Berks Business and Education Leaders to Gather for 2nd Annual Summit

Story written by Terri Hill

Local and state leaders gather October 14th to address the future of career readiness

Reading, PA – The Berks Business Education Coalition (BBEC) will host its second annual Business and Education Summit on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the DoubleTree by Hilton, Reading. The event will convene more than 175 business and education leaders to discuss innovations, challenges, and opportunities in preparing the region’s future workforce.

The Summit provides a unique platform to connect business leaders, educators, and policymakers while spotlighting successful models of career readiness. Attendees will hear from local, state, and national experts on workforce development, artificial intelligence, public policy, and education initiatives shaping Pennsylvania and beyond.

Highlights of the 2025 Summit include:

• Case Study Presentation: East Penn Manufacturing’s School-to-Work Program by Cheryl Spangler, Director of Staffing and Recruitment.
• Student Recognition: High school students honored for excellence in internship experiences.
• Keynote Address: Artificial Intelligence in Business and Education by Dr. Carl Sheperis, Vice Provost and Dean of Graduate Studies, Kutztown University.
• Berks County Workforce Development Board  (WDB) Report: Presented by Jenny Battista, Chair, and Amber Columbo, Executive Director, WIB.
• Public Policy Update: State and Federal Policy Trends Impacting Education and Workforce by Kari King, President & CEO, and Kati Brillhart, Vice President of Government & External Affairs, Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children. Topics will include:
  • Federal budget and continuing resolution
  • Elimination of the U.S. Department of Education proposals
  • Impact of attacks on DEI in education initiatives
  • State budget impasse
  • Student mental health initiatives
  • Artificial intelligence in education
  • Career and Technical Education (CTE) policy priorities
  • Workforce development strategies tied to Secretary Walker’s statewide initiatives
• Special Address: Career Training in Pennsylvania by the Honorable Nancy A. Walker, Secretary of the PA Department of Labor & Industry.

“The Business and Education Summit is where conversations turn into collaborations,” said, David W. Patti, Board Chair, BBEC. “By bringing together business leaders, educators, and policymakers, we are building stronger connections and actionable strategies to ensure our students are prepared for the future of work.”

The BBEC’s mission is to strengthen the connection between schools and employers, ensuring Berks County students graduate with the skills, experiences, and opportunities needed to thrive in today’s workforce.

Event Details:

• Date: Tuesday, October 14, 2025
• Time: 7:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
• Location: DoubleTree by Hilton, Reading, PA
• Audience: Business leaders, educators, policymakers, and community partners

For more information about the Summit or to learn more about the Berks Business Education Coalition, visit www.berksbec.org.

The Berks Business Education Coalition is a nonprofit partnership dedicated to preparing Berks County students for success after graduation. Through initiatives such as internships, teacher externships, and workforce readiness programs, BBEC connects schools with employers to strengthen career pathways and support the future workforce.

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