BTown Biz Lounge: Recent Episodes
BTown Biz Lounge
Bloomington, Indiana has a thriving business community and BTown Biz Lounge provides the best and richest way to learn from fellow Bloomington businesses. Episodes will feature insights to local business growth practices, local policies affecting businesses, and profiles on leaders in the business communities.
Thing 1: In Erin's final episode as host, she sits down with Eric Spoonmore, the new President and CEO of the Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce. They talk about his background and short term vision
Thing2: Register to meet Eric! Plus, the Young Professionals party is coming up! All at chamberbloomington.org
Thing3: Eric tells us about some of his favorite things, and Erin says goodbye
We are taking a quick break for the holidays so please enjoy one of our favorite episodes!
Thing 1: Erin talks with Jon Barada, president and CEO of the Bloomington Health Foundation, about local healthcare and creating a healthy community.
Thing 2: Register for DEI trainings and the Women in Leadership and Chamber holiday parties at chamberbloomington.org
Thing 3: Erin talks with Lisa Ridge, highway director for Monroe County, and Adam Wason, director of public works for the City, about how the city and county collaborate.
Thing 1: Erin gets some time with Kurtis Cummings, President and Co-Founder of Switchyard Brewing, to talk about how Kurtis got into the brewing world, pivoting during the pandemic, and building Switchyard's workplace culture.
Thing 2: Check out Community Day, sign up for Diversity Equity and Inclusion training, and come to the Chamber Holiday Party, all at chamberbloomington.org
Thing 3: Erin returns with Kurtis to walk through the process and results of Switchyard going tip-less.
Thing 1: Erin sits down with VP of Operations at Express Employment in Bloomington and Evansville, Maria Douglas, to talk about the current phenomenons in the labor market, what's causing them, who is being successful and why.
Thing 2: Go to chamberbloomington.org to check out Chamber Day, DEI trainings, and the Bloomington Women in Leadership Holiday Party!
Thing 3: Maria returns with advice on recruitment and retention, and the seemingly simple things that make it all easier.
Check out Express Employment!
Thing 1: Director of Advocacy and Public Policy, Mary Morgan, talks with Erin about the current priorities of Bloomington's city budget including the climate action plan, BPD base pay, and the future of Kirkwood.
Thing 2: Chamber Speaker Series: Make your Business a Preferred Employer, Annual Business Outlook Panel, Morning Buzz, register for all of this and more at chamberbloomington.org
Thing 3: Mary returns to talk about updates on the Monroe county budget including annexation and criminal justice reform.
Thing 1: Kevin Osbourne sits with Erin to discuss the history of IU Credit Union, it's 65th year in business, and what's next!
Thing 2: Register for events at chamberbloomington.org
Thing 3: Tony Rastall and Amy Doan give success stories and advice on transitioning out of the peak of the pandemic and how to prepare for another surge.
Thing 1: Erin gets a moment with the immensely busy community leader Cindy Kinnarney to recall her taking the role of Regional President of German American Bank in the uncertainty of the early pandemic, what's going on at German American, and identifying the problems they are working to solve and believe for which there are future solutions.
Thing 2: Register to get some time with Senator Todd Young! Also Rachel Gerber will visit on Oct 26th! Register at chamberbloomington.org
Thing 3: Erin dives into all of the ways Cindy is involved in the community and gets some advice from Cindy's after all of that experience!
Thing 1: Erin talks with the President and CEO of IU Ventures, Tony Armstrong, to get an understanding of what they do and the impact it has on the Bloomington area.
Thing 2: We are opening more Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion training sessions, make sure to register for one happening this fall. Additionally our Chamber Speaker Series October 13th is all about starting your own podcast! Register at chamberbloomington.org
Thing 3: Erin gets business advice from Tony and talk about the benefits of learning to ask for help!
Thing 1: Host Erin Predmore talks with Matthew Humphrey, Assistant VP of Fifth Third Bank about new products that help reduce friction and serves the underbanked.
Thing 2: We are opening more Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion training sessions, make sure to register for one happening this fall. Additionally our Chamber Speaker Series October 13th is all about starting your own podcast! Register at chamberbloomington.org
Thing 3: Erin sits with Greg Stierer, the VP of Business Banking and Relationship Manager at Fifth Third Bank. They discuss recent banking trends related to the fluctuating pandemic.
Thing 1: Host Erin Predmore talks with marketing guru Rebecca Ellison about approaching marketing in the current business landscape including action items around targeted ads.
Thing 2: This is our last episode of the season so please subscribe to be notified when Erin comes back in September! Events coming up: May 14th there is a webinar on how to optimize your business listing on Google, Young Professionals Bloomington are meeting for morning mindfulness on May 20th, and on May 26 is Women Excel Bloomington! Go to chamberbloomington.org to register for all of these events!
Thing 3: Erin gets a moment with Jim Murphy of CFC Properties to talk downtown real estate and the 30th anniversary of the Grant St. Inn. Jim also announces a contest for listeners!
Email for contest: gsi@grantstinn.com
Thing 1: Host Erin Predmore talks with Tom Bunger, of Bunger & Robertson Attorneys at Law, about his career and the history of the courts in Bloomington.
Thing 2: Register for the Chamber Speaker Series (May 11th), Morning Buzz (May 12th), and the Google Trainer Webinar (May 14th) at chamberbloomington.org.
Thing 3: Erin gets a moment with Bunger & Robertson's Jessica Merkel to talk about the recent changes in the practice and looking to the future of serving the community post-Covid.
Thing 1: Host Erin Predmore gets to know guests Jeff and Judy Quyle and their journey of stepping into the unfamiliar world of making chocolate desserts at BLU Boy Chocolate Cafe and Cakery, and a little bit of insight into how some of their offerings are made.
Thing 2: Join us on May 11th for our Chamber Speaker Series on mental health at work. Then on May 12th is Morning Buzz! Visit chamberbloomington.org to register for both events.
Thing 3: The conversation continues on the decision making process of buying a business during the pandemic, and Jeff and Judy's reasoning for why they felt it was important to make this investment.
Thing 1: Erin talks with Dr. Todd Eads about where he and his partners are logistically in the midst of opening the new bookstore Morgenstern Books.
Thing 2: Join us on May 11th for our Chamber Speaker Series on mental health at work. Then on May 12th is Morning Buzz! Visit chamberbloomington.org to register for both events.
Thing 3: The conversation continues with why Dr. Todd Eads chose to invest in books and why it is important to invest in your local community and in things you love.
Thing 1: Erin talks with Trudy Weddle, Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Services and Student Success at Ivy Tech about how Ivy Tech is working with the state to provide tuition free education with the Next Level Jobs Program.
Thing 2: Listen to Chamber Member Spotlight on WCLS and Spirit 95 on Monday mornings! Please volunteer to virtually job shadow with local High School students! Visit our sponsor at ivytech.edu
Thing 3: Erin talks with Susie Graham, Executive Director for Development at Ivy Tech about how to grow or learn completely new skills and what that could mean for an individual, their family, and their community.
Thing 1: Erin talks with Jeff Nesbitt of MSI Investigations, a local Bloomington private investigator, to get a peek into what his typical (and not so typical) day looks like in his very interesting trade.
Thing 2: Register for the Zoom link to participate in the final legislative update with the League of Women Voters at chamberbloomington.org! Listen to Chamber Member Spotlight on Mondays! Volunteer in the virtual job shadowing event and talk about what you do for a living with a Bloomington high schooler!
Thing3: Jeff comes back with story of how he gathered the resources necessary to begin his journey of staring his own security and investigation business, as well as some advice on how to maintain a profitable business in Bloomington.
Thing 1: In the final episode of this 3 part series, the group discuss how to get started with exploring IT solutions for your small business.
Thing 2: We wanna see you at the Hot Room Yoga Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on April 1st, and more!
Thing 3: The conversation continues with Jeff Barnhill and he gives us great advice on how to SAVE MONEY while staying tech forward in today's small business world.
Thing 1: In part 2 of this 3 part series, Erin discusses the "Human Firewall", phishing email tests, and best practices around keeping your small business secure.
Thing 2: We wanna see you at the Hot Room Yoga Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on April 1st, and more!
Thing 3: The conversation continues with Christopher Dickens, Chief Information Officer at Rootworks, and Chris gives his thoughts on building a workplace culture around security.
Thing 1: Erin talks with Craig Hickman of ProBleu, CarDon's Executive Director for Technology Jeff Barnhill, and Rootworks' Chief Information Officer Christopher Dickens in the first installment of a three part series! This week they dive into best practices and broad data backup and cloud solutions for small businesses.
Thing 2: We're calling for your Women XL Bloomington nominations!
Thing 3: This week Erin has a one on one with Craig Hickman of ProBleu about his advice for Bloomington small business owners.
Thing 1: We are back! On this first episode back Erin Predmore, president and CEO of the Chamber, talks with Randy and Kim Stegemoller of Class 101 to get some insight on the day to day of running a college planning firm. We hear why they decided to start their business as well as some success stories.
Thing 2: Erin calls for listeners to nominate women for the WEB Awards, and to register for some upcoming events!
Thing 3: Randy and Kim give us details on the franchise model and what that meant for them as well as our community.
Thing 1: Chamber President & CEO Erin Predmore talks with Mary Morgan, director of advocacy & public policy, about the upcoming elections.
Thing 2: Erin talks with Christopher Emge, principal of The Success School, about how the School continues to carry out its mission during the pandemic.
Thing 2.1: Announcement about the Chamber's upcoming speaker series on Thursday, October 8th and further events.
Thing 3: Erin talks with Stacy Bruce, director of member services, about how Chamber membership has fared during the pandemic.
Thing 1: Mayor John Hamilton talks about his proposed income tax increase and generating revenue.
Thing 2: Announcement about the Chamber's 105th Annual Meeting & Community Awards, Thursday, Sept. 17.
Thing 3: Chamber President & CEO Erin Predmore talks with Mary Morgan about Mayor Hamilton's income tax proposal increase.
This episode features IU 18th First Lady, Laurie Burns McRobbie's keynote address at the Bloomington Women in Leadership Event. After McRobbie's remarks, Chamber President and CEO Erin Predmore talks with McRobbie about women's suffrage and the importance of getting out the female vote.
Thing 1: Chamber President and CEO Erin Predmore talks with Tony Rastall, vice president of business lending at IU Credit Union, about how businesses can maintain financial health during the pandemic.
Thing 2: Check out Unmasked Hometown Heroes this Thursday, 8/20. Also check out Morning Buzz: Zoom Edition on 8/26 and BWIL Celebrating Women's Suffrage, 8/28. More information at chamberbloomington.org.
Thing 3: Erin talks with Jessica Merkel, an attorney with Bunger & Robertson, about estate planning.
Chamber President and CEO Erin Predmore talks with local foodies Sadie Clarke, Pamela Boswell-Dike, and Stacy Bruce about the Bloomington food scene. Sadie Clarke is director of operations at WOW Food Group, Pamela Boswell-Dike is a corporate development sales associate at WFIU/WTIU, and Stacy Bruce is the events coordinator at the Chamber.
Thing 1: Erin Predmore, president and CEO of the Chamber, talks with kurtis Cummings, founder of Switchyard Brewing, about the local craft beer scene and about how Switchyard is holding up during the pandemic.
Thing 2: Erin thanks Chamber members for being Chamber members!
Thing 3: Erin talks with Michael Large, operations manager for the city's Department of Public Works and a craft beer connoisseur, about his love for craft beer and thoughts about the local craft beer scene.
Thing 1: Erin Predmore, president and CEO of the Chamber, talks with Tony Suttile, general manager of Fourwinds Lakeside Inn & Marina, about summer opportunities at Lake Monroe and about the July 4th incident involving Bloomington civil rights activist Vauhxx Booker.
Thing 2: Member Appreciation Week is July 20-24. Look for posts on our social media channels celebrating our wonderful members!
Thing 3: Erin talks with Bloomington residents Byron Turner II and Krista Wright about the July 4th Lake Monroe altercation and about "Black Out Lake Monroe," an event planned for July 18th, from noon - 10pm. Details are on Facebook.
Erin Predmore, president and CEO of the Chamber, talks with Jane Kupersmith, assistant director of small business development at the City of Bloomington, and Erin White, director of leisure marketing and media relations at Visit Bloomington, about the Bloomington Summer Challenge.
Erin Predmore, President and CEO of the Chamber, talks with William Hosea, chair of the Bloomington Housing Authority Board of Commissioners, and Cornelius Wright, past chair of the City of Bloomington Commission on the Status of Black Males, about the protests for racial justice happening around the country, around the world, and right here in Bloomington.
Erin Predmore, President and CEO of the Chamber talks with Jane Kupersmith, assistant director for small business development at the City and co-owner of Hopscotch Coffee, and Wayne Thacker, a financial advisor with Comprehensive Financial Consultants and the owner of QuickFit Indiana, about reopening the local economy.
Erin Predmore, President and CEO of the Chamber, talks with US Senator Todd Young about how the federal government is handling the pandemic and about what local businesses can expect going forward.
In this special COVID-19 episode, Erin talks with Trey Hollingsworth, U.S. Representative for Indiana's 9th district, about the $2 trillion spending bill recently passed by Congress and how it will help business owners who have shuttered their stores and employees who've lost their jobs.
Erin Predmore, president and CEO of the Chamber, talks with Steve Bryant, regional director for the South Central Small Business Development Center, and executive director of the Gayle and Bill Cook Center for Entrepreneurship, both at Ivy Tech, about applying for SBA (Small Business Administration) loans and about other resources to help small business owners weather the shutdown.
Thing 1: Erin Predmore, president and CEO of the Chamber, talks with Penny Caudill, director of the Monroe County Health Department, about what's being done locally to keep people healthy and to deal with a potential Coronavirus outbreak in Bloomington.
Thing 2: Erin talks with Mike Richardson of FastSigns and Don Weiler of Bailey & Weiler Design/Build about how the Coronavirus pandemic has affected their businesses.
Thing 3: Erin talks Jane Coopersmith, assistant director of small business development for the City of Bloomington, about helping small businesses cope while people stay home.
Thing 1: Erin Predmore, president and CEO of the Chamber, talks with Margie Kobow, director of the Healthy Hearts and Active Lives program at the YMCA, and Cara McGowan, fitness director at the YMCA, about fitness programs for seniors.
Thing 2: Don't miss the Prime Time Business Expo, April 16, at the Monroe County Fairgrounds. And, contact the Chamber to schedule an appointment to sign up for the new health clinic.
Thing 3: Erin talks with Tom Whitehead, director of marketing and business development at Monroe Hospital, and Chris Myers, executive director of Area 10, about more programs for local seniors.
Thing 1: Erin Predmore, President and CEO of the Chamber, talks with Brian Payne, executive director of CDFI Friendly Bloomington, about capital funding for community growth projects.
Thing 2: A few words about this episode's Thing 2 sponsor, Ivy Tech Community College in Bloomington.
Thing 3: Erin talks with Rodney Clark, manager of business development at Proactive MD, and Brian Garcia, director of strategic relations at Proactive MD, about the Chamber's partnership with Proactive MD to offer a new model of healthcare for Chamber members.
Thing 1: Chamber President & CEO Erin Predmore talks with Mary Morgan, Director of Advocacy and Public Policy at the Chamber, about the boundaries of public transit.
Thing 2: Educator of the Year Awards are in! Go to chamberbloomington.org for more information about the Awards Dinner on March 5.
Thing 3: Erin talks with Jeremy Goodrich, co-owner of Shine Insurance, about personal and financial risk and how insurance helps mitigate risk.
In this special episode, our state representatives and senators sound share their thoughts on a variety of issues relevant to all Hoosiers and to the local Bloomington community.
Thing 1: Host Erin Predmore, President and CEO of the Chamber, talks with Angela Carter from Angela's Ebony Hair Design and Andrea Davis from Senoj Salon about hair trends for 2020 (look out for more shags and mullets!).
Thing 2: Don't miss the Chamber's Legislative Preview this Friday (17th) and the SMART Business Summit coming up on Feb. 10. Go to chamberbloomington.org for more details.
Thing 3: Erin talks with podcast producer Jeremy Shere about his business, Tribal Knowledge Podcasting, and about how 2020 will see more businesses and organizations begin to use podcasting as a marketing and communications tool.
Thing 1: Erin Predmore, President and CEO of the Chamber, talks with Brian Shockney, President of IU Health South Central Region, about construction of the new hospital and other initiatives.
Thing 2: The Chamber offices will be closed Dec. 23-27.
Thing 3: Erin talks with County Council member Geoff McKim and City Council member Steve Volan about that latest on the Convention Center expansion.
Thing 1: Chamber President and CEO Erin Predmore talks with Katie Broadfoot, executive director of Monroe County United Ministries, about the importance of supporting non-profits during the holidays.
Thing 2: Don't miss the Chamber Holiday Party on Dec. 5; on Dec. 10, register for Jingle & Mingle: Bloomington Women in Leadership Holiday Celebration. Details on the Chamber website.
Thing 3: Erin talks with Rebecca Stanze, associate director of the Buskirk Chumley Theater, and Cassie Hakken, marketing manager for the Cardinal Stage Company and managing director of the Jewish Theater of Bloomington, about the new Arts Passport.
In the first ever live recording of the Three Things Podcast, United States Senator Mike Braun talks about his journey to becoming a senator and his take on challenges facing the nation. Then, Erin Predmore, President and CEO of the Bloomington Chamber, asks Senator Braun questions submitted by audience members.
In this episode:
Thing 1: Chamber president and CEO Erin Predmore speaks with Danni Schaust, program manager for the Indiana Sustainability Development Program (ISDP), about what ISDP is, how it works, why it matters, and how businesses can get involved.
Thing 2: The Chamber has moved! Attend the ribbon cutting this Thursday, Nov. 7, 9am - 12pm. 421 W. 6th St. Suite A
Thing 3: Erin talks with Lew May, general manager for Bloomington Transit, and Alex Crowley, director of economic and sustainable development for the City, about local transit and the economic and environmental impact it has on Bloomington.
Thing 1: Erin Predmore, President and CEO of the Chamber, talks with former Blooming mayor Tomi Allison and her husband, Jim, about gerrymandering--how it works and why it matters.
Thing 2: The Chamber has new digs; look out for an upcoming panel and working session on transit; and don't miss a live taping of the podcast featuring special guest Indiana Senator Mike Braun. Check the chamber website for details.
Thing 3: Erin talks with Mike McAfee, executive director of Visit Bloomington, about the art and science of attracting tourists and taking Bloomington to the next level as a tourist destination.
For Thing 1, Erin Predmore, President and CEO of the Bloomington Chamber, speaks with Christopher Emge, principal of The Success School, about how job shadowing, mock interviews, career days, and other programs help prepare students for success beyond the classroom. For Thing 2, Erin discuss some big news about the Chamber's new offices! And for Thing 3, Erin talks with Michelle Seidenstucker, manager of learning and development at Smithville, Kevin Osborne, a business development officer at IU Credit Union, and Tom Figolah, a fire prevention officer with the Bloomington Fire Department, about volunteering with The Success School and why you should volunteer, too!
Thing 1: Erin Predmore, President and CEO of the Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce, talks with Jon Barada, president and CEO of the Bloomington Health Foundation, about local healthcare and creating a healthy community.
Thing 2: The Chamber's annual meeting is tomorrow, Sept. 25. And a new volunteer opportunity to help with teaching middle school students about how money works and how to manage it. Contract Chris Emge for details: cemge@chamberbloomington.org.
Thing 3: Erin talks with Lisa Ridge, highway director for Monroe County, and Adam Wason, director of public works for the City, about how the city and county collaborate
Erin Predmore, President and CEO of the Chamber, talks with Mary Morgan, director of advocacy and public policy at the Chamber, about the Unified Development Ordinance, housing, and other issues ... and Erin talks with Chamber members Wayne Thacker, owner of Quick Fit, and personal trainer Brian Bourkland, about staying fit in body and mind.
Erin Predmore, president and CEO of the Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce, talks with Rachel Gerber, assistant director of the Career Development Center at IU Bloomington, about helping students find their way towards fulfilling careers, and with Mike Fox, director of operation for Lenny's and Hive, about the economic impact of the return of IU students.
Chamber President and CEO Erin Predmore talks with Bloomington Mayor John Hamilton and with Cortland Carrington III, owner of American Mushroom & Spice Co. (a regular at the Farmers Market) about the recent controversy at the Saturday Farmers Market.
For Thing 1, Greater Bloomington Chamber President and CEO Erin Predmore talks with Gabe Gloden, managing director at Cardinal Stage, about the economic impact on Bloomington of the performing arts. In Thing 2, Erin reminds listeners about the Chamber's Community Awards nominations are now open. The deadline to make a nomination if August 15th and 5pm. Go to chamberbloomington.org for more information about the Awards and other upcoming event. For Thing 3, Erin talks with Mary Morgan, the Chamber's director of advocacy and public policy, about a range of issues, including the ongoing saga of the Convention Center, the status of the 4th St. parking garage, and affordable housing in Bloomington.
For Thing 1, Chamber president and CEO Erin Predmore talks with Bloomington Fire Chief Jason Moore, Bunger & Robertson attorney Kate Deweese, and Leslie Abshier, resource development director for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Bloomington--all recipients of the Chamber's 2019 10 Under 40 award--about being a young professional in Bloomington.
For Thing 2, Erin gives listeners a heads up about the new monthly Chamber Speakers Series, featuring Bloomington locals talking about trends and events of interest to the community. New speakers will be announced every month. Also, the 10 Under 40 award ceremony is July 25, 6-8:30pm. Register online for tickets, at chamberbloomington.org.
For Thing 3, Erin talks with Ellen Rodkey, incoming steering committee chair for Young Professionals Bloomington (YPB), about YPB's efforts to foster community among Bloomington's young professionals.
Erin talks with Pat East, executive director of The Dimension Mill, and graphic designer Jennie Moser, owner and founder of Jennie Moser Design, about entrepreneurship in Bloomington and the role that the Mill plays in providing an attractive space for freelancers and small business owners to work and network. Then, 3 Things producer Jeremy Shere puts Erin on the hot seat to talk about how the podcast is going so far and its value as a new and engaging way to connecting with Btown Chamber members.
Erin talks with local fireworks experts Mariah Sowders from Cook Group and Tony Sutile from Fourwinds Resort & Marina to talk about local 4th of July fireworks displays ... and with Tonya Clark of the Monroe County Fair about what's going on at the Fair this summer. Plus, Thing 2 updates!
In this episode ...
Thing 1: Erin talks with Jen Pearl, the new president of the Bloomington Economic Development Corporation (BEDC), about her vision for job creation and economic development in Bloomington.
Thing 2: Updates about the Chamber's Franklin Initiative "Financial Literary Training" event (Jume 13)featuring representatives from local financial institutions and from IU offering age-appropriate financial literary workshops ... And about "Bring Your Interns to Switchyard," a Young Professionals Bloomington (YPB) event giving local summer interns a chance to hang out with each other and bond over brews and appetizers.
Thing 3: Erin talks with Mary Morgan, the Chamber's new Director of Advocacy and Public Policy, about her background in journalism, her experience living and working in China, and her goals and aspirations in her new role.
Chamber president & CEO Erin Predmore talks with Monroe County Council member Geoff McKim about the intricacies county finance and how its affects local business. Erin also welcomes Ron Walker, VP of Operations at CFC Properties and chair of the Chamber board, and Mike Richardson, owner of FASTSIGNS and vice-chair of the Chamber board, to talk about why Bloomington businesses may NOT want to join the Chamber--at their own peril!
Chamber President and CEO Erin Predmore talks with Autumn Salamack, Sustainability Director at the City of Bloomington, and Andrew Predmore, Director of Sustainability at Indiana University, about the importance of sustainability for Bloomington. Erin also talks with Jeremy Goodrich, owner of Shine Insurance, about how local businesses can increase their marketing presence.
Chamber President and CEO Erin Predmore talks about affordable housing with Pete Yonkman, President of Cook Group, and leads a roundtable on the topics with Lynn Coyne, President of the Bloomington Economic Development Corporation (BEDC), Lisa Abbott, Executive VP, Bloomington Board of Realtors, and Chris Cockerham, a commercial realtor/broker with FC Tucker.
Chamber President and CEO discusses the upcoming city council and mayoral elections with former HT editor in chief Bob Zaltsberg and leads a roundtable discussion about the election with Cullen McCarty, Executive VP at Smithville Communications, and Anne Bono, former Director of Advocacy at the Chamber of Commerce.
In this introductory episode, host Erin Predmore, president and CEO of the Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce, explains what the podcast is all about and what listeners can expect in upcoming episodes.