The Greater Reading Chamber of Commerce & Industry is the business voice of Greater Reading and is proudly supported by over 1,800 members. We are the “go to first” best resource for business. Our dedicated staff assists small businesses, provides marketing and networking opportunities for our members, develops the skills of our local workforce, and fights the battles for business through strong advocacy. As a result of our daily efforts, entrepreneurs are created, businesses thrive and our community is strengthened.

2006 – 2007 New Initiatives and Accomplishments

Looking back on the past eighteen months, attention is first drawn to the milestone merger of the Chamber and the Manufacturers Association that occurred on January 1, 2006. Naturally, much effort was spent internally building and realigning the roles of departments and staff. Twelve months later in 2007, the new Greater Reading Chamber of Commerce & Industry left merger mode in the dust and quickly began functioning at a higher level delivering added value both to our members and the community. We cannot possibly list everything in these few pages, but here are the highlights. 

Economic Development

As the designated applicant and fiscal agent for the Greater Reading Keystone Innovation Zone (KIZ), the Chamber plays a key role that encourages the commercialization of research and development at our colleges, enhances entrepreneurial activity in our region and creates career opportunities for young professionals.  Michael Slusser, KIZ Coordinator, can be reached at mslusser@GreaterReadingChamber.org to discuss the criteria and steps necessary to tap into this program. Eligibility requirements include that your company is eight years or younger and in one of the designated clusters - food processing, professional and shared services (back-office support) and advanced materials & diversified manufacturing.

Infrastructure

The Infrastructure Committee, a joint committee of the Greater Reading Chamber of Commerce & Industry and the Berks Economic Partnership, began meeting in January 2007. This committee considers the components of our infrastructure that include all forms of travel, energy, water, sewer service, as well as voice and data communications.

One subcommittee is conducting a trolley feasibility study for the Penn Corridor (from downtown Reading to Wyomissing).  The Chamber’s Board of Directors will pay one half of the cost of the study with the other half being provided by Sovereign Bank. A second subcommittee is focusing on the impact upon business and economic development that would occur if wireless/fiber optics capabilities were increased.

Advocacy       

Persistent advocacy finally paid off with the ribbon cutting ceremony that officially opened the U.S. Route 222 Expressway between Reading and Lancaster. Throughout the years, the Chamber joined with others to keep the pressure on elected officials and raised $80,000 from our membership in 1996 to contribute to the project’s completion. The next critical highway need is the 222 North corridor. Expect to see an unwavering focus on infrastructure improvements in transportation and essential services needed to attract and grown business in Greater Reading.

We have built stronger relationships with our elected officials and community leaders with more frequent contact. The Chamber hosted two “Meet the Candidates Nights” at which our members probed candidates for the state legislature and U. S. Congress prior to the 2006 General Election. Congressmen Tim Holden and Joseph Pitts engaged our members in open dialogs in April and May. All of these events were made possible through the sponsorship of Sovereign Bank.

For the very first time in our 126-year history, the Chamber endorsed candidates for the offices of Mayor, City of Reading and Berks County Commissioner. Four out of five were successful in their primary bids. The Chamber is just getting started as we continue to advocate for business.

Networking

Networking continues to be the number one reason businesses join the Chamber. Today’s most profitable businesses know that building strong relationships is the key to long term success. The Chamber increased opportunities to meet decision makers at all levels with the introduction of the Executive Star Series, Women’s Initiatives and Networking at Noon.

The Executive Star Series, sponsored by Sovereign Bank, began with “Meet the Board and Your Legislators” at Canal Street Pub and Restaurant. The turnout exceeded everyone’s expectations. The second event, Meet the Stars under the Stars, takes place next month at Reading Public Museum’s Planetarium and will toast emerging young business leaders.

The Women’s Initiatives, sponsored by National Penn Bank, provided a variety of networking that broke new ground in Greater Reading. The series kicked off with a Symposium & Cocktail Reception addressing “What prompts women to become involved in politics?” Executive Director of the PA Commission for Women Leslie Stiles, Berks County Court of Common Pleas Judge Mary Ann Campbell, former Mayor of Reading Karen Miller, and Berks County Commissioner Chair Judy Schwank shared their insights and experiences in the political arena.  April’s Women’s Conference continued the series with energizing motivational and educational speakers, the presentation of the ATHENA award and a wrap-up reception that combined pampering, shopping and martini’s. Over 80 female professionals dined on lobster and steak “daring to go where women have not gone before” at the Fish Pond for a Seafood Fest in June.

Annual Dinner

According to our members and the community at large, the Chamber Annual Dinner is the most highly-acclaimed event of the year. Bringing in nationally-recognized keynote speakers such as James Carville, Newt Gingrich and Bill O’Reilly has taken the dinner to a new level and smashed attendance records for the past two years.  Melissa Varone, assistant vice president of marketing, lends her talents and direction to this high-caliber event.

Employer & Workforce Development

The local labor market faces a two-fold challenge – a labor shortage and a serious skill shortage. The Chamber proactively addresses this issue in a variety of ways. Through the Berks Business Education Coalition, the Chamber strives to build the workforce pipeline by strengthening the business connection to the K-12 system.

Each May the Chamber coordinates Berks Business Adventure, a unique four-day learning experience for students enrolled in grades nine and ten. This year 105 students formed and managed companies making tough business decisions through a twelve month business cycle. 

The Chamber lends strong support to the Greater Reading Young Professionals Network. This group helps young professionals between the ages of 21 and 45 develop business networks and leadership skills.

The Chamber directly increases the skills of our current workforce through extensive educational seminars, workshops, certificate programs, and consulting. Over the past 12 months, 525 employees from 160 companies took advantage of classroom training at our Spring Ridge facility.  In addition, 940 employees participated in on-site training at 31 area businesses.  

Small Business Services, Diversity

The Chamber has doubled our efforts in supporting small businesses with the addition of Michael Rivera to our staff as assistant vice president, small business services and dramatically increased the level of guidance we can provide. Michael points budding entrepreneurs and small business owners in the right direction to resources that help new or existing businesses take the next step towards success. The Chamber staff has kept our small business members top of mind as we develop new marketing packages and affordable training. Strengthening our community means embracing our diversity and fostering entrepreneurial opportunities by partnering with the Berks County Latino Chamber of Commerce.

We measure our success by the success of our members and our impact upon the community. The Greater Reading Chamber of Commerce & Industry is Greater Reading’s leading resource and advocate for business. 

Sincerely,

Ellen T. Horan