The association officially opened its new home in historic Bethlehem on Nov. 8.
To celebrate the NKBA’s move to its new offices, we sat down with CEO Bill Darcy for a special edition of 5 Qs. Darcy not only spearheaded the move but also headed up the group of bicyclists for the “Carry the Keys” ride from the association’s previous office in Hackettstown, NJ, to its new headquarters at One West Broad Street in Bethlehem.
First off….the question you probably get asked the most. Why the move to Bethlehem, PA?
We were based in Hackettstown for 59 years and we enjoyed being there. Our headquarters was a beautiful, updated building on several acres. After the pandemic, however, we saw a clear shift in how we — and the world — works. The shift to a hybrid work environment prompted us to re-evaluate our office needs. So much of what we do is digital, and we just don’t need a large building with a warehouse and loading dock. The seed to relocate took root and we began to rethink everything about our office: the location, the design and décor, and even the way we worked. Before, our office was more traditional,and people had their own cubicles and offices. In the new space, we wanted it more open, flexible so that staff could work anywhere they want.
Whatever new location we chose had to support our new culture, while offering our many visitors a vibrant, dynamic experience with first-class hotels, restaurants, and attractions. We also really wanted to be close to several universities to access interns and build our future workforce. Bethlehem checked all of these boxes and then some. I mean, we had evolved beyond our Hackettstown office, and the timing was right for us to make the move. And since day one, the city has been so welcoming and supportive of NKBA.
The “NKBA Carry the Keys,” initiative? Can you tell us about it?
To commemorate the move, I headed up a 45-mile group bike ride to carry the keys from our prior office in Hackettstown to our new location in Bethlehem. There is a bit of a backstory to it. A good friend of mine biked a lot during the pandemic and he was the first to suggest the ride. Then I casually mentioned it to a few staff and board members… before I knew it I had a team and we had a ride! We took off at 7:30 am on November 8th from the Hackettstown headquarters, riding over hills and through woods. It was exhilarating! Joining me on the ride was Basil Larkin, our 2022 Board Chair; John Petrie, our 2014 NKBA President; and NKBA and CEDIA member Ryan Herd as well as some NKBA staff, and family. Once we hit Bethlehem we were met by a police escort, who traveled with us up the hill to our new home!
Can you tell us about the new office?
The offices are at One West Broad Street in Bethlehem Plaza, in the city’s historic district, a few blocks from the Lehigh River. We take up the entire third floor and the space has an industrial-chic interior that is designed to support collaborative and solo work environments. It’s absolutely stunning and we encourage everyone to stop by.
Anything you’d like to share about your new home base of Bethlehem?
You know, it’s such a dynamic community with a growing creative and makers class, and a wealth of outstanding universities, cultural attractions, and restaurants. It’s a city of about 75,000 in eastern Pennsylvania with a rich history. It was founded in 1741 by Moravian settlers, a group of German immigrants who named it on Christmas Eve. To this day, Bethlehem is known as “Christmas City” for its holiday displays and activities. During the industrial revolution, it was a hub of steel production and manufacturing, and home to Bethlehem Steel, the second-largest steel producer in the U.S. It has since evolved into a center for the arts, shopping, and commerce.
Any last words?
Well, it’s certainly an exciting time for us at the NKBA as we settle into our new offices and look ahead to being back in Las Vegas for KBIS 2023. It’s a big year for us in so many ways: A new headquarters, a 60th Anniversary, and a show that is bigger and more exciting, with a nearly sold-out floor with a roster that includes 80 new exhibitors. There is a lot to look forward to.
