Economic Development + PlaceMaking (Jul2026)

Economic Development + PlaceMaking
Economic Development Webinar Series

What makes people choose a community — and stay there?

Economic development is about more than buildings, business parks, and incentives. The character of a community — its walkability, recreation, culture, gathering spaces, housing, and overall quality of life — plays a major role in attracting and retaining both businesses and talent.

Join GRCA and our economic development partners for the next installment in our Economic Development Webinar Series as we 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. From revitalized downtowns and public spaces to arts, amenities, and community identity, our panel will discuss why “place” matters in today’s economy — and how these efforts contribute to long-term growth in Berks County.

Whether you’re a business leader, developer, municipal official, or community advocate, this session will provide insight into the ways thoughtful placemaking strengthens communities and supports economic vitality.

Discover how the spaces around us shape the future of our region.

Meet Our Speakers:
Derek Harris | Berks County
Derek Harris is a member of Berks County’s Community and Economic Development Department, where he focuses on data-driven economic and community planning initiatives. He holds a Master of Public Administration from West Chester University and a bachelor’s degree in political science from West Chester University’s Honors College. Over the past decade, Derek has worked in economic development, developing deep expertise in demographics, labor trends, and data analysis to support local decision-making. He previously served on Berks County’s 2020 Census Committee as chair for Labor & Industry, helping to coordinate outreach and participation efforts across the region.

Ellen Martignetti | Building a Better Boyertown
Ellen Martignetti serves as the Main Street Manager for Building a Better Boyertown (BaBB), an accredited Main Street America organization dedicated to revitalizing and strengthening Boyertown’s downtown. A long-time Boyertown resident, Ellen began her involvement with BaBB more than a decade ago as a volunteer, developing a deep commitment to the community’s growth and vitality. A graduate of Drexel University with a bachelor’s degree in interior design, she views community planning through the lens of space planning — thoughtfully bringing together people, places, and ideas to cultivate a vibrant, welcoming, and harmonious community.

Pam Menet, AICP, CEcD | Berks County (Moderator)
Pamela is the Director of Community and Economic Development for Berks County.  In this position, she directs the community and economic development policies and programs for Berks County and oversees the Berks County Planning Commission, Workforce Development Board and the Department of Agriculture.

Pamela has over 35 years of experience in housing development, planning, economic and community development with various private companies and public organizations.

A native of Berks County, Pamela is a graduate of Bloomsburg University, Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania.  She is certified by the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), American Planning Association (APA) and the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) as a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD).   She resides in Robeson Township, Berks County with her husband Brian.

Heather Zimmerman | Experience Reading & Berks County
Heather Zimmerman is President & CEO of Experience Reading & Berks County, our local Reading and Berks County Visitors Bureau, since May 2024. Heather serves as the chief strategist, advocate, and public face of tourism for Reading and Berks County. Heather and her team are responsible for driving overnight visitation, strengthening the county’s hospitality industry, and positioning Berks County as a premier destination in southeastern Pennsylvania-all while working in close partnership with county leadership, hospitality partners, and community stakeholders to advance tourism as a key economic driver and quality-of-life asset for residents and visitors alike.

She has over 30 years of hospitality industry experience in sales, operations, marketing, and festival management. She is a graduate of Kutztown University and a lifelong Berks County resident.

What is Economic Development (ED)?
Economic Development is an intentional effort to improve the economic vitality and quality of life in a community.  Much of the work spans several years (and decades) and is often done behind the scenes.

GRCA is here to dig a bit deeper in this area of work with timely topics and examples of economic development taking place in Berks County. Together, with our economic development partners, we will provide insight into how projects get done and the resources that are available on future initiatives.