friday january 13
The Greater Reading Chamber Alliance (GRCA) will host a networking breakfast with Berks County Commissioners, 7:30-9:30 a.m., DoubleTree by Hilton Reading, 701 Penn St., Reading. Attendees will hear an update on the Commissioners’ 2023 goals, including economic development, Imagine Berks, 2030 planning initiatives, US bailout funding, restoring passenger rail and many other issues in the county. The county’s new chief operating officer, Kevin Barnhardt, will share the projects he worked on as commissioner in 2022 and his vision for the county as he steps into this new leadership role. Registration is required at: GreaterReading.org. Cost: $35 for members, $50 for non-members.
Thursday January 19
The TriCounty Area Chamber of Commerce will host a “REACH Luncheon: Time Management” from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Copperfield Inn at Lakeside, 594 W. Ridge Pike, Limerick. Led by Audrey Faust, Business Consultant, CFO, and Certified Neurocoach, the lunch will help attendees learn how to stop feeling “overworked, overwhelmed, and overcommitted.” The cost to attend is $45 for members; $90 for non-members. To register: https://business.tricountyareachamber.com/events/details/reach-luncheon-time-management-857868?calendarMonth=2023-01-01
tuesday january 24
The Small Business Resource Association will host a focus workshop on Tuesday, “The Economy and the Financial Markets Landscape,” from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., virtually via Zoom. In this session, presented by Dianne Manges of Truist Foundations, key takeaways will include: an overview of the current economic landscape; financial market outlook; implications for small business activity. Registration: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUvdeGhrjsjE9IQY3HBUP4GWk9bWs93HThi. This event is free to the public.
tuesday january 24
Berks Alliance will present a Spotlight program, “Tourism in Berks County,” virtually via Zoom starting at 12 p.m. The recreation and hospitality industry is the fifth largest industry sector accounting for 8% of employment in Berks County. In 2022, the county’s economic development strategy, Imagine Berks, identified the importance of establishing a cohesive and comprehensive marketing strategy for the county. The Americana Area Visitors Bureau in Pennsylvania has taken steps to invest in the future of tourism in Berks County with a rebranding and a 5-year Tourism Economic Strategic Plan. At this forum, learn about the updated strategic plan: identified challenges, strategies, and the work that has begun to support the county’s economic growth. Registration: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUtfuGrrzgqE9YQ03abu1n49siGtVw6Nfde. This event is free to the public.
Wednesday January 25
The TriCounty Area Chamber of Commerce will host a members breakfast, “Internships: Are They Right for Your Business,” 8-9:30 a.m., Spring Hollow Golf Club, 3350 Schuylkill Road, Spring City. This members breakfast will include a panel discussion on internships and discuss the support, opportunities, requirements and benefits of working with local students. The cost to attend is $35 for members; $70 for non-members. To register: https://tricountyareachamber.chambermaster.com/eventregistration/register/857977.
Wednesday January 25
The Small Business Resource Association will be hosting a MINGLE Networking at B2 Bistro, 701 Reading Ave., West Reading, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Registration: https://www.sbrassociation.com/register-b2-bistro. SBRA MINGLES offers a unique opportunity to network with other small business owners. This event is free for members, $25 at the door for non-members.
Wednesday January 25
Berks LaunchBox Presents a “Step-by-Step Class to Create a Business Model Canvas” webinar, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Learn how to build a business plan in a one-page summary with the Business Model Canvas – which shows the feasibility, desirability and viability of your business. Participants will learn how to articulate their value proposition, how they deliver value, and how to measure that value. They will also have the opportunity to practice and get feedback on the draft canvas from one of the coaches in a private follow-up meeting. Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/step-by-step-class-to-build-a-business-model-canvas-tickets-488658640147. This course is free to the public.
tuesday 31 january
The Berks Family Business Alliance, a flagship program of the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance (GRCA), will present “The 7 Principles of a Healthy Business,” 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Sly Fox Taphouse at the Knitting Mills, 820 Knitting Mills Way , Wyoming. Join Steve Essig, Third Generation President of Essig Plumbing & Heating, to delve deeper into the first of the Seven Principles, Effective Leadership. Essig will discuss his journey to becoming a successful leader and help attendees understand what companies sometimes do wrong. He will share advice and insights from leadership experts John Maxwell, Jim Collins and Ken Blanchard. Registration is required at: GreaterReading.org. Cost: $30 for members, $40 for non-members.
Every second Tuesday
The SHRM Berks County Chapter will meet virtually from 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. The meeting includes a presentation on a relevant HR topic. Visit www.berkspa.shrm.org for details.
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