Today’s biggest business issues, told from a Chicagoland perspective. A podcast about emerging industries, shifting borders, economic ecosystems, and you. Featuring experts and entrepreneurs. Hosted by Greg Bedalov, President & CEO of Choose DuPage. DuPage Business Beat is produced by Choose DuPage.
In January 2023, something unprecedented happened in Chicagoland. For the first time, seven Northeastern Illinois counties and the City of Chicago formed a partnership. Now, the Greater Chicagoland Economic Partnership (GCEP) is working to drive inclusive development, promote the region’s collective assets, and foster collaboration like never before. In this episode, host Greg Bedalov, President & CEO of Choose DuPage, sits down with three local leaders to discuss how GCEP is impacting the region and changing the Chicagoland story. Special Guests: Robin Ficke, Senior Vice President, Research, World Business Chicago Kevin Considine, President & CEO, Lake County Partners Xochitl Flores, Bureau Chief, Economic Development for Cook County Dive Deeper: To learn more about GCEP, “one of the largest advancements in our collective economic history,” start here. According to Site Selection Magazine, “The sense of regionalism exemplified by the Greater Chicagoland Economic Partnership will only reinforce the area’s attractiveness.” Learn why the publication named Chicagoland the Top Metro for Corporate Investment for the 11th year running. In this episode, we discuss how GCEP is making an impact across Chicagoland. To learn more about the organization’s inaugural year, read the 2023 GCEP Year in Review. A special thanks to the College of DuPage for supporting today’s episode. To keep up with what’s happening in DuPage County and the Chicagoland region, follow Choose DuPage on social media or visit ChooseDuPage.com/Ready.
Most Chicagoland residents have heard of Argonne National Laboratory, the DuPage County-based U.S. Department of Energy facility. But what many don’t realize is that Argonne is teaming up with manufacturers to develop groundbreaking projects at-scale, from EV batteries to carbon capture tech. For today’s episode, host Greg Bedalov sits down with Chris Heckle, Director of the Materials Manufacturing Innovation Center, to discuss the transformative work happening at Argonne—and the collaboration behind it. Dive Deeper: Home to two National Laboratories (Argonne and Fermilab) as well as one of the nation’s top science and engineering talent pools, DuPage County has a science-first ecosystem. Learn more. Argonne researchers recently won three R&D 100 Awards, AKA “the Oscars of Innovation.” Their award-winning work included an AI program designed to accelerate cancer research and a physics simulation for nuclear energy. Read the full story. If your business is interested in partnering with the Material Manufacturing Innovation Center at Argonne, reach out to Chris Heckle on LinkedIn. A special thanks to the College of DuPage for supporting today’s episode. To keep up with what’s happening in DuPage County and the Chicagoland region, follow Choose DuPage on social media or visit ChooseDuPage.com/Ready.
In this follow-up to “People-nomics: Part 1”, we continue our exploration of all things labor. Host Greg Bedalov and a pair of economic experts break down a wide range of workforce-related issues, including the rising cost of housing, the aging population, and the endgame of recent inflation. Guests: Matt Finn, CFA, Chief Economist of 1834, a division of Old National Bank Glenn Mazade, SVP, Commercial Business Banking of Old National Bank Host: Greg Bedalov, President and CEO of Choose DuPage Dive Deeper: Want to learn more about Chicagoland’s workforce? Start with the Chicagoland Economic Partnership Asset Report, a free resource that offers insights into the region’s key assets. In 2023, DuPage County and Greater Chicagoland dominated Newsweek’s Greatest Workplaces list. See who made the list – and learn how these employers are reducing turnover rates while boosting employee productivity. Located in the thriving Chicagoland region, DuPage County has access to a world-class talent pool. Visit the Choose DuPage workforce page to learn how our seamless pipeline helps develop next-gen talent and connects businesses with the workers they need. A special thanks to the College of DuPage for supporting today’s episode. To keep up with what’s happening in DuPage County and the Chicagoland region, follow Choose DuPage on social media or visit ChooseDuPage.com/Ready.
Today’s businesses are struggling for one thing: talent. So how did we get here? What factors are influencing the labor market? And how can businesses adapt? The answer: It’s complicated. In today’s episode, host Greg Bedalov sits down with an economist and a banking expert to discuss all things “People-nomics” – the economics of labor. In the first half of their two-part conversation, Greg & co. discuss how automation and immigration are impacting the labor crisis, and what a shifting global supply chain could mean for our region. Stay tuned for “People-nomics, Part 2”, where we’ll dive into the rising cost of housing—and discuss what the heck is happening with interest rates. Guests: Matt Finn, CFA, Chief Economist of 1834, a division of Old National Bank Glenn Mazade, SVP, Commercial Business Banking of Old National Bank Host: Greg Bedalov, President and CEO of Choose DuPage Dive Deeper: Want to learn more about Chicagoland’s workforce? Start with the Chicagoland Economic Partnership Asset Report, a free resource that offers in-depth data and insights on the region’s key assets. Want better workers? Build better workplaces. Check out our Smartest Workplaces in DuPage: 2023 list to see how businesses in the Chicagoland suburbs are redefining workplace experiences. Located in the thriving Chicagoland region, DuPage County has access to a world-class talent pool. Visit the Choose DuPage workforce page to learn how our seamless pipeline helps develop next-gen talent and connects businesses with the workers they need. A special thanks to the College of DuPage for supporting today’s episode. To keep up with what’s happening in DuPage County and the Chicagoland region, follow Choose DuPage on social media or visit ChooseDuPage.com/Ready.
When an experienced engineer looks at Chicagoland, what do they see?In this episode, host Greg Bedalov meets with the founder of a prominent engineering firm and professor at the University of Illinois Chicago. Their sweeping conversation covers topics ranging from workplace sustainability and water resources to the EV infrastructure, the engineering workforce, and civic engagement.Guest: Dr. Christopher Burke, founder and CEO of Christopher B. Burke Engineering Dive Deeper: Dr. Burke says that Chicagoland’s unique water infrastructure gives the region an edge. To learn more about the area’s assets and growth areas, check out the GCEP Asset Report. Greg and Dr. Burke discuss how Chicagoland’s smart energy infrastructure helps the region attract data centers, semiconductor manufacturers, and other businesses. Learn more about the area’s energy assets with the ComEd Fact Sheet. Feeling inspired to build a more sustainable business? Explore Choose DuPage’s Sustainable DuPage program for helpful resources and guidance on responsible practices. A special thanks to the College of DuPage for supporting today’s episode. To keep up with what’s happening in DuPage County and the Chicagoland region, follow Choose DuPage on social media or visit ChooseDuPage.com/Ready.