Economically Speaking

Hosted by Town of Babylon IDA

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Oct 2025

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About the show

Want to know why more than 250,000 people and hundreds of businesses call the Town of Babylon home? Then look no further… ‘Economically Speaking’ is your window into the business community right in your local neighborhood. Hosted by Babylon Industrial Development Agency CEO, Tom Dolan, this informational podcast serves to educate and communicate the latest economic development news in the town and surrounding region. This podcast will discuss housing, jobs, workforce development, real estate, economic inclusion, energy resources, business planning, transportation, small business loans, COVID impacts, and much more. Hear directly from our region’s experts about how we must tackle the Town’s challenges, opportunities, resource availability, and experiences. So here’s your look into the role of the IDA and our goal of helping the community grow.

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49 recent

October 10, 202534 min

MWBE Certification with Dan Lloyd

In this installment, Babylon IDA CEO Tom Dolan sits down with Dan Lloyd, Program Director of the Babylon Economic Inclusion Program (EIP), to discuss how MWBE certification can open doors for small business owners.They explore what it means to be a certified minority- or woman-owned business, the steps involved in the application process, and how the EIP helps local entrepreneurs navigate it successfully. Dan also shares tips for avoiding common mistakes and using certification to win new opportunities.Learn more about the Babylon Economic Inclusion Program: https://babyloneip.org/For a list of resources mentioned in the episode, please see this link: https://babylonida.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MWBE-Certification-Resources.pdf

August 21, 202519 min

A Conversation with Jenniffer Firpo, founder and CEO of JVsion Advertising

In this installment, Babylon IDA CEO Tom Dolan sits down with Jenniffer Firpo, founder and CEO of JVsion Advertising, to discuss her journey as a woman and immigrant entrepreneur on Long Island.They explore the challenges and opportunities women business owners face, how JVsion Advertising approaches branding and storytelling, and the importance of community connections in growing a local business. Jenniffer also shares advice for women considering launching their own businesses and what’s next for her agency.JVsion: https://www.jvsionadvertising.com/

June 25, 202546 min

Advancing Economic Development and Innovation in Our Region

In this episode, we catch up with former Babylon IDA CEO Matt McDonough to discuss his continued work advancing economic development, housing, and policy innovation across Long Island. Recently honored with the NYSEDC James W. Griffin Rising Star Award, Matt has been recognized for his leadership, community impact, and forward-thinking approach to development throughout our region.Links:McDonough PLLC: https://www.mcdonoughpllc.com/New York State Economic Development Council (NYSEDC): https://www.nysedc.org/

June 13, 202536 min

Checking In on Long Island’s Hospitality Industry

On this episode of Economically Speaking, Babylon IDA CEO Tom Dolan sits down with Dorothy Roberts, president of the Long Island Hospitality Association. Listen as they explore the vital role the hospitality industry plays in Long Island’s economy—as well as the challenges it faces, the opportunities ahead, and the collaborative efforts needed to support its continued growth.Links: Long Island Hospitality Association (LIHA) - https://liha.org/Discover Long Island - https://www.discoverlongisland.com/

May 9, 202520 min

What’s Going On with the Economy?

Join Babylon IDA CEO Tom Dolan as he unpacks the latest economic trends, key statistics, and local indicators shaping the future of our town, region, and the nation. From job growth to inflation and everything in between, this episode offers insights into where we are—and where we might be headed. Have a question or a topic you'd like us to cover? Email us at info@babylonida.org.

April 25, 202530 min

Long Island Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (JATC) with Chris Kelly

On this episode of Economically Speaking, Babylon IDA CEO Tom Dolan sits down with Chris Kelly, Training Director at the Long Island Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (JATC). Together, they explore the current landscape of the electrician trade on Long Island and highlight how apprenticeship programs are building a strong pipeline of skilled workers. Tune in to learn how these programs are shaping the region’s workforce and creating lasting career opportunities in the trades. Links:Long Island Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (JATC): https://www.lijatc.org/Construct Your Future: https://www.constructyourfuture.com/Opportunities Long Island: https://www.opportunitieslongisland.org/

March 7, 202519 min

Previewing Long Island’s Economic Landscape in 2025

Join Babylon IDA CEO Tom Dolan as he briefly overviews key economic trends shaping the Town of Babylon and Long Island and the questions that will impact businesses moving forward in 2025.

October 11, 202420 min

BACCA Pt. 4

On this episode, Babylon IDA CEO Tom Dolan talks with Liz Mirarchi, Executive Director of the Babylon Citizens Council on the Arts (BACCA), and Shawn S. Cullinane, President of the BACCA Board of Directors, about the connection between the local arts and business communities, the organization’s fiftieth anniversary, and their upcoming Harvest Moon Gala. If you want to attend BACCA’s Harvest Moon Gala on October 17, register hereBACCA WebsiteBACCA Contact: info@babylonarts.orgPrevious Economically Speaking episode with Liz Mirarchi (July 5, 2023)

September 23, 20245 min

Mental Health and Wellness in the Workplace - Business Summit

On this episode, Babylon IDA CEO Tom Dolan previews the upcoming business summit on Thursday, September 26, focused on mental health and wellness in the workplace. This event will examine what steps local businesses can take to support their employees' mental and physical well-being and highlight the importance of wellness in sustaining a healthy, thriving business operation. Date: Thursday, September 26, 2024.Time: 8:30 AM to 10:00 AM.Where: East Farmingdale Fire Company, 930 Conklin Street, East Farmingdale, NY 11735.RSVPEconomically Speaking Podcast: Mental Health Awareness with panelist Dr. Annmarie Wacha-Montes Working Healthy (Long Island Business News - August 18, 2022)Workers' mental health getting more attention from Long Island employers (Newsday - December 15, 2023) Health and wellness programs: key to employee success (Long Island Business News - August 30, 2024): https://libn.com/2024/08/30/health-and-wellness-programs-key-to-employee-success/.

August 22, 202432 min

IDA's 101

On this episode of the Economically Speaking podcast, Babylon IDA CEO Tom Dolan talks with Matthew McDonough Esq., former CEO of the Babylon IDA and founder of McDonough PLLC, to refresh the audience on the basics of IDAs and what they can do to improve not just businesses in the area but also the communities they serve. As Babylon IDA CEO, McDonough oversaw significant development projects such as Wyandanch Rising and Copiague Downtown Revitalization. In addition to his time with the Babylon IDA, McDonough previously served as Babylon Village Attorney. Listen and hear the two discuss various topics related to IDAs, including how they came to be in New York, what incentives they are empowered to provide, and the importance of educating the public about their role in economic development throughout the state.Resources:Babylon IDA Contact Information:E-Mail: info@babylonida.orgPhone: 631-587-3679 NYS Comptroller Report - Performance of Industrial Development Agencies in New York StateBabylon Economic Inclusion Program (EIP)About Matthew McDonough