DBR Chamber Podcast

Here are the top 5 takeaways from this episode: * Credit unions are “by the people, for the people.” Unlike banks focused on profit, Advia is member-owned and puts people and communities at the center of everything they do, guided by four pillars: integrity, progress, relationships, and keeping people at the core. * Advia is open to everyone. No union membership or special affiliation required. An...

Here are the top 5 takeaways from this episode: * New Role at First Financial Bank: Joe was recently appointed Mortgage Sales Manager for BankFinancial, now a division of First Financial Bank. He brings over a decade of experience and has processed and closed over $1 billion in residential mortgages. * Community-First Banking: First Financial is a community-based bank that only lends in states whe...

Here are the top 5 takeaways from this episode: * Tamarisk NorthShore is independent living, not assisted living. Residents maintain full autonomy — they can come and go, skip meals, and live on their own terms. It’s hospitality-driven, not clinically driven. If a resident eventually needs nursing or medication management, Tamarisk partners with nearby communities like the Weinberg Community on ca...

Here are the top 5 takeaways from this episode: * From client to owner – Andrea’s journey went from client (2015) to instructor (2018) to franchise owner. She opened her studio in October 2025 after relocating to the Chicago North Shore area where there was no Barre3 nearby. * Barre3’s inclusive, low-intimidation approach – The studio serves a wide range (ages 14–70+), with small class sizes (max...

Here are the top 5 takeaways from this episode: * Deep Community Roots and Experience * Cathy Kedjidjian is the Chief Communications Officer for Deerfield Public Schools District 109. She is a Deerfield resident, has children who went through the district, and previously served in the same communications role from 2010–2018 before returning. Her personal and professional ties to the community shap...

Here are the top 5 takeaways from this episode: * CJE Senior Life Offers Comprehensive Senior Services: CJE provides a wide range of services for older adults, including assisted living, memory support, day programs, counseling, and home-delivered meals. Their Weinberg Community in Deerfield, Illinois, features both assisted living and memory care facilities. * Community Engagement and Partnership...

Here are the top 5 takeaways from this episode: * Assured Healthcare Staffing’s Unique Approach : The company, led by Leslie Kischer, focuses on both medical staffing for institutions (like schools and long-term care facilities) and medical home care, differentiating itself by providing licensed nurses and CNAs for both settings. * Geographic Reach : Assured Healthcare Staffing serves a wide area,...

Here are the top 5 takeaways from this episode: * Strongpay is a payroll company with deep expertise in both payroll and retirement services, uniquely originating from a retirement TPA background. * The company’s core “why” is building lasting relationships and making a positive impact on clients and the community, focusing on personalized service over being a large, impersonal provider. * Strongp...

Here are the top 5 takeaways from this episode: * Flexible workspaces like Venture X are thriving by offering professional, all-inclusive office solutions in suburban areas, reducing commutes and supporting modern work trends. * Venture X’s model provides flexibility for both small businesses and large corporations, allowing companies to scale up or down easily without long-term commitments. * Mem...

Ultimate Edges Academy is a new fitness business in Deerfield specializing in ninja warrior-style training for kids, owned by Jen Brody. The business model is membership-based, offering a monthly plan that includes four classes per week, open gym access, and discounts for parties and siblings. The gym’s mission is to build kids’ confidence and physical fitness through fun, engaging activities insp...

Here are the top 5 takeaways from this episode: 1. DBR Chamber’s 100th Anniversary & Holiday Luncheon Revamp The Chamber is celebrating its centennial this year, and the annual holiday luncheon will be extra special. The event will feature new programming, a focus on community celebration, and a revamped meal format with international food stations for more networking and less formality. 2. Major...

In this episode of the DBR Chamber Podcast, host Mathew Kerbis discusses how AI can boost business efficiency. He introduces the concept of AI as a powerful tool, explains the difference between generative AI and traditional machine learning, and shares insights on using tools like Perplexity, Notebook LM, Claude, and ChatGPT. Kerbis details practical applications of AI, dispels common myths, and...

In this episode of the DBR Chamber Podcast, host Mathew Kerbis interviews Leslie Bush, who is in membership services at the DBR Chamber of Commerce, to discuss the myriad of membership benefits available. Leslie elaborates on her role, detailing how she connects businesses within the community and supports their growth through networking events, sponsorship opportunities, and various promotional t...

In the latest episode of the DBR Chamber Podcast, host Mathew Kerbis interviews Cali Draffkorn, Regional Director at Advia Credit Union, a newly integrated member of the Chamber. Cali elaborates on her role and the services Advia offers, emphasizing their mission as a not-for-profit institution that reinvests profits back into the community. She highlights popular financial products, such as home...

In the latest episode of the DBR Chamber Podcast, host Mathew Kerbis interviews Sandra Schildgen from Wilson & Wilson. Sandra discusses their estate planning services, highlighting the importance of having a trust to avoid costly probate processes and stressing the necessity of powers of attorney for healthcare and property after turning 18 years old. She also explains the value of estate planning...

In this episode of the DBR Chamber Podcast, host Mathew Kerbis interviews Chris Thomas, Membership Director at Ravinia Green Country Club and a previous DBR Chamber board member. Chris shares insights into his role, the array of amenities offered by Ravinia Green, and its welcoming environment for events and community gatherings. He discusses the club's commitment to family-friendly activities, it...

In the latest episode of the DBR Chamber Podcast, host Mathew Kerbis interviews Pastor Clayton Edwards from Kingswood United Methodist Church. Highlighting their community-driven approach, Clayton shares insights into the church's dual-location strategy in Buffalo Grove and Deerfield, focusing on how they utilize space for community events and support local businesses. He discusses their inclusive...

In the latest episode of the DBR Chamber Podcast, host Mathew Kerbis interviews David Derdiger of Open Flow Acupuncture. David shares his journey as a licensed acupuncturist, discussing his education, experience, and the services offered at his clinic in Highland Park, just over the boarder from Deerfield. Listeners will learn about the benefits of acupuncture, including its use for acute and chro...

In the latest episode of the DBR Chamber Podcast, host Mathew Kerbis interviews Shannon Kerin, the site Director of GiGi's Playhouse Deerfield, a non-profit organization supporting individuals with Down Syndrome. Shannon shares her personal journey with GiGi's Playhouse, highlights the impact of their programs, and discusses how they sustain their services without charging fees. She emphasizes the...

In the second episode of the DBR Chamber Podcast, host Mathew Kerbis interviews Steven A. Leahy, a platinum member of the Deerfield Bannockburn Riverwoods Chamber of Commerce and the founder of Open Tax Advocates. Steven shares his journey from initially practicing consumer bankruptcy law to specializing in tax advocacy for business owners. Highlighting the importance of proactive community engage...

In this inaugural episode of the DBR Chamber Podcast, host Mathew Kerbis sits down with Chasity Savage, the Executive Director of the Deerfield Bannockburn Riverwoods (DBR) Chamber of Commerce. Chasity shares her journey from Michigan to Illinois, her extensive background in non-profit and small business development, and her exciting vision for the Chamber as it celebrates its 100th anniversary. F...

I am thrilled to announce the brand new DBR Chamber podcast. I'm Mathew Kerbis, current DBR Chamber board member, and your host of the new podcast. The podcast is going to help elevate the awareness in our community about your business. For Platinum members, that means included in your Platinum benefit is an interview with me, so that we could do a deep dive on who you are, what your business is a...