Mervin HellerReading, PA, January 23, 2008 – Mervin Heller was appointed Chairman of Berks Economic Partnership (BEP), Berks County’s lead marketing agency for business attraction and retention, during the January 23 Board of Directors and Membership Investor meeting. He will serve a two-year term.
Heller, President of Leisawitz Heller law firm, Wyomissing, takes over for Michael Fromm, President of Fromm Electric Supply Corporation. Heller most recently served as Vice Chair of the BEP Board. “Merv’s leadership in the community is legendary and we are very fortunate to have such a dedicated individual serve as our Chairperson,” said Jon Scott, President and CEO of BEP.
In his new role as Chairperson, Heller hopes to solidify Greater Reading as a major economic development player. “It’s all about teamwork,” he said. “Our elected officials, business and community leaders, and economic development agencies have made great strides in working together to make our region a great place to live, work, and play. BEP has taken the lead role and will continue to build on that momentum.”
Heller also pointed out that it is important for Greater Reading to have more shovel-ready sites and locations available in order to attract growing companies. “We need to continue to aggressively market our region and make it easy for new and existing business to locate here,” he said.
The BEP Board of Directors is comprised of 33 members who are business or community leaders; local government officials; retired executives; and volunteers.
In 2007, BEP worked with 580 business prospects and successfully facilitated 24 new projects that resulted in adding or retaining 1,379 jobs in Greater Reading and Berks County.
