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.
Between high interest rates, changing work habits, and the upcoming election, there are a lot of factors affecting office and industrial markets. So we figured it was time to check back in with two of our previous podcast guests, who keep a close watch on all things real estate. In our latest episode, host Greg Bedalov joins Jim Adler and Mark Moran, Executive Vice Presidents of the Chicago-based brokerage firm NAI Hiffman, for an update on office and industrial development in Chicagoland. How are high interest rates affecting the industrial market, and what will happen when those rates begin to drop? How are Chicago’s suburbs getting creative and reimagining large office spaces post-pandemic? How are trends like hybrid work changing the game? We cover all these topics and more on the latest Beat. 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.
Employers are doing everything they can to attract and retain good workers. But the biggest factor in an employee’s success is also one of the hardest to manage: mental health. In our latest episode, host Greg Bedalov joins Dr. Lindsey Harrington and Gina Sharp of Endeavor Health Linden Oaks Hospital to talk about mental health in the modern workplace. Why is it so important? What’s changed in recent years? How do new technologies and ways of working impact our health? And, most importantly, how can employers create an environment that puts employee wellness first? 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.
For 160 years, customers across Northern Illinois have depended on one company for natural gas: Nicor. Now, the way we think about energy is evolving, and Nicor is evolving with it. In today’s episode, host Greg Bedalov joins Nicor Gas VP Meena Beyers for a deep dive into the future of energy. From hydrogen molecules to net-zero housing, their conversation goes to some unexpected places, while exploring the big question: What’s the role of Nicor, and the natural gas industry, in tomorrow’s energy economy? Special Guest: Meena Beyers, Vice President, Nicor Gas 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.
Let’s talk talent. In this episode, host Greg Bedalov joins three experts to explore how Chicagoland manufacturers are developing and recruiting next-generation workers. How are manufacturers dealing with labor shortages? What can parents do to broaden their kids’ career horizons? And how is one local marketing agency helping make the next generation of “Mavericks”? Find out on the Beat. Special Guests: Nancy O’Leary, Vice President of Custom Direct Danielle Kuglin Seago, Manager, Apprenticeship & Workforce Development for Project Hire-Ed, College of DuPage Susan Fischer, President of Premier Manufacturing Corporation Dive Deeper: This episode features Custom Direct’s Manufacturing Mavericks website, where students, parents and professionals can explore true stories about careers in the trades. Check it out. We also discuss Project Hire-Ed, a College of DuPage program that combines on-the-job training and instruction for apprentices. The program’s “earn and learn” model helps students learn new skills while actively building their careers. Watch this video to learn more. When it comes to solving labor challenges, DuPage County has a unique tool: our seamless talent pipeline. This network of educational institutions, businesses and programs like Project Hire-Ed develops new talent and connects good workers with great careers. Learn more about our talent pipeline. 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 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.