In this episode, we sit down with Mike Osborn, the new CEO leading Willamette Valley Vineyards into its next era of growth and innovation. From building Wine.com in its early days to stepping into one of Oregon’s most iconic wineries, Mike brings a rare combination of entrepreneurial vision and deep industry insight.

He shares what makes Willamette Valley Vineyards so unique, why Oregon wine has captured global attention, and how he’s navigating the complexity of running a destination-focused brand with multiple tasting rooms, restaurants, and national distribution.

We dive into leadership, culture, sustainability, the future of wine experiences, and the mindset required to lead a company that blends craftsmanship, hospitality, and large-scale operations.

If you’re passionate about wine, business strategy, or the journey of modern CEOs, this episode is packed with value.

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Today we sit down with Nat Borchers — pro soccer legend, investor, and community builder — to talk about vision, discipline, and what Salem could become with the right people leading the charge.Want more conversations with game-changers?

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Jason Conrad has lived the kind of story movies are made from — once a top high-school prospect, then shattered by injuries, bipolar disorder, depression, and a near-suicide attempt… only to rise again and play professionally in nine countries.In this episode, Jason opens up about resilience, rebuilding a career, and finding purpose through basketball.

👉 Don’t miss this powerful and raw conversation — watch, share, and follow for more stories like this.

Ever had a big idea but didn’t know where to start? 💭Jesse, owner of the Salem Business Journal, gets real about what it takes to turn ideas into action. From buying a local newspaper in college to running multiple podcasts, he shares the lessons, the grind, and the truth behind building something that lasts.🔥 Don’t just think — start doing. Watch the full episode now!🎧 Listen to more episodes at 👉 https://salembusinessjournal.org/podcast/FOLLOW OUR SOCIALS!IG AND TIKTOK: DIRTTOSKYPODCAST#Business #BusinessPodcast #SmallBusiness #BusinessGrowth

In this episode of the Salem Business Journal Podcast, host Jesse Pion sits down with Representative Ed Diehl (House District 17) to discuss one of Oregon’s most debated topics — the Transportation Package Referendum and what it means for taxpayers, businesses, and the state’s future.Diehl breaks down House Bill 3991, which includes a 15% gas tax hike, higher vehicle registration and titling fees, and a doubling of the statewide payroll transit tax. He explains the movement to refer these measures to voters and the challenges posed by the 90-day window to gather nearly 100,000 signatures before the December 30th deadline.The conversation explores broader themes — from Oregon’s political accountability and business climate to the rising costs driving companies out of the state. Diehl also highlights opportunities for innovation, pointing to the world’s first humanoid robot factory, RoboFab, located in his district, as an example of the kind of forward-thinking investment Oregon should nurture.💬 Hear why Rep. Diehl believes Oregon is at a crossroads — and how leadership, innovation, and voter engagement can help steer the state toward a stronger economic future.👉 Watch the full episode and explore more local business stories at:https://media.salembusinessjournal.org/#OregonPolitics #TransportationBill #GasTax #SmallBusiness #Leadership #Accountability #Innovation #OregonEconomy #SalemOR #OregonVoices

Church at the Park began 18 years ago with a simple potluck — and a mission to build real relationships with people experiencing homelessness.Today, they’ve grown into a team of over 100, operating five shelters and housing programs that empower individuals to set goals, find pathways, and maintain agency in rebuilding their lives.Over half of their staff have lived through homelessness themselves — bringing empathy, trust, and hope to every interaction. With more than 50% of participants moving into stable housing within 6 to 9 months, their results speak for themselves.💡 Discover how faith, data, and compassion are reshaping Oregon’s response to homelessness — and why community collaboration matters now more than ever.👉 Watch the full episode now and explore more local stories at:https://media.salembusinessjournal.org/#CommunityImpact #Homelessness #Leadership #OregonVoices #NonprofitWork #SocialChange #SalemOR #HumanityFirst

💡 Danielle Bethell shares her journey from a challenging childhood to a life dedicated to building stronger, more compassionate communities.

From calling the police at age 10 to serving as a county commissioner, Danielle’s story is one of grit, healing, and hope. She shares how her Native American roots, mentors, and lived experience taught her the power of belonging and the importance of designing systems that truly serve people — not just policies.

✨ A powerful conversation on resilience, leadership, and the real meaning of community.

👉 Watch the full interview and explore more local stories at:
https://media.salembusinessjournal.org/

#CommunityStories #Leadership #Resilience #OregonVoices #EducationReform #PublicService #InspiringTalk

💡 In this episode, Salem Mayor Julie Hoy shares a candid city update on fiscal recovery, collaboration, and community momentum.Faced with a multi-million dollar budget gap, the city worked quickly — cutting the projected deficit from $23M down to $13.8M through forecast reviews and an efficiencies team. Mayor Hoy explains how Salem achieved a zero-deficit outlook for the next four years, even while City Hall underwent seismic upgrades and staff worked from temporary locations.Looking ahead, the city will continue partnerships (including Bloomberg Harvard), focus on public safety and livability, and keep pursuing cost-saving measures. Plus: details on upcoming community events — Thanksgiving activities, Christmas lighting, and the Salem Main Street parade (volunteers needed!).🎧 Tune in for a clear, hopeful look at leadership, teamwork, and the practical steps that got Salem back on track.#SalemOR #MayorJulieHoy #SalemCity #CityBudget #FiscalResponsibility #PublicSafety #CommunityFirst #SalemEvents #LocalGovernment #SalemBusinessJournal

💡 In just nine months, the City of Keizer turned its financial outlook around — achieving a zero deficit for the next four years. Mayor Cathy Clark shares how teamwork, smart budgeting, and community collaboration made it possible.Even while City Hall underwent seismic upgrades and staff worked from temporary locations, Keizer kept moving forward — finding efficiencies, saving costs, and reigniting team spirit across departments.Looking ahead, the city continues to focus on public safety, livability, and innovation through partnerships like Bloomberg Harvard. Plus, hear what’s coming up for the holiday season — from Thanksgiving celebrations to the Main Street Christmas parade. 🎄✨🎧 Watch or listen now for a story of resilience, leadership, and community pride.#Keizer #MayorClark #CityUpdate #Leadership #FiscalResponsibility #CommunityGrowth #SalemBusinessJournal

In this episode of the Salem Business Journal Podcast, we sit down with Amber Dizon, franchise owner and driving force behind the newest Black Bear Diner location in Salem, Oregon. Amber shares how her family’s journey with Black Bear began back in 2004, when her parents left their high-tech careers to open their first diner in Klamath Falls. She reflects on her own career path — from working in San Francisco’s tech scene to joining the family business with her husband, JC — and how they continue to grow the franchise together. Now opening in the former Shari’s building, the Salem diner officially opens its doors on **October 21**. Amber talks about the process of securing the location, the excitement of bringing Black Bear Diner to a new community, and what makes their menu so special — from fresh-squeezed orange juice and all-day breakfast, to classics like chicken-fried steak, pot roast, and house-made biscuits and desserts. Throughout the conversation, Amber emphasizes the values that guide her leadership: family, community, and authenticity. With deep roots in Oregon and a vision for Salem’s future, she shares what makes this expansion more than just a new restaurant — it’s about creating a welcoming space for everyone. 🎙️ Guest: Amber Dizon — Franchise Owner, Black Bear Diner Salem 📌 Topics: Entrepreneurship, Family Business, Restaurant Expansion, Community Engagement #SalemBusinessJournal #AmberDizon #BlackBearDiner #SalemOregon #FranchiseGrowth #CommunityDriven #FamilyBusiness #BusinessPodcast