Back in 1913, Henry Ford introduced the continuous assembly line, producing a car in less than six hours. World War I was brewing in Europe. Women were protesting for the right to vote. Stainless steel was invented; the zipper was patented, and Billboard began publishing the Top 10 hits of the week.
The times were definitely changing. In Berks County, there was a Board of Trade. This organization promoted and protected the interests of the business community.
“Around 1912, it was suggested that an organization larger in scope would better serve the community,” explains Ellen T. Horan, Chamber President & CEO. “A Merchants Association and the Board of Trade were assimilated into the formation of a modern Chamber of Commerce in 1913.”
According to reports, the new Chamber became involved with “new industry, sewers, civic patriotism, agriculture, elimination of smoke, preservation of mountainsides, parks, fire protection, trolley and freight service, grade crossings, charity endorsement, city planning and codes, and improvement of the post office.”
While focus on roads and bridges had a direct business benefit, the Chamber also worked on efforts to remove coal pollution from the Schuylkill River and extend high pressure water throughout the city of Reading.
In May 2013 – a century later – 800 people gathered to celebrate the 100-year anniversary of The Greater Reading Chamber of Commerce & Industry.
The modern Chamber serves 1,500 businesses, representing 90,000 people. Horan leads a staff of 13. The annual cost of membership is based on the number of employees per company and starts at $396.
“We strive to be the business voice of Greater Reading,” says Horan. “The Chamber is the catalyst for growth and vitality of the community and connects business leaders and professionals.”
The benefits of membership include: professional development and training; pooled purchasing; value added discount programs; educational and issue forums; social events and networking opportunities; a Human Resources hotline; local government support; government advocacy; and business referrals.
In 2011, the Chamber launched Women2Women. This free group offers women networking events and mentorship opportunities. The goal of Women2Women is to encourage and nurture more female leaders in Berks County. The Chamber also offers information and resources in Spanish to serve the growing Latino population in Berks.
The Chamber serves the largest employers in Berks County, such as Carpenter, Reading Health System and East Penn Manufacturing Company Inc. However, 60 percent of its members have 10 employees or less. Small businesses and entrepreneurs have become a crucial part of the Berks economy, Horan says, and this trend will continue in the future.
“In a recent member survey, it was confirmed that the primary reasons businesses join the Chamber is for business exposure and connecting with other businesses,” reveals Horan. “They enjoy the credibility that comes with Chamber membership and they also want to be a part of something bigger that makes a difference in the community.”
