Carpool Month
Ready to fill those empty seats and make your commute more rewarding? Join the Commute PA July Carpool Challenge! It’s easy to participate – just log at least 4 shared rides during the month here, https://my.commutepa.org/. You could be one of 3 randomly selected carpooling commuters to win a $50 Tango Gift Card! Commute PA offers a free and confidential ridematch program that can help you discover new carpool buddies to fill your seats. Plus, easily record your carpool trips to see the positive
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
Local family receives PIDA loan to purchase Shoemakersville farm
Reading, Pa. – The Greater Berks Development Fund (GBDF), an affiliate of the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance (GRCA), is pleased to announce that it has helped secure a $310,000 Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority (PIDA) loan for Jeremy and Joanna Martin and their sons Jeremiah and Shane. The Martins requested PIDA financing to purchase the farm located at 529 Ridge Road in Shoemakersville. GBDF, Berks County’s only Certified Economic Development Organization (CEDO), facilitated the
GRCA marketing team wins top award for communications
Reading, Pa. – The Greater Reading Chamber Alliance is excited to announce that its marketing team has been named one of 12 Communications Award of Excellence winners by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE). ACCE’s Awards for Communications Excellence (ACE) program is designed to showcase top communications and marketing work of chambers of commerce and similar organizations. “Innovative, engaging communications are essential for chambers of commerce to demonstrate their impact and
Nomination period open for 2025 Building Berks Awards
Reading, PA – The Greater Reading Chamber Alliance (GRCA) today announced that the nomination period for the 2025 Building Berks Awards is officially open. The biannual event celebrates construction projects that have added to the economic vitality, transformation and growth of the Greater Reading community. GRCA will accept nominations for projects completed within the last two years, with a completion date on or before July 31, 2025. A diverse panel of judges will evaluate projects based on economic and
GBDF helps secure PIDA loan for local farm
Reading, Pa. – The Greater Berks Development Fund (GBDF), an affiliate of the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance (GRCA), is pleased to announce that it has helped secure a $400,000 Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority (PIDA) loan for Travis and Kayla Shaak. The Shaaks are the owners of 313 Zweizig Road, Shoemakersville, and will construct a cage-free layer barn at the property. GBDF, Berks County’s only Certified Economic Development Organization (CEDO), facilitated the PIDA loan in
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
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Berks Women2Women announces ATHENA and EmpowHER Awards recipients
Berks Women2Women, a special program of the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance (GRCA), is proud to announce the 2025 ATHENA Leadership Award and EmpowHER Award winners. The ATHENA Leadership Award celebrates the exemplary leadership of a woman leader who demonstrates excellence, creativity and initiative in their profession, provides valuable service to improve the quality of life for others in their community and actively assists women in achieving their full leadership potential. Meggan Kerber,
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
Make Organizational Change Less Stressful With These Steps
As a business owner, it can be a challenge to manage organizational change. It's important to have the right strategies and tools in place to make the process smoother, from a solid plan to PDF tools that can help with training materials. The Greater Reading Chamber Alliance understands how stressful this process can be, both for business owners and their employees. In this blog post, we will discuss the best methods and strategies for business owners on managing organizational change.Figure Out Exactly
