In this special episode of the Dig Deep Podcast, President and CEO of the Downers Grove Economic Development Corporation, Brian Gay, shares highlights from his annual luncheon presentation – a celebration of growth, partnerships, and community progress in Downers Grove. Whether you’re a business leader, resident, or community partner, this episode offers a dynamic look at the projects and people shaping Downers Grove’s future.

Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at dgedc.com.

In this special episode of Dig Deep, Bryan Gay, President & CEO of the DGEDC, is joined by the 2025 DGEDC Cornerstone Award winners for a conversation recorded live at the 2025 DGEDC Annual Luncheon event on September 24, 2025.

Tune in as Chemring Energetic Devices, The Fresh Factory, The Lytle Auditorium and the Village of Downers Grove discuss their award-winning projects, answer questions and more.

Congratulations to all of the 2025 DGEDC Cornerstone Award Winners!

For expert insight on the state of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and how small businesses can benefit from its power, President & CEO of the Downers Grove Economic Development Corporation Bryan Gay sits down with Gavin Lew, Managing Partner of Downers Grove-based Bold Insight and co-author of “AI and UX: Why Artificial Intelligence Needs User Experience.”

In this podcast, Gavin Lew begins by emphasizing the importance of UX, an acronym for User Experience. As a global researcher and consultant, Gavin reminds us that AI has already been replicating and refining business processes for decades. When asked if small business owners and employees should fear AI, Gavin pivots to a newer application described as Generative AI, saying that if built to capitalize on available data, “Gen AI” can enable restaurants, retailers and other service providers to enhance their customer experience and personalize every customer interaction. He emphatically adds that if designed around the customer, Gen AI will give small businesses the power to inspire a level of customer loyalty previously achievable only through personal contact.

Dig Deep is a podcast brought to you by The Downers Grove Economic Development Corporation (DGEDC).

To salute Manufacturing Month in Illinois and throughout our nation, President & CEO of the Downers Grove Economic Development Corporation Bryan Gay is joined by Stacey Bales, President of Downers Grove-based Bales Metal Surface Solutions and Kathy Gilmore, President of the Valley Industrial Association, which has served the needs of industrial companies throughout DuPage, Kane, Kendall and DeKalb counties since 1902.

While many may think manufacturers have fled the State of Illinois, Stacey and Kathy shine a bright light not only on the many varied products being made locally but also on the many workforce development resources available to employers throughout our region. Listeners will also learn about the outstanding opportunities that exist for young people looking to secure educational assistance and job training leading to extremely rewarding careers in manufacturing. It's all good and it's happening right here in Downers Grove and dozens of neighboring communities throughout our region.

Dig Deep is a podcast brought to you by the Downers Grove Economic Development Corporation (DGEDC).

In this episode of the Dig Deep podcast, Bryan Gay, President & CEO of the Downers Grove EDC and Visitors Bureau shines a light on how much dining and hospitality mean to economic development and the quality of life in Downers Grove. Lessons learned during the pandemic, increasing demand for outdoor dining and the importance of location are just a few of the topics Bryan explores with the help and expertise of Todd Davies of Cadence Kitchen & Company, Anthony Vai of the new Entourage Downers Grove and Sam Vlahos of Pierce Tavern, just three of the many dining establishments currently making Downers Grove a dining destination for the residents of the Western suburbs and beyond.

Dig Deep is a podcast brought to you by The Downers Grove Economic Development Corporation (DGEDC).

In this special episode of Dig Deep, Bryan Gay, President & CEO of the DGEDC, is joined by the 2024 DGEDC Cornerstone Award winners for a fireside chat, which was recorded live at the 2024 DGEDC Annual Luncheon event on September 12, 2024.

Tune in as Dash Downers Grove, Oak Trace Senior Living, Indvestia Capital, Old Second Bank and WareSpace discuss their award-winning projects, answer questions and more.

Congratulations to all of the 2024 DGEDC Cornerstone Award Winners!

Dig Deep is a podcast brought to you by The Downers Grove Economic Development Corporation (DGEDC).

Today, President & CEO of the Downers Grove EDC and Downers Grove Visitors Bureau, Bryan Gay, welcomes Tom Beckmann, Owner and Brewer of Goldfinger Brewing Company and Ken Henricks, Partner and President of Alter Brewing Company – two of Downers Grove’s most successful and well-known craft breweries. In this Dig Deep podcast, Tom and Ken talk not only about their establishments and why they feel so fortunate to be a part of the Downers Grove business community, but also the current state of the craft brewing industry in Illinois and beyond.

Dig Deep is a podcast brought to you by The Downers Grove Economic Development Corporation (DGEDC).

Today, President & CEO of the Downers Grove EDC and Downers Grove Visitors Bureau, Bryan Gay, welcomes Chris Johnson, Owner and CEO and Jim Toth, Director of Marketing for Classic Cinemas – Illinois’ largest theatre chain consisting of 16 historic “main street” theatres including the famous Tivoli Theatre in downtown Downers Grove. In this Dig Deep podcast, Chris and Jim discuss how doing the little things well and responding to online reviews in a timely, courteous manner has helped Classic Cinemas build personal relationships with guests of all ages.

Dig Deep is a podcast brought to you by The Downers Grove Economic Development Corporation (DGEDC).

In Part Two of our Dig Deep podcast on Community Development, Village of Downers Grove Planning Manager Jason Zawila and Downers Grove Community Development Director Stan Popovich join Downers Grove EDC President & CEO Bryan Gay to discuss the new Comprehensive Plan currently in development here in Downers Grove as well as things you can do to streamline the process of relocating an existing business or starting a new business here in the Village of Downers Grove.

Dig Deep is a podcast brought to you by The Downers Grove Economic Development Corporation (DGEDC).

Hosted by Bryan Gay, President & CEO of the Downers Grove EDC and Downers Grove Visitors Bureau, Part One of our latest Dig Deep podcast features Jason Zawila, Planning Manager and Stan Popovich, Community Development Director for the Village of Downers Grove. Listen to Part One and discover how planning contributes to the health, safety and welfare of every community and especially here in Downers Grove.

Dig Deep is a podcast brought to you by The Downers Grove Economic Development Corporation (DGEDC).