle Edwards, the visionary CEO of A True L.O.V.E Story. From vibrant art and inspired apparel to impactful community events, Kyle shares how his company motivates people to live their best lives while supporting important causes.
Tune in to hear about his journey, the story behind the brand, and how A True L.O.V.E Story and their brick and mortar location for events in downtown Allentown, Inkwell, LLC, is making a difference. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation filled with passion, creativity, and a whole lot of love!
Welcome to this episode of the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast. Today, we’re talking with Katarah Jordan, the new CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Allentown.
Katarah’s background in education and community development makes her a perfect fit for the role. From leading the James Lawson Freedom School to fighting food insecurity at Second Harvest Food Bank, she’s dedicated to empowering youth.
We talk about those things as well as her excitement for her new role, which is palpable. She’s passionate about creating transformative spaces for Allentown’s children to thrive.With her dynamic energy, she’s set to inspire staff, members, and stakeholders alike.
As she takes the reins from retiring CEO Deb Fries Jackson, the club enters a new chapter full of promise and possibility.
GUESTS
Katarah Jordan – Boys and Girls Club of Allentown CEO
Dive into the Lehigh Valley’s Hidden Depths with Stillfin & Stiffchin!
This episode of Lehigh Valley with Love plunges into the fascinating world of local scuba diving legends Stillfin and Stiffchin (aka Matt and Chris).
These aren’t your average divers – they’re treasure hunters, historians, videographers, and environmentalists who capture the magic of our waterways like no one else.
Get ready to:
Unravel their journey: Discover how Matt and Chris fell in love with scuba and learn their tips for aspiring divers.
Gawk at incredible finds: From ancient bottles to forgotten shipwrecks, see what treasures lurk beneath the surface of the Lehigh.
Hear captivating stories and expert tips: Learn about their adventures, pick up valuable diving tricks, and gain a deeper appreciation for the Lehigh Valley’s aquatic wonders.
Would you like everyone on the internet to know where your Christmas / Holiday light display is? Well, we’re putting together a map for everyone to enjoy and we want your residence or business to be a part of it.
If you’re sure, then please submit your information below to be included in our Lehigh Valley Holiday Lights Map.
We’re excited to see some of the most interesting, traditional, and fun holiday displays throughout the Lehigh Valley area (and beyond)
The Map will Publish the last week of November.
Personal Residences are FREE
Businesses are FREE (but you can still advertise)
We are looking for a presenting sponsor as well!
By Submitting your light location, you’re agreeing for us to use it on our public Google Map.
We will NEVER share or sell your information.
Thank you to our sponsors: WXPN | The Coop Sportsbar & Kitchen | Michael Bernadyn with RE/MAX | Wind Creek Event Center | Christmas City Spirits | Banko Beverage Co.
We’re here with Lauren Geldon, the creator of Nort Port, the Cheese Ball Company.
Nort Port is a food manufacturing business based out of Allentown, PA that specializes in selling cheese balls to wineries, breweries, distilleries, and more. Their mission is to provide an in-house food option to local businesses to reduce reliance on food trucks when they aren’t able to be present, and ensure there is always packaged ready to go food for consumers!
If you’d like to learn more about the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast and the opportunities we can provide through sponsorship and collaboration, be sure to reach us at info@lehighvalleywithlovemedia.com or through our various social media channels.
The Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast is everything Lehigh Valley. Get in touch!
Laurel Canyon consists of two guitarist-vocalists, Nicholas Gillespie (26) and Serg Cereja (22), who met two years ago through a mutual friend in their hometown of Allentown, Pennsylvania. After connecting over a shared interest in poetry, the duo began to rehearse rock ‘n’ roll standards in Serg’s garage. By October 2020, Nick and Serg began composing original songs together, the first of which, “Two Times Emptiness,” was recorded in New York City by Craig Almquist and Ayad Al Adhamy. Their next single “Enemy Lines” was released on June 25, 2021.
I sat down with Laurel Canyon at Allentown’s Lehigh Parkway, a spot where John Lennon is said to have spent some time in the 1970s.
We talk about Lennon, influences, covid, the music scene, streaming services, and what’s next up.
If you’d like to learn more about the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast and the opportunities we can provide through sponsorship and collaboration, be sure to reach us at info@lehighvalleywithlovemedia.com or through our various social media channels.
The Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast is everything Lehigh Valley. Get in touch!
In this episode, we talk with Allentown City Councilwoman and Allentown Mayoral candidate Ce-Ce Gerlach. Ce-Ce’s story is truly remarkable, especially the way in which she initially go involved in politics…
We talk about her upbringing in Maryland, what brought her to the Allentown area (spoiler: it was Cedar Crest College was Cedar Crest College) and why she’s running for mayor. Ce-Ce talks about her top 3 issues; Economic Justice, Housing Justice, and Reimagining Public Safety.
I don’t want to get TOO in the political weeds here, but the Allentown Mayoral race is shaping up to be an important and interesting one with some fascinating personalities. We had Matt Tuerk on in a previous episode and I encourage you to take a listen.
Today we’re talking with Allentown Mayoral hopeful and the former Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation VP, Matt Tuerk, who has been running the streets of Allentown to get to know it just a little bit better…
We talk about his path from East Stroudsburg to Colorado to South Carolina to Allentown and why travel helps you appreciate where you come from and where you are.
We talk to him about why he’s running and what he envisions the future of Allentown to be and of course we talk about Yocco’s a little more in-depth than is needed.
In the first episode of the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast Season 4 we talk with Eric Gratz, Chief of Operations for the City of Allentown.
The City of Allentown’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) is a public service system that includes all-paramedic staffed ambulances that are dispatched 24 hours/day through an enhanced 9-1-1 communications system. Allentown’s paramedics responded to a record 16,132 requests for emergency medical assistance in 2020; a number that has increased annually. – Allentown City
We talk with Eric about adapting during COVID and how technology is positively changing EMS services. We also dive into parenting, the revitalization of downtown Allentown, educational choices, and more! Thank you, Eric.
The aim of this podcast is to connect you to stories and personalities living in or affecting the Lehigh Valley area of Pennsylvania, encompassing the cities of Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton and many other wonderful communities in-between.
We talk to business owners, musicians, authors, students, politicians, and maybe even you.
