GRCA: Greater Reading Chamber Alliance

Every strong business community, no matter its size or location, has champions working behind the scenes to support its success. As Greater Reading’s leading resource for businesses, the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance (GRCA) strives to build a healthy, competitive business community through strategic partnerships, innovative programs and impassioned advocacy. From providing resources for small businesses to assisting established companies in expanding their reach, GRCA's impact touches every corner of the Greater Reading business landscape. Today, we turn the spotlight on GRCA’s story of transformation and growth; a journey that reflects the very qualities that have been showcased in fellow businesses: resilience, perseverance and the power of collaboration. Join us as we explore how its commitment to serving the business community has created something truly greater than the sum of its parts.

Every strong business community, no matter its size or location, has champions working behind the scenes to support its success. As Greater Reading’s leading resource for businesses, the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance (GRCA) strives to build a healthy, competitive business community through strategic partnerships, innovative programs and impassioned advocacy. From providing resources for small businesses to assisting established companies in expanding their reach, GRCA's impact touches every corner of the Greater Reading business landscape. Today, we turn the spotlight on GRCA’s story of transformation and growth; a journey that reflects the very qualities that have been showcased in fellow businesses: resilience, perseverance and the power of collaboration. Join us as we explore how its commitment to serving the business community has created something truly greater than the sum of its parts.

The Story Behind Greater Reading Chamber Alliance

In 2017, three established organizations—the Greater Reading Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Greater Reading Economic Partnership and Greater Berks Development Fund—came together with a shared vision: to create a single point of contact providing the tools and resources to help businesses in Greater Reading thrive.

"The idea was to bring together three separate organizations that all served a similar constituency and overlapped, to some extent, with the same mission of serving the business community," explains Sally Stewart, Chief Financial Officer. This strategic alliance, spearheaded by a team of dedicated business and community leaders, wasn't just about streamlining operations—it was about maximizing impact. Today, with nearly 900 active members, GRCA has emerged as a powerful, multifaceted organization that leverages the specialized expertise of each founding entity.

As such, the organization's reach and impact extend far beyond traditional chamber of commerce functions. Thanks to its roots in collaboration and commitment to continuous improvement, GRCA can respond quickly to meet evolving business needs. "Each of us has different areas in which we are providing services and value," notes Lucine Sihelnik, President & CEO. "But we always look first to our mission and vision to assess the alignment of what we're trying to do."

The Story Behind Greater Reading Chamber Alliance

In 2017, three established organizations—the Greater Reading Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Greater Reading Economic Partnership and Greater Berks Development Fund—came together with a shared vision: to create a single point of contact providing the tools and resources to help businesses in Greater Reading thrive.

"The idea was to bring together three separate organizations that all served a similar constituency and overlapped, to some extent, with the same mission of serving the business community," explains Sally Stewart, Chief Financial Officer. This strategic alliance, spearheaded by a team of dedicated business and community leaders, wasn't just about streamlining operations—it was about maximizing impact. Today, with nearly 900 active members, GRCA has emerged as a powerful, multifaceted organization that leverages the specialized expertise of each founding entity.

As such, the organization's reach and impact extend far beyond traditional chamber of commerce functions. Thanks to its roots in collaboration and commitment to continuous improvement, GRCA can respond quickly to meet evolving business needs. "Each of us has different areas in which we are providing services and value," notes Lucine Sihelnik, President & CEO. "But we always look first to our mission and vision to assess the alignment of what we're trying to do."

Lucine Sihelnik

President & CEO

Sally Stewart

Chief Financial Officer

Deb Millman

President, Greater Berks Development Fund

Aaron Gantz

Vice President of Economic Development & Strategy

Jackie Stiles

Vice President of Business Development & Special Programs

Creating opportunities for meaningful connections isn't just a goal or a metric—it's woven into the fabric of the organization. GRCA has mastered the art of designing initiatives that serve an incredibly diverse business community. From connecting employers with skilled talent and linking growing companies to development opportunities, to fostering relationships through specialized programs like Women2Women and industry-specific roundtables, GRCA crafts experiences that resonate with everyone from solo entrepreneurs to corporate executives.

The commitment to facilitating these opportunities becomes evident in how programs evolve based on member feedback. "We are constantly asking for feedback from members and participants. We proactively visit our companies for check-ins, asking them leading questions about their current challenges," shares Aaron Gantz, Vice President of Economic Development & Strategy. "Listening sessions like these are a really good touchpoint; they help our whole organization understand what's needed." This culture of listening has led to innovative solutions in workforce development, economic growth initiatives and targeted business support programs.

It's no secret that in Greater Reading, relationships and collaboration fuel the engines of business success. GRCA's ability to connect the right resources, opportunities and people at the right time has become its hallmark; it's a responsibility that it undertakes with enthusiasm and pride.

Creating opportunities for meaningful connections isn't just a goal or a metric—it's woven into the fabric of the organization. GRCA has mastered the art of designing initiatives that serve an incredibly diverse business community. From connecting employers with skilled talent and linking growing companies to development opportunities, to fostering relationships through specialized programs like Women2Women and industry-specific roundtables, GRCA crafts experiences that resonate with everyone from solo entrepreneurs to corporate executives.

The commitment to facilitating these opportunities becomes evident in how programs evolve based on member feedback. "We are constantly asking for feedback from members and participants. We proactively visit our companies for check-ins, asking them leading questions about their current challenges," shares Aaron Gantz, Vice President of Economic Development & Strategy. "Listening sessions like these are a really good touchpoint; they help our whole organization understand what's needed." This culture of listening has led to innovative solutions in workforce development, economic growth initiatives and targeted business support programs.

It's no secret that in Greater Reading, relationships and collaboration fuel the engines of business success. GRCA's ability to connect the right resources, opportunities and people at the right time has become its hallmark; it's a responsibility that it undertakes with enthusiasm and pride.

Connection in Action:
Watch Highlights from The Picnic 2024

Ask any business leader about their greatest communication challenge, and many will tell you it's clearly defining and conveying who their company is and what it does. This challenge multiplies when an organization has a long history, diverse offerings and multiple roles in the community—something GRCA knows firsthand.

The word "chamber" often conjures specific images: networking events, ribbon cuttings, perhaps a downtown office with a conference room. While these traditional chamber functions remain important, GRCA's unique structure as an alliance of three powerful entities allows it to transcend typical chamber boundaries and deliver real impact to businesses where it matters most.

“There is always a challenge communicating everything an organization can do and offer when you are working with one as multifaceted as GRCA,” says Leah Fassnacht, Senior Director of Communications & Marketing. “Yes, we perform the traditional chamber functions, but we provide so much more, making us uniquely positioned to help businesses in many ways. We may help one business secure funding, promote its event and elevate it in our Business Excellence Awards but the next company may just need our help finding connections and building its network.”

Recent national research by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives reveals what adults' perceptions are of chamber functions: growing the local economy, expanding local businesses and creating jobs. These priorities align perfectly with GRCA's mission. The research also shows that people recognize the broader impact chambers have—with over 90% of adults surveyed believing chambers play a crucial role in creating business networks, growing local businesses and strengthening the local economy.

As an organization that goes beyond traditional chamber boundaries, GRCA is strategically positioned to deliver on these expectations and more. "One organization, many resources” isn't just a catchy headline—it's GRCA’s reality. In the following sections, we'll explore specific examples of how GRCA's structure enables it to support businesses in ways that go far beyond traditional chamber services, creating a more vibrant and prosperous Greater Reading for all.

Ask any business leader about their greatest communication challenge, and many will tell you it's clearly defining and conveying who their company is and what it does. This challenge multiplies when an organization has a long history, diverse offerings and multiple roles in the community—something GRCA knows firsthand.

The word "chamber" often conjures specific images: networking events, ribbon cuttings, perhaps a downtown office with a conference room. While these traditional chamber functions remain important, GRCA's unique structure as an alliance of three powerful entities allows it to transcend typical chamber boundaries and deliver real impact to businesses where it matters most.

“There is always a challenge communicating everything an organization can do and offer when you are working with one as multifaceted as GRCA,” says Leah Fassnacht, Senior Director of Communications & Marketing. “Yes, we perform the traditional chamber functions, but we provide so much more, making us uniquely positioned to help businesses in many ways. We may help one business secure funding, promote its event and elevate it in our Business Excellence Awards but the next company may just need our help finding connections and building its network.”

Recent national research by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives reveals what adults' perceptions are of chamber functions: growing the local economy, expanding local businesses and creating jobs. These priorities align perfectly with GRCA's mission. The research also shows that people recognize the broader impact chambers have—with over 90% of adults surveyed believing chambers play a crucial role in creating business networks, growing local businesses and strengthening the local economy.

As an organization that goes beyond traditional chamber boundaries, GRCA is strategically positioned to deliver on these expectations and more. "One organization, many resources” isn't just a catchy headline—it's GRCA’s reality. In the following sections, we'll explore specific examples of how GRCA's structure enables it to support businesses in ways that go far beyond traditional chamber services, creating a more vibrant and prosperous Greater Reading for all.

But perhaps what truly sets GRCA apart is its people—a dedicated, 18-member team that approaches each day with genuine enthusiasm for helping Greater Reading businesses flourish. From the senior leadership team to the newest intern, you'll find staff members from throughout the organization actively engaged at every event—working alongside volunteers, shaking hands, making introductions and forging connections.

"Our staff is very proactive," notes Jackie Stiles, Vice President of Business Development and Special Programs. "There's never a shortage of people willing to roll up their sleeves and get involved." This hands-on approach doesn’t stop with external operations—it's about building a culture of collaboration.

The organization's recent consolidation to a shared office space mirrors GRCA’s deepening unity; team members now work side-by-side daily, sharing ideas and solving problems in the same physical spaces. And at an outdoor retreat earlier this year, the crew took advantage of an opportunity to work “outside the four walls” of the office—brainstorming, imagining and exploring what’s possible for GRCA and our community.

"Our role is to champion the success of Greater Reading businesses," says Sihelnik. "We're successful when our members are successful." This isn't just a philosophy—it's deeply personal for every team member, from those planning signature events and developing innovative programs to those forging partnerships and spearheading community initiatives. Together, we’ve created something special: an organization where passion meets expertise, where every staff member is an ambassador, and where our disparate daily tasks transcend "business as usual" to become something greater.

But perhaps what truly sets GRCA apart is its people—a dedicated, 18-member team that approaches each day with genuine enthusiasm for helping Greater Reading businesses flourish. From the senior leadership team to the newest intern, you'll find staff members from throughout the organization actively engaged at every event—working alongside volunteers, shaking hands, making introductions and forging connections.

"Our staff is very proactive," notes Jackie Stiles, Vice President of Business Development and Special Programs. "There's never a shortage of people willing to roll up their sleeves and get involved." This hands-on approach doesn’t stop with external operations—it's about building a culture of collaboration.

The organization's recent consolidation to a shared office space mirrors GRCA’s deepening unity; team members now work side-by-side daily, sharing ideas and solving problems in the same physical spaces. And at an outdoor retreat earlier this year, the crew took advantage of an opportunity to work “outside the four walls” of the office—brainstorming, imagining and exploring what’s possible for GRCA and our community.

"Our role is to champion the success of Greater Reading businesses," says Sihelnik. "We're successful when our members are successful." This isn't just a philosophy—it's deeply personal for every team member, from those planning signature events and developing innovative programs to those forging partnerships and spearheading community initiatives. Together, we’ve created something special: an organization where passion meets expertise, where every staff member is an ambassador, and where our disparate daily tasks transcend "business as usual" to become something greater.

Innovation on the Horizon

True leadership isn't about standing apart from the community—it's about standing with it. Through times of prosperity and challenge, GRCA continues to evolve, adapt and grow alongside the businesses and people it serves. Whether you're a solo entrepreneur just starting out, an established business looking to expand or a corporate leader seeking to make a bigger impact in Greater Reading, GRCA invites you to be part of its story. While GRCA is telling its own tale today, it may be telling yours tomorrow! After all, when one of us rises, we all rise together. That's what makes us Greater Reading, and what ultimately makes us greater together.