Throughout the third quarter of 2026, the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance (GRCA) continued working alongside businesses, community organizations and public-sector partners to support economic growth, strengthen connections and create opportunities across Greater Reading.
Our work helped advance business investment, secure funding for local projects and strengthen advocacy efforts. Through events, professional development and collaboration, we brought the business community together while continuing to promote Greater Reading as a place to live, work and invest.
None of this work would be possible without the investment, participation and commitment of our members, investors and community partners. Your continued engagement helps build a stronger Greater Reading. Thank you for being part of this work.
Warm Regards,
Aaron Gantz, MPA
Vice President of Economic Development & Strategy
Advance
GRCA advances economic growth by connecting businesses to capital and resources, advocating for policies and investments that strengthen our region, and providing workforce and professional development opportunities that support business success.
- $7 million in PIDA financing in the pipeline, supporting projects totaling $19.6 million in project costs through the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority (PIDA)
- $1.59 million awarded to Berks County projects in Q3 through the 2025 Local Share Account (LSA) Category 4 program, following applications submitted by GRCA’s affiliate, Greater Berks Development Fund (GBDF).
- $1.7 million submitted in grant requests on behalf of Berks County organizations through GRCA’s affiliate, GBDF.
- $26.5 million in funding awarded to Berks County projects with support from GRCA through advocacy, coalition building and letters of support.
- 147 participants representing 90 unique businesses engaged through advocacy programs. Across GRCA’s programs, events and meetings, more than 345 business community members connected with elected officials during Q3. Learn more about our advocacy work>
- 22 workforce and professional development programs delivered to 182 participants across 30 organizations, supporting employee skill development and career advancement. Learn more about Training & Professional Development opportunities>
- Engaged employers and regional partners on workforce development, manufacturing competitiveness and small business support, including participation in the Berks Internship Summit, Team PA Robotics & Manufacturing meeting and discussions with U.S. Small Business Administration leadership.
Connect
GRCA serves as Greater Reading’s business hub, building relationships, strengthening connections and fostering long-term engagement among businesses and community partners.
- 38 new members welcomed, strengthening GRCA’s network of businesses and community partners.
- 16 ribbon cuttings celebrated across diverse industries, supporting business growth and visibility across Greater Reading. Learn more about how we can support your next milestone>
- 12 members recognized for 10+ years of membership.
- Welcomed new and returning Economic Development Investors in support of regional business retention, expansion and attraction efforts. Join the movement>
Engage
GRCA brings the business community together through events and programs that foster meaningful connections, encourage collaboration and provide opportunities to learn and grow.
at the Picnic & Games!
- 18 events with more than 950 attendees hosted during Q3, including:
- Introduced a reimagined Picnic & Games at FirstEnergy Stadium, bringing businesses together for friendly competition and networking.
- Connected and empowered women through Women2Women programming focused on leadership, professional development, personal safety and regional networking.
- Three sold-out networking events brought GRCA members together at Reading Public Museum, Mimmo’s and Encrypted Escape – where they shared the spotlight with Simply Bold Café and other local West Reading shops.
- Small business leaders learned about how to connect beyond business cards at our Coffee&Convos and how to build great culture at our Lunch&Learn.
Interested in connecting with peers and businesses across the community? Check out GRCA’s event calendar >
Champion
GRCA champions the Greater Reading business community by increasing visibility for local businesses, showcasing the region’s assets and opportunities and positioning Greater Reading as a competitive place to live, work and invest.
- 253 member businesses featured each month across GRCA’s social media, Commerce Quarterly magazine and e-newsletters, increasing visibility for local businesses.
- Social media content continues to generate strong audience interaction, with engagement rates averaging 138%, well above typical industry benchmarks, helping extend the reach of business stories and regional opportunities.
- 293,488 individuals reached through the paid Meet Greater Reading (MGR) campaign, generating 582,927 impressions and 21,360 link clicks during Q3. With a growing social media audience of more than 37,000 followers, MGR supports talent attraction and retention by showcasing what’s new and noteworthy in Greater Reading and why the region is a great place to live, work and build a future.
- 460,000 impressions generated through a targeted City of Reading investment attraction campaign, complemented by an opportunity to showcase Greater Reading to 500+ commercial real estate professionals at the Philadelphia State of the Market event.
These results are made possible by the entire GRCA Team – Mark Dolinski, Leah Fassnacht, Aaron Gantz, Melissa Hassler, Kayla Hayick, Katie Johnsen, Steph Koch, Audrey Krupiak, Anna Lisa, Deb Millman, Alex Roché, Keith Stamm, Sally Stewart, Jackie Stiles, Denise Vaquero, Dallan Yoh, Intern Gina Disarro and Intern Britney Klop. Meet the team>