2025-2026 GRCA Pro-Business Policy Agenda
The Greater Reading Chamber Alliance’s (GRCA) Advocacy Statements outline our strategic vision for the next legislative cycle (2025 through 2026) for fostering a robust and sustainable economy in our region. We envision a vibrant, interconnected region where revitalized transportation systems, streamlined regulatory processes, and strategic infrastructure development drive economic growth and enhance quality of life. By advocating for the restoration of rail services and promoting transit-oriented development, we aim to create accessible communities that attract businesses and residents alike.
Our approach to advocacy is both nimble and responsive, enabling us to proactively engage with emerging issues at the local and state levels. We remain adaptable to shifting legislative landscapes, ensuring our work supports local businesses through education, funding opportunities, and the cultivation of a skilled workforce aligned with the evolving needs of our key industries. Collaborating with local utilities and stakeholders, we champion thoughtful infrastructure initiatives that address our community’s needs and promote sustainable development. Together, we strive to cultivate an innovative, equitable, and thriving economic environment for all in the Greater Reading area.
Greater Reading Transportation
The GRCA is committed to revitalizing our region by advancing the restoration of rail services and fostering connectivity through strategic transit investments. Enhanced public transportation is key to promoting economic growth, sustainable development, and accessibility for both residents and businesses. Our advocacy extends to supporting transit-oriented development and increasing engagement with stakeholders at local, state, and federal levels to secure policy support and investment.
In addition to our focus on rail, the GRCA will work with the Schuylkill River Passenger Rail Authority and actively contribute to the Long-Range Transportation Plan to ensure the business community’s voice shapes the region’s transit future. Furthermore, the GRCA supports the continued development of Reading Regional Airport to bolster regional connectivity and attract new business and tourism, recognizing the airport’s critical role in economic growth. We will also work closely with local stakeholders to support projects and mitigate potential business disruptions from the upcoming road improvements, like the 422 West Shore Bypass corridor improvements.
Through these efforts, we aim to create an interconnected and accessible Greater Reading area, empowering local economies and enhancing the quality of life for our community.
Equitably Attracting, Retaining, and Developing our Workforce
The GRCA is committed to supporting the development of a skilled local workforce, particularly within high-priority industries essential to the Greater Reading area, such as manufacturing, healthcare, agriculture, education, and construction/infrastructure, as outlined in the Commonwealth’s 10-year economic development plan. Through workshops, trainings, professional development, and informational sessions, we provide businesses with critical resources and education on state and local initiatives in areas like childcare support, workforce education, housing, tax credits, and other foundational aspects of workforce development. By empowering employers to leverage these programs, we help enhance employee well-being and advance skill development across industries.
To ensure a sustainable workforce pipeline, the GRCA promotes and participates in partnerships among businesses, educational institutions, and community organizations to address our region’s workforce needs. This includes efforts to engage with students and professionals, offering exposure to Greater Reading’s vibrant opportunities in coordination with the GRCA’s Meet Greater Reading brand to ensure that our workforce is Working, Living, and Playing in our community. By building connections between students and local industries, we aim to showcase the diverse career paths available within our region, fostering a sense of community and potential career investment.
Additionally, the GRCA actively identifies and promotes funding sources that support workforce development goals, enabling employers to attract, develop, and retain skilled professionals. By advocating for educational resources and strategic partnerships, we strive to create an environment where businesses and individuals alike can thrive, ensuring the Greater Reading area remains a competitive and sustainable place to live and work. Through these efforts, we aim to create lasting economic opportunities and elevate the quality of life for all members of our community.
Local Regulatory Proactivity & Supporting Small Business
The GRCA is dedicated to fostering a regulatory environment that empowers economic growth by advocating for essential reforms that streamline processes and reduce barriers to development. This includes a proactive approach where we support local efforts to create sensible regulatory changes that empower business enterprises of all sizes while ensuring community well-being. A modernized approach to zoning, for example, is crucial, as many existing regulations do not align with today’s economic needs and can hinder innovation. Additionally, we support efforts to address permitting delays that create unnecessary bottlenecks for businesses, ensuring that regulatory processes remain efficient and accessible for all.
The GRCA recognizes the need for a regulatory approach that differentiates between the resources and capacities of small and large businesses, acknowledging that both face distinct challenges. By advocating for tailored solutions that reflect these differences, we aim to support businesses of all sizes effectively. Through education, access to resources, and networking opportunities, we will help cultivate a thriving economy where small businesses can flourish and contribute to the overall economic vitality of our Greater Reading business community.
Thoughtful and Engaged Infrastructure Development
The GRCA will advocate for and support vital infrastructure development by continuing to leverage the expertise and resources of local utilities. By collaborating closely with utility providers, local government, and community stakeholders, we will engage these groups in the continued identification of critical infrastructure needs and promotion of initiatives that enhance transportation, utilities, housing, and public facilities.
Our efforts will focus on utilizing local utilities to guide infrastructure projects, ensuring they meet the evolving needs of our businesses and residents. By raising awareness of the essential role that utility investments play in attracting new businesses and supporting economic growth, we aim to create a robust infrastructure that fosters sustainable development in the Greater Reading area.
Utilizing Funding Opportunities at All Government Levels
The GRCA is committed to empowering local businesses by connecting them to available local, state, and federal grants, educating them on financing and lending options, and providing guidance on navigating funding sources. Retaining and growing businesses in the Greater Reading area is essential for regional success, and we support this by offering workshops, informational sessions, and consultations that equip business owners with the tools to secure financial support for growth and sustainability.
In collaboration with our partners, the GRCA actively identifies and advocates for funding sources that address the unique needs of key workforce industries—including manufacturing, healthcare, education, agriculture, construction, and infrastructure—that are vital to our economy. We will also champion initiatives that support housing and placemaking efforts, recognizing that vibrant, well-resourced communities are essential to attracting and retaining talent.
At the governmental level, the GRCA will continue advocating for programs that fund and sustain the Greater Reading area’s major industries. Through education, we aim to ensure businesses are well-informed on tax credits, tax policy changes, and emerging financial resources. By fostering a network of funding opportunities, we work to enhance the economic vitality of Greater Reading and support the success of our business community.
BALANCED LABOR + EMPLOYMENT LAWS
Changes to labor relations and employment policies are necessary to facilitate a fair work environment and address abuse. Our members support reforms, including modernization, to the unemployment compensation, workers’ compensation and welfare systems that focuses on returning injured employees to full health and function. Employers oppose excessive mandates that unnecessarily increase the cost of doing business including efforts to move the minimum wage to $15 without solving other systemic wage restrictions like federal healthcare reimbursements and expanding criteria to qualify for unemployment while the job market is so robust. Employers oppose excessive mandates that unnecessarily increase the cost of doing business and efforts that seek to disrupt functioning employer/employee relationships through the PRO-Act or other regulatory overreach.