Building BN

Building BN

By Building BN

Bloomington-Normal EDC discusses economic development industry trends, best practices, and development news in Central Illinois.
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#74 - John Quarton - Inaugural Director of The Petrick Idea Center at IWU

Building BNJan 11, 2024
00:00
27:12
#97- Illinois State University's Harriett Steinbach

#97- Illinois State University's Harriett Steinbach

On this episode of the #BuildingBN podcast, CEO Patrick Hoban talks with Harriett Steinbach, Director, Innovation and Strategic Partnerships at Illinois State University.


Host:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patrick Hoban: CEO, Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠


Guest:

Harriett Steinbach: Director, Innovation and Strategic Partnerships at Illinois State University


Websites: 

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.bnbiz.org/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠

Illinois State University


Takeaways:


  • Harriett has been at ISU since 2002, with a focus on community engagement.
  • She transitioned to the Office of Research to lead innovation and partnerships.
  • The Bloomington Normal Innovation Hub aims to connect higher education institutions for economic benefit.
  • Applied research is crucial for solving community issues and fostering innovation.
  • The hub aims to establish a business incubator that supports local entrepreneurs.
  • Community input is vital for effective strategic planning.
  • The hub will not duplicate existing services but strengthen connections.
  • Harriett emphasizes the importance of organic connections in entrepreneurship.
  • The goal is to launch programming by mid-2026, even without a physical space.
  • Creating a physical space will enhance opportunities for collaboration and innovation opportunities. Strategic planning is essential for economic development.
  • An overarching ecosystem for entrepreneurship is needed.
  • Infrastructure gaps can hinder business growth.
  • Showcasing local attractions can help retain talent.
  • Economic development reflects community investment.
  • Funding is a significant challenge for entrepreneurs.
  • Collaboration is key to filling gaps in support.
  • A diverse economy is crucial for long-term stability.
  • Building an innovation corridor can enhance regional growth.
  • Engaging with local investors can boost startup funding.



May 23, 202541:07
#96- One Earth Energy

#96- One Earth Energy

Apr 21, 202516:36
#95- Tyler Cravens, McLean County Chamber of Commerce

#95- Tyler Cravens, McLean County Chamber of Commerce

On this week’s episode of the #BuildingBN podcast, CEO Patrick Hoban talks with Tyler Cravens, Chief Operating Officer for the McLean County Chamber of Commerce.


Host:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patrick Hoban: CEO, Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠


Guest:

⁠Tyler Cravens: Chief Operating Officer, McLean County Chamber of Commerce

Websites: 

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.bnbiz.org/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠https://www.mcleancochamber.org/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠


⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Topics:

Get To Know, Fun Fact, McLean County Chamber of Commerce, Perfect Day in Bloomington-Normal, and Why Does Economic Development Matter?

Mar 28, 202538:11
#94- Inspire Travel Luggage: A Conversation with Kristin Rae

#94- Inspire Travel Luggage: A Conversation with Kristin Rae

On this week's episode of the Building BN Podcast, CEO Patrick Hoban talks with Kristin Rae, founder of Inspire Travel Luggage. She shares her journey from fashion design student to successful solopreneur, highlighting local manufacturing, community support, and the entrepreneurial spirit in Bloomington Normal.


Host:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patrick Hoban: CEO, Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠


Guest:

Kristin Rae: Inspire Travel Luggage


Websites: 

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.bnbiz.org/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

https://www.inspiretravelluggage.com/

https://midwestmoldingsolutions.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠


⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Keywords:

entrepreneurship,solopreneur, Inspire Travel Luggage, manufacturing, economic development,Bloomington Normal, community support, Amazon marketplace, local economy,product design

Takeaways:

Kristin Rae is the founder ofInspire Travel Luggage, a boutique brand of toiletry cases.

She transitioned from a fashiondesign student to a solopreneur after facing challenges in her career.

The journey of entrepreneurshipoften involves zigzagging paths and overcoming obstacles.

Local manufacturing partnerships,like with Midwest Moldings, are crucial for small businesses.

Economic development plays asignificant role in supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses.

Community connections can lead tovaluable resources and partnerships.

Marketplaces like Amazon provideopportunities for direct-to-consumer sales.

The entrepreneurial journey isfilled with ups and downs, and persistence is key.

Investing in local manufacturinghas a ripple effect on the economy.

Networking and community supportare essential for entrepreneurial success

Mar 21, 202524:36
#93- Birth to Five Illinois’ Melissa Breeden

#93- Birth to Five Illinois’ Melissa Breeden

Mar 14, 202531:31
#92- Casey Peterson, CEcD, Farewell

#92- Casey Peterson, CEcD, Farewell

Mar 07, 202546:10
#91- Samantha Mlot, City of Bloomington Economic Development Advocate

#91- Samantha Mlot, City of Bloomington Economic Development Advocate

Mar 04, 202523:48
#90- 2025 BNEDC Board Chairman Ryan Whitehouse

#90- 2025 BNEDC Board Chairman Ryan Whitehouse

Summary:

In this podcast, Patrick Hoban and Ryan Whitehouse discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the Illinois Farm Bureau and the agricultural community as they enter the new year. They explore Ryan's advocacy role, the importance of economic development in rural areas, the pressing challenges for farmers, and the significance of agriculture in national security. They also touch on new board positions, housing challenges, and the strategic planning necessary for community growth and development.


Host:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patrick Hoban: CEO, Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠


Guest:

Ryan Whitehouse: Director of National Legislation, Illinois Farm Bureau


Websites: 

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.bnbiz.org/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

https://www.ilfb.org/

Keywords:

Illinois Farm Bureau, agriculture, economic development, rural communities, challenges, housing, advocacy, national security, community development, strategic planning ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Jan 22, 202543:29
#89- Wabash Valley Power Alliance

#89- Wabash Valley Power Alliance

On this week’s episode of the #BuildingBN podcast, CEO Patrick Hoban talks with Rachel Huser and Mike O'Grady with Wabash Valley Power Alliance.


Host:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patrick Hoban: CEO, Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠


Guest:

Rachel Huser: Senior Economic Development Manager at Wabash Valley Power Alliance

Mike O'Grady: Economic Development Representative, Illinois at Wabash Valley Power Alliance


Websites: 

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.bnbiz.org/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

https://www.wvpa.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠


⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Topics:

Get To Know, Fun Facts, Wabash Valley Power Alliance, Perfect Day in Bloomington-Normal, and Why Does Economic Development Matter?

Jan 03, 202528:13
#88- Get to know BNEDC Intern Marin Moss

#88- Get to know BNEDC Intern Marin Moss

Summary:

In this conversation, Patrick Hoban interviews Marin Moss, an intern from Illinois Wesleyan University, discussing her background, educational journey, and insights into economic development. Marin shares her experiences in creating demographic profiles for rural communities and reflects on the importance of economic development for quality of life. The conversation also explores local attractions in Bloomington Normal and the significance of community engagement in economic growth.

Takeaways:

• Marin Moss is an intern at the Bloomington Normal Economic Development Council.

• She chose Illinois Wesleyan for its small campus and community feel.

• Marin is majoring in entrepreneurship and economics.

• Her internship involves creating demographic profiles for rural communities.

• She uses Canva for data visualization and learning about local communities.

• Marin finds economics classes to be more theoretical than practical.

• Labor economics is crucial for understanding workforce dynamics.

• Bloomington Normal has a rich food culture that attracts residents.

• Economic development significantly impacts the quality of life in communities.

• Retention of businesses and people is as important as attracting new ones.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Marin Moss and Background06:00 Internship Experience and Economic Development Insights12:10 The Importance of Economic Development


#MarinMoss #EconomicDevelopment #IllinoisWesleyanUniversity #Internship #BloomingtonNormal #Entrepreneurship #Economics #CommunityDevelopment #DemographicProfiles #QualityOfLife

Nov 07, 202412:14
#87- Red Raccoon Games Owner, Jamie Mathy

#87- Red Raccoon Games Owner, Jamie Mathy

Nov 06, 202442:06
#86- Jennifer McDade- Country Financial

#86- Jennifer McDade- Country Financial

On this week’s episode of the #BuildingBN podcast, CEO Patrick Hoban talks with Jennifer McDade, Public Relations Manager at Country Financial.


Host:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patrick Hoban: CEO, Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠


Guest:

Jennifer McDade: Public Relations Manager, Country Financial⁠


Websites: 

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.bnbiz.org/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

https://www.countryfinancial.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠


⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Topics:

Get To Know, Fun Facts,About her Role as a Public Relations Manager, Perfect Day in Bloomington-Normal, and Why Does Economic Development Matter?


Explore Careers at Country Financial:

https://www.countryfinancial.com/en/about-us/careers.html

Oct 31, 202438:52
#85- B.J. Wilken- YMCA

#85- B.J. Wilken- YMCA

Sep 26, 202430:24
#84- Kristen Barnlund- OSF HealthCare

#84- Kristen Barnlund- OSF HealthCare

Jul 23, 202419:13
#83 - BNEDC Summer Intern, Ethan Shellito

#83 - BNEDC Summer Intern, Ethan Shellito

Jul 09, 202425:57
#82 - Cheryl Magnuson- Majestic Interior Design, Inc.

#82 - Cheryl Magnuson- Majestic Interior Design, Inc.

Jun 05, 202415:47
#81 - Farewell Ernie

#81 - Farewell Ernie

May 22, 202415:19
#80 - Heather Young, Owner of OhmFit Activewear

#80 - Heather Young, Owner of OhmFit Activewear

May 14, 202421:17
#79 - McLean County Regional Planning Commission

#79 - McLean County Regional Planning Commission

Mar 08, 202438:37
#78- One Voice 2024 with BNEDC Board Chairperson Ryan Whitehouse

#78- One Voice 2024 with BNEDC Board Chairperson Ryan Whitehouse

Feb 14, 202427:23
#77 - Brian Plath with Hive 309 & Wayfinder

#77 - Brian Plath with Hive 309 & Wayfinder

Feb 07, 202430:54
#76 - Krishna Balakrishnan - Real Estate Developer

#76 - Krishna Balakrishnan - Real Estate Developer

Host:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patrick Hoban: CEO, Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠


Guest:

Krishna Balakrishnan:⁠ ⁠Owner of Parke Regency Hotel & Conference Center

Websites: 

⁠https://www.bnbiz.org/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Info:

Park Regency Hotel and Conference Center https://www.parkeregency.com/

Bon Chon https://locations.bonchon.com/ll/US/IL/Bloomington/1413-Leslie-Drive

Real Estate Developer


⁠Topics:

Get to know Krishna Balakrishnan, Fun Facts, The Perfect Day in Bloomington-Normal, and Why does Economic Development Matter?

Jan 31, 202421:35
#75 - Diane Cote:⁠ ⁠Chief Executive Officer at Mid-Illinois Realtors Association

#75 - Diane Cote:⁠ ⁠Chief Executive Officer at Mid-Illinois Realtors Association

Jan 26, 202429:40
#74 - John Quarton - Inaugural Director of The Petrick Idea Center at IWU

#74 - John Quarton - Inaugural Director of The Petrick Idea Center at IWU

Jan 11, 202427:12
#74 - Craig McLauchlan - Associate Vice President for Research and Graduate Studies at Illinois State University

#74 - Craig McLauchlan - Associate Vice President for Research and Graduate Studies at Illinois State University

Host:

⁠⁠Patrick Hoban: CEO, Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council ⁠⁠


Guest:

Craig McLauchlan


Website: ⁠⁠https://www.bnbiz.org/⁠⁠


Topics:

Get to know Craig McLauchlan, Fun Facts, The Perfect Day in Bloomington-Normal, and Why does Economic Development Matter?

Info:

https://news.illinoisstate.edu/2023/11/harriett-steinbach-named-director-of-innovation-and-strategic-partnerships/

Illinois Innovation Network

Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub Selection

U.S. EDA Tech Hubs

https://news.illinoisstate.edu/2021/09/isus-new-innovation-hub-looks-to-spark-entrepreneurship-economic-growth-in-mclean-county/

National Science Foundation Granted

Provost Office Staff

 

Social Media:

Illinois Innovation Network

Office of Graduate and Research Studies Facebook

BNEDC Facebook

BNEDC LinkedIn

Dec 08, 202335:53
#73 - Meet Ernie BNEDC's Newest Intern from Illinois Wesleyan University

#73 - Meet Ernie BNEDC's Newest Intern from Illinois Wesleyan University

Host:

⁠Patrick Hoban: CEO, Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council ⁠


Guest:

Ernie Waterson


Website: ⁠https://www.bnbiz.org/⁠, https://www.iwu.edu/


Topics:

Get to know Ernie Waterson, Fun Facts, The Perfect Day in Bloomington-Normal, and Why does Economic Development Matter?

Oct 25, 202318:23
#72 - Alan Sender, Bloomington-Normal Airport Authority Board Chairman

#72 - Alan Sender, Bloomington-Normal Airport Authority Board Chairman

Host:

Patrick Hoban: CEO, Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council 


Guest:

Alan Sender


Website: https://www.bnbiz.org/, 

https://cira.com/about-the-airport/airport-authority/


Topics:

Get to know Alan Sender, Fun and Interesting Facts about Alan Sender, and hear why he thinks Economic Development Matters.

Aug 28, 202333:15
#71 - Robbie Osenga with Catalyst Construction Inc.

#71 - Robbie Osenga with Catalyst Construction Inc.

Host:

Patrick Hoban: CEO, Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council 


Guest:

Robbie Osenga


Website: https://www.bnbiz.org/,  https://catalystconstructs.com/


Topics:

Get to know Robbie Osenga, Catalyst Construction Inc., Fun Facts, Why does Economic Development Matter?

Jul 13, 202353:44
#70 - Axis 360, Meghan O'Neal-Rogozinski and Laura Pritts

#70 - Axis 360, Meghan O'Neal-Rogozinski and Laura Pritts

Jul 05, 202336:39
#69 - Dr. Thomas Keyser, Dean of Engineering at Illinois State University

#69 - Dr. Thomas Keyser, Dean of Engineering at Illinois State University

Host:

Patrick Hoban: CEO, Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council 


Guests:

Thomas Keyser


Website: https://www.bnbiz.org/, https://illinoisstate.edu/


Topics:

College of Engineering, Fun Facts, Why does Economic Development Matter?



Jun 21, 202312:03
#68 - BN Innovation Alliance

#68 - BN Innovation Alliance

Jun 06, 202325:44
#67 - Farewell to our Illinois State University Stevenson Center Fellow, Randall Dimmette- Schweigert

#67 - Farewell to our Illinois State University Stevenson Center Fellow, Randall Dimmette- Schweigert

May 31, 202318:32
#66 - BNEDC Welcomes Business Retention and Expansion Manager Carl Teichman

#66 - BNEDC Welcomes Business Retention and Expansion Manager Carl Teichman

May 24, 202325:23
#65 - BNEDC Welcomes Office Manager Nora Harrison

#65 - BNEDC Welcomes Office Manager Nora Harrison

May 12, 202318:30
#64 - Chad Parker, President and CEO of Cybernautic

#64 - Chad Parker, President and CEO of Cybernautic

Jan 31, 202329:57
#63 - Workforce Development with Pride Staff's Sam Lewis

#63 - Workforce Development with Pride Staff's Sam Lewis

Jan 19, 202340:33
#62 - Meet Courtney Schafer BNEDC's New Community Marketing Manager

#62 - Meet Courtney Schafer BNEDC's New Community Marketing Manager

Nov 18, 202218:55
#61 - Kim Kaufman with Kim Presents

#61 - Kim Kaufman with Kim Presents

Aug 05, 202239:13
#60 - McLean County Chamber of Commerce with President and CEO Charlie Moore

#60 - McLean County Chamber of Commerce with President and CEO Charlie Moore

Jul 27, 202242:33
#59 - ISU Stevenson Center Fellow Randall Dimmette-Schweigert

#59 - ISU Stevenson Center Fellow Randall Dimmette-Schweigert

Jul 15, 202224:00
#58 - Community Branding with DCI

#58 - Community Branding with DCI

Jul 01, 202237:50
#57 - Nate Hinch, Attorney at Meyer Capel

#57 - Nate Hinch, Attorney at Meyer Capel

Jun 24, 202233:53
#56 - McLean County Regional Planning Commission

#56 - McLean County Regional Planning Commission

Jun 17, 202246:03
#55 - Commerce Bank President J Phillips

#55 - Commerce Bank President J Phillips

Jun 10, 202223:36
#54 - Ferrero Plant Manager Federico Forti

#54 - Ferrero Plant Manager Federico Forti

Jun 02, 202222:09
#53 - Beer Nuts President Andy Shirk

#53 - Beer Nuts President Andy Shirk

May 20, 202224:11
#52 - Meet ISU President, Dr. Kinzy.

#52 - Meet ISU President, Dr. Kinzy.

May 13, 202223:31
#51 - STEM at State Farm with Kevin Reeves

#51 - STEM at State Farm with Kevin Reeves

May 06, 202240:08
#50 - Elevate IL with Janet Mathis and Craig Coil

#50 - Elevate IL with Janet Mathis and Craig Coil

Apr 28, 202235:11
#49 - BNWRD with Executive Director Tim Ervin

#49 - BNWRD with Executive Director Tim Ervin

Apr 14, 202221:47