Greg & Dan Show Interviews

Greg and Dan speak with Doug Cruitt of Distillery Labs about the organization's upcoming celebration marking its one-year anniversary in Peoria. Located at the corner of Fulton and Adams, Distillery Labs serves as a cutting-edge Innovation Hub focused on research, product development, and entrepreneurial support.

Doug shares how Distillery Labs functions as a central resource for startups, small businesses, and nonprofit organizations, offering the tools, mentorship, and networking opportunities needed to grow and succeed. The mission is to strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Peoria by making it more collaborative, inclusive, and easier to navigate.

Doug also highlights the importance of building strategic partnerships and fostering innovation through real-world applications, helping to turn great ideas into viable businesses.

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Greg and Dan talk with Tom Richmond, of Bradley University, more specifically the Executive Director of Alumni Relations. They talk about the impact of Lydia Moss Bradley and what she did for not only Bradley University, but the community itself. There is a celebration in her honor on Thursday July 31st at 4 PM at Bradley. 

Tom also talks about his work with Bradley and how it will be a fantastic school year!

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Greg and Dan speak with Chris Setti, of the Greater Peoria Economic Development Council, and Denise Moore, Executive Director of the Minority Business Development Center (MBDC), about the important work being done to empower aspiring entrepreneurs across the region. Denise shares the mission of the MBDC, which serves individuals ages 18 to 65 who are looking to start or grow their own businesses. The organization provides essential education and resources to help individuals run their businesses effectively and sustainably. Moore emphasizes the importance of a strong entrepreneurial mindset and encourages people to realize that “your business is in your pocket”, highlighting the power of mobile technology and resourcefulness in today’s economy.

The conversation also spotlights MBDC’s upcoming GALA event on August 9th at Embassy Suites in East Peoria, which will feature multiple vendors and is designed to strengthen and celebrate the local business community. In addition to networking opportunities, the event will include free educational sessions focused on three key topics: access to business funding, solar energy opportunities, and credit building/repair.

For more information, visit mbdcillinois.org.

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Greg and Dan speak with Dave Johnson of Pearl Technology about the emerging and advanced military technologies being developed in Germany, most notably a project known as Sworm Big Tactics. This initiative involves the use of real-life cockroaches embedded with high-tech enhancements such as cameras, neurosimulators, secure communication systems, and environmental sensors. These bio-engineered insects are being designed for surveillance and intelligence-gathering purposes, offering a unique and stealthy approach to reconnaissance.

Dave also highlights Germany’s increasing investment in defense technology, including AI-driven armored vehicles, autonomous systems, and cybernetic enhancements, signaling a shift toward futuristic, AI-integrated warfare solutions. The advancements reflect a significant commitment to innovation and defense capabilities on the global stage.

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Dan and Marc sit down with Adam White, CEO of ShaZam Racing, to discuss their highly anticipated annual event, Detweiller at Dark. This year’s race has already seen over 2,500 participants register, making it one of the largest and most unique nighttime running events in the Midwest.

The event will take place on Friday, July 25th at 7:00 PM at Detweiller Park in Peoria, one of the top three most iconic cross country parks in the United States. Known for hosting countless high school and collegiate championship meets, Detweiller holds a legendary place in the history of American distance running.

ShaZam Racing, an Illinois-based company specializing in race timing and event management, has built a strong reputation for creating high-energy, community-driven races across the region. Adam shares his passion for making events like Detweiller at Dark more than just a race, he sees it as an experience. With the help of numerous community sponsors and volunteers, the event brings together people of all ages and athletic levels to celebrate fitness, fun, and local pride.

Adam also emphasizes the importance of branding and innovation, noting that his goal is to give participants an unforgettable evening that redefines what local athletic events can be. 

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Dan and Marc talk with DeLoss Jahnke, the Agricultural Business Director about the current state of Peoria's agriculture. 

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Greg and Dan speak with a group of passionate kids about their upcoming annual lemonade stand, held in the Village of the Knolls at Crestwood Drive and Bigelow Street. This isn’t just any lemonade stand, it’s a heartfelt fundraiser dedicated to supporting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

The kids have spent the entire year preparing and organizing the event, with the shared mission of making a difference in the lives of children battling cancer. Many of the children have grown up together, some even family, which makes the experience even more meaningful.

Last year, they proudly raised $31,000, and this year, they’re setting their sights even higher with a new goal of $37,000. The group discusses the importance of giving back and the joy that comes from being active members of a supportive community.

Join them in their efforts this Saturday, July 26th, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, and be a part of something truly inspiring.

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Greg and Dan speak with Patrick Urich, City Manager of the City of Peoria, about the ongoing efforts to enhance the vibrancy of Main Street in Downtown Peoria. While some storefronts remain vacant, the city is taking proactive steps to reinvigorate the historic area.

Urich highlights a $250,000 investment aimed at restoring activity and increasing the appeal of this key corridor. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to attract businesses, residents, and visitors to the area, ultimately restoring Main Street as a thriving and dynamic part of the city.

The investment reflects the city's long-term commitment to preserving its historic charm while also encouraging economic development and community engagement.

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Greg and Dan sit down with Dr. Sheila Quirk-Bailey, president of Illinois Central College (ICC), to discuss the college’s continued success both academically and athletically. Dr. Quirk-Bailey highlights the strength of ICC’s athletic program, which currently features nine excelling teams - five of which advanced to tournament competition this year. She emphasizes the balance the institution maintains between athletic achievement and academic excellence.

The conversation also shifts to the challenges and confusion surrounding recent changes in federal student aid, particularly the Federal Pell Grant. Dr. Quirk-Bailey voices her concerns about the misinformation circulating in the media, which has led many students to delay or forgo their educational pursuits out of uncertainty. She stresses the importance of clear, accurate communication to ensure students and families are properly informed and feel confident in their ability to access support.

To conclude, Dr. Quirk-Bailey shares news of her upcoming retirement at the end of this year. After 37 years in education - including 9.5 years of dedicated leadership at ICC - she will step down on December 31st. She reflects on her career with gratitude and pride in the legacy she leaves behind.

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Greg and Dan talk with with Kelleen Nitsch, Director of the upcoming production, and Ellie Cox, who stars as Elsa, to talk about the exciting performance of Disney’s Frozen coming to Eastlight Theatre in Peoria. The show runs from Friday, August 1st through Saturday, August 9th. Eastlight Theatre, known for its motto “It’s Broadway, Our Way,” promises a magical and memorable experience for audiences of all ages.

Kelleen also shares more about her work with the Nitsch Theatre Arts (NTA) Center for Creativity, a theatre arts program she founded over 11 years ago in Central Illinois. NTA offers a wide range of programming and production opportunities for all ages, fostering creativity and confidence through the performing arts. The organization has a long-standing partnership with Eastlight Theatre and is committed to building strong community connections through the power of musical theatre.

Ellie Cox, who takes on the iconic role of Elsa, discusses her background in theatre and her aspirations to pursue a career in musical theatre. 

For more information and tickets, visit: tickets.eastlighttheatre.com & nitschtheatrearts.org

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