Community Chronicles Radio

Our focus on Community Chronicles was event planning, as Dr. Matthew Platz welcomed Erin Kerner, Co-Founder and CEO of Eventio AI, an innovative platform that’s transforming the way people plan events using artificial intelligence. In our second half, Julie Bartoo shared the story of Wedly, a vibrant wedding vendor community and planning platform based right here in Erie, PA.

Two unique takes on the food and beverage business were featured on our show. First we welcome Dean Rupp, the owner of the Purrista Cat Cafe, who mixes her love for great coffee and baked goods with her passion for cats finding a forever home. Darrell Roberts then tells his story about Triple D's Tastey Grill, and the journey from a hot dog cart and food truck to a busy bricks and mortar locat...

This week on Community Chronicles Radio, we are honored to welcome Patrice Matamoros, President and CEO of Junior Achievement of Western Pennsylvania. She was joined by Brian Slawin of the Ben Franklin Technology Partners, and Maggie Horne, Director of the Gannon University Small Business Development Center.

In this episode, Dr. Matthew Platz heard the story of Empanissah’s, featuring the flavors of Puerto Rican and Dominican heritage and its founder, Anissah Sanchez. Joining Anissah was someone who has walked alongside her through her startup, Jenessa Norton, Northwestern Pennsylvania Business Assistance Specialist with Bridgeway Capital, 40 Under 40 honoree, and a champion for emerging entrepreneurs...

The program focused on food and beverage with conversations with Larry Franco, long-time owner of Franco's Cafe which is moving north on State Street in early 2026, and the Enlisted Coffee Company, owned by Amanda and Robert Kubiak, located in downtown Waterford.

Our first guest this week was Chris Lantinen, communications specialist and at PennWest Edinboro’s Center for Branding and Strategic Communication, and Director of Entrepreneurship and one of the key creative forces behind NWPA Made — a new regional initiative celebrating and supporting makers and entrepreneurs across NWPA. In the second half, Matt welcomed Jasmine Almeida, founder and publisher o...

On this episode, Matt invited show producer and Erie broadcaster Joel Natalie to chat about the history of Erie radio and its current reality. Radio listeners to the program were also treated to segments of the special 1980's era Halloween broadcast titled Erie Legends, which is not available for this podcast.

Guests on this podcast were Brad Gleason, Director of Entrepreneurial Operations at Gannon University, and Mabel Howard, co-owner of Cafe 7-10.

In a Halloween-focused show, Matt welcomed Autumn Coverdale, Haunted House Manager at Eeriebyss Factory of Terror, along with Matt Boland, leader of several bands including Broke Boland's String Show.

This week we heard the stories of two growing businesses. Louis Geramita of Primo Tailoring talked about his expansion plans and focus on luxury brand consumers. Dr. Rebecca Styn shared her journey in growing Blind Tiger into fast-expanding brand in the non-alcoholic cocktail sector.

This week Brian Slawin of the Ben Franklin Technology Partners returned to discuss the brand new Erie Revitalization Investment Fund, a collaboration with Erie Insurance. In the second half of the show, Kelly Seblink talked about her vacation booking service, Wandering Dog Travel Co.

The entrepreneurs featured are Michael Irvin of Pure Line Putting, and Seth Burkett of the "One Hungry Man" Facebook page.

Matt welcomed two accomplished woman entrepreneurs on the show: fashion image consultant and Senior Division Manager for Jewels by Park Lane Valerie Weaver, and ACSM-certified trainer and owner of Ready to Rock Training Kirsten Rockwood.

Our guests this week are Tammy S. Ward, Mindset and Life Coach and Cherie Dickey of the Corry Chamber of Commerce, who is promoting the Bigfoot Bash.

With the Gem City Renaissance Festival happening, Matt interviewed organizer Lee Dreizen and exhibitor Claire Mohr from Steelhead Western Martial Arts.

Sometimes being an entrepreneur means starting a business from the ground up, but sometimes it means buying an established business and working to make it your own. Our guest was Jessica Warren the new owner of an Erie staple, The Brewerie at Union Station.

This week Community Chronicles focused on radio studio neighbors here on lower State St.: Erie Arts & Culture with Casey Corritore, Program Officer of Capacity Building, and the Erie Downtown Development Corporation with Ryan Hoover, Director of Promotions & Events.

This week Matt and Steph host leaders from the Erie Community Foundation in advance of Erie Gives, our region's one-day online collective giving event. With us was Karen Biloweth, President and CEO, and Erin Fessler, Vice President of Marketing & Community/Government Relations.

This week Matt and Steph discussed the entrepreneurial journeys of Terese Rose of Deck Your Yard, and Jeff McCullor of the Erie Ale Works.

On this episode Matt and Steph welcomed Katie Kretz, Executive Director of the Multi-Cultural Community Resource Center in Erie, and Dr. Chris Gray, President of the Erie County Community College.

Joining Matt and Steph this week was Katie Schmid, one of the owners behind Lucky Louie’s Beer and Weiners, along with Adam Stempka of Stempka Designs and Metalheads.

This week Matt and Steph welcomed Tina Mengine, CEO of the Erie County Redevelopment Authority, and Laith Wardi, Founder of Gem City Growth Strategies.