The Business Edge with CWCU

In this episode of Business Edge, we sit down with Rebecca Bond, Executive Director of the Albany Visitors Association, who has spent nearly three decades helping shape Albany's tourism strategy. Rebecca shares what the Visitors Association really does and why visitor dollars matter to every local business. Tune in for an inside look at how tourism and local business growth go hand in hand in the Willamette Valley.

 How do we prepare today's students for tomorrow's workforce? In this episode of Business Edge, Rhonda Rhodes, Principal of Salem-Keizer's Career Technical Education Center joins us and shares how career and technical education is connecting students with local employers, building real-world skills, and strengthening Oregon's future workforce. 

Economic uncertainty is always around the corner, but strong businesses prepare before things get tough. In this episode, Dave Dirks breaks down how small business owners can build financial resilience, understand their numbers, improve cash flow, and create a business that can weather slowdowns, surprises, and changing markets with confidence. 

 This episode dives into a hard truth for small businesses: the customer you built your business around in 2019 may not be the same customer you’re serving today. Dave Dirks explores how changing expectations, digital habits, AI, and customer behavior are reshaping the way businesses compete and what small business owners can do now to stay relevant, valuable, and easy to choose. 

Host David Dirks explains why AI is no longer a big-business luxury—it’s a practical “new employee” for any small business. Learn simple ways to use AI to write emails faster, improve proposals, streamline customer communications, and save real time each week. If you want an easy starting point with immediate payoff, this episode is for you.

In this episode we welcome back Andy Shelley, CEO of CannXperts, to discuss President Trump’s executive order moving marijuana to Schedule III. Andy shares what this change means for cannabis businesses, banking, and investment in 2026.

Discover how David Rogers’ The Network is Your Customer reveals digital strategies to help your business thrive in a connected world, turning networks into powerful tools for growth and engagement.

Dave dives into Seth Godin’s Whatchya Gonna Do With That Duck?, a collection of unconventional wisdom and big ideas for business leaders. Whether you’re looking to spark innovation or simply see your work in a new light, this episode is packed with insights to help you break out of the ordinary and make a real impact.

Join Dave as he explores Scott Belsky’s The Messy Middle, uncovering insights on navigating the toughest, most unpredictable stages of business growth, and how to stay resilient through the ups and downs.

Ever wonder why some retail locations never seem to succeed? Dave Dirks dives into the factors that can make or break a brick-and-mortar business. Find out why cheap rent isn’t always a bargain and what you should look for in terms of access, parking, and customer flow.

What’s the secret to building better business relationships? In this episode, Dave Dirks reveals how content marketing - offering helpful, free resources - can help you connect with customers and stand out from the competition.

In this episode, Dave Dirks dives into the world of customer testimonials - what they are, why they matter, and how to use them to boost your business. Find out how to turn your loyal customers into your best promoters, and why their words are more persuasive than any price cut.