GRCA’s Work Adds Up
As we wrap up the third quarter of 2024, I am excited to share our team’s latest accomplishments. We have made incredible strides this year, and it is clear that our dedication to supporting our community’s economy is paying off.
From securing funding for important projects to fostering stronger connections among our members, we have been making a real difference. I want to thank all of you for your continued support. Your involvement is essential to our success.
As we look ahead to the final quarter of 2024 and beyond, we are excited about the opportunities to continue our momentum. We’re already planning for new initiatives in 2025 that will build on our successes and further strengthen our community. Together, we can create an even brighter future for Greater Reading.
Warm Regards,
Lucine Sihelnik
President and CEO
Advance
- Currently, just over $1.7 million is in the funding pipeline across programs representing over $4.5 million in total project costs. Since the beginning of 2024, $2.6 million in project lending has been approved – these projects represent $59,318,679 in total project costs.
- Fielded 96 inquiries for buildings and/or land, representing over 13,500 jobs potentially new and retained in Berks County.
- Delivered 16 tailored programs and webinars to 207 participants from 29 organizations.
- Released the Q2 Berks County Economic Intelligence Report, providing insights into trends in the labor market, consumer spending and economic growth.
Connect
- Welcomed a new Director of Membership Dallan Yoh – be sure to connect with him!
- Onboarded and welcomed 36 new members and celebrated 17 member anniversaries.
- Celebrated 6 ribbon cuttings across a diverse range of industries in Greater Reading.
Engage
- Engaged over 600 community members across 12 events, including:
- The Picnic (check out pictures here!)
- Networking@Night
- Family Business Alliance
- Women2Women
- Coffee&Convos
- Hosted industry-specific meetings, including Manufacturing Industry Partnership, Healthcare Industry Partnership and Environmental Health & Safety Roundtable.
- Expanded GRCA’s Employer Network to include 21 Berks County employers, accessing 72 candidates in the pipeline, with key industries in Sales & Marketing, Manufacturing and Education. (Interested in joining? Sign up to receive the Talent Roster.)
- Launched the 2024-25 Meet Greater Reading magazine. Are you interested in receiving a copy? Send your name and mailing address to Keith Stamm.
Champion
- Featured on average 504 members through GRCA marketing channels, including social media, Commerce Quarterly magazine and e-newsletters.
- Sent 61 marketing emails to membership and community stakeholders, achieving an average open rate of 27.12% and click rate of 2.6%.
These results and work are made possible by the entire GRCA Team – Landon Bernheiser, 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>