The aviation industry is facing a critical workforce gap, and right here in Middletown, Ohio, we are building the solution.

On this episode of the What Gives Podcast, we’re filming on-location at the brand-new Butler Tech Aviation Center. Joining me is Dr. William Sprankles, CEO of Butler Tech and a powerhouse in educational innovation.

William is the architect of the Fifth Day Experience and is now overseeing one of the most advanced career tech facilities in the country. We’re diving deep into how this $15M investment at the Middletown Regional Airport is transforming lives and fueling the regional economy.

Key Takeaways:

How Butler Tech is tackling the Aviation Workforce Shortage.

The impact of the Aviation Education Hangar on Southwest Ohio students.

Why "Student Agency" is the secret sauce to modern education.

Stay tuned for the full episode!

#ButlerTech #AviationCareers #EducationInnovation #MiddletownOhio #CareerTech #PilotShortage #WhatGivesPodcast #WorkforceDevelopment

What is the ultimate Return on Investment? For Larry Connor, it isn’t just found in luxury real estate portfolios or expeditions to outer space—it’s found in the future of the next generation.

On this episode of the What Gives Podcast, host Erin Satzger sits down with billionaire Larry Connor (Founder of The Connor Group) to discuss how high-stakes business acumen translates to high-impact philanthropy. Larry is known for his extreme adventures—piloting to the International Space Station and diving to the deepest parts of the ocean—but his most ambitious mission is right here on Earth: revolutionizing education for under-resourced students.

We discuss:

The Business of Giving: How Larry applies private equity standards and "Connor Group discipline" to non-profit work.

Calculated Risk: Why the mindset required for space travel is essential for solving systemic education issues.

The Greater Dayton School: A look inside the philosophy and model of Ohio’s first private, non-religious school for under-resourced students.

Whether you are an entrepreneur, an investor, or a community leader, this conversation challenges the traditional definition of ROI.

Hosted by: Erin Satzger (Northern Cincinnati Foundation) Guest: Larry Connor (The Connor Group)

#LarryConnor #RealEstateInvesting #SpaceTravel #Philanthropy #EducationReform #TheConnorGroup #WhatGivesPodcast #BusinessLeadership #ROI #NorthernCincinnatiFoundation #ErinSatzger #NorthernCincinnatiFoundation #Dayton #PhilanthropyPodcast #spacex #elonmusk

In this deeply personal and inspiring episode of What Gives, host Erin Satzger sits down with Logan Hines, Owner and President of Mitchell’s Salon & Day Spa, to talk about legacy, leadership, and love — both for people and for a family business that’s been serving Greater Cincinnati since 1983.

Logan shares the moving story of how her mother founded Mitchell’s over 35 years ago, building it into a trusted, family-like community that celebrates beauty in every form. Following her mother’s recent passing, Logan reflects on stepping into leadership and carrying forward her mother’s mission — giving clients time to lighten their spirits and empowering employees to embrace their creativity.

Now leading five locations and two brands, Logan is guiding Mitchell’s into a new era while preserving its heart and heritage. Her story is one of resilience, gratitude, and the beauty of honoring the past while shaping the future.

🎧 Episode Description:
In this forward-thinking episode of What Gives, Erin Satzger sits down with the Northern Cincinnati Foundation’s own Chief Marketing Officer, Matt King, for a deep dive into the transformative power of AI in philanthropy.

From building AI tools that recommend charitable funds based on a donor's passions, to exploring crypto giving, and even creating a knowledge base powered by veterans’ voices for the USS Cincinnati Submarine Memorial Park — Matt shares how the world of community foundations is being reimagined through the lens of emerging technology.

🚀 Topics include:

• How AI can personalize donor engagement
• Using crypto and digital tools to modernize giving
• Preserving local history through AI-driven storytelling
• Why community foundations should think more like tech startups

This episode will challenge your thinking and inspire you to see how mission and innovation can work hand-in-hand.

The future of giving is here — and it’s smarter than ever.

In this episode of What Gives, Erin Satzger, CEO of the Northern Cincinnati Foundation sits down with father-son duo Ron Rosenbeck, Founder of Republic Wire, and Jeremy Rosenbeck, the company’s President. Together, they’ve grown Republic Wire into one of the nation’s premier wire and cable manufacturers — proudly headquartered right here in the Cincinnati region.

Ron shares the story of Republic Wire’s humble beginnings and the values that guided the company through decades of innovation and growth. Jeremy brings the next-gen perspective, sharing how the company has evolved under his leadership while staying rooted in the same principles of integrity, hard work, and commitment to community.

From building a national business to giving back locally, the Rosenbecks reveal how Republic Wire remains wired into the heart of the region — supporting jobs, families, and local causes.

This is a powerful conversation about legacy, leadership, and the kind of business that makes a community stronger.

Tune in to hear how Republic Wire is more than just a manufacturer — it’s a force for good.

In this special year-end episode of "What Gives", host Erin Satzger is joined by Jamie Smith, Market President & Publisher of the Cincinnati Business Courier, and Jesy Heron, VP of Client Partnership at RESLV, Cincinnati’s premier video agency.

Together, they reflect on the highlights and challenges of 2024, sharing their unique perspectives on business growth, storytelling, and community engagement in Cincinnati. Jamie offers an insider’s look at the city’s business landscape and trends shaping the year ahead, while Jesy explores how impactful storytelling and creative partnerships have become essential tools for local businesses and nonprofits.

This episode is brought to you by the Northern Cincinnati Foundation, where we’re building thriving communities through philanthropy, leadership, and collaboration.

#WhatGivesPodcast #CincinnatiBusiness #CommunityImpact #Leadership #Storytelling #CreativePartnerships #NorthernCincinnatiFoundation #QueenCityInnovation #Philanthropy #CincinnatiGrowth

In this episode of "What Gives", host Erin Satzger engages in a compelling conversation with Jennifer Damiano, the Cincinnati Market President of KeyBank. With a unique background that spans 17 years in the philanthropic sector before transitioning to banking, Jennifer brings a distinctive perspective to her leadership role. She discusses her journey from nonprofit work to leading KeyBank's private banking unit in Cincinnati and Dayton, and now stepping into the market president position. Jennifer shares her vision for deepening KeyBank's community impact, building upon the $384 million in local investments since 2017, and how her philanthropic roots continue to influence her approach to banking. Tune in to explore how Jennifer plans to blend community engagement with financial services to foster economic growth and support for local initiatives.

In this inspiring episode of "What Gives", host Erin Satzger sits down with Tianay Amat, President & CEO of Cincinnati Works, to explore her journey from leading classrooms to leading workforce empowerment in the Cincinnati region.

With over 20 years of experience as an educator and administrator, including her time as Interim Superintendent of Cincinnati Public Schools, Tianay shares how her passion for collaboration and compassion drives her work at Cincinnati Works. She reflects on her leadership journey, her belief in the power of partnerships, and how Cincinnati Works is helping individuals not only find jobs but thrive in an ever-changing workforce.

Tianay also provides insights into how her experience in diverse educational settings has shaped her strategies for tackling challenges like economic inequality and workforce preparedness. From preparing students for success to empowering job-seekers to achieve their full potential, her vision highlights the transformative impact of investing in people.

Tune in to hear how Cincinnati Works is making a difference, one job-seeker at a time, and discover how you can contribute to a more empowered and equitable workforce.

In this captivating episode of What Gives, host Erin Satzger, President & CEO of the Northern Cincinnati Foundation explores the dynamic intersection of art, light, and community with three creative visionaries who are shaping Cincinnati's cultural landscape. Joining Erin is Andrew Salzbrun, managing partner of AGAR and co-founder of BLINK, one of the nation’s largest light, art, and projection-mapping festivals. Andrew shares the behind-the-scenes story of how BLINK became a beacon of innovation and inclusivity, drawing millions of visitors to Cincinnati while celebrating the city's vibrant artistic spirit.

We also dive into the world of two remarkable artists featured in BLINK: Gee Horton, a visual artist whose storytelling through portraiture explores identity and the African-American experience, and Matthew Dayler, Founder of Chroma Projects, known for his large-scale murals and public art that ignite conversations across the urban landscape. Together, they discuss the transformative power of public art, their unique contributions to BLINK, and the ways in which art and culture connect people from all walks of life.

This episode offers an intimate look at how creativity can shape cities, foster community, and inspire change. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or just curious about how festivals like BLINK come together, this conversation will leave you inspired by the power of light, color, and artistic collaboration.

In this insightful episode of "What Gives", host Erin Satzger welcomes executives from Park National Bank for an engaging conversation about the future of community banking and its role in regional growth.

The discussion covers how Park National Bank has balanced its rich history of personalized service with modern innovations that keep the institution competitive in a rapidly evolving financial landscape. The guests share their perspectives on leading a community-focused bank, discussing the bank's approach to fostering economic development, supporting local businesses, and driving philanthropic initiatives that strengthen the communities they serve.

Listeners will gain an inside look at the strategies the bank employs to navigate economic fluctuations, regulatory challenges, and shifting customer needs, all while maintaining a commitment to personalized banking and long-term community impact.

Whether you're a business owner, community leader, or someone interested in how financial institutions can make a difference locally, this episode will provide valuable insights on leadership, financial resilience, and community engagement.

Tune in to hear how Park National Bank is shaping the future of banking with a focus on regional prosperity and innovation.