Our community’s economic growth is driven by the strength and investment of its businesses, supported by partnerships and an environment that enables companies to thrive at every stage.
GRCA is focused on two core priorities: creating a supportive business environment for company growth and competitiveness and advancing investment and redevelopment that fuel regional economic growth.
In the first quarter of 2026, these priorities took shape through direct engagement with businesses, alignment with partners and progress on projects that move ideas toward investment. Whether supporting expansion, celebrating a milestone, connecting with other businesses or advancing redevelopment opportunities, GRCA remains committed to working alongside the business community to help companies grow, compete and succeed in Greater Reading.
Warm Regards,
Aaron Gantz, MPA
Vice President of Economic Development & Strategy
Advance
GRCA reduces barriers to business growth by connecting companies to capital, talent, data and decision-makers, helping employers expand, retain jobs and invest with confidence in Berks County.
- $4.8 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 $15.8 million in total project costs. These projects are actively under review or awaiting approval. Learn more about business financing options>
- Worked directly with Berks-based companies to identify opportunities, address challenges and connect businesses with the resources needed to expand and succeed. Ready to grow? Let’s talk!>
- GRCA submitted $2.3 million in grant requests on behalf of Berks County organizations. Through advocacy, coordination and letters of support, GRCA helped secure more than $2.7 million in direct funding this quarter while advancing $31+ million in competitive applications.
- Advocacy efforts engaged 298 participants across 189 businesses, with more than 375 businesses connected directly to elected officials through GRCA programs, events and meetings. Learn more about our advocacy work>
- Delivered 21 tailored workforce and professional development programs to 265 participants across 30 organizations, strengthening talent pipelines and supporting retention and internal advancement. Learn more about Training & Professional Development opportunities>
- Released the Q4 2025 Economic Intelligence Report, providing a data-driven snapshot of employment, wages, housing and demographic trends shaping Berks County. Read the report>
Connect
GRCA serves as the region’s business hub, strengthening relationships and long-term engagement across industries to ensure businesses are connected, informed and positioned to grow.
- Welcomed 41 new members, strengthening GRCA’s network of businesses and community partners. Learn more about membership>
- Hosted onboarding and refresher meetings to connect members to key resources, programs and engagement opportunities.
- Celebrated 9 ribbon cuttings across diverse industries, supporting business growth and visibility across Greater Reading. Learn more about how we can support your next milestone>
- Recognized 9 member anniversaries of 20+ years, reinforcing long-term business retention and community investment.
- 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 to build connections, share practical knowledge and strengthen trust—through both large-scale events and targeted programs.
- Hosted 13 events with more than 1,500 attendees, creating opportunities for business connection, learning and regional engagement. Highlights include:
- Launch of the State of the County, bringing together business and community leaders around key economic trends and priorities featuring the Berks County Commissioners
- A sold-out Women2Women Conference & Expo with 400+ attendees, showcasing entrepreneurship, leadership and regional collaboration
- Family Business Alliance programming included a business tour at Kuhn’s Funeral Home, offering insight into multi-generational operations, while Peer Groups expanded with 5 new participants.
- A combined Breakfast4Success and Women2Women program featuring a panel of female engineering leaders, highlighting career pathways and leadership in high-demand industries
- The kickoff of GRCA’s Economic Development Webinar Series, helping businesses better navigate funding, incentives and partnerships
- Strong engagement across networking and member events, including sold-out Networking@Night programs and regional gatherings
Champion
GRCA amplifies the Greater Reading business community by increasing visibility for local companies, promoting regional assets and positioning the region as a competitive place to live, work and invest.
- An average of 113 member businesses were featured per month across GRCA platforms, increasing awareness, visibility and connection to customers, partners and talent. Through social media, Commerce Quarterly magazine and e-newsletters.
- Launched a public Community Calendar where GRCA members can submit events for free. The calendar serves as a go-to resource for what’s happening across Greater Reading. Submit your next event>
- Social media content continues to generate strong audience interaction, with engagement rates averaging 85%, well above typical industry benchmarks, helping extend the reach of business stories and regional opportunities.
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 and Dallan Yoh and interns Julian Collazo and Lane Lannan. Meet the team>