Republican Ryan Costello, running for Pennsylvania's 6th Congressional District seat, has received another endorsement from Berks County's leading business group. The 6th District includes portions of Berks, Chester, Montgomery and Lebanon counties. Incumbent US Rep. Jim Gerlach is retiring from Congress at the end of this year.

Here's a press release from the Costello for Congress campaign:

WEST CHESTER, PA – The Greater Reading Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GRCCI) announced today that it has unanimously endorsed Ryan Costello for Congress in Pennsylvania's 6th Congressional District. The GRCCI -- the largest business organization in the Berks County region -- endorsed Costello based on his positions on key public policy affecting business, economic development, jobs and quality of life issues. 

Previous small business endorsements for Costello include:

• U.S. Chamber of Commerce
• National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB)
• Southeastern Pennsylvania Chambers of Commerce (SEPAC)
• Chester County Chamber of Business and Industry.

"The key to strong, vibrant local communities is a solid, competitive business environment that is able to grow and create new job opportunities for local residents," said Costello. "I have a strong record of working closely with the local business community as a county commissioner.  If elected to represent local residents in Congress, I will continue to champion policies that reduce costly, unnecessary regulations and taxes that stifle the ability of our local businesses to thrive and increase jobs."

Costello has campaigned on the theme of working to end the gridlock in Washington, DC, by building consensus on issues, particularly policies impacting the economy, business growth, and job creation. Costello has expressed his support for increasing the nation’s investment in education, particularly in areas like science, technology, engineering, and math so that American students of can better compete on a global scale. Costello also wants to review the nation's workforce development programs to ensure we are adequately preparing individuals to for the high-demand jobs of today and the future.