Wednesday July 29<\/p>\n
The Greater Reading Chamber Alliance (GRCA) hosts the next installment of its economic development webinar series: \u201cEconomic Development + PlaceMaking,\u201d 12 to 1 p.m., virtually via Zoom. This session will explore the connection between economic development and placemaking. This conversation will focus on how communities leverage their unique assets to create places where people want to live, work, and invest. Registration: greaterreading.org<\/a>. Cost: Free to the public.<\/p>\n Tuesday August 4<\/p>\n The Greater Reading Chamber Alliance (GRCA) hosts \u201cWomen2Women \u2013 The Power of Saying Yes,\u201d 5:30 to 7 p.m., WCR Center for the Arts, 140 N. 5th St., Reading. What if the next chapter of your life begins with one simple word: yes? Through personal stories of leadership, reinvention and adventure, speakers Chae Sweet and English Bradley will explore how saying yes to yourself can lead to unexpected opportunities and meaningful transformation. Registration: greaterreading.org<\/a>. Cost: $45 for members; $55 for non-members.<\/p>\n Thursday August 6<\/p>\n The Berks Family Business Alliance, a signature program of the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance hosts the next installment of its 2026 FBA Storytelling Series: \u201cRooted in Success: The New Castle Lawn & Landscape Story,\u201d 4 to 6 p.m., New Castle Lawn & Landscape, 3 East Pointe Drive, Cumru Township. Join Brian Cuccaro, Co-founder and president; CEO Brad Stephenson; Dan Marshall, VP of operations; and Andy Auchenbach, business development executive and ISA Certified Arboris, for a Q&A session. Together, they bring expertise spanning entrepreneurship, leadership, finance, operations, sales, workforce development, technology and client experience. Registration: greaterreading.org<\/a>. Cost: $35 for members; $50 for non-members.<\/p>\n Wednesday August 12<\/p>\n Berks LaunchBox presents \u201cCanva for Beginners: Create Graphics + Customize AI Images,\u201d 6 to 8 p.m., in-person, at the Berks LaunchBox, GoggleWorks Center for the Arts, Suite 105, 201 Washington St., Reading. In this hands-on beginner class, learn how to create simple, professional-looking graphics using Canva, even if you\u2019ve never designed anything before. Michelle Hnath will lead the workshop, sharing practical techniques, design tips and hands-on demonstrations. Registration: https:\/\/sites.psu.edu\/berkslaunchbox\/updates\/<\/a>. Cost: Free to the public.<\/p>\n Wednesday August 19<\/p>\n The Greater Reading Chamber Alliance hosts its \u201cAnnual Picnic and Games 2026,\u201d 4:30 to 8 p.m., FirstEnergy Stadium, 1900 Centre Ave., Reading. This annual event is evolving from the traditional picnic with a home run derby into a more interactive, team-focused experience. The evening will feature a variety of games and activities, including Cornament, a Water Pong Tournament, MVP and team spirit competitions, as well as interactive games featured on the large screen, and team relay races. Registration: greaterreading.org<\/a>. Cost: $60 July 1-31 and $70 Aug. 1-10 for members; and for non-members \u2013 $70 July 1-31 and $80 Aug 1-10.<\/p>\n Wednesday August 26<\/p>\n The Greater Reading Chamber Alliance hosts its \u201cFrom Curious to Capable: Understand AI and Put it to Work in 90 Minutes,\u201d 12 to 1:30 p.m., Center for Business Excellence, 49 Commerce Drive, Wyomissing. This hands-on, 90-minutes 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. \u00a0Registration: greaterreading.org<\/a>. Cost: $25 for members; $50 for non-members.<\/p>\n Wednesday August 26<\/p>\n Berks LaunchBox and the Small Business Resource Association will host \u201cEntrepreneur Networking at ThornAlley Kitchen,\u201d 5:30 to 7 p.m., Thorn Alley Kitchen at GoggleWorks, GoggleWorks Center for the Arts\u00a0 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\/<\/a> \u00a0Cost: Free event<\/p>\n Wednesday September 2<\/p>\n The TriCounty Area Chamber of Commerce hosts its \u201cREACH Conference \u2013 Sixth Annual,\u201d 12 to 5 p.m., RiverCrest Golf Club & Preserve, 100 Gold Club Drive, Phoenixville.\u00a0 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 \u201cThe Audacity That Builds You.\u201d Registration: https:\/\/tricountyareachamber.chambermaster.com\/eventregistration\/register\/864503<\/a>. Cost: $150 per person.<\/p>\n