Podcast appearances and mentions of erie regional chamber

Jake is the Vice President of Economic Development at the Erie Regional Chamber & Growth Partnership and has been working in the economic development sector for over 30 years. On this episode, he shares his experiences and knowledge with us, specifically addressing the current state of the Erie economy, what he has seen over the last few decades in regards to growth and challenges Erie has faced, as well as providing us with a 10 year projection for what he believes the future holds for Erie. This episode is both informative and entertaining to listen to as we get to hear from Jake's perspective on the economic development of Erie!

We began. the week meeting the new President & CEO at Erie Regional Chamber & Growth Partnership, Brandon Mendoza. We heard his personal story, and got a glimpse of what's in store for the Chamber under his leadership.

This episode of We Question and Learn program will feature Karen Bilowith, President and CEO of the Erie Community Foundation. With her will be Erin Fessler, Vice President of Community and Government Relations. We'll hear an overview about the Foundation's activities and accomplishments. Also featured is Jake Rouch, Interim President and Chief Executive Officer at the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership. Join us Sunday afternoons starting at 4 on WQLN NPR and then online at WQLN.org or your favorite podcast venue.

This episode of We Wquestion and Learn will feature interviews with Robert Chatfied, President and CEO of the Free To Choose Network, a global media nonprofit organization whose history goes back to 1980 with the production of Milton Friedman's PBS series Free To Choose. And Jake Rouch, Interim President and Chief Executive Officer at the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership.

The annual Erie Homecoming conference, sponsored by the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership, featured the theme, "Activating the Vision." Our guests included: Jake Rouch, President and CEO of the Chamber, Chris Norris of Revox Media, Sara Harris of Pulakos Chocolates and Shari Robinson of Mighty Fine Donuts, and Tim Burch of Burch Farms.

Jake Rouch, VP at the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership, visited our studio Monday for a mid-year report on how Erie businesses are doing in 2024.

Erie, PA entrepreneur Lisa Hansen joins the podcast to discuss her outdoor adventure gear company: Hikes and Hose. Throughout the conversation, Lisa will first talk about the origins of the company, along with how the COVID-19 pandemic encouraged the idea. Then, she'll talk product development and how its a family-driven process. Finally, she'll talk about the economic development programs that she's participated in, including the ErieMade Business Academy and the Ben Franklin Technology Partners' TechCelerator. At the time of this conversation, Hansen was in week 3 of the TechCelerator. She has since graduated from the program. Check out the Hikes and Hose line of products today (hikesandhose.com). Sponsored by: ⁠⁠Erie Regional Chamber & Growth Partnership⁠⁠ This podcast is a product of the ⁠⁠NWPA Innovation Beehive Network⁠⁠. Most guests are clients that have used our free, grant-funded services. Music: Kevin Macleod's "pamgaea" available via Creative Commons Attribution-International 4.0. License: ⁠⁠https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/⁠⁠, No changes were made. Music by audionautix.com. Audionautix's "Roboskater" by Jason Shaw available via Creative Commons Attribution-International 4.0. License: ⁠⁠https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/⁠⁠, No changes were made.

To start the new year, we get a baseline on Erie business with James Grunke, the President and CEO of the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership.

Betsy Grinder joins the podcast to discuss her meal-prep/catering/personal chef enterprise: Your Daily Serving. Throughout our conversation, Betsy first talks about the environmental aspects of her business (food waste, canning, composting). Then, we discuss her growing customer base in Erie County and how social media has helped in this quest. And finally, she highlights some of her favorite restaurants in the Corry area and beyond. Sponsored by: ⁠Erie Regional Chamber & Growth Partnership⁠ This podcast is a product of the ⁠NWPA Innovation Beehive Network⁠. Most guests are clients that have used our free, grant-funded services. Music: Kevin Macleod's "pamgaea" available via Creative Commons Attribution-International 4.0. License: ⁠https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/⁠, No changes were made. Music by audionautix.com. Audionautix's "Roboskater" by Jason Shaw available via Creative Commons Attribution-International 4.0. License: ⁠https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/⁠, No changes were made.

We returned to our studios Monday with a focus on the Erie International Airport. We tried to understand the problems ERI is facing in the context of the overall U.S. commercial aviation industry. Our guests included Dan Giannelli, Board Chair of the Erie Airport Authority; Joe Sinnott, Erie County Economic Development Director; and James Grunke, President/CEO of the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership.

Brian McCauley joins the podcast to discuss his non-profit: Flying for Veterans. We first touch on his military background, along with how that inspired this veteran service organization. Then, we talk about the process and pitfalls of starting/running a non-profit. And finally, we get into the organization's future plans. Sponsored by: Erie Regional Chamber & Growth Partnership This podcast is a product of the NWPA Innovation Beehive Network. Most guests are clients that have used our free, grant-funded services. Music: Kevin Macleod's "pamgaea" available via Creative Commons Attribution-International 4.0. License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/, No changes were made. Music by audionautix.com. Audionautix's "Roboskater" by Jason Shaw available via Creative Commons Attribution-International 4.0. License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/, No changes were made.

On this Monday edition, we talk with the Erie Regional Manufacturing Partnership.  Jake Rouch oversees the ERMP's interests from his position with the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership; and Jim Rutkowski, General Manager at Industrial Sales and Manufacturing and current Chair of the ERMP, both join us for a great conversation!

The next We Question and Learn Program will feature an interview with Brian Slawin, Regional Director and Portfolio manager for the Ben Franklin Technology Partners, along with Fire and Ice Program Leader, Jordan Fuller from the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership. Then we'll revisit an interview with Gerald Clark, Professor, retired special FBI Agent and Author.

On this Monday episode, it's all about Erie Entrepreneurship! We hear from Jordan Fuller, Director of Entrepreneurial Programs at the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership, Drew Whiting, Chairman of Erie's first dedicated angel fund-also known as ICE Angel Fund and Brain Slawin, the Director & Portfolio Manager of Ben Franklin Technology Partners.

Missy Hitz joins the podcast to discuss her business: Monacella Massage & Kinesiology. Before that though, we also touch on Missy's mentorship work with Paramount Pursuits, a small business incubator and economic development consulting partner in Erie. We also discuss how she grew up in small business, along with what she's currently reading in our free time. Sponsored by: Erie Regional Chamber & Growth Partnership This podcast is a product of the NWPA Innovation Beehive Network. Most guests are clients that have used our free, grant-funded services. Music: Kevin Macleod's "pamgaea" available via Creative Commons Attribution-International 4.0. License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/, No changes were made. Music by audionautix.com. Audionautix's "Roboskater" by Jason Shaw available via Creative Commons Attribution-International 4.0. License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/, No changes were made.

Davina Pacley joins the podcast to discuss DivinelyCROWN'D, her business that encompasses life coaching, style coaching and much more. Our conversation covers Davina's journey to self love, how working with Paramount Pursuits set her on the path to success, and the social media advice Pacley has for other business owners. One note: The Sip & Slay Soirée that we discuss has since happened. Congrats to Davina on the sold-out event. Sponsored by: Erie Regional Chamber & Growth Partnership This podcast is a product of the NWPA Innovation Beehive Network. Most guests are clients that have used our free, grant-funded services. Music: Kevin Macleod's "pamgaea" available via Creative Commons Attribution-International 4.0. License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/, No changes were made. Music by audionautix.com. Audionautix's "Roboskater" by Jason Shaw available via Creative Commons Attribution-International 4.0. License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/, No changes were made.

The Joel Natalie Show's coverage of the new regional economic growth playbook, "Erie's Inclusive Growth: A Playbook for Action" continued Tuesday, with a conversation with Kim Thomas, the leader of the new initiative, and James Grunke, CEO of the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership. We learned about the major themes, focus areas and projects that are being invested in.

On this episode of the All Business Podcast, we welcome a great panel of guests from Erie, Pennsylvania: •Christina Marsh Chief Diversity and Community Development Officer, Erie Insurance •James Grunke President & CEO, Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership •John Persinger CEO, Erie Downtown Development Corporation Located on beautiful Presque Isle Bay and Lake Erie, Erie County is a short drive from the major metropolitan areas of Buffalo, Cleveland, Pittsburgh and Toronto. The City of Erie is Pennsylvania's only Great Lakes port city. Erie has undergone an impressive transformation over the past several years and serves as a great example of what is possible when businesses, politicians and the community come together to make your area a better place to work, play and live.

Thanks for tuning into The Joel Natalie Show, where we have the conversations that matter. On our Tuesday show, we talked about economic development and job creation, with the President and CEO of the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership, James Grunke. What is the role of the Chamber in developing the economic growth of our area, and where do all the parts fit in the economic development infrastructure.

John Persinger joins the podcast to discuss his role as CEO for the Erie Downtown Development Corporation. This group has gone about revitalizing the downtown through the addition of Flagship City Food Hall, the Flagship City Public Market, new (and relocated) shops, and more in the future. We cover all this in our conversation, plus Persinger's history in the city's political scene and his thoughts on the NWPA Innovation Beehive Network. One note: this conversation was recorded in late February, and the Public Market has since opened in downtown. Sponsored by: Erie Regional Chamber & Growth Partnership This podcast is a product of the NWPA Innovation Beehive Network. Most guests are clients that have used our free services. Music: Kevin Macleod's "pamgaea" available via Creative Commons Attribution-International 4.0. License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/, No changes were made. Audionautix's "Roboskater" by Jason Shaw available via Creative Commons Attribution-International 4.0. License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/, No changes were made.

We Question and Learn host Tom Pysz talks with the President & CEO of the Erie Community Foundation, Karen Bilowith. Tom also interviews the CEO of the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership, James Grunke.

Lindsay Henry joins the podcast to discuss her business: Yoga Spot Meadville. The studio brings a variety of classes for all skill levels to the Meadville community, along with seasonal programming and the belief “that everyone can benefit from the practice of yoga." In this conversation, she discusses how her sports background inspired her to get into Yoga and eventually open her own studio, plus how the Edinboro Beehive assisted in some apparel design. Finally, the talk moves to how the business community in Meadville supports locally-owned businesses. Sponsored by: Erie Regional Chamber & Growth Partnership This podcast is a product of the NWPA Innovation Beehive Network. Most guests are clients that have used our services. Music: Kevin Macleod's "pamgaea" available via Creative Commons Attribution-International 4.0. License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/, No changes were made. Audionautix's "Roboskater" by Jason Shaw available via Creative Commons Attribution-International 4.0. License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/, No changes were made.

We began the week, and ended the month, with an Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Evaluation for Erie. Our panel included Brian Slawin, Director and Portfolio Manager with Ben Franklin Technology Partners; Jordan Fuller, Program Lead for the FIRE Accelerator and ICE, part of the Erie Regional Chamber; and we met Mike Wahlster, as he shared his experience and perspective on what the potential for startups here in our region.

Join We Question and Learn host Tom Pysz as he talks with Executive Director of Africa 6000 International, Teresa Murtland. Tom will also interview the CEO of the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership, James Grunke.

We always like to say that a sunny, summer day on Presque Isle is a perfect Chamber-of-Commerce type of day, but Erie is still beautiful, even covered in snow. Speaking of the Chamber of Commerce, on Monday our guest was the President and CEO of the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership, James Grunke. He shared the Chamber's perspective on 2021, and look ahead to what's being planned for 2022.

Chuck Gray (Impact Corry) and Brody Howard (Corry Higher Education Council) join the podcast for a very special, Corry-focused, episode. Throughout the discussion, the duo touches on Corry's relationship to greater Erie County, how they've helped re-establish the identity of their city, and their personal experiences working with the NWPA Beehive. Sponsored by: Erie Regional Chamber & Growth Partnership Music: Kevin Macleod's "pamgaea" available via Creative Commons Attribution-International 4.0. License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/, No changes were made. Audionautix's "Roboskater" by Jason Shaw available via Creative Commons Attribution-International 4.0. License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/, No changes were made.

An Erie Reader "40 Under 40" honoree. President of Young Erie Professionals. Community Leader for city highlight Radius CoWork. It's pretty obvious why Amanda Duncan is the perfect guest to discuss Erie's rising profile with us. Stick around for discussion on all her endeavors, plus her recent Erie Homecoming panel and adventures with Italian food. Sponsored by: Erie Regional Chamber & Growth Partnership Music: Kevin Macleod's "pamgaea" available via Creative Commons Attribution-International 4.0. License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/, No changes were made. Audionautix's "Roboskater" by Jason Shaw available via Creative Commons Attribution-International 4.0. License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/, No changes were made.

Brian Slawin joins the podcast to discuss his crucial work with Ben Franklin Technology Partners. Specifically, Brian works in Central and Northern Pennsylvania, but Ben Franklin has been a statewide economic development program for over 30 years. They provide "both early-stage and established companies with funding, business and technical expertise and access to a network of innovative, expert resources." Our conversation covers all that, plus: the changing economy in Erie, why he loves mentoring emerging entrepreneurs, and working with (former guests of this podcast) Fish Gods. Sponsored by: Erie Regional Chamber & Growth Partnership Music: Kevin Macleod's "pamgaea" available via Creative Commons Attribution-International 4.0. License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/, No changes were made. Audionautix's "Roboskater" by Jason Shaw available via Creative Commons Attribution-International 4.0. License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/, No changes were made.

On Tuesday, Joel Natalie was invited to Erie Homecoming 2021, back in-person at the Bayfront Convention Center. The focus of most of our coverage were to meet the new cohort members for the Chamber's FIRE Accelerator program. The FIRE Accelerator provides investment and mentorship to rising businesses, encouraging them to utilize Erie's talent and resources in the hopes that they spring roots here. We met with officials from Accelerate Wind, Muse Engine, N-Modes, Alegon Materials, and Psnergy. We also got reactions from Jordan Fuller, director of the FIRE Accelerator - ERCGP, Brian Slawin, of the Ben Franklin Technology Partners, and Lesley Ridge Allen, and Jake Rouch of the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership.

This episode checks in with various figures from the NWPA Innovation Beehive Network and beyond, detailing the progress and future of our network. Interviews include: Jacob Marsh (Penn State Behrend), Dr. Lisa Jo Elliott (Penn State Behrend), Brad Gleason (Gannon), Brian Fuller (Mercyhurst), Patrick Moran (Erie County Public Library), Dr. Michael Hannan (Edinboro University), and Dr. Scott Miller (Edinboro University). A keynote speech is provided by Hunter Klobucar and Tyler Waltenbaugh (Fish Gods). Sponsored by: Erie Regional Chamber & Growth Partnership Music: Kevin Macleod's "pamgaea" available via Creative Commons Attribution-International 4.0. License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/, No changes were made. Audionautix's "Roboskater" by Jason Shaw available via Creative Commons Attribution-International 4.0. License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/, No changes were made.

Dan Bickel joins the podcast to discuss his company: Hopleaf Tea. A product made right here in Erie, Pennsylvania, Hopleaf blends fresh hops and natural tea leaves into over 20 current blends. Along with being able to buy these blends on Etsy, locals can also find Hopleaf at places like The Tipsy Bean, Luminary Distilling and Voodoo Brewery. In fact, Dan and Voodoo just unveiled their newest collaboration, an organic ceylon tea blend with lemon grass and citra hops called “Voobrew.” The Edinboro Beehive helped Hopleaf with its branding, while the Mercyhurst Beehive provided crucial market research. Sponsored by: Erie Regional Chamber & Growth Partnership Music: Kevin Macleod's "pamgaea" available via Creative Commons Attribution-International 4.0. License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/, No changes were made. Audionautix's "Roboskater" by Jason Shaw available via Creative Commons Attribution-International 4.0. License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/, No changes were made.

On our Thursday program, we interviewed Jordan Fuller, Director of the Secure Erie Accelerator, a part of the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership. We learned more about this year's FIRE Accelerator Program, how they recently re-branded this program that boosts growing businesses, the application process, and heard about the success of several cohort graduates.

Jon DeMarco joins the podcast to discuss his role as Executive Director for the Presque Isle Partnership. The Partnership works to enhance visitor experience at the Erie state park through various projects, all the while protecting the natural resources. They also organize several high profile events, including Discover Presque Isle, PI Lights, and the new MyPI 100 Challenge. The Beehive helped launch "MyPI 100" by creating a logo, explainer video and more, a collaboration Jon discusses in detail on this episode. Sponsored by: Erie Regional Chamber & Growth Partnership Music: Kevin Macleod's "pamgaea" available via Creative Commons Attribution-International 4.0. License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/, No changes were made. Audionautix's "Roboskater" by Jason Shaw available via Creative Commons Attribution-International 4.0. License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/, No changes were made.

Tom Pysz talks with Susanna Wies Frigon, Vice President of Philanthropic Services at the Erie Community Foundation. Then we'll hear from Jake Rouch, Vice President, Economic Division of the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership along with Leslie Ridge Allen, Vice President of Business Engagement.

Scott Hitz joins the podcast to discuss his new adventure experience company, Your Sailing Adventure. An endeavor designed to show tourists everything Erie has to offer, they're currently accepting their first bookings for early July (the Memorial weekend date mentioned in the episode has been adjusted). Along with the origins of the company, you'll also find out how Scott came to love sailing in the first place. Then, you'll get the inside story on how he came to work with the NWPA Innovation Beehive Network, and how he'll be involving other local businesses in Your Sailing Adventure (Facebook). Sponsored by: Erie Regional Chamber & Growth Partnership Music: Kevin Macleod’s "pamgaea" available via Creative Commons Attribution-International 4.0. License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/, No changes were made. Audionautix's "Roboskater" by Jason Shaw available via Creative Commons Attribution-International 4.0. License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/, No changes were made.

Kristen Santiago returns to the show to discuss Gone Local. The online shop and corporate gift box company, which she owns, stocks goods from local makers. Get the inside story on how she acquired Gone Local, what it's been like working through the pandemic, and why she continues to collaborate with the NWPA Beehive. We also discuss her other enterprise, Ivy + Atlas, "a business consulting agency focused on helping small businesses, nonprofits, and entrepreneurs make improvements to their organizations." Sponsored by: Erie Regional Chamber & Growth Partnership Music: Kevin Macleod’s "pamgaea" available via Creative Commons Attribution-International 4.0. License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/, No changes were made. Audionautix's "Roboskater" by Jason Shaw available via Creative Commons Attribution-International 4.0. License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/, No changes were made.

Tony and Deanna Arnt, owners of Edinboro staple Lakeside Bagel & Deli, stop by to discuss an eventful 2020. Beyond simply having to adjust business operations in a post-COVID-19 landscape, Lakeside Bagel & Deli also celebrated its 25th anniversary and announced a move to a new location. Our guests also discuss their purchase of the shop, the secrets behind their delicious bagels, and much more. Sponsored by: Erie Regional Chamber & Growth Partnership Music: Kevin Macleod’s "pamgaea" available via Creative Commons Attribution-International 4.0. License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/, No changes were made. Audionautix's "Roboskater" by Jason Shaw available via Creative Commons Attribution-International 4.0. License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/, No changes were made.

In this episode, Hunter Klobucar, co-founder of the eco-friendly company Fish Gods, sits down with us to talk about the company and its first product, The Clean Earth Bag. He talks about how he and his co-founder, Tyler Waltenbaugh, worked with several branches of the NWPA Innovation Beehive Network, along with revealing the origins of the company and more. This is a unique example of how the Beehives were meant to collaborate and serves to illustrate the potential that is waiting to be unlocked in the region. Fish Gods recently launched their Clean Earth Bag on Kickstarter and are well on their way to achieving their financial goals. Make sure to pledge, so you can get the early bird pricing on the bag. Sponsored by: Erie Regional Chamber & Growth Partnership Music: Kevin Macleod’s "pamgaea" available via Creative Commons Attribution-International 4.0. License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/, No changes were made. Audionautix's "Roboskater" by Jason Shaw available via Creative Commons Attribution-International 4.0. License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/, No changes were made.

On our Monday edition of the Joel Natalie Show, we learned about Erie Homecoming 2020: Erie's Economic Evolution. This two-day virtual event focuses on growing, mentoring, and investing in Erie. Our guests included Brett Wiler, Capital Formation Lead at Flagship Opportunity Zones and Erie Homecoming Change Agent with the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership, and Jordan Fuller, Director of the Secure Erie Accelerator.

In this unique episode, Gina Mussett, owner of The Cottage Rose and board member for the Edinboro Community and Economic Development group (ECED), joins us to talk about the organization’s newly minted tourism website that was developed by the Edinboro Beehive. That website (visitedinboropa.com) is the largest project for the 'Boro hive to date, so we talked to Gina before and after its launch. The episode structure reflects that with a follow-up interview. Other topics include Mussett's personal business experience and COVID-19. Sponsored by: Erie Regional Chamber & Growth Partnership Music: Kevin Macleod’s "pamgaea" available via Creative Commons Attribution-International 4.0. License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/, No changes were made. Audionautix's "Roboskater" by Jason Shaw available via Creative Commons Attribution-International 4.0. License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/, No changes were made.

John Vanco, Amanda Brown Sissem, and Tom New join us to talk about the 2020 Erie's Blues & Jazz Festival. They, along with volunteers, helped adapt the event this summer from its traditional in-person format into a digital experience, appropriate for COVID-19. They discuss the live production, building a lineup, the desire to see the Erie community find a new sense of normal in this time, and much more. Sponsored by: Erie Regional Chamber & Growth Partnership Music: Kevin Macleod’s "pamgaea" available via Creative Commons Attribution-International 4.0. License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/, No changes were made. Audionautix's "Roboskater" by Jason Shaw available via Creative Commons Attribution-International 4.0. License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/, No changes were made.

The 5 branches of the NWPA Innovation Beehive Network gathered in February 2020 to highlight the past year's accomplishments. While there, our podcast team interviewed major figures from each of the organizations, along with investors and additional business leaders from the Erie community: Jude Shingle (Blasco Library), Dr. Guiyou Huang (Edinboro University), Dr. Steve Mauro (Gannon University), Dr. Perry Wood (Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority), Dr. Leanne Roberts (Mercyhurst University), Jon Meighan (One Leg Up!, Lake Erie Rubber & Manufacturing), & Amy Bridger (Penn State Behrend). As stated in the episode, the audio quality in this episode is not up to our usual standards. We did the best given the environment and room. We apologize for the inconvenience. Head to nwpabeehive.com/buzz-generated to get a complete transcript of the episode. Sponsored by: Erie Regional Chamber & Growth Partnership Music: Kevin Macleod’s "pamgaea" available via Creative Commons Attribution-International 4.0. License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/, No changes were made. Audionautix's "Roboskater" by Jason Shaw available via Creative Commons Attribution-International 4.0. License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/, No changes were made.

Tom Pysz talks with James Grunke, the CEO of the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership about goals and accomplishments for the 2020 year. Then Tom talks with Adam Bratton, the Executive Director of the Nonprofit Partnership who will be talking about nonprofit management and the state of the nonprofit community in Northwest Pennsylvania.

On the Wednesday program, the breaking news was that the first positive case of COVID-19 was reported in Erie County. As we covered breaking news, our focus on the Joel Natalie Show was to understand better the impact on the crisis on local Erie businesses. Our guests included James Grunke, the CEO of the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership, Sara Kim, owner of the boutique Lollies in the Colony Plaza, and Jeff Parnell, CEO of bricks-and-mortar and online-based retailer FishUSA. Joel also talked with PennDOT spokesperson Jill Harry on the decision to close Interstate Highway rest areas across Pennsylvania. Finally, we had our monthly conversation with Brian Kelly, Senior Pastor of McLane Church, as Joel shared "An Hour With My Pastor."

James Grunke and Lesley Ridge Allen, of the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership, join us to talk about the Erie region's economic potential and the steps they're taking to foster this outcome. According to their website, the partnership is "the voice of the business community, providing awareness, advocacy, and access to people, information, and education." Sponsored by: Erie Regional Chamber & Growth Partnership Music: Kevin Macleod's "pamgaea" available via Creative Commons Attribution-International 4.0. License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/, No changes were made. Music by audionautix.com. Audionautix's "Roboskater" by Jason Shaw available via Creative Commons Attribution-International 4.0. License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/, No changes were made.

James Grunke and Lesley Ridge Allen, of the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership, join us to talk about the Erie region’s economic potential and the steps they're taking to foster this outcome. According to their website, the partnership is "the voice of the business community, providing awareness, advocacy, and access to people, information, and education." Sponsored by: Erie Regional Chamber & Growth Partnership Music: Kevin Macleod’s "pamgaea" available via Creative Commons Attribution-International 4.0. License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/, No changes were made. Audionautix's "Roboskater" by Jason Shaw available via Creative Commons Attribution-International 4.0. License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/, No changes were made.

Dr. Perry Wood, Executive Director of the Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority, joins us to talk about the Ignite Erie initiative, grant funding and its impact on the community, along with the initial creation of the Beehive Network. Sponsored by: Erie Regional Chamber & Growth Partnership Music: Kevin Macleod’s "pamgaea" available via Creative Commons Attribution-International 4.0. License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/, No changes were made. Audionautix's "Roboskater" by Jason Shaw available via Creative Commons Attribution-International 4.0. License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/, No changes were made.

Kristen Santiago joins to talk Ivy + Atlas, her small business and entrepreneur consulting company. She also walks us through her experience with the NWPA Innovation Beehive Network. Sponsored by: Erie Regional Chamber & Growth Partnership Music: Kevin Macleod’s "pamgaea" available via Creative Commons Attribution-International 4.0. License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/No changes were made. Audionautix's "Roboskater" by Jason Shaw available via Creative Commons Attribution-International 4.0. License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/No changes were made.

On the Monday edition of the Joel Natalie Show, we covered the hot topic of wages. Why do people seem to get paid less to work in Erie as opposed to other cities in the Tri-State area. Are we better or worse off than the surrounding cities? Plus, what kind of wage would it take to break away from government programs. Our guests were Geoffrey Lyons from GECAC, Janet Anderson from Northwest PA Connect, and Jake Rouch from the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership.

Tom Pysz talks with James Grunke, the CEO and Executive Director of the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership. Then Tom talks with Mark Amendola, the Executive Director of Perseus House along with Doctor Nick Viglione, the Chief Educational Officer of the Charter School of Excellence.

Jon Meighan (One Leg Up!, Lake Erie Rubber & Manufacturing) joins to discuss his career and working with the Northwest Pennsylvania Innovation Beehive Network. Sponsored by: Erie Regional Chamber & Growth Partnership Music: Kevin Macleod’s "pamgaea" available via Creative Commons Attribution-International 4.0. License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ No changes were made. Audionautix's "Roboskater" by Jason Shaw available via Creative Commons Attribution-International 4.0. License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ No changes were made.

In this episode of the RGC Worthy Podcasts Perspective Series, Amanda Kochirka, Program Director at the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership goes through her career journey from working in her family business to e-marketing professional, to now developing the programs that the Chamber offers. Listen to her story of how her prior careers inform the work she does as Program Director and how her professional worth has increased as she has grown in her careers. RGC Website: www.resourceandgovernance.com Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership Website: https://www.eriepa.com Copyright RGC 2019. RGC is not responsible for the views and opinions of guests. Thanks for listening!!

We began the week on location at the Bayfront Convention Center for the Erie Homecoming 2019 and it's focus on the Opportunity Zones. Our guests included both Erie natives home for the event along with local sponsoring officials. The expats on the broadcast was bankers and General McLane grads Nathan Kelly and Paul Tuefel, consultant Joesph Bione, and real estate attorney Monique Winston. Representing the sponsoring organization the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership were President & CEO James Grunke and Vice President Jake Rouch.

On the Monday edition of the Joel Natalie Show, we invited key officials from the efforts to bring investments to bear on Erie's low-income census tracts thought the federal Opportunity Zones tax incentive program. With us were Matt Wachter, Vice President of Finance and Development at the Erie Downtown Development Corporation, his brother Attorney Tim Wachter, lawyer at Knox McLaughlin Gornall & Sennett and Lead Developer for the Flagship Opportunity Zones, and Brett Wiler, Vice President of Capital Formation for the Flagship Opportunity Zone Development Company, and an officer with the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership.

We began the new week learning about the new forward-facing one-stop portal to access Erie County's economic development ecosystem called ChooseErie.com. Guiding us through the project was Erie County Executive Kathy Dahlkemper, Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership CEO James Grunke, and Director of Capital Formation of Flagship Opportunity Zone Development Company Brett Wiler.

The voices of the Young Erie Professionals (YEP) are being heard across our region. On Friday, leaders from this group of 21-40 year olds joined the Joel Natalie Show for a conversation about their careers and perspectives on living, working, and playing in Erie. With us were Amanda Duncan YEP Program Director, Bill Lillis Jr., a Financial Adviser with Northwestern Mutual and YEP appointee to the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership Board of Directors, Dr. Jason Cardinali, Owner of ProActive Family Chiropractic Center and Chair of the YEP Professional Leadership Development Committee, and Kristen Gehrlein, CEO of Lifeworks and co-chair of the YEP Member and Business Engagement Committee.

There is fundamental change occurring in the economic development ecosystem here in Erie County. We had a substantive conversation with the new CEO of the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership, James Grunke, John Persinger from the Erie Downtown Development Corp., and Chris Groner, Economic Development specialist at the City of Erie.

What are the challenges facing small business after the Great Recession? Ty Barksdale of Sutton Bank and Jake Rouch of Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership describe demands of the current workplace, including that workers be adaptable, collaborative, agile, and entrepreneurial, in an Economic Development podcast.