The Jake Rouch Show

My guest today is Elana Como. E Elana is CEO of the Northwest Institute for Research (NWIR). NWIRoperates the Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) for 13 counties in NW PA, including Erie County. The ELRC provides a single point-of-contact for families, early childhood education professionals and communities to get information and accessservices that support high-quality childcare and early learning programs. Elana got connected during the pandemic and I quickly learned that she is one of the most well respectedprofessionals in Pennsylvania when it comes to childcare and early childhood education. Elana and I work to unpack and dive into childcare – its importance and why it one ofthe greatest business challenges we face as a country.

Tina Mengine is the CEO of the Erie County Redevelopment Authority. Tina is one of those "names" that people in Erie know, but not nearly as many have had the pleasure to meet. I hope this conversation helps to shine more light on my friend and colleague whom I have known for over 25 years andworked with in a variety of capacities. I am confident that the development work she is doing presently is the  most challenging – and most rewarding – work of her life. Today we dig in deeper with Tina about her career arch and discuss the challenges, frustrations, and excitement of doing large scale economic development projects. I hope you enjoy.

Brian Slawin is a serial entrepreneur, tech investor, pilot,consultant, public speaker, a great hype-man, and the face of Ben Franklin Technology Partners in northwest Pennsylvania. Brian is also a great colleague and friend. Today, we will be talking predominantly about entrepreneurship...but a few other things may be sprinkled in there! Enjoy!

Meet the host and hear the back story on how and why The Jake Rouch Show came into existence.

Refugee resettlement has brought 700-1000 new residents per year to the Erie community over the last 20 years. Katie Kretz leads the Multi-Cultural Resource Center (MCRC), the largest organization in our community helping to facilitate this process for these new residents in a professional, thoughtful, and caring manner.

Gary Horton is Executive Director of the Urban Erie Community Development Corporation. Gary comes from large Erie family with a storied history of political and social equity advocacy. Gary was one of the first professionals - outside my immediate office - that I worked with very closely. Gary and I remain professional colleagues and friends but today's conversation provided me with new perspectives that provide a more complete picture of him as a person.

Steve Trohoske is a lifelong Erie resident, professional musician, and is co-owner of City Gallery with his wife, Lena Logvina. Steve is deeply passionate about the arts and the arts community in Erie. Steve and I have known each other for years and always enjoy each others company and perspective, but today I got to go deeper and know more about the person.

Chris Sirianni developed The Brewerie and played a material role in the redevelopment of downtown Erie over the last 20 years. Chris great guy and has been a positive energy force for so many. In this episode, we get his full story of creating Brewerie and learn more about one of truly good people living in our region. Enjoy!