Building a Stronger Community Through Animal Services

Building a Stronger Community Through Animal Services

In this episode of the DuPage Business Beat Podcast, Greg Bedalov sits down with DuPage County Board Member and Animal Services Committee Chair Brian Krajewski and DuPage County Animal Services Administrator Laura Flamion to discuss the evolving role of animal welfare in building strong, healthy communities. The conversation explores what makes DuPage County Animal Services unique as the region’s only government-operated open admission shelter, how the organization has achieved a remarkable 93% live release rate, and why its work extends far beyond pet adoption. Brian and Laura share insights on public health, emergency response, volunteerism, mental health initiatives, community education, and the partnerships that help connect thousands of animals with new homes each year. To keep up with what’s happening in DuPage County and the Chicagoland region, follow Choose DuPage on social media or visit ChooseDuPage.com/Ready [https://www.choosedupage.com/Ready/]. Thank you to our sponsor, Fastener SuperStore, Inc. Visit them at fastenersuperstore.com [http://fastenersuperstore.com] to easily purchase standard screws, nuts, bolts, rivets, and other fasteners in bulk.

The Business of Transition: Preparing for Ownership Change

In this episode of the DuPage Business Beat Podcast, Greg Bedalov sits down with Phil Salerno, Partner at Clingen Callow & McLean [https://www.ccmlawyer.com/], to discuss one of the most important and often overlooked aspects of business ownership: planning for transition. From succession planning and family business transfers to private equity acquisitions and business sales, Phil shares insights into how owners can prepare for the future while protecting the value they've worked years to build. The conversation explores common mistakes business owners make, the importance of assembling the right advisory team, how AI is changing professional services, and why exit planning should begin long before a business owner is ready to step away. To keep up with what’s happening in DuPage County and the Chicagoland region, follow Choose DuPage on social media or visit ChooseDuPage.com/Ready [https://www.choosedupage.com/Ready/]. Thank you to our sponsor, Fastener SuperStore, Inc. Visit them at fastenersuperstore.com [http://fastenersuperstore.com] to easily purchase standard screws, nuts, bolts, rivets, and other fasteners in bulk.

The Illinois Tollway Projects Shaping the Region

Transportation infrastructure plays a major role in how communities grow, businesses move goods, and regions stay connected. In this episode of the DuPage Business Beat Podcast, Greg Bedalov talks with Manar Nashif about the Illinois Tollway’s long-term vision for the future of mobility across Northern Illinois. As Chief Engineering Officer, Nashif oversees the agency’s engineering operations, including planning, design, construction, maintenance, and capital improvements across the Tollway system. The conversation highlights key updates from the Illinois Tollway’s capital programs, including Move Illinois and Bridging the Future, and explores how these projects are improving mobility, supporting economic development, and strengthening regional connectivity for businesses and communities throughout DuPage County and beyond. To keep up with what’s happening in DuPage County and the Chicagoland region, follow Choose DuPage on social media or visit ChooseDuPage.com/Ready [https://www.choosedupage.com/Ready/]. Thank you to our sponsor, Fastener SuperStore, Inc. Visit them at fastenersuperstore.com [http://fastenersuperstore.com] to easily purchase standard screws, nuts, bolts, rivets, and other fasteners in bulk.

Energy, Infrastructure, and the Future of Business Growth

In this episode of the DuPage Business Beat Podcast, Greg Bedalov sits down with Rick Trujillo, Director of Economic Development at Nicor, to explore how energy is shaping business growth, site selection, and long-term investment across Chicagoland. They break down the evolving policy landscape and how incentives, sustainability goals, and regulations are influencing where and how companies expand. The conversation also dives into the rapid rise of high-demand industries like AI, quantum computing, and data centers, and what those sectors require from an energy and infrastructure standpoint. To keep up with what’s happening in DuPage County and the Chicagoland region, follow Choose DuPage on social media or visit ChooseDuPage.com/Ready [http://ChooseDuPage.com/Ready]. Thank you to our sponsor, Fastener SuperStore, Inc. Visit them at fastenersuperstore.com [http://fastenersuperstore.com] to easily purchase standard screws, nuts, bolts, rivets, and other fasteners in bulk.

Inside the 2026 Presidents Cup at Medinah Country Club

A global event like the Presidents Cup takes years of planning, coordination, and collaboration. In this episode, Greg Bedalov sits down with Joie Chitwood, Executive Director of the Presidents Cup, John Duggan, Vice Chairman of Operations at Medinah Country Club, and Jim Hart, Vice Chair of the Host Committee, to discuss what it takes to bring the 2026 tournament to DuPage County. They break down why Medinah rose to the top as the host site, what goes into preparing for an event of this scale, and how local and regional partners are working together to deliver a world-class experience. The conversation also explores the broader impact of the Presidents Cup, from international visibility to the economic benefits expected across DuPage County and the greater Chicagoland region. To keep up with what’s happening in DuPage County and the Chicagoland region, follow Choose DuPage on social media or visit ChooseDuPage.com/Ready [http://ChooseDuPage.com/Ready]. Thank you to our sponsor, Fastener SuperStore, Inc. Visit them at fastenersuperstore.com [http://fastenersuperstore.com] to easily purchase standard screws, nuts, bolts, rivets, and other fasteners in bulk.