Publications

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 Member Email | August 19, 2022

Monthly Chamber Connection | September 2022 Edition

Belleville Welcome Home Mailer | 2021/2022

NEW PODCAST: Growing Belleville thru Community Chats

Chamber News