Elizabethtown College-based business center expands into Berks

The High Center for Family Business, located at Elizabethtown College, announced Wednesday that it is offering programs for Berks County-based businesses.

The High Center, one of the oldest and largest family business centers in the country, offers family-owned and privately-held companies confidential executive peer groups, educational seminars with seasoned business experts, and proven business tools focused on strengthening family businesses through succession planning, leadership training, and legacy building.

“Berks County’s business community has been a key driver of the region’s success because of the significant number of family-owned businesses and privately held companies in the area,” said Scott Burky, managing director — new markets with The High Center, in a statement. “We saw the value of bringing a new set of resources and peer group opportunities to the region’s midsize to large family businesses.”

High Center Berks County members will have access to national and regional speakers such as Sima Dahl, brand expert; Doug Box, family adviser and author; and Rene Rodriguez, leadership advisor, world class sales expert and renowned speaker coach. Globally recognized thought leaders Simon Sinek (Sept, 27, 2021) and Jim Collins (March 30, 2022) are scheduled to speak live at The High Center’s core annual event, the Business Forum.

“I want to thank the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance for helping us create a unique synergy between our organizations,” Burky said. “The GRCA does a phenomenal job of supporting the business sector in Berks County through its advocacy, events, professional development programs and their Family Business Alliance. While the GRCA will continue to actively work with those vibrant companies, the launch of the High Center Berks County serves up an amazing, next level resource of peer groups, speakers, and workshops specifically designed for multi-generational family businesses that have grown to revenues of $3 million and above.”

“The GRCA is excited to have an expanded set of resources available for family-owned and privately held businesses in Berks County.  We see a natural progression for local companies who are looking to spend more time working ‘on’ their business than ‘in’ their business.  The High Center provides the next level of resources for companies who are scaling,” said Rachael Romig, senior director of events and special programs for GRCA, including the Family Business Alliance.

The High Center is looking to have the first Berks-based peer group start meeting in October.

Businesses interested in learning more about High Center Berks County membership can contact Scott Burky at [email protected]. For more information about upcoming events visit: thehighcenter.com/events.