Greater Reading Economic Partnership (GREP) received the prestigious “Digital Marketing Campaign” award for Outstanding Content on Economic Development Topics from the Northeastern Economic Developers Association (NEDA).
Each year the NEDA awards committee, comprised of economic development professionals, recognizes outstanding submittals received and viewed during the evaluation process. Entries for the NEDA 2016 Marketing Awards were accepted from all members of the economic development industry and were judged on design and layout, clarity of message, production quality, functionality and overall creativity and impact.
GREP’s president and CEO, Pamela Shupp, AICP, CEcD, accepted the award on behalf of the organization at the NEDA Annual Conference on September 12, 2016 in New Haven, CT.
“We have made a significant strategic shift towards digital marketing for both business attraction and retention in Berks County – this award recognizes our successful implementation of digitally expanding our global reach” said Shupp.
The NEDA organization has been providing professional development education, resources, support and networking opportunities to its members since 1956. The organization which hosts an annual Literature & Promotions Competition is made up of more than 500 professionals from the economic development industry across eleven of the northeastern states as well as Washington DC. Visit NEDAonline.org for more information.In other GREP news...Governor Tom Wolf was welcomed to Berks County on Friday, September 16. He announced a $2.5M grant at the Reading Regional Airport for the development of Berks Park 183, a new 155 acre industrial park.Governor Wolf joined Senator Judy Schwank and Representative Barry Jozwiak to announce $2.5 million in funding to support the redevelopment of a 155-acre industrial park located adjacent to the Reading Airport. When complete, the project is expected to create 500 to 600 new, full-time jobs.
“It is our job to set the table for businesses to be able to make the investments necessary to provide jobs to people in communities just like this one,” Governor Wolf said. “This investment will help to rebuild distressed brownfield and former military facility and turn it into a hub for jobs in a number of different industries.”
The Redevelopment Capital Assistance Program (RACP) funds will help the Berks County Industrial Development Authority (BCIDA) support the $7 million cost of infrastructure improvements still awaiting completion at the site along Aviation Rd., approximately one mile from the City of Reading. The total project cost is $13.3 million.
“In today’s highly competitive economy, businesses are looking for shovel-ready sites when evaluating where to locate. This project provides Berks County with a much needed ready-to-go location, which will be very attractive businesses and will result in more jobs coming to our area,” Sen. Schwank said. “I commend Governor Wolf for recognizing the potential and importance of this project for our local and regional economies and investing state dollars to make it a reality. I was pleased to join with Representative Jozwiak in strongly advocating for approval of RCAP funds for this important economic development initiative.”
In addition to the 500 to 600 new jobs, the BCIDA estimates 220 indirect jobs will be created by support/supplier industries attracted to the project, plus 750 non-permanent direct jobs during construction.