Copyright Reading Eagle
For information on submitting an obituary, please contact Reading Eagle by phone at 610-371-5018, or email at obituaries@readingeagle.com or fax at 610-371-5193. Most obituaries published in the Reading Eagle are submitted through funeral homes and cremation services, but we will accept submissions from families. Obituaries can be emailed to obituaries@readingeagle.com. In addition to the text of the obituary, any photographs that you wish to include can be attached to this email. Please put the text of the obituary in a Word document, a Google document or in the body of the email. The Reading Eagle also requires a way to verify the death, so please include either the phone number of the funeral home or cremation service that is in charge of the deceased's care or a photo of his/her death certificate. We also request that your full name, phone number and address are all included in this email. All payments by families must be made with a credit card. We will send a proof of the completed obituary before we require payment. The obituary cannot run, however, until we receive payment in full. Obituaries can be submitted for any future date, but they must be received no later than 3:00 p.m. the day prior to its running for it to be published. Please call the obituary desk, at 610-371-5018, for information on pricing. Running a family business is a uniquely rewarding yet deeply complex experience. It blends the personal and professional, uniting generations through shared purpose while often testing communication, boundaries, and vision. For many family business owners, it can feel like no one outside truly understands the challenges they face until they join a peer group within the Family Business Alliance (FBA), a special program of the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance (GRCA). FBA’s peer groups are designed to provide a confidential, supportive and collaborative space where family business owners and key leaders can openly share their experiences, exchange ideas and find solutions together. These groups, made up of about five individuals from diverse industries and backgrounds, meet monthly to discuss both the strategic and personal dimensions of leading a family enterprise. “Running a family business can be isolating,” one member shared. “In our peer group, I found people who truly ‘get it.’ They understand what it’s like to make tough decisions that impact not only your company but also your family relationships. That shared understanding is powerful.” Each peer group operates under strict confidentiality, allowing participants to speak freely about sensitive issues from succession planning and leadership transitions to family dynamics, conflict resolution and growth strategies. This trust creates an environment where vulnerability is not only accepted but encouraged. Members quickly learn that they are not alone in their struggles and that others have navigated similar challenges with wisdom and resilience. The format of these meetings is intentionally designed to foster deep connection and problem-solving. Members bring real challenges to the table, and the group works collectively to unpack them, not by prescribing answers, but by asking thoughtful questions and sharing experiences. Over time, participants build strong relationships rooted in mutual respect and accountability. Many describe their peer group as their “personal board of advisors.” The impact of this support network extends far beyond the meeting room. Several FBA members have credited their peer group for helping them make pivotal decisions that strengthened both their businesses and families. For example, one company owner shared how their peer group guided them through a leadership transition. Initially hesitant to step back from day-to-day operations, they found reassurance and strategic insight from peers who had already gone through similar transitions. “Their perspectives helped me see the big picture,” the owner said. “With their encouragement, I developed a succession plan that gave my child room to lead—and the business is thriving as a result.” The long-term impact of FBA’s peer network is evident in the growth, resilience and sustainability of its member businesses. By connecting leaders across industries, these groups spark innovation and accountability, helping members adapt to evolving markets and complex family dynamics. Just as importantly, they nurture personal growth, giving leaders the confidence, perspective and emotional support they need to navigate their dual roles as business stewards and family members. As one participant described it, “It’s not just about business success. It’s about becoming a better leader, a better communicator and a better family member. My peer group has been instrumental in all of that.” For family business owners seeking a space to connect, learn and grow alongside others who truly understand their journey, FBA’s peer groups offer something invaluable, a trusted circle of peers who listen without judgment, share without hesitation and support without competition. To join a peer group, visit www.greaterreading.org/peergroups and fill out the application form. Forms should be e-mailed to Jackie Stiles at JStiles@greaterreading.org.
