Here are the top 5 takeaways from this episode:

* Deep Community Roots and Experience

* Cathy Kedjidjian is the Chief Communications Officer for Deerfield Public Schools District 109. She is a Deerfield resident, has children who went through the district, and previously served in the same communications role from 2010–2018 before returning. Her personal and professional ties to the community shape her commitment to the district.

* Role as a Storyteller and Connector

* Cathy sees her primary job as telling the stories of the district’s students, staff, and schools, celebrating their achievements, and ensuring families and the broader community are informed and engaged. She emphasizes the importance of making everyone feel connected to the schools, whether or not they have children enrolled.

* Championing Authentic Community Partnerships

* She is passionate about creating authentic learning experiences by connecting students with local businesses and community members. Cathy encourages business leaders to get involved—through volunteering, mentoring, or hosting students—to enrich students’ education and foster real-world skills.

* Commitment to Accessibility and Inclusion

* Cathy prioritizes accessible communication, ensuring information is available to all families regardless of language or income. She notes the district’s growing diversity and the importance of reflecting that in communications, including ADA-compliant websites and multilingual resources.

* Vision for Stronger Community Collaboration

* Cathy is a driving force behind initiatives like “Stronger Together, Deerfield,” which aims to unite schools, businesses, and local organizations to support student well-being, resilience, and community health. She invites anyone with ideas or a desire to help to reach out, highlighting the district’s openness to new partnerships and community-driven projects.

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Here are the top 5 takeaways from this episode:

* CJE Senior Life Offers Comprehensive Senior Services: CJE provides a wide range of services for older adults, including assisted living, memory support, day programs, counseling, and home-delivered meals. Their Weinberg Community in Deerfield, Illinois, features both assisted living and memory care facilities.

* Community Engagement and Partnerships Are Central: The organization is deeply involved in the local community, partnering with entities like the Deerfield Library, West Deerfield Township, and local churches and synagogues. They co-facilitate programs such as the Memory Cafe and host community events like the Festival of Generations.

* Support for Families and Caregivers: CJE Senior Life not only serves residents but also provides resources and education for families and caregivers, including immersive dementia training and support groups. They emphasize the importance of proactive planning for senior care.

* Volunteer and Referral Opportunities: Volunteers are a vital part of CJE Senior Life’s operations, and the organization welcomes people with diverse backgrounds and skills. Ideal referral partners include geriatric care managers, physicians, rehab centers, and anyone connected to older adults who may need support.

* Accessible Information and Contact Points: The organization encourages people to reach out for information, whether for themselves, family members, or as potential referral partners. Contact can be made via their website, phone, or directly through Marla Goldberg, and they pride themselves on having knowledgeable staff ready to assist.

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Here are the top 5 takeaways from this episode:

* Assured Healthcare Staffing’s Unique Approach: The company, led by Leslie Kischer, focuses on both medical staffing for institutions (like schools and long-term care facilities) and medical home care, differentiating itself by providing licensed nurses and CNAs for both settings.

* Geographic Reach: Assured Healthcare Staffing serves a wide area, including Lake County, McHenry County, parts of Cook County in Illinois, and extends into Wisconsin and even Minnesota for school staffing.

* Flexible Work for Nurses and CNAs: The agency offers flexible opportunities for nurses and CNAs, attracting a diverse pool including retirees, those seeking extra income, and professionals needing non-traditional schedules. Their average staff tenure is over three years, much higher than industry norms.

* Pandemic Adaptation and Resilience: The business faced major challenges during the pandemic, especially with school closures, but successfully pivoted to support essential services and later adapted again as the situation evolved.

* Value of Chamber Membership and Networking: Leslie highlights the importance of being active in the local chamber for building relationships, learning from other business owners, and finding both clients and referral partners—especially in education and geriatric care management.

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Here are the top 5 takeaways from this episode:

* Strongpay is a payroll company with deep expertise in both payroll and retirement services, uniquely originating from a retirement TPA background.

* The company’s core “why” is building lasting relationships and making a positive impact on clients and the community, focusing on personalized service over being a large, impersonal provider.

* Strongpay’s ideal clients are small businesses or individuals who wear multiple hats and need help with payroll and compliance, especially those for whom payroll is not their primary focus.

* Accountants, CPAs, and 401k advisors are key referral partners, as Strongpay often collaborates with them to serve mutual clients efficiently.

* Rob Ruff’s experience as both a business leader and small business owner (of a hair salon with his wife) gives him valuable perspective on the challenges clients face, and he uses Strongpay for his small business.

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Here are the top 5 takeaways from this episode:

* Flexible workspaces like Venture X are thriving by offering professional, all-inclusive office solutions in suburban areas, reducing commutes and supporting modern work trends.

* Venture X’s model provides flexibility for both small businesses and large corporations, allowing companies to scale up or down easily without long-term commitments.

* Membership includes bundled services—utilities, internet, cleaning, and on-site support—making it easier and more cost-effective than traditional office leases.

* The community aspect is central: members can network, attend events, and access multiple locations nationwide, supporting both local and traveling professionals.

* The subscription-based, month-to-month approach is disrupting traditional real estate, mirroring trends in other industries and offering greater choice and value to members.

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Ultimate Edges Academy is a new fitness business in Deerfield specializing in ninja warrior-style training for kids, owned by Jen Brody.

The business model is membership-based, offering a monthly plan that includes four classes per week, open gym access, and discounts for parties and siblings.

The gym’s mission is to build kids’ confidence and physical fitness through fun, engaging activities inspired by ninja warrior competitions, with a focus on positive early experiences with exercise.

Jen’s background combines fitness expertise and teaching, making the academy a blend of professional training and child development.

The business leverages community involvement by joining the Chamber of Commerce and participating in local events to connect with families and promote its offerings.

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Here are the top 5 takeaways from this episode:

1. DBR Chamber’s 100th Anniversary & Holiday Luncheon Revamp

The Chamber is celebrating its centennial this year, and the annual holiday luncheon will be extra special. The event will feature new programming, a focus on community celebration, and a revamped meal format with international food stations for more networking and less formality.

2. Major Technology Upgrades for Members

The Chamber has launched a new website and backend systems, making it much easier for members to update their profiles, upload logos, and manage sponsorships. The new system is more user-friendly, visually appealing, and provides instant updates for event sponsorships and member information.

3. Event Rebranding and Expansion

The traditional “networking breakfast” has been rebranded as “Morning Mingles” to better reflect the focus on networking and community. The Health and Wellness Expo has also shifted from a senior-only focus to a broader wellness event for all ages, with new features like recycling electronics and a food truck.

4. Increased Member Engagement and Opportunities

Members are encouraged to sponsor events, update their profiles, and participate in new and existing programs. The new website makes it easier for members to get visibility and for the community to connect with local businesses.

5. Young Professionals Group Relaunch

The Chamber has relaunched its Young Professionals group to help retain and engage younger members in the community, aiming to build a strong network for the future. Events are scheduled for the last Thursday of each month and are open to young professionals in the broader Lower Lake County area.

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In this episode of the DBR Chamber Podcast, host Mathew Kerbis discusses how AI can boost business efficiency. He introduces the concept of AI as a powerful tool, explains the difference between generative AI and traditional machine learning, and shares insights on using tools like Perplexity, Notebook LM, Claude, and ChatGPT. Kerbis details practical applications of AI, dispels common myths, and provides useful tips. He highlights privacy concerns and the context window limitations of AI tools, and answers listener questions. The episode includes a technical exploration of various AI-powered tools designed to enhance productivity and assist in business operations.

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In this episode of the DBR Chamber Podcast, host Mathew Kerbis interviews Leslie Bush, who is in membership services at the DBR Chamber of Commerce, to discuss the myriad of membership benefits available. Leslie elaborates on her role, detailing how she connects businesses within the community and supports their growth through networking events, sponsorship opportunities, and various promotional tools. She highlights specific programs like the community guide, mini webinars, ribbon-cuttings, and mentoring, emphasizing how chamber membership can enhance a business's visibility and credibility. The episode serves as a valuable resource for local small business owners looking to maximize their membership benefits and integrate more effectively into the community. For more information or to join the chamber, visit dbrchamber.com.

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In the latest episode of the DBR Chamber Podcast, host Mathew Kerbis interviews Cali Draffkorn, Regional Director at Advia Credit Union, a newly integrated member of the Chamber. Cali elaborates on her role and the services Advia offers, emphasizing their mission as a not-for-profit institution that reinvests profits back into the community. She highlights popular financial products, such as home equity lines of credit and business loans, as well as the ways Advia supports both individuals and businesses in achieving long-term financial goals. Cali also discusses the importance of community involvement, the benefits of joining the local Chamber of Commerce, and how Advia actively participates in community enrichment through volunteering and financial education. For more information or to connect with Cali, visit www.adviacu.org or find her contact details on the Chamber's website. Listen to the full episode to learn more about how Advia Credit Union can support your financial needs.

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