LBI Region Podcast

In this episode of the LBI Region Report, hosts Bill  and Lori engage in an enlightening conversation with Brian Walch, the President and Chief Hospital Executive of Hackensack Meridian Southern Ocean Medical Center. They delve into significant advancements and investments in healthcare within the Southern Ocean community, including a $32 million surgical suite expansion aimed at enhancing patient...

In this engaging episode of the LBI Region Report, hosts Bill and Lori celebrate their favorite month, November, while highlighting significant community events and initiatives in Southern Ocean County. They interview Alison Clemente, the Executive Director of the Hackensack Meridian Foundation at Southern Ocean Medical Center, who discusses the foundation's critical role in funding hospital proje...

In this engaging episode of the LBI Region Report, hosts Bill and Lori sit down with Sabrina and Cindy from Royal Fades, a community-focused barber shop with locations in Manahawkin and Toms River. The conversation delves into the inspiring journey of Royal Fades, which began as a dream during the challenging times of the COVID pandemic and has since blossomed into a beloved local business. Sabrin...

In this episode of the LBI Region Report, hosts Bill and Lori welcome Toby, the dynamic owner of Ascend Hospitality, which encompasses popular local eateries such as the Terrace Tavern and Delaware Oyster House. Toby shares her journey of navigating the challenges of the restaurant industry, especially during the pandemic, and highlights her innovative approach to hospitality that focuses on custo...

In this episode of the LBI Region Report, hosts Bill and Lori celebrate the arrival of fall while highlighting local events and initiatives that enrich the Jersey Shore community. A significant portion of the discussion focuses on an interview with Audrey, the founder of Brody’s Crew, a nonprofit organization created in memory of her son Brody, who tragically lost his battle with leukemia. Audrey...

In this engaging episode of the LBI Region Report, hosts Bill and Lori chat with John Davidson, the Business Banking Relationship Manager at Fulton Bank, about the vital role banking plays in supporting local businesses along the Jersey Shore. Davidson emphasizes the importance of building strong relationships with business owners, highlighting how his military background informs his approach to t...

In this episode of the LBI Region Report, hosts Bill and Lori celebrate the return of students to local schools and urge drivers to exercise caution around bus stops. They spotlight an upcoming after-hours event at the Stafford Township Arts Center featuring local businesses and entertainment, while also welcoming Valentina Rojas, Business Development Coordinator for EM Motorcars. Valentina shares...

In this episode of the LBI Region Report, hosts Bill and Lori explore the impactful work being done by the Wildcat Shack, a community initiative designed to support local families in need. Joined by Kathy, Allison, and Chef Ian, the conversation reveals the origins of the Wildcat Shack, sparked by a heartfelt encounter with a struggling student. The trio discusses how they provide essential servic...

In this engaging episode of the LBI Region Report, hosts Bill and Lori  welcome Steve Butler from Mighty Music Corporation to discuss an exciting new entertainment series coming to Ocean County. With over 20 years in the industry, Butler shares insights into the evolution of live performances amidst technological advancements and the importance of community engagement. Listeners will discover the...

In this episode of the LBI Region Report, hosts Bill and Lori dive into pressing local issues, including New Jersey's new Cut the Cutlery campaign aimed at reducing single-use plastic cutlery in restaurants. They also highlight the inspiring work of the Superheroes Social Club, a nonprofit founded by guests Devina and Elissa, which aims to create inclusive social experiences for children with spec...

In this engaging episode of the LBI Region Report, hosts Bill and Lori  welcome Andrew Hendry, Vice President of Governmental and External Affairs at Atlantic City Electric, to discuss the vital role the utility plays in the Southern Ocean County community. Hendry highlights how Atlantic City Electric has significantly improved service reliability, reducing outages by over 40% in the past decade,...

In this episode of the LBI Region Report, hosts Bill and Lori  delve into a vibrant array of community events and initiatives shaping the Jersey Shore this August. They discuss the upcoming ribbon cutting ceremony for Life with Paws, a local grooming service, on August 9th, and the impactful Wildcat Shack Summer Showcase on August 12th, which highlights culinary creativity while addressing food in...

In this engaging episode of the LBI Region Report, hosts Bill and Lori welcome travel expert Tony Davis of Tony and Suma Cruise Planners, who shares invaluable insights into the world of travel advising. With a wealth of personal experience from visiting over 55 countries, Tony emphasizes the importance of hiring a travel advisor, especially in an age of information overload. He explains how profe...

In this episode of the LBI Region Report, hosts Bill and Lori discuss the exciting summer activities happening at the Jersey Shore, particularly highlighting the upcoming St. Mary's Nights of Summer Carnival from July 21st to the 26th. The carnival promises rides, games, delicious food, and fun for all attendees, with free admission and parking. They emphasize the community spirit and volunteer ef...

Hi, the latest episode of the LBI Region Report, hosted by Bill and Lori, dive into the vibrant happenings at the Jersey Shore, focusing primarily on the upcoming Ocean County Fair. Joined by Zach Kolas, the Fair Coordinator, the discussion highlights the fair's longstanding tradition and its significance in the community, celebrating nearly eight decades of fun and local culture. Key points inclu...

Hi! In this engaging episode of the LBI Region Report, hosts Bill and Lori  delve into the significance of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, spotlighting Ocean County's unique contributions to the American Revolution. They discuss notable events such as the defense of Egg Harbor and the Toms River blockhouse, illustrating the local history that often goes unnoticed. The epi...

Hi! In this episode of the LBI Region Report, hosts Bill  and Lori dive into essential community issues, particularly focusing on summer safety and business resilience in the Jersey Shore area. Featuring Community Policing Officer Anthony Vincent of the Stafford Township Police Department, the discussion covers vital topics such as financial fraud prevention, the importance of community policing,...

Hi, this episode of the LBI Region Report, hosted by Bill and Lori, dive into the vibrant summer activities and community events along the Jersey Shore. The discussion kicks off with nostalgic reflections on summer camps, transitioning to an exciting overview of the Southern Ocean Chamber's Night of Family Fun at Fantasy Island Amusement Park, scheduled for June 18th, which promises a delightful e...

Hi! In this episode of the LBI Region Report, hosts Bill and Lori dive into the exciting events taking place in the Jersey Shore area, highlighting the upcoming Lighthouse International Film Festival and the World Cup festivities. Special guest Christine Rooney, director of the film festival, shares insights on this year's lineup, which includes esteemed guests like Tony Shalhoub and Jason Alexand...

Hi! In this week’s episode of the LBI Region Report, hosts Bill and Lori celebrate the kickoff of summer at the Jersey Shore while highlighting exciting upcoming events centered around the FIFA World Cup. They discuss the Southern Ocean Chamber's World Cup Watch Party weekend on June 13th and 14th, featuring a business networking event on Saturday evening and a community watch party with youth soc...

Hi! In this episode of the LBI Region Report, hosts Bill and Lori celebrate the impending summer season at the Jersey Shore, focusing on local attractions including Fantasy Island Amusement Park and Thundering Surf Water Park. Joined by Jen Quinn, the director of marketing for both parks, they discuss the exciting events and new attractions planned for the summer, including Fantasy Island's Guest...

Hi! In this episode of the LBI Region Report, hosts Bill and Lori celebrate the thriving local automotive business, Petty Motorworks, as it marks its 10-year anniversary. They chat with owner Tom Petty, who shares the story behind his family-run shop, inspired by his son, and reflects on the challenges and triumphs of small business ownership in Southern Ocean County. Tom recounts memorable experi...

Hi! In this episode of the LBI Region Report, hosts Bill and Lori welcome Britta Forsberg, the Executive Director of Save Barnegat Bay, to discuss the critical issues facing Barnegat Bay as the summer season approaches. Forsberg shares the organization’s grassroots origins and highlights the ongoing environmental challenges, particularly the impact of urban development and runoff on water quality....

Hi! In this episode of the LBI Region Report, hosts Bill and Lori dive into the vibrant happenings along the Jersey Shore, spotlighting the upcoming Women in Business event and celebrating Pete Palladino, the director of restaurant and hotel operations for Fearless Restaurants. With the summer season approaching, Pete shares insights about the 20th anniversary of Daddy-O and Tucker's Tavern, discu...