Commissioner Rivera highlights job gains, veteran bracelet return and upcoming local events

Commissioner Michael Rivera used the commissioners' reports period to summarize recent workforce figures, community events and outreach efforts.

Rivera said the workforce development board reported year-over-year employment increases for Aug. 2024–Aug. 2025, including about 1,300 new manufacturing jobs and about 1,500 new jobs in health care and social assistance. "We had an increase of 1,300 jobs here" in manufacturing and "we had an increase from August to August of 1,500 jobs" in health care, Rivera said. He added job openings rose slightly from about 31,500 to 31,800.

Rivera and other commissioners described a ceremonial return of a World War II veteran's bracelet found by a metal detectorist in France. According to Rivera, the finder researched the name on the bracelet, confirmed the veteran (Carl Milligan) was from Berks County, and sent the bracelet to the county VA office; the county arranged a small ceremony to return the relic to Milligan's daughter.

Rivera also promoted community engagement: town hall events held at county libraries (one recent town hall focused on passenger rail), the Reading Film Fest and local workforce outreach through CareerLink and Connections Work. He highlighted the Reading Aviation Expo, which includes a NetJets career fair and related events for students and adults interested in aviation careers.

Rivera noted October is National Bullying Prevention Month and urged residents to consult stopbullying.gov for resources. He closed with reminders about upcoming local events and thanked staff and community partners for outreach and programming.