A program designed to put contaminated industrial sites back into productive use has allocated money for sites in Berks, Bucks and Montgomery counties.

While much of the discussion on the economy’s post-pandemic future has been negative, a recent flash poll conducted by Herbein + Co. of Wyomissing shows surprising optimism among business leaders in the Mid-Atlantic.

Harvest Health & Recreation, a Tempe, Arizona–based multi-state cannabis operator, said it closed on the acquisition of Franklin Labs LLC, a subsidiary of CannaPharmacy, for about $25.5 million. The acquisition, payable with $15.5 million in cash and a $10 million promissory note, includes a 46,800-square-foot cultivation and manufacturing/processing facility in Reading.

As most people in Pennsylvania shelter in place, not going out to restaurants or stores and commuting only to the most essential jobs, gas prices are hitting record lows.

With a run on cleaning products, soaps and even toilet paper, consumers are finding shortages on a wide range of basics as people try to prepare for the worst in case of any coronavirus-related quarantine.

The National Association of Realtors said a recent survey found that nearly one in four home sellers have changed how their home is viewed on the market because of the outbreak of COVID-19.

Former Congressman Jim Gerlach, who served Pennsylvania’s 6th District for 12 years, has been tapped to head the Greater Reading Chamber Allliance.

The Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority approved two economic development loans for $400,000 each for projects in Berks County. One loan will help RanShar Farms in Tilden Township. The other loan was granted to Nevin and Stella Burkholder for the acquisition of a 102 acres at 1302 Pleasant Hill Road, Maidencreek Township.

Alvernia University is expanding into downtown Reading. The university has entered into a letter of intent agreement for a location at 401 Penn St.

Penn State Health St. Joseph is moving its Muhlenberg urgent care practice to a larger site that will have more services, longer hours and will hopefully better serve the community.