Development in Focus is GRCA’s monthly recap of key economic development activities, advocacy initiatives and upcoming opportunities shaping Greater Reading. Each edition highlights efforts to drive growth, foster collaboration and support businesses, reinforcing our commitment to a thriving and connected Greater Reading business community.
COMING UP!
MFG Summit
This year’s Manufacturing Summit will be from 8 a.m. to noon, Tuesday Oct. 28, at the Miller Center for the Arts. This half-day event will feature a keynote panel discussion from DCED’s BusinessPA on how the Commonwealth is supporting manufacturing. It also will feature a presentation on Generative AI and how manufacturers can tap into this resource. Additionally, there will be a presentation on hiring trends in manufacturing and best practices to support talent attraction and retention.
GRCA takes on Washington, D.C.
The Greater Reading Chamber Alliance(GRCA), alongside local leaders, will join economic development and chamber partners from across South Central Pennsylvania for meetings in Washington, D.C. with our regional Congressional delegation, the Federal Rail Administration and other key offices. Together, we will present a unified agenda advocating for sustained investment in regional transportation systems, while urging Congressional leadership to advance legislation that strengthens workforce development and supports local housing initiatives.
Why Pennsylvania’s State Budget Matters – Especially in Berks County
The Pennsylvania state budget may not grab the same headlines as national politics, but its impact on our daily lives is hard to overstate. When budget negotiations stall, the effects are felt everywhere, from school funding to whether local agencies can pay contractors on time.
LOOKING BACK!
Environmental Health & Safety Roundtable
Our third EHS roundtable session of the year was held on Aug. 21. The focus of this session was Lock-Out/Tag-Out. The presentation discussed key components in implementing, managing and sustaining an effective Hazardous Energy Control Program. There also was a legislative and environmental regulatory update.
Local Farm Secures Loan
The Greater Berks Development Fund (GBDF), an affiliate of the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance (GRCA) announced that it has secured a $180,000 Pennsylvania Catalyst loan for Travis and Emily LaFaver. GBDF, Berks County’s only Certified Economic Development Organization (CEDO), facilitated the loan in conjunction with funding provided by Fulton Bank.
The LaFavers received financing to construct a steer barn located on their farm in Hamburg, Pa. The LaFaver Family Farm is a local, direct-to-consumer retail beef operation. Its products arenon-GMO, free from injections and hormones and are offered for sale at their farm in Hamburg and LaFaver Farm Meats in Wyomissing. The farm operation is run by the couple and their three daughters. For more information and products, please visit their website at lafaverfamilyfarm.com.