Publications

What draft night was like
His Journey to the MLB draft
How he plans to make an impact on the Pittsburgh Pirates Organization
We get insights from his pitching coach (and brother of our co-host) Brett Huber
Much more

ITUNES: Growing Belleville thru Community Chats on Apple Podcasts

SPOTIFY: Growing Belleville thru Community Chats | Podcast on Spotify

ANCHOR: Growing Belleville thru Community Chats • A podcast on Spotify for Podcasters

GOOGLE: Growing Belleville thru Community Chats (google.com)

YOUTUBE: Growing Belleville thru Community Chats | YouTube

Ep 34, 29 minutes: A New Avenue for Sobriety with Chris Pondoff

In this episode we sit down with Chris Pondoff of Illinois Recovery Center and discuss:

The mission of the new rehab center in Swansea
Why he and his partners decided to open the Rehab Center in this area
Chris’ own sobriety and giving back
The challenges they faced with opening this center
Much more

ITUNES: Growing Belleville thru Community Chats on Apple Podcasts

SPOTIFY: Growing Belleville thru Community Chats | Podcast on Spotify

ANCHOR: Growing Belleville thru Community Chats • A podcast on Spotify for Podcasters

GOOGLE: Growing Belleville thru Community Chats (google.com)

YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/Mbk9YAelQFs

Ep 33, 25 minutes: The Bigger Picture with Mary Lamie

In this Episode we sit down with Mary Lamie of the St. Louis Regional Freightway and Bi State Development and discuss:

How imperative the St Louis Regional Freightway has been in helping the Metro East grow
Why the St Louis Regional Freightway was formed
How they are working for a possible fix to trains stopping and blocking Highway 15 in East St Louis
How they have helped the improvements on the Merchants Rail Bridge make train infrastructure more fluent
How they are constantly trying to get more manfacturing jobs to come to the Belleville Area
How they have worked to help the new Chain of Rocks Bridge
The River Tourist attractions they are in charge of
much more

ITUNES: Growing Belleville thru Community Chats on Apple Podcasts

SPOTIFY: Growing Belleville thru Community Chats | Podcast on Spotify

ANCHOR: Growing Belleville thru Community Chats • A podcast on Spotify for Podcasters

GOOGLE: Growing Belleville thru Community Chats (google.com)

YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/LwYUa_PNX7w

Ep 32, 30 minutes: Lounging Around with Mark Mueller

In this episode we sit down with Mark Mueller of Mueller Furniture to discuss:

How he got started in the family business
The journey to opening their 4th location in Fairview
How and why they have focused on expansion
How and why they still invest in their Belleville location
How he has navigated working in and growing a family business
Much more

YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/LwYUa_PNX7w

ITUNES: Growing Belleville thru Community Chats on Apple Podcasts

SPOTIFY: Growing Belleville thru Community Chats | Podcast on Spotify

ANCHOR: Growing Belleville thru Community Chats • A podcast on Spotify for Podcasters

GOOGLE: Growing Belleville thru Community Chats (google.com)

Ep 31, 24 minutes: All Things Leadership with Amy Richter

In this episode we sit down with the CEO of Hospice of Southern Illinois, Amy Richter, and discuss:

Her path to becoming CEO of Hospice of Southern Illinois
How she became President of the Board for the Greater Belleville Chamber of Commerce
What Leadership Belleville did for her
How the Chamber has helped her company
How an admitted introvert has used the chamber to grow personally
Plus Much more

YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/LwYUa_PNX7w

ITUNES: Growing Belleville thru Community Chats on Apple Podcasts

SPOTIFY: Growing Belleville thru Community Chats | Podcast on Spotify

ANCHOR: Growing Belleville thru Community Chats • A podcast on Spotify for Podcasters

GOOGLE: Growing Belleville thru Community Chats (google.com)

Ep 30, 34 minutes: Bennie and the…Pizza Pub

In this episode we sit down with Bennie Parr of Bennies Pizza and Pub

How and why he decided to launch Bennies Pizza and Pub
The idea behind it
Their 5 year anniversary party coming up
Where the name and logo came from (very cool story)
How they come up with new and crazy pizza ideas (Ever had a green bean casserole pizza?)
How the “community” of Belleville Main Street has helped them thrive and survive
and much more.

YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aqQIoVjChcE

ITUNES: Growing Belleville thru Community Chats on Apple Podcasts

SPOTIFY: Growing Belleville thru Community Chats | Podcast on Spotify

ANCHOR: Growing Belleville thru Community Chats • A podcast on Spotify for Podcasters

GOOGLE: Growing Belleville thru Community Chats (google.com)

Ep 29, 27 minutes: Going to Germany for the Special Olympics with the Without Limits Cheer Squad

In this episode we sit down with Lisa Elbe of Without Limits Team Galaxy Cheer Squad and Discuss:

How they selected to go to Germany for the Special Olympics to cheer on team USA!
How the team was notified they were chosen and their reaction
How she got involved with the organization
All the great things the organization does
How you can contribute

YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aqQIoVjChcE

ITUNES: Growing Belleville thru Community Chats on Apple Podcasts

SPOTIFY: Growing Belleville thru Community Chats | Podcast on Spotify

ANCHOR: Growing Belleville thru Community Chats • A podcast on Spotify for Podcasters

GOOGLE: Growing Belleville thru Community Chats (google.com)

Ep 28, 28 minutes: Going the Right Way with The United Way

In this episode we sit down with Natalie Jablonski and Melissa Fanning of the United Way and discuss:

How they got involved with the United Way
How they focus on the Metro East
The impact the United Way has on the community
How to get involved with United Way
And much more

YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hHzeT-nhaDo

ITUNES: Growing Belleville thru Community Chats on Apple Podcasts

SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/7oGyG3SX8Lz3BZTPDsZprr?si=b6d0a4156f574b31

ANCHOR: https://anchor.fm/belleville-chamber

GOOGLE: https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy82NjJhYmRhYy9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw==

Ep 27, 29 minutes: Helping the Blind with Mindseye

In this Episode we sit down with Jason Frazier of Mindseye and discuss:

How Mindseye helps the blind on a daily basis
How great of an organization they are
How you can help by just reading the newspaper, magazine or other aspects
How they got started
How Jason got started with Mindseye
The impact they have had
And Much More

YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/YXge2HuBmZc

ITUNES: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/growing-belleville-thru-community-chats/id1579571466

SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/episode/56YcasFN6COPOxtt6Sn1mn?si=AoRaD1sCQCC5w9GU3A9LRQ&nd=1

ANCHOR: https://anchor.fm/belleville-chamber

GOOGLE: https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy82NjJhYmRhYy9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw==

Ep 26, 45 minutes: Feeling Lucky for St. Patrick’s Day in Downtown Belleville

In this episode we sit down with Scott Schmelzel from Belleville Main Street Committee and the Lucky Leprechaun of St. Patrick’s Day to discuss:

History of St Patrick’s Day in Belleville
The Lucky Leprechaun 5k
Hibernians St Patrick’s day Parade
St. Patrick’s Day Block Party in Downtown Belleville
How the Block Party has grown since 2014
How all downtown businesses and restaurants work together to help make it a great day for all
Upcoming events in Downtown Belleville
Where to find the best Tacos, Pizza, Burgers, Sushi, Ice Cream, Sweets, Cajun, Wings, Chinese, Coffee, Wine, BBQ, Micro Brews, Live Music, and shopping in Downtown Belleville
And much more.

YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/YXge2HuBmZc

ITUNES: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/growing-belleville-thru-community-chats/id1579571466

SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/episode/56YcasFN6COPOxtt6Sn1mn?si=AoRaD1sCQCC5w9GU3A9LRQ&nd=1

ANCHOR: https://anchor.fm/belleville-chamber

GOOGLE: https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy82NjJhYmRhYy9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw==

Ep 25, 21 minutes: Community First with Ericka Logan

In this episode we sit down with Ericka Logan of Logan, LLC and we discuss:

How her and her husband Willie decided to start Logan and Logan LLC
Their rapid growth and the hustle they use to help it grow more
How they credit the Belleville Chamber and SBDC with helping them grow
How they give back to the community
How they won the Chamber Business of the Year award in 2022.
How their family and support system has helped them maintain both a family life and work life
much more

YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/UBpNQao9pMw

ITUNES: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/growing-belleville-thru-community-chats/id1579571466

SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3SGqua5d57JhSeWhm7b65u

ANCHOR: https://anchor.fm/belleville-chamber

GOOGLE: https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy82NjJhYmRhYy9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw==

Ep 24, 29 minutes: Community First with Kara Osthoff

In this episode we sit down with Kara Osthoff to discuss:

All things city wide
City Council
West End Belleville
City Growth
and much more

YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/tpDFa-_tqRs

ITUNES: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/growing-belleville-thru-community-chats/id1579571466

SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3SGqua5d57JhSeWhm7b65u

ANCHOR: https://anchor.fm/belleville-chamber

GOOGLE: https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy82NjJhYmRhYy9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw==

Ep 23, 33minutes Back to School with Dr. Ryan Boike

In this episode we sit down with Belleville District 118 Superintendent Dr. Ryan Boike and discuss:

his path through his educational career
His 27 years at District 118 How well they work together on a vision with District #201
How they are able to bring on the best teachers in the area in such a tough time for hiring
The growth of the district
The districts diversity initiative
and much more

YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/urqXUdX7gbU

ITUNES: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/growing-belleville-thru-community-chats/id1579571466

SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3ZaAPJdJr2LOwNeEgDYWi3

ANCHOR: https://anchor.fm/belleville-chamber

GOOGLE: https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy82NjJhYmRhYy9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw==

Ep 22, 33minutes Getting Physical with Josh Nimmo of Crossfit MetroEast

In this Episode we sit down with Josh Nimmo, owner of Crossfit MetroEast and discuss:

How he transitioned from college sports to running his own business
How important physical health is and how they are different than your normal gyms
How physical health helps with mental health
How he ended up in the Metro East area
How he has utilized the help of a mentor to help him focus ON his business and much more

YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/HwVJwJOo5Zc

ITUNES: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/growing-belleville-thru-community-chats/id1579571466

SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2c6HnaBpLHDmmykCWvDJ7d

ANCHOR: https://anchor.fm/belleville-chamber

GOOGLE: https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy82NjJhYmRhYy9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw==

Ep 21, 39minutes: Going BIG with Scott Schmelzel of Big Daddy’s 618 and the Belleville Main Street Committee

In this episode we sit down with Scott Schmelzel and Sean Martin of Big Daddy’s 618 and discuss:

How Big Daddy’s 618 helped start the transformation of restaurants and bars to downtown Belleville
How the Belleville Main Street Committee is working to continue the success of all the business on main street
How all the bars, restaurants and retail establishments downtown Belleville work together to promote each other
How downtown Belleville has become a hot spot for class reunions including to 20 year class reunion of the 2002 Althoff class this weekend at Big Daddy’s
and much more

YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/2ZBNpmc3N6g

ITUNES: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/growing-belleville-thru-community-chats/id1579571466

SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/7oGyG3SX8Lz3BZTPDsZprr

ANCHOR: https://anchor.fm/belleville-chamber

GOOGLE: https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy82NjJhYmRhYy9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw==

Ep 20, 25minutes: Discussing the Medical Reserve Corps with Cheryl Brunsmann

In this episode we discuss the Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) with Cheryl Brunsmann of St. Clair County Health Dept and discuss:

How her retirement lasted just a little longer than Tom Brady’s
What the Medical Reserve Corps is
How to get involved with the MRC
The importance that the MRC plays in the community
How the MRC was deployed during COVID

and much more

YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/HsLSHjKBd-I

ITUNES: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/growing-belleville-thru-community-chats/id1579571466

SPOTIFY: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/growing-belleville-thru-community-chats/id1579571466

ANCHOR: https://anchor.fm/belleville-chamber

GOOGLE: https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy82NjJhYmRhYy9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw==

Ep 19, 25minutes: Its Your Birthday with Rolanda Finch

In this episode we sit down with Rolanda Finch of Its Your Birthday Inc. and discuss:

How she started having birthday parties for kids in shelters
How that transpired into starting the organization
The joy people get from the parties
Where the currently host the parties
The corporate partners they have
How people can get involved
and more

WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/UM5rWLRZKqA

ITUNES: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/growing-belleville-thru-community-chats/id1579571466

SPOTIFY: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/growing-belleville-thru-community-chats/id1579571466

ANCHOR: https://anchor.fm/belleville-chamber

GOOGLE: https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy82NjJhYmRhYy9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw==

Ep 18, 29minutes: The Positive Effects of Teen Court

In this episode we sit down the Honorable Judge Annette Eckert and discuss the positive effects that the Teen Court has provided including:

the concept and development of it
the incredible % of people who don’t have a second offense
the impact it is having on the volunteers
the impact and outreach it is having on the student peer jury
and more

WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/tibINS8HcUg
ITUNES: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/growing-belleville-thru-community-chats/id1579571466

SPOTIFY: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/growing-belleville-thru-community-chats/id1579571466

ANCHOR: https://anchor.fm/belleville-chamber

GOOGLE: https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy82NjJhYmRhYy9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw==

Ep 17, 32minutes: Going all in on Downtown Belleville

In this episode we sit down with Andria Powell from Circa and Belle City Fitness Collaboration and chat about:

Andria’s boutique shop Circa
Her newest venture in downtown Belleville: Belle city Fitness Collaboration
Why she believes in Belleville
What makes downtown so special compared to other towns

WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/g2I61UNlMtU

ITUNES: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/growing-belleville-thru-community-chats/id1579571466

SPOTIFY: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/growing-belleville-thru-community-chats/id1579571466

ANCHOR: https://anchor.fm/belleville-chamber

GOOGLE: https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy82NjJhYmRhYy9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw==

Ep 16, 26minutes: Teeing it Up with St Clair Country Club

In this episode we sit down with Tom Sipula and Kelly Norman from St Clair Country Club and chat about:

Everything going on at the club right now
The effect Covid had on the club
The legacy of Bob Goalby and his relationship with the club
The benefits of the Club compared to other Clubs
and much more

WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/vP0l5GtiEKs

APPLE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/growing-belleville-thru-community-chats/id1579571466

GOOGLE: https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy82NjJhYmRhYy9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw==

SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/7oGyG3SX8Lz3BZTPDsZprr

ANCHOR: https://anchor.fm/belleville-chamber

EP 15, 26minutes: How the SBDC can help businesses go to the next level… for FREE!

In this episode we sit down with Jo Ann Di Maggio, Executive Director of the Small Business Development Center, to discuss an incredible asset to the business community in the metro east. We talk about:

-What exactly the SBDC does
How they can help small businesses in areas they might need assistance with.
The programs they offer such as Workshops, Advising, Referral Partners for certain resources (ie- Accounting, Layers, lenders, etc)
How they run this at little to no cost to the business
Their relationship with SIUE
How they can help with Grants
Their annual Metro East Start-Up Challenge Business Plan Competition for a $25,000 prize.

Ep 14, 27minutes: Talking BIG with Heather Freed of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwestern Illinois

In this episode we catch up with Heather Freed and discuss:

Her journey to becoming CEO
The importance BBBS is to the community
Carrying on the torch handed to her by Barb Cempura
How to become a BIG
The role of a BIG
Other Fundraising aspects they do

WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/FmQ6A6ylPEY

APPLE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/growing-belleville-thru-community-chats/id1579571466

GOOGLE: https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy82NjJhYmRhYy9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw==

SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/7oGyG3SX8Lz3BZTPDsZprr

ANCHOR: https://anchor.fm/belleville-chamber

Ep13, 28minutes: In the Soulcial Kitchen with John Michel
In this episode we catch up with the founder of Soulcial Kitchen, John Michel and discuss:

The idea behind Soulcial Kitchen
The Process to get it started
Their phenomenal Currency of Caring Program
The difference between them and other food truck parks
The story on the Space Shuttle Café
How they are ramping up to open the Food Truck park in just a few weeks

WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/Vp1FHz_XOMU

APPLE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/growing-belleville-thru-community-chats/id1579571466

GOOGLE: https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy82NjJhYmRhYy9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw==

SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/7oGyG3SX8Lz3BZTPDsZprr

ANCHOR: https://anchor.fm/belleville-chamber

Ep. 12, 27minutes: Walking like an Egyptian with Brett Baltz

On this episode we sit down with Brett Baltz of Egyptian Workspace Partners and discuss:

– the workspace environment pre and post covid
– the long history of his 140 + year company
– How his company is always looking to the future trends to help grow
– the family – work dynamic being the 3rd generation of his family to run the business
– How being a mainstay in Belleville and big community advocate has helped them grow

WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PnWEQ3CPBjM

APPLE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/growing-belleville-thru-community-chats/id1579571466

GOOGLE: https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy82NjJhYmRhYy9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw==

SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/7oGyG3SX8Lz3BZTPDsZprr

ANCHOR: https://anchor.fm/belleville-chamber

Ep. 11, 42 minutes: Hacking Away with 2 time World Series Champ, MLB All-Star and the ONLY player in MLB History to hit for the cycle in the playoffs: Mr. Brock Holt

In this episode we catch up with Erik’s good buddy and former teammate while in the Pirates organization and discuss how life in the Minor Leagues really is, how Erik is good at leading daily stretches, the day Brock hit for the cycle in the playoffs against the Yankees in 2018 and is still the only player to ever accomplish that, the experience of winning the world series, how special it was to play with David Ortiz, the current MLB Lockout, and the charity that is near and dear to his heart- The Jimmy Fund.

WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/le8BczVpSwI

APPLE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/growing-belleville-thru-community-chats/id1579571466

GOOGLE: https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy82NjJhYmRhYy9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw==

SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/7oGyG3SX8Lz3BZTPDsZprr

ANCHOR: https://anchor.fm/belleville-chamber

Ep. 10, 27 minutes: Catching Up with Jenna Renner Graser of Renner Funeral Home

In this episode we discuss the history of Renner Funeral Home, Jenna’s background and how she got started in the family business, how COVID forced them to shift, the life of a funeral director and more.

WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/PshrJIGw3F8

APPLE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/growing-belleville-thru-community-chats/id1579571466

GOOGLE: https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy82NjJhYmRhYy9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw==

SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/7oGyG3SX8Lz3BZTPDsZprr

ANCHOR: https://anchor.fm/belleville-chamber

Ep. 9, 32 minutes: It’s Showtime with Dave Schoenborn of the Lincoln Theatre

In this episode we sit down Dave Schoenborn of the Lincoln Theatre to cover the history of the theatre and their 100th anniversary and their year long plans to celebrate, current live shows coming up including Old Salt Union on NYE, their famous popcorn, how they navigated the pandemic shutdown, and the announcement of a great new show lined up for March.

WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/Na3DcHI9YAg

APPLE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/growing-belleville-thru-community-chats/id1579571466

GOOGLE: https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy82NjJhYmRhYy9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw==

SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/7oGyG3SX8Lz3BZTPDsZprr

ANCHOR: https://anchor.fm/belleville-chamber

Ep. 8, 22 minutes: Getting into the Holiday Spirit

On this episode, Erik and Stephen sit down with… no one. We actually decided that on this episode we would take the opportunity to kick off the holiday season by discussing all the fun activities for families to do in and around the Belleville Area and reflect on what these events have meant to us over the years and how important it is for everyone to get out and enjoy them since so many things did not occur last year due to the pandemic.

WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/r8jM64Mf2u8

APPLE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/growing-belleville-thru-community-chats/id1579571466

GOOGLE: https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy82NjJhYmRhYy9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw==

SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/7oGyG3SX8Lz3BZTPDsZprr

ANCHOR: https://anchor.fm/belleville-chamber

Ep. 7, 23 minutes: A Lesson with Dr. Brain Mentzer of BTHS District #201

In this episode we catch up with BTHS 201 Superintendent Dr. Brian Mentzer and discuss: The school districts recent purchase of Kings Point The districts amazing plans for Kings Point, how the district has taken a stronger approach to the trades in the last few years, the struggles over the past 19 months with the pandemic, how all extra curricular activities have been an important aspect for students this past year.

WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/ABoxr7Zlh_E

APPLE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/growing-belleville-thru-community-chats/id1579571466

GOOGLE: https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy82NjJhYmRhYy9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw==

SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/7oGyG3SX8Lz3BZTPDsZprr

ANCHOR: https://anchor.fm/belleville-chamber

Ep. 6, 27 minutes: A Peachy Conversation with Chris Eckert

In this episode, we sit down with the President of Eckert’s, Chris Eckert where we discuss the history and background of the family farm and how it got to where it is today, how Chris got started in the family business, how they do such a good job drawing in people from MO and other bordering areas, and some of the exciting things they have planned for the future (including a new beer garden at the Belleville location!)

WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/gz2d5WVfBSA

APPLE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/growing-belleville-thru-community-chats/id1579571466

GOOGLE: https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy82NjJhYmRhYy9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw==

SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/7oGyG3SX8Lz3BZTPDsZprr

ANCHOR: https://anchor.fm/belleville-chamber

Ep. 5, 29 minutes: Chatting with Hospice of Southern Illinois

In this episode we chat with Lisa Phillipson of Hospice of Southern Illinois about what they do, how they serve the community, celebrating 40 years in business, how they have pivoted in the last two years, and more.

APPLE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/growing-belleville-thru-community-chats/id1579571466

GOOGLE: https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy82NjJhYmRhYy9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw==

SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/7oGyG3SX8Lz3BZTPDsZprr

ANCHOR: https://anchor.fm/belleville-chamber

Ep. 4, 27 minutes: Mixing up the Hurricanes with Brandon McGraw and The Quarter Restaurant
In this episode we catch up Brandon McGraw, one of the owners of Belleville’s Original NOLA inspired restaurant, The Quarter and discuss why they decided to invest in Downtown Belleville, why they decided to open their second restaurant during COVID, the HERO Beer Tab at their other restaurant in Fairview Heights, Signature Tap House, how they, and all downtown Belleville restaurants, work together to help each other, what the return of events such as the Belleville Oktoberfest and Chili Cook Off mean for restaurants downtown, and a special competition they are having between their two restaurants for the Belleville Chili Cook Off.

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/vArgsd90u-A
APPLE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/growing-belleville-thru-community-chats/id1579571466
GOOGLE: https://www.google.com/podcastseed=aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy82NjJhYmRhYy9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw==
SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/7oGyG3SX8Lz3BZTPDsZprr
ANCHOR: https://anchor.fm/belleville-chamber

Ep. 3, 27 minutes: Tapping into Oktoberfest with Cari Frick and Mixing up the (Belleville Chili Cook-off) Pot with Wendy Pfeil
With the return of events coming to Downtown Belleville, we sit down with the Cari Frick from Oktoberfest and Wendy Pfeil from the Belleville Chili Cook-off to discuss a few things including: How excited they and the city are to have these events back this year, how much work and time they (along with others) have had to put into this years events compared to past years, the effects last year had on the events being cancelled, how the events have adapted due to covid and all the precautions they are taking, and more.

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/505UExipUgs
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/growing-belleville-thru-community-chats/id1579571466
Google: https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy82NjJhYmRhYy9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw==
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7oGyG3SX8Lz3BZTPDsZprr
Anchor: https://anchor.fm/belleville-chamber
Pocket Casts: https://pca.st/466f3ht7

Ep. 2, 30 minutes: Racing to the Finish Line with Chris Blair of WWT Raceway
In this episode we sit down with Chris Blair, Executive Vice President of World Wide Technology Raceway to discuss a slew of things including: his background and how he got to where he is today, how WWT Raceway has looked outside the box to bring people into their race weekends, the impact that WWT Raceway has on the surrounding communities with their events, and this weekend’s NASCAR Camping World and NTT IndyCar races.

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/L7IX135n52U
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/growing-belleville-thru-community-chats/id1579571466
Google: https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy82NjJhYmRhYy9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw==
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7oGyG3SX8Lz3BZTPDsZprr
Anchor: https://anchor.fm/belleville-chamber
Pocket Casts: https://pca.st/466f3ht7

Ep. 1, 40 minutes: Catching Up with Mayor Patty Gregory
In this episode we sit down with Belleville Mayor Patty Gregory and discuss a slew of things including: her first 3 months in office, her love for gardening, the return of events to downtown Belleville this fall, and what Belleville has learned and gained over the past year through Covid to name a few.

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/-fz6INIvUv8
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/growing-belleville-thru-community-chats/id1579571466
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7oGyG3SX8Lz3BZTPDsZprr
Anchor: https://anchor.fm/belleville-chamber
Pocket Casts: https://pca.st/466f3ht7

Publications

Weekly Email Update | June 20, 2025

Monthly Chamber Connection | June 2025 Edition

Belleville Welcome Home Mailer | 2023/2024

NEW PODCAST: Growing Belleville thru Community Chats

Chamber News