The Business Edge with CWCU
The Business Edge Podcast with Central Willamette Credit Union is your go-to podcast for insights, strategies, and expert advice to help businesses thrive. Each episode dives into key topics like marketing, finance, leadership, and innovation—giving business owners the tools they need to stay ahead. Whether you're a startup, small business, or established company, this podcast delivers actionable insights to fuel your success.
Episodes
35 episodes
Thinking About Starting a Business
Have a business idea but aren't sure where to start? We cover a few simple first steps, helpful resources like SCORE, and how CWCU's business team can help you turn your idea into a plan.
Business vs Personal Credit
Your personal credit score can get your business started, but building strong business credit can help set it up for the future. In this episode, we break down the key differences between personal and business credit and share simple steps to s...
Tourism & Growth in Albany with Rebecca Bond, Executive Director at Albany Visitors Association
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 rea...
Building Oregon's Future Workforce with Rhonda Rhodes, Principal of CTEC
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...
Turning passion into a Business with Hometown Cultivation
What does it take to grow a business without losing sight of your values?In this episode of The Business Edge, Kerry Bennett of Homegrown Cultivation shares lessons on entrepreneurship, leadership, organic farming, and building a team th...
Small Business in a Changing World: Recession Proof Thinking
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 fl...
Small Business in a Changing World: Stop Selling to Yesterday's Customer
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 custo...
Small Business in a Changing World: AI is Your New Employee
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...
Small Business in a Changing World: Stop Reacting, Start Adapting
In this episode of the Business Edge podcast, David Dirks kicks off a four-part series on small business in a changing world—where AI, shifting consumer behavior, and economic uncertainty are rewriting the rules in real time. David challenges o...
Building Your Brand: Local Stories, Partnerships, and Patience
In part two, CMO Dave Dirks dives into actionable steps for small business owners to take control of their brand. Learn how to craft a compelling local story, build strong community partnerships, and document your brand so employees can share i...
Small Business Branding: Your Local Advantage
In part one of our special series, CMO Dave Dirks debunks the myth that branding is only for big companies. Discover why your local presence is your greatest competitive advantage and how to define your business’s unique signature. Dave shares ...
From Stigma to Schedule III: The Cannabis Industry’s Next Chapter
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.
Dirks' Must Reads: The Network is Your Customer
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.
Dirks' Must-Reads: Whatcha Gonna Do With That Duck?
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 ...
Pouring Passion into Business: Lessons from La Dama Bartending
In this episode of the Business Edge Podcast, we sit down with Denisse, the owner and operator of La Dama Bartending. Denisse shares her inspiring journey from launching her bartending startup to building a thriving business with a loyal client...
Dirks' Must-Reads: The Messy Middle
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.
Dirks' Must-Reads: Customer Satisfaction is Worthless
Welcome to Dirks’ Must-Reads, where Marketing Director David Dirks shares his top book recommendations for business success. Each episode dives into a powerful book, offering insights and practical takeaways to help you and your business thrive...
HR Insights: Pay and Benefits for Small Business Success
In this episode of The Business Edge, we sit down with HR Manager Veronica Bruner to explore the evolving landscape of compensation, benefits, and pay transparency in small businesses. Veronica shares expert insights on how small organizations ...
Brick & Mortar Basics
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, p...
Value First: How Free Content Can Win You Customers
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.
Turning Loyal Customers into Brand Ambassadors
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 ...
Surviving and Thriving in Uncertain Economies
Worried about the next recession? In this episode of the Business Edge podcast, CMO, Dave Dirks shares practical strategies for small business owners to prepare for economic slowdowns, before they happen. Learn why cutting prices isn’t always t...