Noon Business Hour on WBBM Newsradio

Noon Business Hour on WBBM Newsradio

WBBM devotes an hour each weekday to discussion about the economy and financial markets with some of the top experts in the nation.

Episodes

December 15, 2025 24 mins
A preview of the busy week ahead on Wall Street, buzz surrounding the Chicago Bears is a big win for bars, media, and the local economy - and whether a promotion without extra pay is worth the effort.
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So-called dry, or quiet, promotions are rising as companies add responsibility without extra pay - leaving workers to decide whether the tradeoff is worth it. Jason Wachtel, managing partner at JW Michaels & Co. in Chicago, joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour to discuss.
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Buzz surrounding the Chicago Bears is surging across the area, as a playoff push and Saturday night’s marquee Packers matchup prove to be a big win for bars, media, and the local economy. Marc Ganis, president and co-founder of Sports Corp Limited here in Chicago, joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour with the details.
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Artificial intelligence is reshaping holiday shopping. Restaurants are becoming part of many people’s Christmas tradition, with reservations now a must. We also check in with a Jewish deli ahead of Hanukkah to see what’s cooking and how preparations are shaping up.
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Experiences are beating out material gifts as more people choose memories over “stuff.” A look at Disney’s big investment in AI, and U.S. credit card debt hitting a record high.
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December 11, 2025 3 mins
Experiences over material gifts are gaining major traction - as more people choose memories over “stuff.” It’s an especially smart strategy for those hard-to-buy-for types - like Dad. Chicago-based Business Reporter Jennifer Waters joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour with the details…
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Sometimes, careers are built - or blown up - at office holiday parties, plus the advantages of planning your retirement well before you actually call it quits, and giving the gift of a Chicago food favorite this holiday season.
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Sometimes, careers are built - or blown up - at office holiday parties. Rick Cobb, founder of Chicago workplace consulting firm 2-Discern, joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour to discuss…
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This holiday season, give the DIYer in your life tools they’ll actually use, explore why the holidays can be a great time to buy a home, and consider a beach escape for the most peaceful Christmas you’ll ever have.
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December 9, 2025 5 mins
This holiday season - give the DIYer in your life tools they’ll actually use, explore why the holidays can be a great time to buy a home, and consider a beach escape for the most peaceful Christmas you’ll ever have.
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McDonald’s is betting on holiday nostalgia and novelty with its new Grinch Meal. Paramount Skydance makes a bold hostile push to buy Warner Bros. Discovery outright. And the people who keep Chicago moving take center stage in a new WTTW special - we talked with the special’s host, Geoffrey Baer.
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December 8, 2025 6 mins
Chicago’s reputation as “The City That Works” comes to life in a new WTTW special that spotlights the everyday workers who power the city’s grit and resilience. Geoffrey Baer, the show’s host, joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour to discuss…
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We visit a neighborhood toy store that's successfully competing with the big boys, talk with the CEO of a fast-growing restaurant chain that’s truly on the move, and how Sunday’s Bears-Packers matchup is one of the biggest in years.
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December 4, 2025 26 mins
U.S. Soccer hopes next year’s World Cup sparks a new era for the men’s program. We’ll also look at how to pick up the restaurant tab without any drama - it’s all about planning ahead and keeping it smooth - and why weighing the “relocation factor” has become a critical step when deciding whether to accept a new job.
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Picking up the restaurant tab without drama comes down to planning ahead and keeping it smooth. Doug Roth, Founder and President of Playground Hospitality in Chicago, joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour with key tips.
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December 3, 2025 25 mins
Payroll processing giant ADP says private employers cut 32,000 jobs last month, driven by steep small-business losses. Taking care of financial housekeeping in the final weeks of the year - including an audit of your credit cards - can potentially provide “a financial boost.”
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December 3, 2025 4 mins
There are some smart end-of-year money moves people can make right now. Shane Gornik, Financial Advisor with Forefront Financial Planning in Lisle, joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour with the details…
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It’s Giving Tuesday - a day to give back through donations, volunteer time, and simple acts that make a meaningful impact. It’s also a moment to recognize the people who “hold together the workplace” but often go unnoticed. And solo travel is booming - especially for women.
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December 2, 2025 3 mins
Artificial intelligence is emerging seemingly everywhere - leading to a common question. Should you tell your boss you use AI at work? Experts say yes, and warn that companies risk falling behind if they ignore this powerful productivity tool. Jason Wachtel, Managing Partner at JW Michaels & Company here in Chicago, joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour with the details.
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December 1, 2025 24 mins
It’s Cyber Monday - and analysts say sales could top a record-breaking 14-billion dollars. A holiday puppy or kitten may seem perfect, but experts warn pet gifting brings lifelong costs and responsibilities many families aren’t prepared for. And it was a huge weekend at the movie box office.
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