Development in Focus is a monthly recap of the activities GRCA has participated in to drive economic growth, foster collaboration and support businesses across the Greater Reading community. We share the latest initiatives, programs and success stories that showcase our commitment to building and moving Greater Reading forward.
City Revitalization and Improvement Zone (CRIZ)
- The City of Reading has appointed nine individuals to the inaugural City Revitalization and Improvement Zone (CRIZ) Authority, including Debra L. Millman, Esq., President of the Greater Berks Development Fund (GBDF).
- Pending approval of the application, the CRIZ Authority will oversee the implementation and administration of the CRIZ program, which aims to drive local economic growth and revitalization.
- The CRIZ program is a substantial economic development tool that allows cities like Reading to reinvest state and local taxes from designated zones back into the community, fostering business growth, job creation and revitalization efforts.
Site Development
- GRCA is improving an 8-acre parcel in Bern Township to make the site more attractive for an end-user. Barwis Construction LLC, Birdsboro, is handling the site improvements.
- The parcel is available for sale and can accommodate a building up to 80,000-square-feet.
- Funding for the improvements is provided by the Commonwealth Financing Authority’s Business In Our Sites Program. For inquiries, contact Landon Bernheiser at lbernheiser@greaterreading.org.
Meet Greater Reading
GRCA opens Candidate Marketplace to local business community:
- Connects local businesses with prospective residents and job seekers interested in relocating to the Greater Reading area.
- Businesses can easily search, filter and connect with candidates based on various criteria like industry and experience.
Magazine Launch: This year’s Meet Greater Reading magazine celebrates Greater Reading’s key assets — proximity and access to major cities, outdoor recreation and attractions, diversity of lifestyles, major employment opportunities and its people! Read the digital magazine here.
Are you interested in receiving a printed copy? Send your name and mailing address to kstamm@greaterreading.org.