Our History
The Northeast Berks Chamber of Commerce celebrated a milestone in September 2019—its 30th Anniversary of incorporation. An original listing of 114 Founding Members published in 1989, from what was then a newly formed Kutztown Area Chamber of Commerce, is one of many "artifacts" that represents the first chapter in the evolving story of our regional nonprofit business association. Carl Ziegler, the first chamber president; Paul Lilienthal, the first chamber executive director, and Robert J. Hobaugh, Jr., Esq., chamber solicitor for 30 years, are among the Founders of the organization. Other founding officers were Patti Snyder, first vice president, and Archie Follweiler; Dr. Richard J. Karr; and Reno C. Unger, all vice presidents. Karl W. Zinn served as treasurer, and Ronald R. Delp was secretary.
Originally, the Kutztown Area Chamber of Commerce established its service area as the East Penn Valley, including five Boroughs--Fleetwood, Kutztown, Lenhartsville, Lyons, and Topton, and eight Townships, including Albany, District, Greenwich, Longswamp, Maidencreek, Maxatawny, Richmond, and Rockland. Early members were businesses, civic and fraternal organizations, community groups, and Kutztown University. Businesses located in Western Lehigh County were and are also members. Years later, in September 2007, the Kutztown Area Chamber of Commerce re-incorporated as the Northeast Berks Chamber of Commerce when the service area expanded.
Today, members represent areas within Northeast Berks County, Western Lehigh County, and other parts of Berks County, including the western suburbs. Our 30th Anniversary is significant, as it causes us to reflect upon the Founders' early mission—and to consider the ways in which we actively balance the traditions and culture rooted in our organization with inevitable transformation in the form of new partners, new approaches, and new ideas. The 30th Anniversary represents a time to recognize and thank our Founders, Founding Members, Members, Board, and Staff; a time to inform our audience about organizational history and accomplishments; and a time to re-Vision for the future.
