Thursday August 20

The Greater Reading Chamber Alliance hosts “Legislative Roundtable: Manufacturing Growth from Attraction to Expansion,” 1:30 to 3 p.m., East Penn Manufacturing, Main Office Building 102 Deka Road, Lyon Station. U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser (R-PA, 9th District) and state Rep. Jamie Barton (R-Berks, 124th District), who represents Berks County on Pennsylvania’s State Economic Competitiveness Caucus, will lead a discussion with manufacturers, business leaders and policymakers to explore how federal, state and local partners can work together to strengthen Pennsylvania’s manufacturing sector. Registration: greaterreading.org. Cost: $25 for members; $35 for non-members.

Wednesday August 26

The Greater Reading Chamber Alliance hosts its “From Curious to Capable: Understand AI and Put it to Work in 90 Minutes,” 12 to 1:30 p.m., Center for Business Excellence, 49 Commerce Drive, Wyomissing. This hands-on, 90-minute session facilitated by Metronome Labs cuts through the jargon and shows AI doing real work on the everyday tasks businesses run on. Attendees will learn what AI is, watch it handle a range of common business tasks in minutes, then do a guided exercise.  Registration: greaterreading.org. Cost: $25 for members; $50 for non-members.

Wednesday August 26

Berks LaunchBox and the Small Business Resource Association will host “Entrepreneur Networking at ThornAlley Kitchen,” 5:30 to 7 p.m., Thorn Alley Kitchen at GoggleWorks, GoggleWorks Center for the Arts  Suite 105, Reading. Connect with local startups, small business owners, and entrepreneurs while enjoying appetizers and meeting new faces in a fun, relaxed atmosphere. Weather permitting, the event will be in the outdoor seating area. If needed, the event will move indoors. Appetizers and water are included, additional beverages will be available for purchase. Registration: https://sites.psu.edu/berkslaunchbox/updates/  Cost: Free event

Wednesday September 2

The TriCounty Area Chamber of Commerce hosts its “REACH Conference – Sixth Annual,” 12 to 5 p.m., RiverCrest Golf Club & Preserve, 100 Gold Club Drive, Phoenixville.  The conference features three impactful sessions, networking opportunities, and experiences created to help you grow both personally and professionally, and the REACH Awards. Keynote speaker is Erika Rothenberger, speaking on “The Audacity That Builds You.” Registration: https://tricountyareachamber.chambermaster.com/eventregistration/register/864503. Cost: $150 per person.

Wednesday September 9

Berks LaunchBox presents “Calm in the Chaos: Stress Reduction for Entrepreneurs,” 6 to 8 p.m., in-person, at the Berks LaunchBox, GoggleWorks Center for the Arts, Suite 105, 201 Washington St., Reading. This interactive workshop combines practical stress-management strategies in the first hour with a guided Zentangle experience in the second hour to help entrepreneurs reflect, problem-solve, slow down, and recharge. Registration: https://sites.psu.edu/berkslaunchbox/updates/. Cost: Free to the public.

Tuesday September 15

Berks LaunchBox presents “LaunchTalk: Connect & Inspire – Hispanic Heritage Month Networking Edition,” 6 to 8 p.m., at the Berks LaunchBox, GoggleWorks Center for the Arts, Suite 105, 201 Washington St., Reading. The evening will begin with a short presentation on how to effectively introduce yourself and your business, followed by an interactive networking activity inspired by speed dating. Whether you’re a business owner, professional, or aspiring entrepreneur, this event is designed to help you build confidence, strengthen networking skills, and expand your network. Registration: https://sites.psu.edu/berkslaunchbox/updates/. Cost: Free to the public.

Tuesday September 22

The TriCounty Area Chamber of Commerce hosts its “Membership Meeting: Mastering Meetings,” 8 to 9:30 a.m., Spring Hollow Golf Club and Preserve, 3350 Schuylkill Road, Spring City.  This interactive session will teach you practical facilitation techniques to keep discussions focused, participants engaged, and outcomes actionable all while making meetings enjoyable. The event will also serve as the chamber’s annual meeting. Registration: https://tricountyareachamber.chambermaster.com/eventregistration/register/864551. Cost: $40  for members; $70 for non-members.

Monday September 28

The Greater Reading Chamber Alliance hosts “AI For Business: Get Started Before Your Competitors Do,” 12 to 1:30 p.m., Center for Business Excellence, 49 Commerce Drive, Wyomissing. In this session, see how AI handles every day work like customer emails, common questions and long documents. Attendees will learn to use it without putting their business or customers’ information at risk. Registration: greaterreading.org. Cost: $50 for members; $75 for non-members.

Wednesday October 14

The Greater Reading Chamber Alliance (GRCA) hosts its 2026 Women2Women – Evening of Empowerment, “Unscripted Impact: Shaping Success in the Absence of a Blueprint,” 5:30 to 8 p.m., Redner’s Event Center, 2024 Centre Ave., Reading. Keynote speaker Shavonnia Corbin-Johnson will share insights on what it means to lead, grow and make an impact without having all the answers mapped out ahead. She’ll share insights on navigating uncertainty, embracing resilience and creating opportunities even when the path forward feels unclear. Registration: greaterreading.org. Cost: $75 for members; $95 for non-members.

Every second Tuesday

The SHRM Berks County Chapter meets from 7:30 to 9 a.m. Meetings feature a speaker presenting on a relevant HR topic. Visit www.berkspa.shrm.org to see the meeting and event schedule.

Email your news to drovins@pottsmerc.com