The DeCesare Group Podcast

Hosted by Jim DeCesare

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112

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Jun 2026

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About the show

Are you interested in South Central Kentucky's latest economic development and business activities? Then, you will not want to miss The DeCesare Group Podcast hosted by Jim DeCesare, a Kentucky Association of Economic Development Hall of Fame member. The DeCesare Group Podcast is a companion to the SOKY Economic Development and Business newsletter. In each episode, we'll talk to individuals who know about South Central Kentucky's latest economic development and business activities. You'll hear from industry leaders, business owners, and other experts in the field as they share their insights and perspectives on the economic and business landscape.

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60 recent

June 8, 202630 min

Kelley Paul, Children's Author

This week on The DeCesare Group Podcast, join Jim DeCesare for his conversation with Kelley Paul, wife of U.S. Senator Rand Paul.As we approach the 250th anniversary of America’s independence, Kelly has written two children’s books that tell the story of America’s founding and revolutionary history.Good Night Little American and Good Night Young American came out on June 2nd and tell the story of America’s founding and revolutionary history in an engaging child-friendly adventure. https://www.skyhorsepublishing.com/9781510788145/good-night-little-american/From the shores of Plymouth Rock to the signing of the Constitution, children will explore the pivotal moments and heroes that define the American spirt.Kelley, who wrote True and Constant Friends in 2015, and co-authored The Case against Socialism with Rand in 2023, talks about the difference in writing a children’s book and how she was able to simplify America’s founding story.Catch The DeCesare Group Podcast on your favorite podcasting platform and every Sunday morning at 7 on 95.1-WGGC. If you enjoy The DeCesare Group Podcast, leave us a review, and to learn more about The DeCesare Group visit our website, https://www.thedecesaregroup.com/ and check us out on YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/@TheDeCesareGroup.

May 25, 202634 min

John Gregory, Kentucky Center for Leadership

This week on The DeCesare Group Podcast, join Jim DeCesare for his conversation with John Gregory, Executive Director at the Kentucky Center for Leadership.John has more than 20 years of experience in the manufacturing industry, dedicated to developing individuals, strengthening teams, and building cultures where employees can thrive.His expertise spans Human Resources, Training, Leadership Development, Environmental Health & Safety (EHS), and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).Find out how you and your business can benefit from the exciting programs offered at the Kentucky Center for Leadership, located inside WKU’s Innovation Campus. More information can be found at www.KC4L.org.Catch The DeCesare Group Podcast on your favorite podcasting platform and every Sunday morning at 7 on 95.1-WGGC. If you enjoy The DeCesare Group Podcast, leave us a review, and to learn more about The DeCesare Group visit our website, https://www.thedecesaregroup.com/ and check us out on YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/@TheDeCesareGroup.

May 11, 202632 min

Dr. Evelyn Thrasher, Gordon Ford College of Business

This week on The DeCesare Group Podcast, join Jim DeCesare for his conversation with Dr. Evelyn Thrasher, Dean of WKU’s Gordon Ford College of Business. https://www.wku.edu/business/In the 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Graduate Schools rankings, twelve WKU graduate programs landed among the best in the country—including five from the Gordon Ford College of Business.Dr. Thrasher breaks down the recognition and talks about the impact Amy and David Chandler Hall as well as the Living and Learning Communities is having on student success on the hill.She gets into the biggest gap between what students think they need to succeed in business and what matters once they graduate, what leadership really means in today’s business environment and how WKU is making sure students are prepared for how fast business is changing- technology, AI, remote work – all of it.Catch The DeCesare Group Podcast on your favorite podcasting platform and every Sunday morning at 7 on 95.1-WGGC. If you enjoy The DeCesare Group Podcast, leave us a review, and to learn more about The DeCesare Group visit our website, https://www.thedecesaregroup.com/ and check us out on YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/@TheDeCesareGroup.

April 27, 202631 min

John Harnage, Kentucky Thermal Institute

This week on The DeCesare Group Podcast, join Jim DeCesare for his conversation with John Harnage, owner of Kentucky Thermal Institute.John is being recognized nationally this week after being named the 2026 Small Businessperson of the Year for Kentucky by the U.S. Small Business Administration.It’s one of the nation’s highest honors for small business leadership.Kentucky Thermal Institute is based at the Western Kentucky University Innovation Campus in Bowling Green.John talks about the beginning of the institute dating back nearly twenty years and why thermography is now poised to be one of the fastest growing professions in the United States.You can find more information at www.kythermal.institute.Catch The DeCesare Group Podcast on your favorite podcasting platform and every Sunday morning at 7 on 95.1-WGGC. If you enjoy The DeCesare Group Podcast, leave us a review, and to learn more about The DeCesare Group visit our website, https://www.thedecesaregroup.com/ and check us out on YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/@TheDeCesareGroup.

April 13, 202635 min

Alex Downing, Franklin Bank & Trust

This week on The DeCesare Group Podcast, join Jim DeCesare for his conversation with Alex Downing, President and CEO of Franklin Bank and Trust. https://www.fbtco.com/Downing talks about his transition from accountant to leading the College Heights Foundation to leading Franklin Bank and Trust.He’s also has a lifetime of memories (and memorabilia) from WKU where his father served as president from 1969 until 1979.Catch The DeCesare Group Podcast on your favorite podcasting platform and every Sunday morning at 7 on 95.1-WGGC. If you enjoy The DeCesare Group Podcast, leave us a review, and to learn more about The DeCesare Group visit our website, https://www.thedecesaregroup.com/ and check us out on YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/@TheDeCesareGroup.

March 30, 202630 min

Maureen Carpenter, Barren County Economic Authority

This week on The DeCesare Group Podcast, join Jim DeCesare for his conversation with Maureen Carpenter, President and CEO of the Barren County Economic Authority. https://barrencoea.com/ Carpenter talks about Glasgow’s recent historic milestone, ranking No. 9 in the nation among micropolitan communities in the 2025 Site Selection Governor’s Cup rankings, based on the number of economic development projects announced during the year.The ranking is the highest placement Glasgow has ever had by Site Selection magazine.She talks about the initiatives that led to the recognition, updates the South Cooper Industrial Park and looks at what’s ahead in 2026.Catch The DeCesare Group Podcast on your favorite podcasting platform and every Sunday morning at 7 on 95.1-WGGC. If you enjoy The DeCesare Group Podcast, leave us a review, and to learn more about The DeCesare Group visit our website, https://www.thedecesaregroup.com/ and check us out on YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/@TheDeCesareGroup.

March 16, 202629 min

Julie Milam, Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce

This week on The DeCesare Group Podcast, join Jim DeCesare for his conversation with Julie Milam, Executive Vice President of Partnership Services at the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce. https://www.bgchamber.com/Milam is widely known across South Central Kentucky for her long-standing commitment to community development and economic growth having spent 17 years as General Manager at WNKY-TV.A former small business owner herself, she is now bringing her more than two decades of deep-rooted community involvement, small business advocacy, and visionary leadership to the chamber.Catch The DeCesare Group Podcast on your favorite podcasting platform and every Sunday morning at 7 on 95.1-WGGC. If you enjoy The DeCesare Group Podcast, leave us a review, and to learn more about The DeCesare Group visit our website, https://www.thedecesaregroup.com/ and check us out on YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/@TheDeCesareGroup.

March 2, 202627 min

Gary Houchens, The Chesterton Academy

This week on The DeCesare Group Podcast, join Jim DeCesare for his conversation with Dr. Gary Houchens, Board Chair for Chesterton Academy. https://chestertonbgky.com/For the first time in more than a half a century, Bowling Green will be home to a Catholic High School beginning this fall.Chesterton Academy is a faith-based, academically rigorous high school opening initially to freshmen and sophomores in August.Dr. Houchens has been part of a group working for years behind the scenes to make this private Catholic school a reality in Bowling Green.The Chesterton Schools Network website says the following:Chesterton students enjoy a cohesive, content-rich education. A broad exposure to many different disciplines helps students expand their interests and uncover hidden talents.There are currently more than seventy Chesterton High Schools across the country with Bowling Green being added to the list.Catch The DeCesare Group Podcast on your favorite podcasting platform and every Sunday morning at 7 on 95.1-WGGC. If you enjoy The DeCesare Group Podcast, leave us a review, and to learn more about The DeCesare Group visit our website, https://www.thedecesaregroup.com/ and check us out on YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/@TheDeCesareGroup.

February 16, 202630 min

Kevin Wallace, ABR Systems Group

This week on The DeCesare Group Podcast, host Jim DeCesare sits down with Kevin Wallace, newly appointed Director of Corporate Development for ABR Systems Group. https://www.abrsg.com/Wallace has earned numerous state and national coaching honors and is recognized for his leadership and lasting impact on high school football in Kentucky.He retired after the 2025 season with a career record of 371 wins and 130 losses which ranks fourth in KHSAA history for career victories.Wallace talks about his legendary career, what the transition to the private sector is like and what he brings to a company like ABR Systems Group.Catch The DeCesare Group Podcast on your favorite podcasting platform and every Sunday morning at 7 on 95.1-WGGC. If you enjoy The DeCesare Group Podcast, leave us a review, and to learn more about The DeCesare Group visit our website, https://www.thedecesaregroup.com/ and check us out on YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/@TheDeCesareGroup.

February 2, 202637 min

Jeff Meisel, Bowling Green City Manager

This week on The DeCesare Group Podcast, join Jim DeCesare for his conversation with Bowling Green City Manager Jeff Meisel. https://www.bgky.org/Meisel began his career with the City in 2002 as City Treasurer, was promoted to Chief Financial Officer in 2006, and became City Manager in 2018.He’s only the sixth city manager in Bowling Green’s history!Meisel has an update on the long awaited Riverfront Project as well as other exciting developments in the city of Bowling Green.Catch The DeCesare Group Podcast on your favorite podcasting platform and every Sunday morning at 7 on 95.1-WGGC. If you enjoy The DeCesare Group Podcast, leave us a review, and to learn more about The DeCesare Group visit our website, https://www.thedecesaregroup.com/