By Jackie Stiles, Director of Membership, GRCA
In my first eight months with the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance (GRCA), I have had the opportunity to meet many members of our business community. Some members have given me the privilege to discuss ways GRCA supports their business currently, and they’ve also shared how the organization has run in the past. With this information, we made the decision to relaunch the Coffee & Convo series in October to focus on the small businesses of GRCA. The event was well attended, and members learned from Thomas Rhoads on the essentials of networking. Also, we surveyed all the attendees with the goal of identifying how we can better support the small businesses and provide beneficial programming. We read your surveys and will keep your interests at the top of your mind while planning for 2024 Coffee & Convo series topics and our Lunch & Learn programming.
First up, get excited to hear from our award-winning marketing team on different ways to utilize your membership for your exclusive marketing opportunity benefit. Whether it’s boosting your online presence or reaching new audiences, our experts have you covered. Our team will assist you with promoting your organization in front of our members through social media, e-newsletters, print publications and more!
Then, our small business members will hear from our advocacy arm of GRCA which serves as the front-line advocate for business and community. We provide a bridge between business, community and government—helping our federal, state and local officials to acknowledge the challenges businesses face, while providing business-friendly solutions to regulatory, legislative and workforce issues.
Ever wondered about the possibilities for funding your growth? Our economic experts are here to guide you through potential pathways to secure the resources you need. From traditional funding sources to innovative approaches, discover strategies that align with your unique goals. This could be securing a new location for your business, maybe an expansion, or assistance with financing a new piece of equipment that might be essential for your business growth. Basically, dream big, and let’s see how far we can help you grow!
At GRCA, your opinions shape our priorities, and we want you to know that we’ve been attentively listening to your valuable feedback. Your surveys have provided invaluable insights, and we are thrilled to share our exciting plans for the upcoming year. Your interests are our compass as we chart the course for our 2024 Coffee & Convo Series and Lunch & Learn programming. Expect dynamic sessions tailored to address your specific needs, providing practical insights and tools to enhance your business endeavors.
Calling All Non-Profit Organizations
Circle Dec. 12 on your calendar! We’re hosting a Non-Profit Forum, open to both GRCA members AND future members, dedicated to learning more about your mission and exploring ways we can actively support you. Come with your ideas, challenges and aspirations—this is your platform to share and collaborate.
Your active engagement is crucial to the success of these initiatives. We believe in the strength of our community, and together, we can achieve remarkable things. Your success is our mission, and we’re committed to making 2024 a year of growth and collaboration. Come ready to share your insights and ideas at these events—your input is what makes our community thrive.
We look forward to seeing you at the Coffee & Convo series, Lunch & Learn sessions and the Non-Profit Forum!