On this episode of Erie's Front Row we are joined in the studio by Jacob Jones the Director of the Center for Family Business. 

This week we discuss the impact of family businesses on our economy, current opportunities and challenges facing regional family businesses and the resources and services available to family businesses through the Center for Family Business.

The Center for Family Business supports family owned businesses in Northwestern PA and is located at the Penn State Behrend Black School of Business.

Learn more: https://www.familybusiness.psu.edu/ 

On this episode of Erie's Front Row, Colleen and Jordan are joined in the studio by Susie Snelick the President of the Northern Pennsylvania Regional College (NPRC). This week, we discuss the history of the NPRC, Susie's background and leadership of the organization, as well as the educational services and resources available to students and employers within the College's 10-county footprint.

Learn more about NPRC - https://nprc.edu/ 

This week on Erie's Front Row, Colleen and Jordan are joined in the studio by Olivia Burgess, Director of Collective Giving for the Erie Community Foundation, and Alec Zaphiris, Senior Account Executive at Great Lakes Insurance Group and the Vice Chair of the Emerging Erie Fund. On this episode, we discuss collective giving, the Emerging Erie Fund, and the importance of community engagement. 

Learn more about the Emerging Erie Fund: https://eriecommunityfoundation.org/community-impact/emerging-erie-fund/ 

This week on Erie's Front Row, Colleen and Jordan are joined by Jasmine Almeida, the founder of Presque Publications a new publishing company in Erie, PA. On this episode, we discuss starting a business in Erie, the first edition of Erie Seniors and the plans Jasmine has for the future of the brand. 

https://erieseniors.com/

https://presquepublications.com/

This week on Erie's Front Row, Jordan and Colleen are joined by Michael Gaines the Executive Director of the Bradley H. Foulk Children's Advocacy Center of Erie County. On this episode we discuss the Children's Advocacy Center network, the services and programs that they provide our community, and the impact of the organization. 

This week on Erie's Front Row, Jordan and Colleen are joined in the studio by Jeremy Young, the CEO of FRC. FRC is a federal government contractor based in Erie, PA. On this episode we discuss the growth of FRC from its roots in Washington DC to relocating the headquarters to Erie PA in 2018. We discuss thoughts on growing businesses, the importance of community engagement, and the future of FRC and its portfolio companies. 

This week on Erie's Front Row, Colleen and Jordan are joined in the studio by Nick and Jessica Taylor, the founders of Menajerie Studio. Outside of Menajerie, Nick and Jessica are also leading the effort to energize Erie's film ecosystem with their work through Film Erie. In this episode, we discuss Menajerie Studios, the film ecosystem in Erie, and efforts to attract and support talent in this industry in our region.

This week on Erie's Front Row, Jordan and Colleen are joined in the studio by Brian Gutowski, Middle School Social Science Educator and Technology Director at Erie Day School, to discuss the National Civics Bee program. The Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership is proud to partner with the US Chamber Foundation and educators across the region to present the National Civics Bee regional competition. In this episode, we discuss the importance of civics education, the program's experience for educators and students, and take a moment to celebrate the next generation of leadership. 

This week on Erie's Front Row, Jordan and Colleen are joined in the studio by Jeff Parnell. Jeff specializes in helping business owners prepare for a major transition in their business, whether growth, acquisition, or selling. This week, we discuss the signs that business might need a transition, how to prepare for that, and best practices for a successful transition. 

Your can look for Jeff's upcoming book, the Heart of Transition later this year, more information is available at www.theheartoftransition.com 

This week on Erie's Front Row, Jordan is joined by Kahla Maguire and Curtis Jones from the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership to discuss the new Diverse Business Scholarship Program available to small businesses in Erie County. On this episode, we discuss eligibility, benefits, expectations of participants, and the process to apply. 

Learn more here - https://eriepa.com/Diverse_Business_Scholarship_Program