Greater Reading Chamber Alliance names new president, CEO

The Greater Reading Chamber Alliance (GRCA) board of directors recently named Jim Gerlach its new president and CEO.

Gerlach previously served as president and CEO of the Business-Industry Political Action Committee (BIPAC) and spent 12 years in both chambers of the Pennsylvania Legislature representing the 6th District.

While serving in Congress, Gerlach received perfect scores from BIPAC’s Outline for Prosperity. He also received the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Spirit of Enterprise Award and was repeatedly named as a “Guardian of Small Business.”

“Small businesses are the lifeblood of our community, and we rely on local industry for jobs that offer living wages and support our economy,” Gerlach said. “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.”

GRCA used Philadelphia-based Diversified Search, an executive search firm, to chose Gerlach.

“Jim’s history of public service, high integrity, and ability to work with a wide variety of constituencies will serve him and our community well in the years ahead,” Board Chairman Dan Langdon said.

GRCA facilitates new and existing business expansion, advocacy and workforce development, business-to-business promotion, project funding, and redevelopment in Berks County.