Greater Together

GREATER READING

Chamber Alliance

GREATER TOGETHER

Here’s a taste of what the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance (GRCA) has been working on in the past couple of months and what’s to come!

Advocacy

This fall has been all about the 2022 General Election, and 2023 will be all about introducing the newly elected state and federal officials to GRCA members. In preparation for the new year, we’re working on some major changes for the Business & Community Advocacy Council, bringing back the member-led policy committees. We’re also writing our 2023-24 policy positions that will dictate what and how GRCA advocates on behalf of the Berks County business community. If you have ever had any interest in how government affects your business, now is the best time possible to get involved with GRCA’s advocacy program.

Economic Development

GRCA’s Community Initiatives Team has partnered with the Chester County Economic Development Council to launch the Pennsylvania Loan Catalyst Fund. This new program is intended to provide flexible financing to Berks County small businesses, in partnership with financial institutions. Over $2.8 million will be allocated to Berks County over the next three years.

Events & Special Programs

September is often slower for everyone, with kids going back to school and everyone prepping for the new budget year. We do the same, but in the events world that means putting dates on the next year’s calendar! We are excited for you to preview our 2023 event schedule across GRCA, Women2Women and Family Business Alliance. Event planner surveys show that 2023 will be the “new benchmark” for events. How many people will come? What will it all cost? Our members have seen that we won’t stop, and, in 2023, we added 11 new events to the calendar! See page 27 for a preview of our 2023 Events Calendar. We hope to see you soon!

Membership

From Flying Drones to Spilling Tea, members are learning and connecting with GRCA! If you haven’t taken advantage of the many events, workshops, conferences, or fun and impactful gatherings this year, please join us in 2023. We are packing the calendar with more than ever before. Stay tuned for monthly Lunch & Learns, Member Mixers (new!), Roundtables and more Networking Experiences. And, if your business has an event or training space available, we would love the opportunity to show it off and partner with you as a host.

Training & Workforce Development

GRCA’s training and professional development department continues to meet the needs of our members while bringing new and innovative approaches to professional development. Two recent workshops included a DISC workshop where participants learned their communication and leadership styles and how their styles interact with others who may have different styles. The second workshop had attendees flying drones as a tool to teach critical teambuilding concepts. Continue to fly high with GRCA training and professional development programs.