In this episode of Business Edge, we sit down with Rebecca Bond, Executive Director of the Albany Visitors Association, who has spent nearly three decades helping shape Albany's tourism strategy. Rebecca shares what the Visitors Association really does and why visitor dollars matter to every local business. Tune in for an inside look at how tourism and local business growth go hand in hand in the Willamette Valley.

 How do we prepare today's students for tomorrow's workforce? In this episode of Business Edge, Rhonda Rhodes, Principal of Salem-Keizer's Career Technical Education Center joins us and shares how career and technical education is connecting students with local employers, building real-world skills, and strengthening Oregon's future workforce. 

What does it take to grow a business without losing sight of your values?

In this episode of The Business Edge, Kerry Bennett of Homegrown Cultivation shares lessons on entrepreneurship, leadership, organic farming, and building a team that cares as much as you do. Hear how he navigates industry challenges, maintains quality, and stays true to his mission while growing a successful business.

Whether you're a business owner, leader, or aspiring entrepreneur, you'll walk away with practical insights and inspiration.

Economic uncertainty is always around the corner, but strong businesses prepare before things get tough. In this episode, Dave Dirks breaks down how small business owners can build financial resilience, understand their numbers, improve cash flow, and create a business that can weather slowdowns, surprises, and changing markets with confidence. 

 This episode dives into a hard truth for small businesses: the customer you built your business around in 2019 may not be the same customer you’re serving today. Dave Dirks explores how changing expectations, digital habits, AI, and customer behavior are reshaping the way businesses compete and what small business owners can do now to stay relevant, valuable, and easy to choose. 

Host David Dirks explains why AI is no longer a big-business luxury—it’s a practical “new employee” for any small business. Learn simple ways to use AI to write emails faster, improve proposals, streamline customer communications, and save real time each week. If you want an easy starting point with immediate payoff, this episode is for you.

In this episode of the Business Edge podcast, David Dirks kicks off a four-part series on small business in a changing world—where AI, shifting consumer behavior, and economic uncertainty are rewriting the rules in real time. David challenges owners to stop relying on “yesterday’s playbook” and start building a change-ready business with faster decision-making, stronger cash visibility, and a habit of questioning assumptions. If you want practical ways to pivot with confidence (instead of reacting under pressure), this is the perfect place to start.

In part two, CMO Dave Dirks dives into actionable steps for small business owners to take control of their brand. Learn how to craft a compelling local story, build strong community partnerships, and document your brand so employees can share it consistently. Dave also discusses the importance of listening to local feedback and why successful branding is a long-term commitment. Get inspired to think locally and make your brand a lasting part of your community.

In part one of our special series, CMO Dave Dirks debunks the myth that branding is only for big companies. Discover why your local presence is your greatest competitive advantage and how to define your business’s unique signature. Dave shares practical tips on making your brand stand out in your community and explains why, in today’s world, all business is local. Tune in to learn how to identify and communicate what makes your business truly special.

In this episode we welcome back Andy Shelley, CEO of CannXperts, to discuss President Trump’s executive order moving marijuana to Schedule III. Andy shares what this change means for cannabis businesses, banking, and investment in 2026.