Reading, PA, – Berks Economic Partnership (BEP) recently hosted an educational institute for municipal and community officials to learn more about the steps they can take to prepare and position their communities for economic development.

Consultant and former Mt. Joy borough manager, Mark Hiester, was the guest speaker and discussed why zoning, planning, infrastructure development, and utilities play a critical role in attracting quality economic development.  A panel of local utility experts representing PPL Corporation, Comcast, FirstEnergy, and UGI Utilities, Inc. also spoke to the crowd of nearly 100 attendees.

Jon Scott, BEP President and CEO, said, “Successful economic development requires building strong partnerships between local leaders, economic and community development agencies, financial institutions, the State, utility companies, landowners, developers, and others.  Attracting and retaining business is a team effort.”