WYOMISSING -- Al Boscov has built a retail empire, from a single store in Reading in the 1950's to more than 40 stores in five states.
Members of the Pennsylvania Retailers' Association decided Boscov deserved to be the first in their hall of fame, so he was inducted in a gala celebration at a hotel near Reading Thursday night.
"Look what the man has done for the retail industry in Pennsylvania, what he has done for his community, what he has done for Berks County, what he has done for the Commonwealth, said Brian Rider of the association.
Boscov said he is honored.
Friends, family, a former governor, even current Governor Tom Corbett gathered to celebrate Boscov.
"There are a lot of good retailers in Pennsylvania, and I hope all of them end up in the hall of fame in retailing, but I'm glad to be the first one," said Boscov.
"Well, he should be the first, he's the best, there's no question about it. I'm sure Governor Corbett and I, we don't agree on everything but we certainly agree on that," said former governor Ed Rendell.
Boscov's employs more than 7,000 people and the company has annual estimated revenue of more than a billion dollars.
"I think I'd like my father to be proud of me, I think that would be a nice legacy. My father was a great guy, wanted to do a lot for the city and I'm glad I can help," said Boscov.