Former Congressman to lead Greater Reading Chamber Alliance

Former Congressman Jim Gerlach, who served Pennsylvania’s 6^th District for 12 years, has been tapped to head the Greater Reading Chamber Allliance.

The Alliance is the primary business resource agency of Berks County.

As president and CEO of the GRCA, Gerlach will help the alliance with new and existing business expansion, project funding, redevelopment efforts, business-to-business promotion, workforce development and will advocate for business interests.

Most recently Gerlach served as president and CEO of the Business-Industry Political Action Committee. He had also served for 12 years in the Pennsylvania state legislature.

“Small businesses are the lifeblood of our community, and we rely on local industry for jobs that offer living wages and support our economy,” said Gerlach in a statement. “The Reading area is home to a thriving business community and diverse commercial and industrial enterprises. I’m looking forward to serving as an advocate for this community and supporting Greater Reading’s continued growth and prosperity.”

He replaces Randy Peers, who resigned from the post in July of last year.

Ed Swoyer, president of the Greater Berks Development Fund, and Pamela Shupp, executive vice president and COO of the GRCA, had been serving as interim co-CEOs of the alliance.