Transforming Small Business (Impact Corry)

Hosted by Impact Corry

Business Entrepreneurship

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Latest episode

Mar 2026

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About the show

A show that spotlights small, rural businesses in Erie County Pennsylvania, Northwest Pennsylvania, and beyond. Hear about success stories and unique challenges that these businesses and their leaders face. Presented by Impact Corry, the non-profit community, economic, and civic development hub based in Corry, Pennsylvania. Funding is provided by the Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority.

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18 recent

March 9, 2026Episode 623 min

Cherie Dickey (Corry Chamber) & Brian Slawin (Ben Franklin Technology Partners)

In our series finale, we're speaking with two individuals that are integral to regional business development: Cherie Dickey of the Corry Area Chamber of Commerce, and Brian Slawin of Ben Franklin Technology Partners. The two guests speak about their organizations, along with how each helps regional businesses. They also speak about the Sails to Trails tourism project, the new Erie Revitalization Investment Fund, and much more. We hope you enjoy the conversation.Music: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Slim and Red⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sponsor: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ECGRA⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Impact Corry⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Production: Edinboro Campus Media

February 12, 2026Episode 524 min

Manufacturing Enterprise program (Corry High School)

In our newest episode, we're speaking with the team behind Corry High School's Manufacturing Enterprise program. Guests include teacher Travis Carey, along with students Sylas Bryan, Charlie Amburgy and Alex Schmidt. They discuss the program's launch, how they built Beaver Precision Works, and which local businesses are collaborating with them.We hope you enjoy the conversation.Music: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Slim and Red⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sponsor: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ECGRA⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Impact Corry⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Production: Edinboro Campus Media

January 2, 2026Episode 427 min

Chris Groner (City of Erie)

In our newest episode, we're speaking with Chris Groner, the Director for the Office of Development Services with the City of Erie. We discuss his long history with the City of Erie, how municipal finance and lending can benefit small business owners, and his most fulfilling projects over the years.We hope you enjoy the conversation.Episode note: On December 3rd, Groner was named the Director of Administration for Erie County, as part of Christina Vogel's new team. He will assume that position on January 5th, 2026.Music: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Slim and Red⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sponsor: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ECGRA⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Impact Corry⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Production: Edinboro Campus Media

November 28, 2025Episode 338 min

Julie Zajac (3 Pillarz Farm)

In our newest episode, we're speaking with Julie Zajac, the founder of 3 Pillarz Farm in Northwest Pennsylvania. We discuss the family history of the farm, talk the many educational offerings offered through 3 Pillarz, and then discover the great products they sell. We hope you enjoy the conversation.Music: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Slim and Red⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sponsor: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ECGRA⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Impact Corry⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Production: Edinboro Campus Media

October 24, 2025Episode 227 min

Betsy Grinder (Your Daily Serving)

In our newest episode, we're speaking with Betsy Grinder, the owner of Corry, PA's Your Daily Serving. We discuss the origins of the meal-prep, catering, and personal chef enterprise, along with how they adapted through the COVID-19 pandemic. Then, we talk about the business's evolution to a physical location and meal delivery across the region. We hope you enjoy the conversation.Music: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Slim and Red⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sponsor: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ECGRA⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Impact Corry⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Production: Edinboro Campus Media

October 7, 2025Episode 123 min

Greg and Kathy Bowes (Buzz of UC, Copperleaf)

In our Season 3 premiere, we're speaking with Greg and Kathy Bowes, the owner-operators of both The Buzz of UC and The Buzz at Copperleaf. The episode covers the origins of the Union City coffee shop, how they work with local vendors for many of their ingredients, and how they've become a community center. Then, they discuss their second location, The Buzz at Copperleaf.We hope you enjoy the conversation.Music: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Slim and Red⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sponsor: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ECGRA⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Impact Corry⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Production: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Edinboro Beehive

August 6, 2025Episode 625 min

Brenda Kirik (Williams Place)

In our newest episode, we're speaking with Brenda Kirik, who owns Williams Place in Corry, PA. Williams Place is a locally owned gift and fabric shop offering a full service retreat center. They have a large variety of unique gifts from local artisans and carry a wide selection of fair trade products from around the world.Brenda talks about forming the business, the Airbnb units that are hosted above it, and her daughter's business (The Corner Bar and Grillz in Corry, PA).We hope you enjoy the conversation.Music: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Slim and Red⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sponsor: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ECGRA⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠⁠⁠Impact Corry⁠⁠⁠⁠Production: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Edinboro Beehive

June 2, 2025Episode 532 min

John Oliver & Christine Temple (Visit Erie)

In our newest episode, we're speaking with John Oliver (President/CEO) and Christine Temple (Director of Communications) at Visit Erie. Our conversation covers the success of Erie's 2024 Eclipse events, how Canadian tourism has been impacted by recent U.S. events, and their new branding initiative. We hope you enjoy the episode.Music: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Slim and Red⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sponsor: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ECGRA⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠⁠⁠Impact Corry⁠⁠⁠⁠Production: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Edinboro Beehive

March 24, 2025Episode 420 min

Kerrie Catalfu (Sweet Traditions)

In our newest episode, we’re speaking with Kerrie Catalfu about her family’s Corry, PA maple syrup business, Sweet Traditions.Kerrie talks about the business’s array of maple syrup and maple-flavored products (such as BBQ sauce, cotton candy, and more), along with her husband Casey’s expertise in the field, and the family traditions anchoring all of this. We hope you enjoy the conversation.Music: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Slim and Red⁠⁠⁠⁠Sponsor: ⁠⁠⁠⁠ECGRA⁠⁠⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠⁠Impact Corry⁠⁠⁠Production: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Edinboro Beehive

February 27, 2025Episode 327 min

Sara Gilger (Sara’s Business Solutions & Notary Services)

In our newest episode, we're speaking with Sara Gilger, owner and operator of Sara’s Business Solutions & Notary Services in Union City, Pennsylvania. Sara details her community-focused business, along with how she advises clients on small business ventures, taxes, and more. We finish by discussing her unique approach to customer service and customer comfort. We hope you enjoy the conversation.Music: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Slim and Red⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sponsor: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ECGRA⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠⁠⁠Impact Corry⁠⁠⁠⁠Production: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Edinboro Beehive