A Night of Celebration: The Greater Reading Chamber Alliance’s 112th Annual Dinner
On the evening of May 21, the vibrant pulse of the Berks County business community was celebrated in style during the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance’s (GRCA) 112th annual dinner. Held at the impressive Santander Arena, the event was a Las Vegas-themed extravaganza attended by nearly 700 guests, all eager to acknowledge the accomplishments within their local economy.
A Glamorous Evening
The night kicked off by immersing attendees in the dazzling aura of the Las Vegas Strip. VIP sponsors enjoyed an exclusive welcome, replete with signature cocktails and gourmet hors d’oeuvres. Photographers captured the excitement as guests posed alongside the iconic Penn Jillette, an Emmy Award-winning magician, adding a touch of celebrity to the festivities. Showgirls greeted attendees with sparkling wine, while lively photo sessions featuring a vintage convertible and an Elvis impersonator set a truly festive atmosphere.
Insights from a Magic Legend
The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly Penn Jillette’s engaging 40-minute interactive speech. Known for his captivating performances alongside Teller, Jillette shared insights into their unique approach to magic. He emphasized the importance of building trust with the audience, stating, “Magic is always claiming it can do something you can and laughing at you about it.” He contrasted their philosophy with traditional magic, stressing that true magic lies in the connection and honesty shared between performer and audience.
Jillette’s belief that magic fools not out of intellect but out of simplicity resonated with many. He poignantly remarked, “Magic doesn’t fool you because you are stupid. It fools you because it is stupid.” He celebrated the “aha moments” that lead to wonder—experience that mirrors the success stories of local businesses.
Recognizing Excellence in Business
As the night progressed, GRCA proudly honored the remarkable achievements of local companies through the Business Excellence Awards. In Category 1, which recognizes for-profit businesses with annual revenues exceeding $1 million for three consecutive years, the top three accolades went to American Crane & Equipment Corporation, Reading Truck Equipment, LLC, and Vision Mechanical, Inc. The awards not only highlighted individual successes but celebrated the resilience and innovation exhibited by the Berks County business ecosystem.
Category 2 recognized smaller businesses, with FXV Digital Design, Our Konnection, LLC, and Financial Planning Advisors, Inc. emerging as leaders. These companies, each generating revenues of at least $250,000 over the same period, represent the dynamic spirit of entrepreneurship in the area.
A Shared Pride and Future Focus
Kristi Gage-Linderman, vice chairwoman of the GRCA board, captured the essence of the event when she stated, “The Dinner was more than just a finely curated and magical celebration—it was a vibrant reflection of the spirit and strength of the Greater Reading business community.” Her words encapsulated the electric energy that filled the room, a testament to the shared pride in the collective achievements of local entrepreneurs.
The evening’s title sponsor, JPMorgan Chase & Co., along with platinum sponsor Shuman Development Group, underpinned the significance of community support as the foundation for local growth and success.
Mission and Vision of the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance
The Greater Reading Chamber Alliance is dedicated to bolstering the region’s economic health. Its mission focuses on effective leadership and coordination, attracting new businesses and nurturing existing ones. By developing a skilled workforce and advocating for the community’s business needs, GRCA plays a pivotal role in enhancing the region’s overall vitality.
Through events like the annual dinner, the GRCA not only celebrates the success of its members but also inspires a future of collaboration and achievement in Berks County.