What happens when we come together to change our world for the better? How can we help nonprofits expand their capacity and prepare for the future? And what are local organizations and individuals doing to make a difference right here in their own backyard?

This week, our podcast host Greg Bedalov joins three community leaders – representing the public, private, and nonprofit sectors – to explore how they’re creating lasting change through collective impact.

Special Guests

• Mike Sitrick, President & CEO, DuPage Foundation
• Greg Schwarze, DuPage County Board, District 6
• Jim Mark, Managing Director, Private Markets & Chief Strategy Officer, Wight & Company

Dive Deeper

• Want to make a difference? DuPage Foundation partners with individuals, families, and organizations to make a collective impact across DuPage County. Learn how you can get involved here.
• Want to learn more? Episode 18 of the DuPage Business Beat explores how the DuPage County Health Department’s new Crisis Recovery Center is helping people get the care they need—while reducing the burden on local emergency rooms. Listen here.
• Want to get inspired? To hear the story of one major DuPage County philanthropist, listen to Episode 21 of the Beat, where Greg interviews John P. Calamos, Sr.

As always, we’d like to thank the College of DuPage for supporting today’s episode. 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.

On this episode, host Greg Bedalov joins four members of the “Century Club”—leaders of local family businesses that have been in operation for over 100 years.

What does it take to keep a family business going for decades? How have they adapted to new technologies and changing times? And what can other leaders learn from their stories?

Find out on this special episode of the DuPage Business Beat.

Special Guests

• Jerry Hinckley, 4th-Generation Owner and President, St. Andrews Golf and Country Club (Celebrating 100 years)
• Anna Ball, 3rd-Generation Owner and CEO, Ball Horticultural Company (Celebrating 120 years)
• Susannah Ball, 4th-Generation Owner, Ball Horticultural Company (Celebrating 120 years)
• Alex Anderson, 6th-Generation Owner of Oswald’s Pharmacy (Celebrating 150 years)

Dive Deeper

• Explore the roots of Ball Horticultural in our in-depth feature and learn how the company is shaping the future of ornamental plants.
• Want to hear another great local business story? Don’t miss our recent interview with iconic DuPage County entrepreneur John Calamos, Sr. here.
• Located at the heart of Chicagoland, DuPage is a pro-people, pro-business community that both supports longtime legacy businesses and welcomes new investment. Learn why businesses and top talent choose DuPage County here.

As always, we’d like to thank the College of DuPage for supporting today’s episode. 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.

From flying combat missions as an Air Force pilot to founding Calamos Investments and Calamos Real Estate, John P. Calamos, Sr. has lived a life founded on leadership, service, and an ability to focus deeply.

Today, his businesses employ hundreds of DuPage County residents and are responsible for some of the region’s most iconic landmarks, including CityGate Centre in Naperville. Beyond his own businesses, John is a prolific philanthropist and a powerful voice of the community.

On this episode, our podcast host Greg Bedalov joins Calamos to discuss his new biography, The Sky’s the Limit, and explore his thoughts on business, philosophy, and life.

Special Guest: John P. Calamos, Sr.

Dive Deeper

• In today’s episode, we explore a few of the stories from Calamos’ biography, but we only scratch the surface of everything you’ll find in The Sky’s the Limit. Learn more and order your copy here.
• Created by Calamos, CityGate Center is a mixed-use development with offices, apartments, restaurants, entertainment spaces, and more. This iconic landmark has been featured multiple times on our annual Smartest Workplaces list, most recently in the SIMPSON Headquarters feature of our 2024 edition.

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.