Erie’s Front Row

This week on Erie's Front Row, Jake and Jordan are joined by Christopher Harben, D.S.L.. Chris is the Toudy Chair of Entrepreneurship and Family Business, Academic Director for the Center for Family Business, and an Associate Teaching Professor at PennState Behrend. On this episode we discuss family business and the resources available to them through the Center for Family Business and the economic development ecosystem. 

This week on Erie's Front Row, Jake and Jordan are joined in the studio by Sarah Hanks, the new President and CEO of the Northwest Industrial Resource Center (NWIRC). On this episode we get to know Sarah, the services of the NWIRC, and the importance of the manufacturing industry in our region. 

This week on Erie's Front Row, Jake and Jordan are joined in the studio by Matthew White, CEO of Whitethorn Games. We discuss the history of video games, the video game industry, and the founding and story of Whitethorn Games.

This week on Erie's Front Row, Jake and Jordan are joined by Gary Lee, the Chief Administrative Officer of the Erie County Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Commission, also known as Diverse Erie. We discuss Gary's background, as well as the formation and focus of Diverse Erie.

This week on Erie's Front Row Jake and Jordan are joined by John Oliver, Founding President and CEO of Visit Erie. John shares his background, and the story of Visit Erie covering it's origins, initiatives, and tourism in Erie, Pennsylvania. 

This week, we turn the spotlight around and interview Jake Rouch, Vice President of Economic Development, on the principles and basics of Economic Development. We discuss the principles of Economic Development, including Business Attraction, Entrepreneurship, Business Retention and Expansion, and Workforce Development.

This morning Jake and Jordan are joined in the studio by Tina Mengine the President and CEO of the Erie County Redevelopment Authority. On this episode, we discuss the services of the ECRDA, key initiatives in the region, and economic development strategy. 

This morning, Jake and Jordan are joined in the studio by Brad Gleason, Director of Entrepreneurial Operations, and Nicholas Devine, Design Fabrication Engineer for Gannon University. This week we discuss the Gannon University I-HACK building, Entrepreneurial Services at Gannon University, and the new MakerSpace. 

This week Jake and Jordan are joined in the studio by Del Birch. Del leads the business outreach function for the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership. We discuss "boomerangs", economic development, and living in Erie. 

This week we turn the microphone around and Jake interviews Jordan about the FIRE Accelerator. The FIRE Accelerator is the flagship entrepreneurship program of the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership. On this episode we talk about the history of the program, the goals of the accelerator, and celebrate some early wins from the program. 

This week, Jake and Jordan are joined in the studio by Dr. Chris Gray, Founding President of the Erie County Community College. On this week we discuss the effort to establish our region's first community college, what makes community college's special, and what a day looks like in the life of  a student. 

This week, Jake and Jordan are joined in the studio by Thomas Laird, CEO of Expivia and Founder of Otto QA. On this episode, we discuss Artificial Intelligence, how it is impacting business, and tips for how to become more comfortable using AI in your daily life. 

This week, Jake and Jordan are joined in the studio by Matt Greene, Park Operations Manager for the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR). On this episode, we discuss Presque Isle State Park, Erie Bluffs State Park, and the critical function DCNR serves in our community, supporting these tremendous natural resources. 

This week, Jake and Jordan are joined in the studio by Roo Kojancie, Executive Director of the Erie Zoological Society. On this episode, we discuss the history of the Erie Zoo, the assets that the Erie Zoological Society oversees, and ways to get involved with the Erie Zoo. 

This week Jake and Jordan are joined in the studio by Matt Laverde, Director of the Erie County Technical School. On this episode, we discuss the Erie County Technical School, the resources available to students in Erie County, and how the ECTS can help address workforce challenges regional employers are facing. 

This week Jake and Jordan are joined in the studio by Brian Slawin, Regional Director and Portfolio Manager at Ben Franklin Technology Partners Central and Northern PA. In this episode we discuss Ben Franklin Technology Partners, resources available to regional businesses, and regional initiatives and collaborations. 

This week, Jake and Jordan are joined in the studio by Gus Pine, Executive Director of Erie Events. On this episode, we discuss the Erie Convention Center Authority, known as Erie Events, the facilities that they manage, the events that they promote, and the future plans for the organization.