2013 ANNUAL REPORT

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Message from The PresidentGRYP EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 2013

When I take a step back and look at the Greater Reading Young Professionals, I am amazed, proud, and sometimes humbled by what GRYP accomplishes year after year as a volunteer-run organization. It has been a privilege to serve as president for the past two years, and I have been fortunate to work with very dedicated and talented board members who are passionate about our community.

GRYP continues to receive the support and encouragement of the local business community, from the community leaders that serve on our Advisory Board, to the businesses and organizations that support GRYP as Corporate Partners and G!G! Sponsors. We would not be able to continue to flourish without them.

Not only did 2013 commemorate GRYP’s 10th anniversary, but we also had several exciting achievements. From a fundraising perspective, under the leadership of G!G!13 Chair Sarah MacAusland, we had the most successful G!G! to date! It was also an amazing experience to be a part of the set up for this year’s gala. I want to thank the G!G! committee members, GRYP board members and friends who came together to make it happen. I heard from person after person that it was the “best G!G! ever!”

GRYP was able to donate more than $20,000 to community organizations that connected with the 2013 Community Cause of Education/Workforce Readiness. Working closely with Heidi Williamson and Berks County Community Foundation on a grant process, GRYP received 24 applications requesting $178,818. Through a careful review process, the following organizations were selected to receive funding in 2013:

• Berks County Adult Probation and Parole/Offender Workforce Development Specialists: YouthBuild Program

• Literacy Council of Reading-Berks, Inc.: Technical Skills Training Program • Reading Public Library Foundation: Mind Pop Adult Continuing Education

Program • United Community Services for Working Families: YouthBuild Program Healthcare Careers Track (For more details on these projects, visit page 6)

Based on how well-received the model was for identifying a Community Cause and grant process, GRYP is continuing with this strategy for 2014, with Urban Revitalization chosen as the community initiative. Our new G!G! Chair Amanda Feehery and her committee have been hard at work the past several months on fundraising efforts and preparing for the 2014 gala.

GRYP leadership worked with the Greater Reading Chamber of Commerce & Industry to partner on programming to benefit our members beginning with a new mentoring experience launching in January 2014.

Connecting with the Education/Workforce Readiness Initiative, Community Advancement provided volunteer opportunities for the United Way’s Ready. Set. Read! program and collected 200+ pieces of clothing to donate to PA Workwear, a program that helps those in need obtain business-appropriate clothing for an interview or the first week on the job. In addition, we collected more than 100 children’s books at our annual holiday event and donated them to Mary’s Shelters.

Events Co-Chairs Allison Faulkner and Nicole Mathis organized numerous successful events showcasing area businesses and organizations while providing an opportunity for GRYP members to network and socialize. Sports League Chair Travis Bieber helped the league continue to grow, engaging more and more young professionals each season. Membership Chair Carolyn Weidenhammer and her committee helped us meet our goal to grow our membership and to improve the experience for new members. Wayne Gehris, Development Chair, successfully implemented the Corporate Partnership program, encouraging businesses and their employees to experience all the benefits GRYP has to offer.

Our Nominating Committee worked on succession planning to identify a solid slate of candidates for officers, several committee chairs and new board members. I am excited to see the work this group, under the leadership of our incoming Board President Kristi Gage-Linderman, will achieve in the coming year!

KRISTIN KRAMERExecutive Director, Wilson Education Foundation/

Public Information Director, Wilson School District

President, 2012-2013

PresidentKristin Kramer 

Wilson Education Foundation/ Wilson School District

Vice PresidentKristi Gage-Linderman

Gage Personnel

TreasurerJon Zeigler 

ParenteBeard LLC

SecretaryJennifer Nied

Penn National Gaming

Community Advancement ChairAaron Costenbader

Greater Reading Economic Partnership

Development Chair Wayne Gehris

Reading School District

Events Co-ChairAllison Faulkner

Paul Fredrick

Events Co-ChairNicole Mathis

Carpenter Technology

G!G! Chair Sarah MacAusland

Berks County Community Foundation

Legislative Impact ChairThad Gelsinger

Leisawitz Heller Abramowitch Phillips

Marketing ChairChristin Kelley

SSM Group, Inc.

Membership ChairCarolyn Weidenhammer

Surgical Specialties Corporation

Nominating ChairJermaine Edwards

Fidelity Investments

Sports League ChairTravis Bieber

Reinsel Kuntz Lesher LLP

COMMITTEE CHAIRS

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Vice President’s Report

KRISTI GAGE-LINDERMANVice President 2013

GENERAL BOARD MEMBERSCarrie Guay

Fleetwood Fixtures

Lauren KehresReading Public Museum

Jake KutzParenteBeard LLC

Keri MortonKautter & Kelley Architects

Matt SerioPennsylvania Council on the Arts

James SpencerReinsel Kuntz Lesher LLP

2013 GRYP Board of Directors.

2013 GRYP Executive Committee.

As Vice President of GRYP in 2013 and incoming President for 2014, I am honored to serve the organization at the Executive Committee level. Since becoming a member of GRYP in 2006, I have had the opportunity to work closely with other civic-minded young professionals and community leaders by serving on the Board of Directors, as well as on both the Events and Membership Committees. Through my volunteering and involvement with GRYP, I have truly been able to give back to my hometown while growing both professionally and personally.

As GRYP continues to emerge as a driving force in our community, I am proud of the many accomplishments that our organization has achieved over the years. As GRYP celebrated its 10-year anniversary in 2013, we were able to highlight the accomplishments of our organization over the years, from record-high membership numbers, grant donations to various non-profit organizations, our community cause supporting Education and Workforce Readiness, a successful annual G!G! gala, several new corporate partnerships with top businesses and much more. I am especially proud of our entire Board of Directors and various committee members that dedicate so much of their time and energy to ensure a successful future not only for our organization, but also for individuals, businesses and other organizations within our community.

I fully endorse GRYP’s mission to provide a forum to attract, engage and retain young professionals in the Greater Reading region. I truly feel that the leaders within GRYP are the upcoming leaders within our community, and by working together we can and will ensure the sustainability of the community in which we live, work and play.

GRYP held its first Alumni Mixer at the Stirling Guest Hotel. Pictured (L-R) are past presidents Tom Minick, Rachel Bashore and Patrick Velekei with President Kristin Kramer.

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CommitteeFINANCE

GRYP has continued to grow. We’ve made an effort to survey our membership to ensure we are providing the events and programs that are most meaningful to our members. As a volunteer-run organization, we strive to engage others who share our mission. Our membership will enthusiastically support the mission of Urban Revitalization. We’re looking forward to a great 2014.

SECRETARY

SECRETARYJennifer Nied

Penn National Gaming(2012-2013)

COMMITTEE MEMBERS Wayne Gehris

Reading School District

Kristin KohlerHerbein + Company, Inc.

(G!G! Finances)

Jake KutzParenteBeard LLC

TREASURERJon Zeigler

ParenteBeard LLC(2012-2013)

2013 Committee Accomplishments2013 resulted in another great year for GRYP. G!G!13 was the best fundraising year that GRYP has had in our history, which allowed us to donate in excess of $20,000 to our 2013 community cause and $5,000 GRYP’s Field of Interest Fund at Berks County Community Foundation. The sports league revenues also continued to grow in 2013, exceeding $14,000 and increasing more than 33% from 2012.

GRYP was also able to raise more than $11,000 through corporate partnerships. These fund-raising efforts were a result of the hard work of GRYP’s committees and board, as well as the generosity of our sponsors and corporate partners. We are excited about the financial impact we are able to have on our community and look forward to continued growth.

EXPENSES 2012 Actual 2013 Actual 2014 Budget

Community donations $11,775 $25,475 $22,500

Community advancement 3,465 5,249 5,850

Legislative impact committee 943 1,387 2,000

Membership committee 304 204 250

Administrative 10,939 8,102 8,550

Marketing committee 8,596 6,702 5,750

Events committee 11,570 16,171 12,000

Sports league committee 5,551 7,468 7,500

Development committee 6,150 8,927 9,100

GiGi In-kind sponsors 17,500 19,500 18,000

TOTAL EXPENSES $76,793 $99,185 $91,500

GRYP FINANCESREVENUE 2012 Actual 2013 Actual 2014 Budget

Membership fee revenues $13,550 $12,736 $17,500

Event sponsorships 8,957 10,420 6,000

GRYP Special Events - - 4,500

Sports league revenues 10,798 14,390 13,000

GiGi fundraising 25,002 29,092 25,000

GiGi In-kind sponsors 17,500 19,500 18,000

Corporate partnerships 4,550 11,196 7,500

TOTAL REVENUE $80,357 $97,334 $91,500

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CommitteeCOMMUNITY ADVANCEMENT

CO-CHAIRSAaron Costenbader

Greater Reading Economic Partnership(2012-2014)

Kara Mowbray American Red Cross

Berks County Chapter(2013-2014)

COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Kristin Boyd

Jenna SchreiberReese

Maria StamySuzy Rae Design

2013 Committee Accomplishments#1 ACCOMPLISHMENT: Successfully organized the 5th Annual GRYP Costumes on the Corridor on October 23, 2013.

#2 ACCOMPLISHMENT: Oversaw the collection of 200+ pieces of clothing for the PA WorkWear Program, which provides clothing to individuals in need referred by local agencies. Clients receive a job interview outfit or one week’s worth of appropriate clothing for a new job, training or internship.

#3 ACCOMPLISHMENT: Partnered with United Way on Ready. Set. Read!, a community-wide initiative that brings together schools, businesses, organizations and individuals to improve early grade reading success.

2014 Committee Goals:- Coordinate quarterly volunteer activities focused on Urban Revitalization.- Organize collection drives 2-4 per year.- Collaborate with the Events Committee to align non-profits w/ 3rd Thursday events and breakfasts.- Work to ATTRACT NEW committee members!

GRYP collected more than 200 articles of clothing for the PA WorkWear Program.

GRYP members again worked hard to organize the annual Costumes on the Corridor event for

the community.

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CommitteeDEVELOPMENT

CHAIR

Wayne Gehris Reading School District

(2013)

COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Amanda Feehery

Reading Electric

Ian GrossCarpenter Technology Corporation

Sarah MacAuslandBerks County Community Foundation

Judd MeinhartAnimal Rescue League of Berks County, Inc.

Maggie PlaceAlvernia University

Matt SerioPennsylvania Council on the Arts

2013 Committee Accomplishments#1 ACCOMPLISHMENT: During 2013, GRYP successfully launched its Corporate Partnership Program to allow for local businesses to support GRYP’s efforts while showcasing their organization at one of GRYP’s Signature Events, Third Thursday or Bonus Events. During 2013, we secured 13 partnerships totaling approximately $13,300 and exceeded budget by 116%.

#2 ACCOMPLISHMENT: Allocation and Distributions of Funds Raised by GRYP’s Premier Event – G!G!.

During 2013, GRYP established a grantmaking committee to oversee a request for proposal process. The committee consisted of the GRYP Executive Committee, Development Chair and G!G! Chair. The committee was responsible for reviewing 24 grant applications requesting over $178,000 and the recommendations provided by Berks County Community Foundation, which administers the Greater Reading Young Professionals Community Engagement Fund. The committee was charged with making recommendations to the GRYP Board for final approval of the recipients and the distribution of nearly $20,000 raised by the Gala. The recipients were as follows:

- The Literacy Council of Reading-Berks, Inc. received $5,000 to offset costs of the“Technical Skills Training Program,” a project for fifteen 18-24-year-old English as aSecond Language (ESL) students to build English proficiency and job readiness skills.

-The Reading Public Library Foundation received $6,500 to help fund the Reading Public Library’s adult continuing education program, “Mind Pop.” The programeducates adults in all aspects of personal and professional advancement, includingjob skills, resume building, career establishment and technology competency.

-United Community Services received $3,000 to help establish a Healthcare CareersTrack within its YouthBuild Program, which provides 17-24-year-old Reading-areayouth with the opportunity to learn academic, job readiness, and occupational skills.The track will provide program participants with awareness and preparation to enterand successfully complete post-secondary healthcare training.

-Berks County Adult Probation and Parole/Offender Workforce DevelopmentSpecialists received $5,575 to fund “Reading II Succeed,” a resource center inthe Adult Probation office, to help Berks County residents ages 18 - 23 who areon probation search for employment, complete resumes and attend classes on jobreadiness.

2014 Committee Goals:#1 GOAL: Review funding requests from the community; analyze and make a recommendation to the Board. #2 GOAL: Work with the GRYP committees to ascertain their funding needs and assist them with fundraising efforts.#3 GOAL:Continue to target businesses for corporate sponsorships.

At the Community Mixer held at Berks County Community Foundation, GRYP recognized its

2013 Grant Recipients. Pictured are GRYP Vice President, Kristi Gage-Linderman, and President,

Kristin Kramer, with representatives from these organizations.

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CommitteeG!G!

CHAIRSarah MacAusland

Berks County Community Foundation(2013)

COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Beth Bankemper

d2 Solutions, Inc.+ d2CA Architects LLC

Rachael BryanViVá Bistro and Tapas Lounge

Amanda FeeheryReading Electric

Carrie GuayFleetwood Fixtures

Mekena KepnerViVá Bistro and Tapas Lounge

Kristin Kohler Herbein + Company, Inc.

Marissa LoCascio1031 Corp.

Maggie PlaceAlvernia University

Carly Sensenig Bell Tower Salon & Medi-Spa

Amanda SpencerReading Public Museum

G!G!, the Greater Reading Young Professionals Gala, is a unique social experience of food, music and networking. Held annually in March, G!G! celebrates the resources and unique facilities Greater Reading has to offer. Through the hard work of our supporters, volunteers and committee members, a space is transformed into a party-ready, fabulous venue to be seen for one night only. G!G! reminds us of all the things that make this area a great place to live, to work and to play.

Each year funds raised from G!G! have gone to support local organizations or projects. Past recipients have included: Opportunity House, Gilmore | Henne Community Fund at Berks County Community Foundation, Reading Public Library Foundation, Penn Corridor, BCTV, Reading Downtown Improvement District, Berks Arts Council, American Cancer Society, GoggleWorks Center for the Arts and the Security Camera Fund, through the Reading Beautification Incorporation.

In 2013, GRYP surveyed members to determine a “Community Cause” to drive their fundraising efforts: Education/Workforce Readiness. Along with volunteer opportunities for members, proceeds from G!G!13 supported various projects and organizations tied to this cause. Held at “Slick Willy’s Karts & Eats” at the Works at Wyomissing, G!G!13 was an overwhelming success as it raised the most in sponsorships and overall fundraising since inception. Through a grantmaking process with Berks County Community Foundation, GRYP awarded $20,500 in grants to four organizations addressing education/workforce readiness.

G!G!13 at Slick Willy’s.

The G!G!13 Committee.

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COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Heather Brady

Lasting Image

Alyssa DeFazio Stoneridge Retirement Living

Kristi Gage-LindermanGage Personnel

Justin Istenes AEM Architects

Gladine St. Julien Timet

Lauren KehresReading Public Museum

Jessica Lynch RiteAid

Sarah MacAuslandBerks County Community Foundation

Matt SerioPennsylvania Council on the Arts

CommitteeEVENTS

2013 Committee Accomplishments#1 ACCOMPLISHMENT: Planned and hosted 10 events throughout the year as the Top 10 Business Winners of the Greater Reading area in honor of GRYP’s 10th anniversary.

#2 ACCOMPLISHMENT: Planned and hosted more than 60 events throughout the year, including Third Thursday Events, Bonus Events, Breakfast Events, Happy Hour Events, Recreational Events, Sports League Events, Member-Only Events, Educational Events and more!

#3 ACCOMPLISHMENT: Hosted GRYP’s third annual Masquerade Ball at The Stirling Guest Hotel. Over 75 members attended. A new DIY photo booth was added to the event activities.

2014 Committee Goals:#1 GOAL:Create a stronger focus on GRYP’s signature Third Thursday events by limiting the amount of additional events with the intent of increasing attendance at the signature events.

#2 GOAL:Continue to plan events with a welcoming environment that is inviting to New Members or First Time Attendees.

CO-CHAIRSAllison Faulkner

Paul Fredrick (2013-2014)

Nicole MathisCarpenter Technology

(2013-2014)

First annual Berks County Wine Trail event.

Third Thursday event at Reinsel Kuntz Lesher LLP.

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COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Kirsten Deysher

KSD Marketing Solutions

Pamela GockleyVigilant Internet Services Corp.

Peter Gustis Reading Realty Group

Megan KelleherParente Beard LLC

Andrew KemmererSusquehanna Commercial Finance

Chuck LiedikeReading-Berks Association of Realtors

Mark MohnRe/Max of Reading

Keri MortonKautter & Kelley Architects

CommitteeLEGISLATIVE IMPACT

2013 Committee Accomplishments#1 ACCOMPLISHMENT: Spoke with GRYP members, elected officials, media, community organizations, and the public about the objectives of GRYP and the LIC.

#2 ACCOMPLISHMENT: Hosted the Annual Fall Legislative Mixer at GoggleWorks Center for the Arts with elected officials, candidates and GRYP members.

#3 ACCOMPLISHMENT: Hosted the Economic Development Forum at Alvernia University to educate GRYP members on economic issues facing the Greater Reading area, focusing on education.

#4 ACCOMPLISHMENT: Held meetings with elected officials and candidates running for office in order to share GRYP’s mission and encourage interaction between the candidate/official and GRYP.

#5 ACCOMPLISHMENT: Increased GRYP member awareness regarding voter registration.

2014 Committee Goals:#1 GOAL:Increase GRYP and LIC member involvement in the local community.

#2 GOAL: Host the Economic Development Forum and Legislative Mixer.

#3 GOAL: Increase GRYP member voter registration.

#4 GOAL:Inform GRYP members about political events and issues facing the Greater Reading area so that they can become educated and informed voters.

CHAIRThad M. Gelsinger

Leisawitz Heller Abramowitch Phillips(2012-2015)

GRYP Members at the 2013 Class of Leadership Berks’s Brighter Than The Sun 5k.

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COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Jeremy DreyReading Eagle

John GantzGovernor Mifflin School District

Christopher GoffR. P. Luce and Co.

Kristin KramerWilson Education Foundation/

Wilson School District

Jenna Schreiber Reese

Teresa Van WagnerandCulture

2013 Committee Accomplishments#1 ACCOMPLISHMENT: Enhanced and expanded our visibility in the community with the celebration of our 10 Year Anniversary.

#2 ACCOMPLISHMENT: Continued to develop and refine the new GRYP Brand through our Marketing Collateral, Social Media, Public Relations, Website and Eblasts.

#3 ACCOMPLISHMENT: Regularly used Social Media to promote specials for GRYP memberships, fundraisers and volunteer activities throughout the year.

2014 Committee Goals:#1 GOAL:Enhance and expand our visibility in the community through the use of various advertising outlets and mediums.

#2 GOAL:Continue to provide and enhance thoughtful and generous benefits for our current loyal members.

CHAIR Christin Kelley

SSM Group, Inc. (2012-2013)

Annual Jingle Jingle Mix N’ Mingle, a holiday event at the historic Abraham

Lincoln - A Wyndham Hotel.

CommitteeMARKETING

CommitteeMEMBERSHIP

COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Zac Bugay

Penske Truck Leasing

Mathew Donaldson

Amanda FeeheryReading Electric

Alayne GalleyThe Liz Egner Group at RE/MAX of Reading

Brian KilpatrickLiberty Mutual Insurance

Adam NemchickInterior Workplace Solutions LLC

Jamie SpencerReinsel Kuntz Lesher LLP

CHAIRCarolyn Weidenhammer

Surgical Specialties Corporation(2012-2013)

2013 Committee Accomplishments:#1 ACCOMPLISHMENTReached goal of 450 members.

#2 ACCOMPLISHMENTNew Referral Program developed.

#3 ACCOMPLISHMENTNew Member/Board/Existing Member Spotlight Quarterly in eNews.

#4 ACCOMPLISHMENTNew Member incentives developed.

#5 ACCOMPLISHMENTUtilized “Membership”/“Ambassador” ribbons to help identify Membership Committee Members and Ambassadors to any new members at events.

2014 Committee Goals:#1 GOALIncrease member retention.

#2 GOALIncrease membership.

#3 GOALContinue improving the on-boarding experience of GRYP members.

#4 GOALConduct Pricing Evaluation.

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CommitteeSPORTS LEAGUES

The Nominating Committee had much to accomplish in 2013. Through succession planning, the committee identified four well-qualified candidates to serve as officers for 2014-2015 to lead the board: Kristi Gage-Linderman, President; Wayne Gehris, Vice President; Travis Bieber, Treasurer; and Alayne Galley, Secretary. In addition, several candidates were selected to serve as Chairs for various committees. The Nominating Committee also identified nine new members to join the board in 2014: Zac Bugay, Penske Truck Leasing; Imran Chowdhury, Centurion Medical Products; Amanda Feehery, Reading Electric; Matthew Frasso, ParenteBeard; Alayne Galley, RE/Max of Reading; Ian Gross, Carpenter Technology; Judson Meinhart, Animal Rescue League of Berks County; Kara Mowbray, American Red Cross; and Gladine St. Julien, Timet. This slate of candidates was approved by the board at the October 2013 board meeting. I would like to personally thank the following board members who will roll off at the end of 2013 and who have done an outstanding job of leading the GRYP Board: Kristin Kramer, President; Christin Kelley, Marketing Chair; and Jake Kutz, General Board Member. I will roll off the board at the end of 2013 after serving on the board since 2006. I can honestly say that the Greater Reading Young Professionals network is truly a “gem” in Berks County, and I was honored to serve.

CHAIR Jermaine Edwards

Fidelity Investments(2012-2013)

CommitteeNOMINATING

2013 Committee Accomplishments#1 ACCOMPLISHMENT: Planned and hosted three leagues throughout the year including volleyball, football, and kickball; also held several events at Alvernia University and the Sinking Spring YMCA.

#2 ACCOMPLISHMENT: Since its inception in 2011, the sports league has continued to attract a diverse group of members and nonmembers. Participation has increased in each year, and total league participation for volleyball, kickball, and football was 371 league signups! (229 league signups in 2012). The increased participation and funds generated through the league have helped to support the causes of GRYP throughout the year.

#3 ACCOMPLISHMENT: Raised over $1,000 and over 222 lbs. of food donations for the Greater Berks Food Bank through the GRYP sponsored Turkey Bowl Flag Football Tournament.

2014 Committee Goals:#1 GOAL: To continue to increase participation in all leagues and events held over the prior year, including the potential for new leagues and events.

#2 GOAL: Through increased attendance, sponsorship, and events, increase funds raised by the Sports League in 2013 for GRYP charities and causes.

#3 GOAL: Secure a consistent venue to facilitate the growth and momentum of the Sports League.

COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Heather Brady

Lasting Image

Imran ChowdhuryCenturion Medical Products

Sheila ContentoCrowne Plaza

Greg VilardoThe Water Guy

CHAIRTravis Bieber

Reinsel Kuntz Lesher LLP(2013)

Fall 2013 Kickball League.

Spring 2013 Football League.

COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Kristin Kramer, President

Wilson Education Foundation/Wilson School District

Patrick Velekei, Past PresidentThe Giles Financial Group

Robyn JonesBerks County Living

Jaime PerezBetances Realty Group

1. Top 10 Event at Bell Tower Salon & Medi-Spa. 2. Masquerade Ball at The Stirling Guest Hotel. 3. Alumni Mixer at The Stirling Guest Hotel. 4. Costumes on the Corridor. 5. Berks County Wine Trail event. 6. GRYP members volunteering at Opportunity House. 7. Third Thursday event at Reinsel Kuntz Lesher LLP. 8. 2013 Turkey Bowl. 9. Bonus Event sponsored by the Liz Egner Group at Re/MAX Reading.

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