Don't GRIPE -- GRYP instead!

It's always easy to find the gripers...about the economy, about "kids today", about slowness, stagnation, even the weather. And I've got to admit (especially about the weather!), I can gripe with the best of them.

But I'm truly heartened by the GRYP-ers, the Greater Reading Young Professionals, a local group of under-40s who have organized themselves into a force of nature. They are networking, learning and teaching about the community, raising money and investing it as social entrepreneurs, placing members in community leadership positions, and really making a difference.

The GRYP-ers are professionals from all areas, and we've been fortunate enough to host some of the business entrepreneurs for lunch. We've had 2 free-wheeling discussions -- about what's working in our community, what's not, how they see things, what help they need and how they can connect and help each other. They are innovative and serious about growing their businesses and creating a better community. Encouraging!

Look them up and give them some business -- don't gripe about the future, invest in it. Thanks to:

Eric Burkey -- Burkey Construction http://www.burkeyconstruction.com/

Mike Sirak -- MGS Insurance http://www.mgsinsurance.com/

Laurie Mikes -- Second Wind http://www.secondwindonline.com/

Dan Laws -- DaBrian Marketing http://www.dabrianmarketing.com/

Jamie Maack -- Industrial Metal Plating http://www.indmp.com/

Lisa and Ted Lavendar -- Berks Fire and Water Restoration http://www.bfwrestoration.com/
 and Reading Express Football http://www.expressindoorfootball.com/ Go Team!

Missy Steeber -- Hollywood Dry Cleaners http://www.hollywoodcleanersltd.com/

Ben Franco -- Winedown Cafe http://www.winedowncafe.net/