Building BN

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103

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Mar 2026

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About the show

Bloomington-Normal EDC discusses economic development industry trends, best practices, and development news in Central Illinois.

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March 11, 202628 min

#102- SizeUp McLean County

On this episode of the #BuildingBN podcast, CEO Patrick Hoban sits down with Anatalio Ubalde, CEO and Founder of SizeUp. Host:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patrick Hoban: CEO, Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Guest:Anatolia Ubalde: CEO and Founder, SizeUpWebsites: ⁠Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council⁠⁠SizeUpTakeaways:SizeUp provides small businesses with big data insights.Economic development should focus on supporting local businesses.Data-driven decisions are crucial for business success.Small businesses often lack access to essential data.Economic developers play a vital role in community success.The shift from chasing big projects to supporting local businesses is essential.Entrepreneurship has seen a significant boom post-2020.Economic development organizations offer free resources to help businesses succeed.Understanding local market dynamics is key for small business growth.SizeUp helps businesses benchmark their performance against industry standards.

January 16, 202627 min

#101- Westminster Village

On this episode of the #BuildingBN podcast, CEO Patrick Hoban sits down with Matt Riehle, CEO of Westminster Village. Host:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patrick Hoban: CEO, Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Guest:Matt Riehle: CEO, Westminster VillageWebsites: Bloomington-Normal Economic Development CouncilWestminster VillageTakeaways:Westminster Village serves 430-450 residents daily.The community offers a full continuum of care from independent living to skilled nursing.There is a significant waiting list for senior housing, indicating high demand.Demographic trends show a growing population of individuals over 65.Economic development is crucial for supporting community needs and services.Westminster Village contributes significantly to the local economy through employment and services.The aging population is changing the housing market dynamics.Local partnerships are essential for workforce development and community engagement.The importance of maintaining a local identity and brand in senior care.The need for more affordable housing options for both seniors and workforce members.

October 23, 202527 min

#100- 100th Episode with John Hesse

🎉 Episode 100! 🎉We’re celebrating with John Hesse from Carle Health — our very first guest!Patrick Hoban and John reflect on over six years of growth, challenges, and wins in Bloomington-Normal, spanning healthcare and workforce development to regional collaboration.Host:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patrick Hoban: CEO, Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Guest:⁠⁠John Hesse: Vice President of Business Development, Carle HealthWebsites: Bloomington-Normal Economic Development CouncilCarle Health⁠Takeaways:The podcast has reached its 100th episode, marking a significant milestone.Housing costs and childcare are critical issues for community growth.Education plays a vital role in workforce development and retention.Community collaboration is crucial for economic resilience and growth.Strategic planning helps align community goals and resources effectively.Local food and dining experiences significantly contribute to a community's identity.The economic landscape is rapidly changing, requiring adaptability and innovation.

October 16, 202527 min

#99- Lisa Dziekan- Principal, Economic Development at Clayco

On this episode of the #BuildingBN podcast, CEO Patrick Hoban sits down with Lisa Dziekan, Principal of Economic Development at Clayco. Host:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patrick Hoban: CEO, Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Guest:⁠Lisa Dziekan: Principal of Economic Development, ClaycoWebsites: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.bnbiz.org/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ClaycoTakeaways:Lisa Dziekan has a strong background in economic development.Clayco specializes in complex builds and various market sectors.Rivian's growth has created a ripple effect in the community.Housing is a critical issue for economic development.Community colleges play a vital role in workforce development.Illinois is improving its economic development strategies.The importance of building relationships in economic development.Chicago's unique offerings can attract investment.Economic development is essential for quality of life.Collaboration among stakeholders is key to success.

July 2, 202520 min

#98- Bloomington Bison Hockey- President Andy Zilch

On this episode of the #BuildingBN podcast, CEO Patrick Hoban talks with Andy Zilch, the President of the Bloomington Bison.Host:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patrick Hoban: CEO, Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Guest:Andy Zilch: President, Bloomington BisonWebsites: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.bnbiz.org/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Bloomington BisonTakeaways:Andy Zilch has a diverse background in professional hockey, having worked in various cities across the U.S.The Bloomington Bison aim to create a strong community presence and engage local businesses.Attendance at games has been increasing, indicating growing community support.The ownership group, Howlett Sports and Entertainment, is focused on expanding their portfolio in the Midwest.The Bison's promotional events, like themed nights, are designed to attract families and enhance the game experience.Local businesses are encouraged to collaborate with the Bison for mutual promotion.The team has a strong commitment to community service and player involvement in local events.The Bison serve as a feeder program for higher-level hockey, including the NHL.The game day experience includes various entertainment options to keep fans engaged.Future plans include more theme nights and community-driven initiatives.

May 23, 202541 min

#97- Illinois State University's Harriett Steinbach

On this episode of the #BuildingBN podcast, CEO Patrick Hoban talks with Harriett Steinbach, Director, Innovation and Strategic Partnerships at Illinois State University.Host:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patrick Hoban: CEO, Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Guest:Harriett Steinbach: Director, Innovation and Strategic Partnerships at Illinois State UniversityWebsites: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.bnbiz.org/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Illinois State UniversityTakeaways:Harriett has been at ISU since 2002, with a focus on community engagement.She transitioned to the Office of Research to lead innovation and partnerships.The Bloomington Normal Innovation Hub aims to connect higher education institutions for economic benefit.Applied research is crucial for solving community issues and fostering innovation.The hub aims to establish a business incubator that supports local entrepreneurs.Community input is vital for effective strategic planning.The hub will not duplicate existing services but strengthen connections.Harriett emphasizes the importance of organic connections in entrepreneurship.The goal is to launch programming by mid-2026, even without a physical space.Creating a physical space will enhance opportunities for collaboration and innovation opportunities. Strategic planning is essential for economic development.An overarching ecosystem for entrepreneurship is needed.Infrastructure gaps can hinder business growth.Showcasing local attractions can help retain talent.Economic development reflects community investment.Funding is a significant challenge for entrepreneurs.Collaboration is key to filling gaps in support.A diverse economy is crucial for long-term stability.Building an innovation corridor can enhance regional growth.Engaging with local investors can boost startup funding.

April 21, 202516 min

#96- One Earth Energy

On this week’s episode of the #BuildingBN podcast, CEO Patrick Hoban talks with Steve Kelly, Chief Executive Officer for One Earth Energy.Host:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patrick Hoban: CEO, Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Guest:Steve Kelly: Chief Executive Officer, One Earth EnergyWebsites: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.bnbiz.org/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ One Earth Energy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Topics:Get To Know, Fun Fact, One Earth Energy, Perfect Day in Bloomington-Normal, and Why Does Economic Development Matter?

March 28, 202538 min

#95- Tyler Cravens, McLean County Chamber of Commerce

On this week’s episode of the #BuildingBN podcast, CEO Patrick Hoban talks with Tyler Cravens, Chief Operating Officer for the McLean County Chamber of Commerce.Host:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patrick Hoban: CEO, Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Guest:⁠Tyler Cravens: Chief Operating Officer, McLean County Chamber of CommerceWebsites: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.bnbiz.org/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://www.mcleancochamber.org/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Topics:Get To Know, Fun Fact, McLean County Chamber of Commerce, Perfect Day in Bloomington-Normal, and Why Does Economic Development Matter?

March 21, 202524 min

#94- Inspire Travel Luggage: A Conversation with Kristin Rae

On this week's episode of the Building BN Podcast, CEO Patrick Hoban talks with Kristin Rae, founder of Inspire Travel Luggage. She shares her journey from fashion design student to successful solopreneur, highlighting local manufacturing, community support, and the entrepreneurial spirit in Bloomington Normal.Host:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patrick Hoban: CEO, Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Guest:Kristin Rae: Inspire Travel LuggageWebsites: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.bnbiz.org/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.inspiretravelluggage.com/https://midwestmoldingsolutions.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Keywords:entrepreneurship,solopreneur, Inspire Travel Luggage, manufacturing, economic development,Bloomington Normal, community support, Amazon marketplace, local economy,product designTakeaways:Kristin Rae is the founder ofInspire Travel Luggage, a boutique brand of toiletry cases.She transitioned from a fashiondesign student to a solopreneur after facing challenges in her career.The journey of entrepreneurshipoften involves zigzagging paths and overcoming obstacles.Local manufacturing partnerships,like with Midwest Moldings, are crucial for small businesses.Economic development plays asignificant role in supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses.Community connections can lead tovaluable resources and partnerships.Marketplaces like Amazon provideopportunities for direct-to-consumer sales.The entrepreneurial journey isfilled with ups and downs, and persistence is key.Investing in local manufacturinghas a ripple effect on the economy.Networking and community supportare essential for entrepreneurial success

March 14, 202531 min

#93- Birth to Five Illinois’ Melissa Breeden

On this week’s episode of the #BuildingBN podcast, CEO Patrick Hoban talks with Melissa Breeden, Region Council Manager for Birth to Five Illinois.Host:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patrick Hoban: CEO, Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Guest:Melissa Breeden: Region Council Manager, Birth to Five IllinoisWebsites: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.bnbiz.org/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.birthtofiveil.com/region17⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Topics:Get To Know, Fun Facts, Birth to Five Illinois, Perfect Day in Bloomington-Normal, and Why Does Early Childhood Matter?