DuPage Business Beat – Détails, épisodes et analyse

Across the United States, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and other issues related to mental health are on the rise. While these issues affect individuals directly, they also impact entire communities—and solving them requires community-wide solutions.

On this episode, host Greg Bedalov joins a pair of special guests to discuss the DuPage County Health Department’s new Crisis Recovery Center, a facility that will help individuals and families get the care they need, when they need it—while reducing the burden on local emergency rooms and law enforcement.

Special Guests

• The Hon. Deborah Conroy, Chair of the DuPage County Board
• Lori Carnahan, Deputy Director of Behavioral Health, DuPage County Health Department

Dive Deeper

• To learn more about the Crisis Recovery Center and the services provided, start here.
• On a previous episode, we discussed mental health in the workplace—why it matters, what factors can affect it, and how organizations can create healthier environments. Listen here.
• Healthy communities are built on an intentional infrastructure of healthcare, education, and jobs, as well as access to healthy foods and affordable housing. Learn why DuPage County has been ranked the #1 Healthiest County in Illinois for four years running.

As always, we’d like to thank 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.

We live in a world of continuous change. For educators, that creates an imposing challenge: How do you prepare the next generation for their careers when you don’t necessarily know what those careers will be?

On this episode, host Greg Bedalov joins a panel of local higher education experts to explore how they’re teaching students to be resilient, flexible, and ready for whatever’s next.

Special Guests

• Dr. Christopher White, Dean of the College of Aviation, Science and Technology at Lewis University
• Phil Hardy, PhD, the Director of Innovation & Strategic Partnerships at Benedictine University
• Dr. Susana Rivera-Mills, President of Aurora University

Dive Deeper

• Earlier in 2025, Greg spoke to a pair of talent placement experts on the workforce gap and the challenges that Chicagoland businesses are facing. Get their take.
• In addition to attracting the right talent, many businesses are struggling to adapt to a new generation of workers. Learn how employers are prioritizing mental health to create environments that foster healthy, productive employees on Episode 11 of the Beat.
• In DuPage County, we have more than a strong workforce—we have a seamless pipeline of educational institutions, workforce placement programs, and engaged businesses. This pipeline helps develop next-gen talent and place the right people in the most high-demand jobs. Learn more.

As always, we’d like to thank 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.

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.

Turning a good idea into a real business can be daunting. Between marketing, finance and countless logistical hurdles, it’s hard to know where to start—much less how to build a profitable, sustainable business.

In today’s episode, host Greg Bedalov introduces listeners to Innovation DuPage (ID), an incubator that provides valuable resources to local startups and small businesses.

Greg is joined by two special guests: the Managing Director of ID and the CEO of a member business. Together, they break down how local entrepreneurs can access everything from workspaces and mentorship to “Owner-2-CEO” education programs, marketing support, networking events, and investment opportunities.

Guests: Dan Facchini, Managing Director, Innovation DuPage; Larry Blackburn, Founder & CEO, Datatelligent

Host: Greg Bedalov, President and CEO of Choose DuPage

Dive Deeper:

• Want to build a more environmentally friendly business? Choose DuPage’s Green Business Assessments provide custom, no-cost sustainability evaluations.
• Whether you own a local business or are looking for vendors, check out Connect DuPage. This program connects minority, women, disabled, and veteran-owned businesses to helpful resources and new opportunities.
• Learn more about one of Chicagoland’s hottest startup sectors: quantum technologies.

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.

Digital tools have made it possible to work from anywhere. But offices are still the best places for collaboration and critical for attracting talent. So how are employers adapting?

In today’s episode, host Greg Bedalov meets with two workplace experts to discuss how modern workplaces are evolving to attract talent, spur collaboration, and accommodate hybrid work styles. From creative design solutions to the rise of “phygital” workplaces, Greg and his guests cover the topics and trends that matter to Chicagoland businesses.

Guests:

• Julie Hokin Watts, Director of Client Development at Corporate Concepts

• Josh Tremblay IIDA, Principal, Corporate & Commercial Interiors Practice at Wight & Company

Host: Greg Bedalov, President and CEO of Choose DuPage

Dive Deeper:

• For great workplace design right here in DuPage, check out our Smartest, Sleekest & Healthiest Workplaces of 2022.

• Beyond office design, the workplace experience is shaped by the community around it. Learn how Chicagoland’s creative approach to economic development is evolving communities across the region.

• Explore the Greater Chicagoland Economic Partnership, an innovative collaboration between the City of Chicago and DuPage, Cook, Kane, Kendall, McHenry, Lake, and Will Counties.

A special thanks to 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.

COVID changed the way millions of people work. Now, its aftershocks are pushing developers and communities across Chicagoland to think creatively about how they use their space. In this episode, host Greg Bedalov meets with two real estate industry experts to discuss the stories behind key trends in employment, industry sectors, the regional GDP, and more. From the ‘amenities race’ to innovative mixed-use developments, Greg and his guests cover the topics that impact people and businesses across the region.

Guests: Jim Adler and Mark Moran, Executive Vice Presidents of Chicago-based brokerage firm NAI Hiffman

Host: Greg Bedalov, President and CEO of Choose DuPage

Dive Deeper:

• Learn more about the trends and key data points discussed in today’s episode in the Choose DuPage Economic Indicators Report.

• Explore the Greater Chicagoland Economic Partnership, an innovative collaboration between the City of Chicago and DuPage, Cook, Kane, Kendall, McHenry, Lake, and Will Counties.

A special thanks to 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.