By Lucine Sihelnik, President & CEO, Greater Reading Chamber Alliance
As 2025 comes to a close, one thing is clear: Greater Reading is rising. This year, the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance (GRCA) continued to Advance, Connect, Champion and Engage our business community in ways that strengthened our regional economy and expanded opportunity for all.
Here are GRCA’s Top 5 Achievements of 2025, each reflecting the strength, innovation and resilience of our business community:
- GRCA’s Marketing Team earned its third Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) Award in five years, placing Greater Reading among the nation’s most creative and effective chambers.
- Greater Berks Development Fund (GBDF) closed a historic $2 million loan with Bally Ribbon Mills, fueling expansion and innovation for a major local manufacturer.
- Membership surpassed 900 organizations, signaling strong business confidence and trust in GRCA’s leadership, mission, vision and ROI.
- Women2Women held its largest conference yet in Downtown Reading at the DoubleTree by Hilton Reading, demonstrating the region’s commitment to leadership development for women.
- GRCA completed a full reset of its Advocacy program, strengthening engagement with elected officials and championing a pro-growth policy agenda with visits to Harrisburg and Washington, D.C.
Beyond these milestones, 2025 was defined by regional momentum across several strategic priorities.
Business Engagement & Chamber Programming
GRCA delivered one of its strongest years on record, hosting more than 70 networking events, expanding training and professional development programs and creating new opportunities for members to collaborate, grow and shine.
Transportation Infrastructure
GRCA continued supporting progress toward restoring passenger rail service while also helping elevate the Reading Regional Airport as an economic development engine through new marketing, enhanced signage and event programming.
Workforce Housing in the City of Reading
GRCA launched a Workforce Housing Strategic Focus Group, introducing structured discussions with major employers, developers and government partners to address one of our most pressing workforce challenges/opportunities.
Business & Talent Attraction + Retention
Through Meet Greater Reading and regional-reach marketing campaigns and billboards, GRCA helped raise Greater Reading’s profile as both a talent and business destination and a place where people want to build their careers.
Looking Ahead to 2026
Here’s a sneak peek at a some GRCA strategy coming down the track:
- Lead a Workforce Housing Action Plan Taskforce focused in the City of Reading
- Advance transportation priorities including passenger rail and airport development
- Expand strategic marketing and advocacy efforts
- Elevate Greater Reading through America250 initiatives and FIFA World Cup games in Philadelphia
As we move forward, I am proud to introduce a new guiding message I’ll be using for 2026: #GreaterStartsHere.
It reflects who I believe we are: innovators, collaborators, builders and believers in the future of Berks County.
It signals to businesses, talent, visitors and residents that Greater Reading is not just a place on the map.
It is a place where ideas take root, where momentum grows and where greatness begins.
At GRCA, we remain committed to championing the people, businesses and partnerships that make this region Greater.
Because in 2026 and beyond, #GreaterStartsHere.