a message from GRCA CEO & President
Embracing the change By Jim Gerlach, President & CEO, GRCA
W
hen I came onboard with GRCA, I was looking forward
are exploring additional partnerships with local and regional entities
to the chance to continue to grow and strengthen an
to enhance member benefits and expand connection within our
already great organization and better blend the Chamber
regional economy.
and Economic Development entities. I was excited to be getting back to working with and on behalf of communities and businesses I had the pleasure of representing in public office and embracing emerging
challenges. Little did I know the big challenge facing all of us that was waiting for me on day one.
Members will see increased advocacy and engagement on ways to improve Pennsylvania’s business climate and grow out of these economic pressures including reducing the corporate net income tax and using American Rescue Plan, infrastructure and existing funds to increase investment in local
While I’m glad to be celebrating
economic development. GRCA
my two-year anniversary with
will help keep you up to date
GRCA on March 23, that date
on the new legislative maps,
shares a dubious history as the
conducting
same day Gov. Wolf locked
looking to member businesses
schools and citizens in reaction
to increase efforts to encourage
to the spread of COVID-19. The
employee
original plan of “two weeks to
the local leader of economic
another variant.
development, focusing on the
A lot has changed in those two
needs of our existing Berks
years, both good and bad, and we
County community can come together in times of crisis. So, while 2020 was a mad scramble and 2021 was full of growing pains, in 2022, we’re embracing the change. Change in how we work, change in how we live and change in how we approach challenges. In 2022, you will see some dynamic shifts from GRCA as we continue to focus on adding value to membership and addressing the needs of members with new resources for business operations, HR tools, peer learning and professional development opportunities. We
6 COMMERCE QUARTERLY WINTER 2022
in
GRCA will continue to be
two years, and we’re riding out
and dynamic shifts. The pandemic also reaffirmed how the Berks
participation
elections.
stop the spread” has turned into
about what it takes to operate our businesses under extreme pressures
“Candidate
Questionnaires” and we will be
down Pennsylvania’s businesses,
all continue to learn a great deal
the
County companies, as well as showcasing that Berks County is open for business for new opportunities. We are very fortunate that, despite the challenges of the past few years, many of our companies are experiencing unprecedented growth and activity. While this is welcome news, it has often come with challenges such as limited material supply, cost increases and labor shortages. In 2022, we will work to ensure that our valued companies can continue to thrive and that their employees enjoy Berks County as a place to live, work, play and learn.
