Northeast Berks Chamber aims to be region’s primary business resource
From networking events to workshops, the Northeast Berks Chamber of Commerce strives to be the primary business resource.
“By advocating economic and cultural development with the goals of promoting business and community growth and by supporting the Chamber stakeholders through services, education, and strategic alliances,” Northeast Berks Chamber Executive Director Treva Florence said the Chamber helps local businesses.
In September 2019, the Chamber celebrated its 30th anniversary of incorporation. Originally established as the Kutztown Area Chamber of Commerce in 1989, its service area of the East Penn Valley included five boroughs and eight townships. In 2007, the Chamber re-incorporated as the Northeast Berks Chamber of Commerce.
“The Chamber was founded in 1989 by 25 business owners and professionals in the Northeast Berks County area and has been serving its members since. The Chamber has a presence in Northeast Berks County and surrounding areas as well as reach in other counties,” said Florence.
Today, members represent areas within Northeast Berks, Western Lehigh and other parts of Berks County.
The Chamber’s mission is to advocate for economic and cultural development with the goals of promoting business and community growth, supporting stakeholders through services, education and strategic alliances. Its primary goal of the Chamber is membership growth and retention, aiming to achieve a membership of 140 by the end of 2022, 150 by the end of 2023 and 160 by the end of 2024.
“The Chamber currently has approximately 140 members. With having as many as 275 members in the past, we have seen a drop in membership since COVID. This has been due mostly to businesses having to close their doors or being forced into early retirement,” said Florence.
The Chamber consists of large and small business owners, institutions of learning, financial institutions, doctors, dentists, attorneys, engineers, retailer, wholesalers, telecommunications companies, individuals, social service organizations, and civic organizations.
Florence explained that the Chamber offers its members numerous benefits, including, but not limited to, networking, marketing, sponsorship opportunities, ribbon cuttings and open houses, member pricing for chamber events, educational seminars, monthly subscription to the Berks County Living magazine, and a listing in the NBCC annual directory as well as many others.
“We hope that our member benefits help our members grow their businesses, by expanding their network and reach and offering an additional sense of credibility,” said Florence.
Recent Chamber events included a grand opening and ribbon cutting for new member T-Mobile in Hamburg in August, the 9th Annual Chamber Day at the Reading Fightin Phils in August, a wine and cheese soiree at Stony Run Winery in September, and the Annual Chamber Picnic in October.
Members also have an opportunity to be featured on the Northeast Berks Chamber podcast — The Voices of the Chamber — with Kutztown University Radio.
Monthly chamber member breakfasts are held on the third Friday of the month beginning at 7:45 a.m. with the venue and speakers announced about one month prior to the event. The November breakfast on Nov. 18 will feature the Chamber’s non-profit members CONCERN Professional Services, Grey Muzzle Manor, Friend Inc. Community Services, Safe Berks, Clare of Assisi House and Casa of Berks. Members will also have the opportunity to fulfill a need by selecting an item from the Giving Tree.
Change in leadership
Florence was hired as the new executive director in 2021.
“Stepping into the role of executive director for the Northeast Berks Chamber of Commerce has been a wonderful experience. Being able to connect with our members and leaders of the community has been enlightening and rewarding. The nonprofit sector is a new experience for me and I’m looking forward to continued growth and learning,” said Florence.
A Florida native, Florence most recently served as the administrative and hiring manager for the U.S. Census Bureau in Reading after previously working as an administrator in secondary education.
She was drawn to nonprofit work, however, especially during her time with the Census, and wanted to be in a position where she can make a difference.
“I’m used to working with the community and I wanted to be able to take my management experience into the nonprofit sector and do something that is a little bit bigger than myself,” Florence told the Reading Eagle in November 2021. “The chamber gives me that sense of feeling like I’m doing something for other people and helping to benefit the community and members.”
Florence also discussed how she would measure success in her new role.
“It’s not all about me,” she said last year. “It’s about the chamber, so success will be continuing to grow that membership and engage with the community to further economic growth of all of our businesses.”
“We’re looking to help our members and businesses to figure out ways to still be successful and adapt to change taking place with everyday life.”
In addition to a change in leadership, the Chamber offered programs to help its members amid the pandemic.