DuPage Business Beat

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BUSINESS NEWS

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 and sponsored by Fastener SuperStore, Inc., proudly located in DuPage County.

FEB 18

Inside Chicagoland’s Commercial Real Estate Reset

In DuPage, office vacancies remain elevated while industrial demand and data centers reshape the market. In this episode of DuPage Business Beat, host Greg Bedalov sits down with Jim Adler and Mark Moran, Executive Vice Presidents at NAI Hiffman, to discuss what is happening across Chicagoland’s commercial real estate market. Suburban offices continue to face high vacancy and limited new investment, while industrial properties remain comparatively stable. Growing demand for data centers, driven by AI growth and power availability, is influencing new development decisions across the region. Greg and his guests dive in and discuss capital markets, office supply challenges, rent trends, and property repositioning strategies. They also examine whether current conditions reflect a typical real estate cycle or a longer-term shift in workplace demand and location strategy across Chicagoland. 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. Thank you to our sponsor, Fastener SuperStore, Inc. Visit them at fastenersuperstore.com to easily purchase standard screws, nuts, bolts, rivets, and other fasteners in bulk.

50 min
10/28/2025

Mission Critical: How One Organization is Putting Veterans in Business

In the years following WWII, about 49% of military veterans started their own business. For today’s veterans, that number has fallen to about 5-7%. What changed? Why the disparity? How does it impact today’s veterans? And most importantly, how can the community come together to change the status quo and put veterans back in business? On this episode, host Greg Bedalov joins two leaders from the Veteran Business Project to explore how they’re opening doors for veterans—and what we can all do to help. Special Guests Lynn Lowder, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder, Veteran Business ProjectDale Eisenberg, President and Co-Founder, Veteran Business ProjectDive Deeper As part of their mission, the Veteran Business Project owns and operates Rosie’s Home Cookin’, a retro diner in Naperville where the proceeds help benefit veterans and their families. Learn more about their new CityGate location here.In this episode, our guests explain how creating communities and opportunities can help veterans overcome mental health challenges. For more on this subject, listen to our recent podcast episode “From Crisis to Recovery” , where we explore how DuPage County is reimaging mental health services.Speaking of veteran business owners, listen to Episode 21 to hear the incredible story of John P. Calamos, Sr., a former Air Force pilot who went on to found several successful businesses while giving back to his community.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.

40 min
10/03/2025

Thinking Big about Doing Good: DuPage Foundation & Collective Impact

What happens when we come together to change our world for the better? How can we help nonprofits expand their capacity and prepare for the future? And what are local organizations and individuals doing to make a difference right here in their own backyard? This week, our podcast host Greg Bedalov joins three community leaders – representing the public, private, and nonprofit sectors – to explore how they’re creating lasting change through collective impact. Special Guests Mike Sitrick, President & CEO, DuPage FoundationGreg Schwarze, DuPage County Board, District 6Jim Mark, Managing Director, Private Markets & Chief Strategy Officer, Wight & CompanyDive Deeper Want to make a difference? DuPage Foundation partners with individuals, families, and organizations to make a collective impact across DuPage County. Learn how you can get involved here.Want to learn more? Episode 18 of the DuPage Business Beat explores how the DuPage County Health Department’s new Crisis Recovery Center is helping people get the care they need—while reducing the burden on local emergency rooms. Listen here.Want to get inspired? To hear the story of one major DuPage County philanthropist, listen to Episode 21 of the Beat, where Greg interviews John P. Calamos, Sr.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.

51 min
09/12/2025

The Century Club: Meet the DuPage Businesses that Have Thrived for 100+ Years

On this episode, host Greg Bedalov joins four members of the “Century Club”—leaders of local family businesses that have been in operation for over 100 years. What does it take to keep a family business going for decades? How have they adapted to new technologies and changing times? And what can other leaders learn from their stories? Find out on this special episode of the DuPage Business Beat. Special Guests Jerry Hinckley, 4th-Generation Owner and President, St. Andrews Golf and Country Club (Celebrating 100 years)Anna Ball, 3rd-Generation Owner and CEO, Ball Horticultural Company (Celebrating 120 years)Susannah Ball, 4th-Generation Owner, Ball Horticultural Company (Celebrating 120 years)Alex Anderson, 6th-Generation Owner of Oswald’s Pharmacy (Celebrating 150 years)Dive Deeper Explore the roots of Ball Horticultural in our in-depth feature and learn how the company is shaping the future of ornamental plants.Want to hear another great local business story? Don’t miss our recent interview with iconic DuPage County entrepreneur John Calamos, Sr. here.Located at the heart of Chicagoland, DuPage is a pro-people, pro-business community that both supports longtime legacy businesses and welcomes new investment. Learn why businesses and top talent choose DuPage County here.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.

44 min
08/05/2025

The Sky’s the Limit: A Conversation with John Calamos, Sr.

From flying combat missions as an Air Force pilot to founding Calamos Investments and Calamos Real Estate, John P. Calamos, Sr. has lived a life founded on leadership, service, and an ability to focus deeply. Today, his businesses employ hundreds of DuPage County residents and are responsible for some of the region’s most iconic landmarks, including CityGate Centre in Naperville. Beyond his own businesses, John is a prolific philanthropist and a powerful voice of the community. On this episode, our podcast host Greg Bedalov joins Calamos to discuss his new biography, The Sky’s the Limit, and explore his thoughts on business, philosophy, and life. Special Guest: John P. Calamos, Sr. Dive Deeper In today’s episode, we explore a few of the stories from Calamos’ biography, but we only scratch the surface of everything you’ll find in The Sky’s the Limit. Learn more and order your copy here.Created by Calamos, CityGate Center is a mixed-use development with offices, apartments, restaurants, entertainment spaces, and more. This iconic landmark has been featured multiple times on our annual Smartest Workplaces list, most recently in the SIMPSON Headquarters feature of our 2024 edition.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.

43 min
06/23/2025

The “Olympics of Conservation” Comes to Chicagoland

For the first time in 27 years, the Global Botanic Gardens Congress is returning to North America—and it’s coming right here to Chicagoland. Scheduled for summer 2027, the “Olympics of Conservation” brings together researchers and delegates from around the world to share, discuss, and amplify the work of botanic gardens. As communities face ecological challenges ranging from invasive species to climate change, the 2027 Congress will focus on restoring ecosystems. Two Chicagoland institutions have been selected to host: The Morton Arboretum and the Chicago Botanic Garden. On today’s podcast, host Greg Bedalov joins two leaders of these organizations to talk about the Congress, conservation, and how Chicagoland businesses can support the region’s natural ecosystem. Special Guests Murphy Westwood, Vice President of Science and Conservation | The Morton ArboretumKay Havens, Chief Scientist and Negaunee Vice President of Science | Chicago Botanic GardenDive Deeper Resources: Want to learn how your business can make a difference? Choose DuPage has partnered with the DuPage County Environmental Division to connect local business leaders to resources that promote sustainable practices. Find incentives, guidelines, and other resources here. Education: Learn how to incorporate eco-friendly practices into your business’ green space during our free webinar on August 12th, 2025.Hosted by Jim Kleinwachter, program director at The Conversation Foundation, this seminar will explore how you can reduce maintenance costs, enhance your site’s visual appeal, and demonstrate your commitment to environmental stewardship. Learn more and sign up here.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.

47 min
06/09/2025

“The Strength of the Pack” – A Chat with the Illinois Chamber of Commerce

It’s no secret that we live in a politically polarized world. But there’s one thing that most business leaders agree on: When an economy grows and thrives, so do the people, businesses, and communities within it. On this episode, host Greg Bedalov joins two leaders from the Illinois Chamber of Commerce to discuss the big picture of the state’s economy—plus the details that make a difference. Tune in to get their perspectives on which sectors have the most growth potential, what small-business owners really want, and how the Chamber is building bridges across the political aisle. Special Guests Lou Sandoval, President and CEO | Illinois Chamber of CommerceDan Wagner, Chairman of the Board | Illinois Chamber of CommerceDive Deeper To learn more about the Illinois Chamber, start here.In this episode, we explore some of the factors that drive economic growth, including the workforce. As AI and other technologies transform entire industries, how will the workforce of today meet the demands of tomorrow? Tune into our recent episode of the Beat to hear what educators have to say.Speaking of AI, one of Chicagoland’s hottest sectors is the infrastructure that powers transformative tech: data centers. Read our blog to learn how communities in DuPage County are finding creative solutions to attract and support the industry.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.

47 min
04/30/2025

From Crisis to Recovery: Reimagining Mental Health Services in DuPage

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 BoardLori Carnahan, Deputy Director of Behavioral Health, DuPage County Health DepartmentDive 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.

32 min

5

out of 5

3 Ratings

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 and sponsored by Fastener SuperStore, Inc., proudly located in DuPage County.

Creator

Choose DuPage
Years Active

2023 - 2026
Episodes

25
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© Choose DuPage
Show Website

DuPage Business Beat