DuPage Business Beat

Hosted by Choose DuPage

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May 2026

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About the show

Today’s biggest business issues, told from a Chicagoland perspective. A podcast about emerging industries, shifting borders, economic ecosystems, and you. Featuring experts and entrepreneurs. Hosted by Greg Bedalov, President & CEO of Choose DuPage. DuPage Business Beat is produced by Choose DuPage and sponsored by Fastener SuperStore, Inc. , proudly located in DuPage County.

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29 recent

May 29, 20261 hr 2 min

The Illinois Tollway Projects Shaping the Region

Transportation infrastructure plays a major role in how communities grow, businesses move goods, and regions stay connected. In this episode of the DuPage Business Beat Podcast, Greg Bedalov talks with Manar Nashif about the Illinois Tollway’s long-term vision for the future of mobility across Northern Illinois. As Chief Engineering Officer, Nashif oversees the agency’s engineering operations, including planning, design, construction, maintenance, and capital improvements across the Tollway system.The conversation highlights key updates from the Illinois Tollway’s capital programs, including Move Illinois and Bridging the Future, and explores how these projects are improving mobility, supporting economic development, and strengthening regional connectivity for businesses and communities throughout DuPage County and beyond.To keep up with what’s happening in DuPage County and the Chicagoland region, follow Choose DuPage on social media or visit ChooseDuPage.com/Ready. Thank you to our sponsor, Fastener SuperStore, Inc. Visit them at fastenersuperstore.com to easily purchase standard screws, nuts, bolts, rivets, and other fasteners in bulk.

May 4, 202654 min

Energy, Infrastructure, and the Future of Business Growth

In this episode of the DuPage Business Beat Podcast, Greg Bedalov sits down with Rick Trujillo, Director of Economic Development at Nicor, to explore how energy is shaping business growth, site selection, and long-term investment across Chicagoland.They break down the evolving policy landscape and how incentives, sustainability goals, and regulations are influencing where and how companies expand. The conversation also dives into the rapid rise of high-demand industries like AI, quantum computing, and data centers, and what those sectors require from an energy and infrastructure standpoint.To keep up with what’s happening in DuPage County and the Chicagoland region, follow Choose DuPage on social media or visit ChooseDuPage.com/Ready. Thank you to our sponsor, Fastener SuperStore, Inc. Visit them at fastenersuperstore.com to easily purchase standard screws, nuts, bolts, rivets, and other fasteners in bulk.

May 4, 202654 min

Inside the 2026 Presidents Cup at Medinah Country Club

A global event like the Presidents Cup takes years of planning, coordination, and collaboration. In this episode, Greg Bedalov sits down with Joie Chitwood, Executive Director of the Presidents Cup, John Duggan, Vice Chairman of Operations at Medinah Country Club, and Jim Hart, Vice Chair of the Host Committee, to discuss what it takes to bring the 2026 tournament to DuPage County.They break down why Medinah rose to the top as the host site, what goes into preparing for an event of this scale, and how local and regional partners are working together to deliver a world-class experience. The conversation also explores the broader impact of the Presidents Cup, from international visibility to the economic benefits expected across DuPage County and the greater Chicagoland region.To keep up with what’s happening in DuPage County and the Chicagoland region, follow Choose DuPage on social media or visit ChooseDuPage.com/Ready. Thank you to our sponsor, Fastener SuperStore, Inc. Visit them at fastenersuperstore.com to easily purchase standard screws, nuts, bolts, rivets, and other fasteners in bulk.

March 25, 202652 min

Inside the Next-Gen Talent Shift

Attracting and retaining young talent can be a challenge for employers. In this episode, Greg Bedalov sits down with Laura Batterberry of Wight & Company and Phil Hardy of Benedictine University to examine what today’s emerging workforce expects and how businesses can adapt.They discuss shifting priorities among young talent, the impact of the pandemic on soft skills, and how technology has changed the way students learn and engage. Greg and his guests also explore the importance of early exposure to real work environments and stronger partnerships between employers and universities.The conversation looks at what companies can do to stay competitive, from improving onboarding to building clearer career paths, while also highlighting how higher education is responding through new programs, training, and networking opportunities.To keep up with what’s happening in DuPage County and the Chicagoland region, follow Choose DuPage on social media or visit ChooseDuPage.com/Ready. Thank you to our sponsor, Fastener SuperStore, Inc. Visit them at fastenersuperstore.com to easily purchase standard screws, nuts, bolts, rivets, and other fasteners in bulk.

February 18, 202649 min

Inside Chicagoland’s Commercial Real Estate Reset

In DuPage, office vacancies remain elevated while industrial demand and data centers reshape the market.In this episode of DuPage Business Beat, host Greg Bedalov sits down with Jim Adler and Mark Moran, Executive Vice Presidents at NAI Hiffman, to discuss what is happening across Chicagoland’s commercial real estate market. Suburban offices continue to face high vacancy and limited new investment, while industrial properties remain comparatively stable. Growing demand for data centers, driven by AI growth and power availability, is influencing new development decisions across the region.Greg and his guests dive in and discuss capital markets, office supply challenges, rent trends, and property repositioning strategies. They also examine whether current conditions reflect a typical real estate cycle or a longer-term shift in workplace demand and location strategy across Chicagoland.To keep up with what’s happening in DuPage County and the Chicagoland region, follow Choose DuPage on social media or visit ChooseDuPage.com/Ready. Thank you to our sponsor, Fastener SuperStore, Inc. Visit them at fastenersuperstore.com to easily purchase standard screws, nuts, bolts, rivets, and other fasteners in bulk.

October 28, 202539 min

Mission Critical: How One Organization is Putting Veterans in Business

In the years following WWII, about 49% of military veterans started their own business. For today’s veterans, that number has fallen to about 5-7%.What changed? Why the disparity? How does it impact today’s veterans? And most importantly, how can the community come together to change the status quo and put veterans back in business?On this episode, host Greg Bedalov joins two leaders from the Veteran Business Project to explore how they’re opening doors for veterans—and what we can all do to help.Special GuestsLynn Lowder, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder, Veteran Business ProjectDale Eisenberg, President and Co-Founder, Veteran Business ProjectDive DeeperAs part of their mission, the Veteran Business Project owns and operates Rosie’s Home Cookin’, a retro diner in Naperville where the proceeds help benefit veterans and their families. Learn more about their new CityGate location here.In this episode, our guests explain how creating communities and opportunities can help veterans overcome mental health challenges. For more on this subject, listen to our recent podcast episode “From Crisis to Recovery” , where we explore how DuPage County is reimaging mental health services.Speaking of veteran business owners, listen to Episode 21 to hear the incredible story of John P. Calamos, Sr., a former Air Force pilot who went on to found several successful businesses while giving back to his community.To keep up with what’s happening in DuPage County and the Chicagoland region, follow Choose DuPage on social media or visit ChooseDuPage.com/Ready.

October 3, 202551 min

Thinking Big about Doing Good: DuPage Foundation & Collective Impact

What happens when we come together to change our world for the better? How can we help nonprofits expand their capacity and prepare for the future? And what are local organizations and individuals doing to make a difference right here in their own backyard?This week, our podcast host Greg Bedalov joins three community leaders – representing the public, private, and nonprofit sectors – to explore how they’re creating lasting change through collective impact.Special GuestsMike Sitrick, President & CEO, DuPage FoundationGreg Schwarze, DuPage County Board, District 6Jim Mark, Managing Director, Private Markets & Chief Strategy Officer, Wight & CompanyDive DeeperWant to make a difference? DuPage Foundation partners with individuals, families, and organizations to make a collective impact across DuPage County. Learn how you can get involved here.Want to learn more? Episode 18 of the DuPage Business Beat explores how the DuPage County Health Department’s new Crisis Recovery Center is helping people get the care they need—while reducing the burden on local emergency rooms. Listen here.Want to get inspired? To hear the story of one major DuPage County philanthropist, listen to Episode 21 of the Beat, where Greg interviews John P. Calamos, Sr.As always, we’d like to thank the College of DuPage for supporting today’s episode. To keep up with what’s happening in DuPage County and the Chicagoland region, follow Choose DuPage on social media or visit ChooseDuPage.com/Ready.

September 12, 202544 min

The Century Club: Meet the DuPage Businesses that Have Thrived for 100+ Years

On this episode, host Greg Bedalov joins four members of the “Century Club”—leaders of local family businesses that have been in operation for over 100 years.What does it take to keep a family business going for decades? How have they adapted to new technologies and changing times? And what can other leaders learn from their stories?Find out on this special episode of the DuPage Business Beat.Special GuestsJerry Hinckley, 4th-Generation Owner and President, St. Andrews Golf and Country Club (Celebrating 100 years)Anna Ball, 3rd-Generation Owner and CEO, Ball Horticultural Company (Celebrating 120 years)Susannah Ball, 4th-Generation Owner, Ball Horticultural Company (Celebrating 120 years)Alex Anderson, 6th-Generation Owner of Oswald’s Pharmacy (Celebrating 150 years)Dive DeeperExplore the roots of Ball Horticultural in our in-depth feature and learn how the company is shaping the future of ornamental plants.Want to hear another great local business story? Don’t miss our recent interview with iconic DuPage County entrepreneur John Calamos, Sr. here.Located at the heart of Chicagoland, DuPage is a pro-people, pro-business community that both supports longtime legacy businesses and welcomes new investment. Learn why businesses and top talent choose DuPage County here.As always, we’d like to thank the College of DuPage for supporting today’s episode. To keep up with what’s happening in DuPage County and the Chicagoland region, follow Choose DuPage on social media or visit ChooseDuPage.com/Ready.

August 5, 202543 min

The Sky’s the Limit: A Conversation with John Calamos, Sr.

From flying combat missions as an Air Force pilot to founding Calamos Investments and Calamos Real Estate, John P. Calamos, Sr. has lived a life founded on leadership, service, and an ability to focus deeply. Today, his businesses employ hundreds of DuPage County residents and are responsible for some of the region’s most iconic landmarks, including CityGate Centre in Naperville. Beyond his own businesses, John is a prolific philanthropist and a powerful voice of the community.On this episode, our podcast host Greg Bedalov joins Calamos to discuss his new biography, The Sky’s the Limit, and explore his thoughts on business, philosophy, and life.Special Guest: John P. Calamos, Sr.Dive DeeperIn today’s episode, we explore a few of the stories from Calamos’ biography, but we only scratch the surface of everything you’ll find in The Sky’s the Limit. Learn more and order your copy here.Created by Calamos, CityGate Center is a mixed-use development with offices, apartments, restaurants, entertainment spaces, and more. This iconic landmark has been featured multiple times on our annual Smartest Workplaces list, most recently in the SIMPSON Headquarters feature of our 2024 edition.To keep up with what’s happening in DuPage County and the Chicagoland region, follow Choose DuPage on social media or visit ChooseDuPage.com/Ready.

June 23, 202546 min

The “Olympics of Conservation” Comes to Chicagoland

For the first time in 27 years, the Global Botanic Gardens Congress is returning to North America—and it’s coming right here to Chicagoland.Scheduled for summer 2027, the “Olympics of Conservation” brings together researchers and delegates from around the world to share, discuss, and amplify the work of botanic gardens. As communities face ecological challenges ranging from invasive species to climate change, the 2027 Congress will focus on restoring ecosystems.Two Chicagoland institutions have been selected to host: The Morton Arboretum and the Chicago Botanic Garden. On today’s podcast, host Greg Bedalov joins two leaders of these organizations to talk about the Congress, conservation, and how Chicagoland businesses can support the region’s natural ecosystem.Special GuestsMurphy Westwood, Vice President of Science and Conservation | The Morton ArboretumKay Havens, Chief Scientist and Negaunee Vice President of Science | Chicago Botanic GardenDive DeeperResources: Want to learn how your business can make a difference? Choose DuPage has partnered with the DuPage County Environmental Division to connect local business leaders to resources that promote sustainable practices. Find incentives, guidelines, and other resources here. Education: Learn how to incorporate eco-friendly practices into your business’ green space during our free webinar on August 12th, 2025.Hosted by Jim Kleinwachter, program director at The Conversation Foundation, this seminar will explore how you can reduce maintenance costs, enhance your site’s visual appeal, and demonstrate your commitment to environmental stewardship. Learn more and sign up here.To keep up with what’s happening in DuPage County and the Chicagoland region, follow Choose DuPage on social media or visit ChooseDuPage.com/Ready.