Legislative Roundtable (December 2026)

Legislative Roundtable: Building a Stronger Business Climate in Berks

Join GRCA for a focused discussion on strengthening the small business environment in Berks County featuring State Sen. Chris Gebhard and State Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz. This conversation will explore the opportunities and challenges facing local small businesses, including workforce needs, regulatory requirements, access to capital, business growth and the resources needed to support long-term success. The speakers will discuss state and local policy priorities, barriers to business development and strategies to create a more supportive and competitive environment for small businesses across the region. Designed for small business owners, entrepreneurs, business leaders, economic development organizations and community partners, this event will foster direct engagement between the business community and elected officials, providing an opportunity to share real-world experiences, identify common challenges and discuss actionable solutions to strengthen Berks County's small business community.

Sen. Chris Gebhard | Senate District 48, Vice Chair Community, Economic & Recreational Development

Sen. Chris Gebhard represents Pennsylvania’s 48th Senatorial District, which includes all of Lebanon County and portions of Berks and Lancaster counties. Elected in a special election in 2021, he brings more than two decades of experience in the insurance industry and small business ownership. Prior to serving in the Senate, he was actively involved in the Lebanon Valley business community, including serving as chairman and board member of the Lebanon Valley Chamber of Commerce. In the Senate, he serves as Chair of the Banking & Insurance Committee and Vice Chair of the Community, Economic & Recreational Development Committee. He is also a member of the Aging & Youth, Communications & Technology, Consumer Protection & Professional Licensure, Institutional Sustainability & Innovation and Rules & Executive Nominations committees. Learn more about Senator Gebhard and his work representing Berks, Lancaster and Lebanon counties here.

Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz | House District 129, House Commerce Committee Member, Economic Development Subcommittee Chair

Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz represents Pennsylvania’s 129th Legislative District, which includes portions of Berks County, including the City of Reading. Elected in 2022, she brings a background in education, community leadership and small business ownership. Before entering public service, she worked as a bilingual guidance counselor and program director in New York City before relocating to Reading in 2007 to establish Mi Casa Su Casa Café in downtown Reading. She later served on Reading City Council, becoming the first woman elected to serve as Council President. In the House of Representatives, she serves on the Agriculture & Rural Affairs, Commerce, Finance, Gaming Oversight, Intergovernmental Affairs & Operations, and Tourism, Recreation & Economic Development committees. She also chairs the Commerce Committee's Subcommittees on Economic Development and Arts & Entertainment. Learn more about Rep.  Cepeda-Freytiz and her work representing Berks County here.