Carl Godlove was elected Chairperson of Berks Economic Partnership (BEP), Greater Reading’s lead marketing agency for business attraction and retention, during the January 27 Board of Directors and Membership Investor meeting.  He will serve a two-year term.

Godlove, Chief Executive of SSM Group, Inc., a Berks County-headquartered engineering and environmental services firm serving government, commercial, industrial, education, and healthcare clients in Pennsylvania and across the United States, takes over for Merv Heller, Managing Partner, Leisawitz Heller law firm.  Godlove most recently served as Vice Chair of the BEP Board. 

“Carl has been an active supporter of BEP from its inception.  He understands the organization, the mission, and has great vision and ideas about moving BEP forward,” said Jon Scott, President and CEO of BEP.

In his new role as Chairperson, Godlove plans to capitalize on the synergy created by the collocation of three major economic development players – Berks Economic Partnership, the Greater Berks Development Fund, and the Greater Reading Chamber of Commerce & Industry – in the Gateway Building at 2nd and Penn Street this Spring.  He also plans to champion the newly updated economic development strategic plan – the result of an extensive process that revisited the Leak/Goforth, Initiative for a Competitive Greater Reading, and other Economic Development strategies and models that were created over the past several years.

“There is a more positive, enlightened attitude toward making Greater Reading an innovative and progressive location for business.  Many economic development groups are working together effectively to put Greater Reading’s best foot forward at all times.  For its part, BEP will continue to aggressively market Greater Reading to attract new business while making sure our existing companies have the resources they need to grow, expand, and be successful,” Godlove said.

The BEP Board of Directors is comprised of 36 members who are business or community leaders; local government officials; retired executives; and volunteers.