Feature It's time to The Berks County Commissioners and GRCA have partnered up to provide tools to reinvigorate the local economy By Stephanie Weaver, Public Information Officer, County of Berks 14 COMMERCE QUARTERLY SUMMER 2020 T he local economy in Berks County was hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic with many businesses struggling to figure out how to bounce back and safely reopen. As Berks prepared to enter the green phase of the reopening process in late June, county leaders knew it was important to find a way to help reinvigorate the community. The Berks County Commissioners partnered with the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance (GRCA) to launch "Rebuild Berks" on July 7. The campaign focuses on encouraging the community and its businesses to support one another, from dining and shopping at local restaurants and stores to free training sessions and grants. The initiative centers around one core message: If we keep business local, we can watch Berks thrive. "It's important for us all to look to local options first when we are shopping or making decisions within our own business," Commissioner Michael S. Rivera said. "If we all do our part and continue to make small sacrifices, we will be able to accomplish much more as a greater community."http://rebuildberks.com