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.