WYOMISSING, PA (February 5,2008)-- Merv Heller, President of Leisawitz Heller, took the reins as Chairman of BEP’s Board of Directors and Executive Committee in January 2008. Heller replaces Michael Fromm, President of Fromm Electric Supply Corporation, who recently completed a two-year term. Heller most recently served as Vice Chair of the Board.

After graduating from Reading High School, Heller received his B.S. degree in education from East Stroudsburg University and his Juris Doctor from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law. He has been practicing law in Berks County for over thirty years.

Merv has been active in several local non-profit groups and organizations over the years. He served as the solicitor for the Berks County Convention Center Authority, the Berks County Solid Waste Authority, special counsel to the Berks County Industrial Development Authority, and legal counsel for the Berks County Chamber of Commerce for 14 years. Recently, he served as Chairman of the Berks County Chamber of Commerce in 2004 and 2005, and he is a current Board member of the Greater Berks Development Fund.

Heller’s accomplishments have also reached the national and international stage. In 2001 and 2002 he chaired the US Open and was President, Chairman of the Board, and Chief Executive Officer of the United States Tennis Association (USTA). In addition, he was Vice President and Director of the Board of the International Tennis Federation (ITF).

Heller brings a wealth of organizational leadership and experience to BEP and is anxious to help set direction and strategy over the next two years. “BEP has grown into one of the premier economic development players in Berks County. Now we need to stay focused on the mission and make sure that business attraction and retention remains a high priority in the community.” Heller said that he would like to see greater corporate involvement in BEP, and increased Board participation on BEP committees.
 

Media Contacts:

Mervin A. Heller, Jr., Esquire
Leisawitz Heller
(610) 372-3500