News Release: 10/30/2025 Heck Construction promotes Dakota Black
Heck Construction Company, Inc. is pleased to announce the recent promotion of Dakota Black to Commercial Project Manager/Estimator. Under Heck’s Bid-Buy-Run model of project management, Dakota will serve as the primary point of contact for commercial clients. From pre-construction, to construction, to final closeout, he will lead the procurement of resources, oversee and manage the construction process, and deliver results that exceed expectations. Dakota joined the Heck Crew in 2024 as an Assistant
The Confident Founder: Practical Ways to Manage Business Risk
Every founder faces risk—it’s the toll for innovation. But managing risk isn’t about playing it safe; it’s about learning how to build safely while moving fast. For entrepreneurs in the Greater Reading region, that means understanding local resources, structuring smart protections, and creating a system that lets you make bold moves with confidence. TL;DR Risk is not the enemy—it’s the signal that you’re creating something valuable. Founders who thrive treat risk management as a strategy, not
Urgent Call to Action: Support Berks County Families Impacted by SNAP Benefit discontinuation
Dear Community Leaders and Partners, We are reaching out with an urgent call to action regarding the upcoming SNAP benefit discontinuation, slated to begin next month. This change is expected to affect more than 3,000 families across Berks County, leaving many without critical food assistance and necessities. Due to these recent developments, The Real Deal 610 is calling on all who are able to help effect change and provide immediate community support. This is a time for unity, compassion, and action —
News Release: 10/16/2025 Little Feather Cleaning Co. Launches to Serve Berks County Residents and Businesses
LENHARTSVILLE, Pennsylvania (October 16, 2025) – Little Feather Cleaning Co., a newly established residential and commercial cleaning company based in Lenhartsville, Pennsylvania, is proud to announce its launch, offering professional, detail-oriented cleaning services to clients throughout Berks County and the surrounding communities. Founded by Catherine Shaffer, Little Feather Cleaning Co. was created with a clear mission: to bring reliability, trust, and personalized care to every home and office it
How Small Businesses Can Compete with Big Brands: Smart Strategies, Tools, and Everyday Tactics
For small businesses, competing with large, resource-rich competitors can feel like a never-ending uphill climb. But in reality, agility, authenticity, and smart technology adoption can help level the playing field. With the right mix of strategy and tools, small teams can outperform giants — not by mimicking them, but by moving faster and connecting more personally with their audience. TL;DR Focus on customer intimacy and personalization that big brands can’t easily match. Use digital tools
Trout CPA Announces Bob Firely, CPA, CGMA as Chief Operating Officer
Trout CPA Announces Bob Firely, CPA, CGMA as Chief Operating OfficerLANCASTER, Pennsylvania (September 30, 2025) – Regional accounting and advisory firm Trout CPA is excited to announce the appointment of Robert (Bob) Firely, CPA, CGMA, to Chief Operating Officer (COO). As COO, Bob will spearhead strategic operational initiatives enabling our team to focus on delivering specialized accounting, assurance, tax, and advisory solutions to our clients. “Bob has a proven track record in guiding
New Castle Lawn & Landscape Expands Headquarters with 12-Acre Land Acquisition
New Castle Lawn & Landscape, a locally owned and operated leader in landscaping services, is proud to announce its expansion with the purchase of an additional 12 acres of land adjacent to its headquarters off Route 724 in Birdsboro, Pa. The newly acquired property will immediately support the company’s continued growth by creating additional parking and staging areas. Plans also include the installation of an on-site fuel station designed to streamline operations and increase efficiency for New Castle’s
GRCA celebrates 2025 Building Berks Award winners
Reading, PA – The Greater Reading Chamber Alliance (GRCA) last night recognized 22 Building Berks Award winners. The biannual event, which celebrates construction projects that have added to the economic vitality, transformation and growth of the Greater Reading community, was held at the GoggleWorks Center for the Arts. Guests enjoyed appetizers, signature cocktails and an expo featuring sponsor businesses and nominated projects on the main floor. Later, attendees moved to the second floor where awards
GBDF secures Pennsylvania Catalyst loan for local family
The Greater Berks Development Fund (GBDF) an affiliate of the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance (GRCA), is pleased to announce that it has secured a $180,000 Pennsylvania Catalyst loan for Travis and Emily LaFaver. GBDF, Berks County’s only Certified Economic Development Organization (CEDO), facilitated the loan in conjunction with funding provided by Fulton Bank. The LaFavers received financing to construct a steer barn located on their farm in Hamburg, Pa. The LaFaver Family Farm is a local,
Success at Full Speed: Guiding Small Businesses Through the Growing Pains
Sudden growth often feels like a dream realized—but it can quickly morph into a logistical tangle if handled without foresight. For small business owners, this period is a balancing act between seizing opportunities and safeguarding the structure that allowed them to succeed in the first place. The challenge isn’t simply producing more or serving more customers; it’s scaling in a way that doesn’t fracture the culture, overwhelm the team, or dilute the brand. Navigating that tightrope calls for practical
Not Bigger—Smarter: The Tech Edge Small Teams Use to Win
It’s easy for small businesses to feel outgunned in the trenches of day-to-day operations. The giants have scale, funding, and brand recognition. But small doesn’t mean slow—and it definitely doesn’t mean stuck. What it does mean is agility, precision, and the ability to build tighter feedback loops between product and customer. Armed with the right tools and a sharper strategy, your small business can move faster, connect deeper, and deliver smarter than the enterprise Goliaths. Use Cloud Tools That
Design Without the Fuss: Fast, Smart Tips for Better Branding on a Budget
Small business owners rarely find extra hours tucked between client calls, product shipments, and tax prep. Yet in a digital-first world, even the leanest operations need to show up with some level of visual polish. Graphic design used to require expensive software or hiring out the job entirely. That’s changed. Now, with a few savvy shortcuts and a little intention, even the busiest entrepreneur can sharpen their visual presence without touching a design degree—or breaking the bank. AI Tools Make Print
Magic meets motivation at GRCA’s Annual Dinner
The Greater Reading Chamber Alliance (GRCA) last night celebrated the vitality of the Berks County business community at its 112th Annual Dinner held at the Santander Arena. Nearly 700 people gathered for the Las Vegas-themed event. The evening began by instantly transporting attendees to the glitz and glamour of the Vegas Strip. VIP Sponsors were treated to an exclusive experience, complete with signature cocktails, gourmet hors d’oeuvres and a photo opportunity with the legendary Penn Jillette. As
Pixels Purpose: How Small Business Visuals Move the Needle Online
It’s not enough to simply show up online anymore. Audiences scroll with instinct, and anything that doesn’t spark something visceral is lost to the abyss within seconds. For small businesses trying to stretch lean marketing budgets, visual content isn’t just part of the strategy—it’s the whole conversation starter. Across platforms, the brands that pull you in are the ones that understand how to frame their message with texture, color, and a clear point of view. Authenticity Always Outperforms
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Discover Commute PA's 2024 Impact: Read the Year End Highlights
Commute PA has released our Year End highlights for 2024, showcasing the organization's dedication to fostering smarter commuting options throughout Berks County. Inside, you'll find highlights on program successes, employer relationships, community engagement, and the strides made in encouraging carpooling, vanpooling, biking, walking, telecommuting and public transit. Explore the positive changes Commute PA is driving! https://commutepa.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/2024_YearEnd_CommutePA.pdf
News Release: 12/11/2024
Visit Shady Hollow Assisted Riding for a Holiday Open House, "Hooves and Hot CoCoa"! Just $5.00 for nonmembers!
Reading, PA Businesses Should File FinCEN's BOI by 01/01/2025 Deadline to Avoid Fines!
The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) requires businesses to report Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) to FinCEN to promote transparency and combat financial crimes. As of today, November 27th, 2024, Reading, Pennsylvania, business owners have 35 calendar days (or 25 business days) left to file their BOI report with FinCEN—don’t delay, or you could face $500 per day fines! What You Need to Do:1. Determine if Your Business Must File. Most LLCs, corporations, and small businesses qualify as
Behind the Digital Curtain: How Women Entrepreneurs Build Success with Adobe Acrobat
This October, in honor of Women's Small Business Month, it's essential to acknowledge the cutting-edge tools that enable women entrepreneurs to optimize their workflows and fuel growth. Adobe Acrobat provides a robust set of features aimed at boosting efficiency, simplifying document management, enhancing team collaboration, and streamlining crucial business processes. For women entrepreneurs eager to save time and concentrate on expanding their businesses, these solutions can be transformative in the
Navigating Financial Storms When You’re Between Jobs
In the unpredictable ebb and flow of modern employment, finding yourself between jobs can feel like being adrift without an anchor. But what if this transitional phase could be transformed into an opportunity for personal financial growth and stability? Imagine emerging from this interlude not just unscathed, but with a fortified financial strategy and a renewed sense of control over your economic future. This article delves into strategies designed to help you navigate the financial uncertainties of
Effective Strategies to Enhance Efficiency in Remote Work Environments
Unlock the full potential of your business by joining the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance, where connecting, advocating, and developing are our top priorities. In today's increasingly digital landscape, remote work has become a standard practice for many organizations. While this model offers flexibility and access to a broader talent pool, it also presents unique challenges in maintaining operational efficiency. This article explores practical and proven methods that can help remote teams optimize
Close the Deal: Innovative Sales Strategies for the Savvy Seller
In today’s competitive market, mastering the art of crafting persuasive sales pitches and implementing effective marketing strategies is crucial for success. As you navigate through the complexities of the market, understanding how to connect with your audience, differentiate your product, and convincingly convey your message can set you apart. This guide will explore key strategies to enhance your pitches and captivate your target audience.Know Your Audience: The First Step to Persuasion To craft a
