GRCA’s Work Adds Up
As we moved into the second quarter of 2025, the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance (GRCA) team remained focused on driving impact across business growth, talent development, advocacy and community storytelling.
In Q2, we directly engaged with local employers, celebrated small business growth and convened important conversations around infrastructure and workforce policy. We also welcomed new members and celebrated our region’s momentum through events and storytelling, from highlighting career pathways in the new Meet Greater Reading magazine to recognizing 60 businesses at our annual dinner. These efforts reflect the power of partnership and shared investment in Greater Reading’s future.
Thank you for your continued support of this work. We are greater together!
Advance
- To support the growth of Berks County companies, over $3 million in funding is currently in the pipeline through the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority (PIDA) and PA Catalyst Loan Fund, a program that targets small businesses, representing more than $35.4 million in total project costs. The funding pipeline includes requests that are under review or awaiting approval.
- Worked directly with 65 Berks-based companies to explore opportunities, tackle challenges and connect companies with the right tools to expand and succeed. These 65 companies represent over 10,900 local jobs.
- Delivered 16 customized programs and webinars to 167 participants across 24 organizations—including Supervisor Modules 2 & 3, Situational Leadership Bootcamp, Sales Methods & Mastery, Emotional Intelligence in the Workplace, Essentials of Effective Leadership, Practical Project Management, Excel Training and the Executive Leadership Academy. Learn more about Training and Professional Development opportunities>
- Released the 2024 State of the Berks County Economy, an annual report offering a data-driven snapshot of key local trends—from employment and wages to housing and demographics. Read the report here>
Connect
- Onboarded 42 New Members.
- Celebrated 13 ribbon cuttings across a diverse range of industries in Greater Reading.
- Honored 18 member anniversaries of 5+ years, highlighting strong retention and long-term engagement.
- Welcomed new and returning Economic Development Investors in support of regional business retention, expansion and attraction efforts. Join the movement>
- Hosted a Generation Impact networking event to connect emerging talent with the Greater Reading business community. Featuring a panel and one-on-one conversations, the event engaged 28 students and 30 employers. Learn more about talent resources here>
Engage
- Hosted 18 events with more than 1,800 attendees. Highlights included:
- The Dinner featuring Penn Jillette with 700+ attendees and honored 60 businesses with Business Excellence Awards. Many past Category 2 winners moved up to Category 1!
- Women2Women Annual Conference & Expo SOLD OUT with 400 attendees, 3 workshops, 48 sponsor/nonprofit/women-owned exhibitors, and the ATHENA Leadership and new EmpowHER Awards. Featured mini coaching sessions and expanded networking.
- 6th Annual De Mujer a Mujer Awards at Tec Centro and a Women2Women golf event for all experience levels at Manor Golf Club.
- Sold-out leadership talk with Sue Perrotty at Penn State Berks.
- Three networking events an education from SeniorLIFE, a taco truck at Garnett Auto and a luau at Moselem Springs Golf Club.
- Coffee & Convos on unified communications and a Lunch & Learn on maximizing existing business tech.
- State Legislative Breakfast convened business leaders and elected officials for a conversation on legislative priorities shaping Berks County’s economy and workforce.
- Through the Business Community and Advocacy Council (BCAC):
- Hosted a Transportation Roundtable at Reading Regional Airport in partnership with the Reading Area Transportation Study (RATS), bringing together public and private leaders to discuss regional transportation priorities, highlighting progress on passenger rail (SRPRA), airport investment and Route 422 corridor improvements.
- Facilitated a workforce policy panel at Berks Career and Technology Center—the panel explored talent-industry alignment, education and workforce policy and funding strategies to strengthen the region’s talent pipeline.
- Released the latest edition of Meet Greater Reading magazine, showcasing career opportunities, regional success stories and the people and businesses shaping Greater Reading’s future. Read the new magazine here>
Champion
- Highlighted an average of 142 members per month through marketing channels, including social media, Commerce Quarterly magazine and e-newsletters.
- Sent 56 emails to members and community stakeholders, achieving an average open rate of 32% and a click rate of 2.4%.
- Continued the storytelling partnership with Bell Media Group and Lauren Little Photography to showcase the stories of Greater Reading businesses and organizations. Q2 featured Scouting America and Russo Gourmet Foods & Market, reaching nearly 20,000 people via social media and 50,000+ through print. Check out more inspiring stories>
- Maintained strong engagement across platforms (like, follow, subscribe!)
- GRCA accounts averaged a 22% engagement rate
- Meet Greater Reading accounts averaged an even higher 28% engagement rate
These results and work 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, Lucine Sihelnik, Sally Stewart, Jackie Stiles, Denise Vaquero and Dallan Yoh. Meet the team>