Real Estate Journal — Economic Development — January 27 - February 9, 2017 — 13A
www.marejournal.com
M id A tlantic
E conomic D evelopment
By Pamela J. Shupp, AICP, CEcD, Greater Reading Economic Partnership What’s next for economic development in Berks County?
E
very year we take a look at the economic development trends at
large metro markets, but at a much lower cost. Which is why… 3. Regional Partnering will be a key component to our success Berks County is grouped in a lot of different geographic categories. We can either allow this to foster identity schizophrenia or use it as a strength. We choose to use it as a strength. Identifying with the Southcentral PA, South- east PA, metro Philadelphia, and the Lehigh Valley allows Berks County’s diverse base of industry and cultures to become our greatest strength.
We are diverse, and we are proud of it. 4. Site Inventory remains a high priority. Dirt is Not a Site. We need more developable and ready-to-go site inventory. This continues to be critical for Berks County’s economic growth and expansion of our commercial and industrial base. So look for us to map out our strategy for short and long term inventory pipeline. 5. Focus on addressing the workforce needs of Existing Companies Many existing Berks compa- nies are expanding and they
are looking for employees with specific skill sets. And they are having difficulty finding those skills. In addition, there is a general labor availability issue. Companies will make location decisions based on where they can find and keep the best workers. Resources will be focused not only on technical education geared to our manu- facturers but also on our pro- fessional service sector so that they can attract the educated talent they are seeking. Pamela J. Shupp, AICP, CEcD is president and CEO of Greater Reading Eco- nomic Partnership. n
2. International interest in Berks County and PA will remain high Even with the uncertainty brought about by our Presi- dential election, foreign com- panies continue to look for an east coast U.S. location and we have positioned Greater Read- ing to be considered by these companies. With the help of the proactive international team at the Commonwealth of PA and their global network, Berks County is well posi- tioned to accommodate compa- nies looking for a mid-Atlantic location with a close proximity to international airports and
the global, national and state level to better under- s tand how they will af- fect our local strategies in the coming year. Devel-
Pamela Shupp
oping predictions in response to recent trends allows us to proactively develop strategic actions, and better position Berks County for business at- traction and retention. The good news for 2017 is that through all of the politi- cal uncertainty, there is a lot to be optimistic about in our community. So, here are my thoughts for 2017. 1. Municipalities Step Up their Game Active municipal involve- ment is key to proactive eco- nomic development because municipalities play a critical role in the attraction and re- tention of companies. We need to support the willingness of municipal officials to proac- tively engage in determining local development and eco- nomic growth. Streamlining the permitting process and approaching commercial and industrial development with a business friendly message, continues to be critical in a municipalities’ ability to at- tract and retain commercial and industrial users. Accessing economic development. . . years, many other businesses have received CBA’s assis- tance to acquire land, build- ings, and equipment, or re- structure their mortgages and debt, among other financial maneuvers. Such clients have been able to make these moves despite the economy’s struggles and the recent spate of bank merg- ers, illustrating that there is no substitute for decades of fi- nancial expertise and positive results. Government assis- tance programs are out there, but businesses need guidance in finding and taking advan- tage of them. CBA invites your inquiries regarding current or long-term financing options. David A. Berger, chief financial consultant at Carl Berger Associates. n continued from page 12A
OUR RESOURCES
ARE YOUR RESOURCES.
Use them to better serve your clients. We’re here to help you better serve your clients by connecting them to our extensive network of resources. Whether it’s managing rapid growth or educating employees, we can help your clients and, at the same time, help you take your customer service to the next level. Contact us today. We’re just a call or click away.
(610) 376.4237 GreaterReading.com info@greaterreading.com
Financing • Workforce Training • Available Commercial & Industrial Properties • Custom Data & Research
Made with FlippingBook - Online catalogs