Meet Lincoln: Stories, Services, Community

Pull up a chair and meet the people behind town hall. We’re kicking off Lincoln Local with a candid, energetic conversation that strips away jargon and brings you inside the decisions, services, and stories shaping the Town of Lincoln.

We introduce the vision for Lincoln Local with our CAO, Michael Kirkopoulos, and Director of Economic Development, Paul Di Ianni. The goal is simple: build trust through plain talk and substance. You’ll hear why transparency matters, how we plan to share both good news and tough trade-offs, and what “demystifying government” looks like when we unpack costs, timelines, and the real constraints behind council decisions. We also map out our release rhythm—two episodes a month—balancing deep dives into municipal services with spotlights on the businesses that power local jobs and pride.

Economic development takes centre stage as we explore the diverse engine of Lincoln’s economy—from tourism and craft beverage to accommodation, health, and wellness. Paul shares why employer stories matter, how new investment takes shape, and what makes a small town resilient. Michael offers an update on the future Lincoln Community Hub at the former Beamsville District Secondary School, including early programming and what’s coming as we align plans with community input. Along the way, we keep it human with some light quick-fire questions, a little friendly rivalry, and a reminder that public service is done by neighbours who care.

Most importantly, this show is a two-way conversation. We want your ideas, your questions, and your guest suggestions to guide what we cover next. Tell us what you’re curious about and which local businesses deserve the mic at SpeakUpLincoln.ca/podcast. If you enjoyed this launch, follow the show, share it with a neighbour, and leave a review so more people in Lincoln can find it and join the conversation. New episodes drop twice a month. Don't miss the next talk of the town!

Have a topic you want us to cover?
Know a local business or organization we should feature?

Visit SpeakUp Lincoln at
SpeakUpLincoln.ca/Podcast

Thanks & Credits

With support from:

• Niagara Region Economic Development
• The Watering Can
• Second Chance Decor
• Verhoef Electric

Transcript

Sara Wilde 0:02

Welcome to the Lincoln Local, a brand new podcast from the town of Lincoln.

Stephanie Hicks 0:07

I'm Stephanie Hicks, the town's economic development officer and co-host. I focus on growth, opportunity, and community, helping people stay connected to what's happening and what's next.

Sara Wilde 0:17

And I'm Sara Wilde, the town's creative design and digital media advisor. Behind the camera, behind the design, and now behind the mic as your podcast co-host.

Stephanie Hicks 0:25

This podcast is about the people, stories, and decisions shaping Lincoln, from how municipal services work to the businesses and organizations driving our local economy.

Sara Wilde 0:35

To kick things off, we're joined by our CAO, Michael Kirkopoulos, and Director of Economic Development, Paul Di Ianni, to talk about why we're launching the Lincoln Local and what listeners can expect. Michael, what makes you excited about launching a podcast right now?

Michael Kirkopoulos 0:50

Well, to be honest, Sara, it fulfills a lifelong dream. Kidding aside, really it's an opportunity, I think, for us to reach out to residents and do it in a very different way. Sometimes there's a mystery around municipal government. And so this is an opportunity for us to do some storytelling, to reach out and I think talk to people in a different way, to share a little bit about what happens at town hall, and not just our town hall, but I think a lot of the things that you'll learn and hear about are things municipalities across the region and across the province are dealing with. So I think it's you know one of those things when we were talking about and council challenged us to think differently and reach out differently and communicate with residents differently. We thought why not do something that is a little off the wall and a little cool and a little cutting edge, and here we are.

What Lincoln Local Will Cover

Stephanie Hicks 1:42

Thanks, Mike. I would also say that it is a really new trendy way. Like podcasts are all the rage nowadays. So whether you're traveling in your car, I know I listen to them on the way to work, so this will be top of my list now on Spotify. But Paul, what is the Lincoln Local?

Paul Di Ianni 1:59

Well, thanks, Stephanie, and , I'm pleased to be here today. and as Michael said, it's really like the word they use, Mike, was was storytelling, and I and I captivate and j p right on that. , because it really is a place to learn, to listen, to love, and to connect. and we're gonna be talking about town services. We're gonna be talking about the programs and the information and the council decisions that are really relevant to our community. , but we're also gonna highlight the people and the businesses that make Lincoln such a great, fantastic place to work, to live, , and of course to play. it's about really bringing the community closer to town hall and the decisions that are made and that impact their lives.

Who This Show Is For

Sara Wilde 2:32

So you touched on this already, a bit Paul, but Mike, who is this podcast meant for?

Michael Kirkopoulos 2:37

I mean, I don't think we've we've looked at it as one particular group. I think it's it's definitely residents of the community who often have a desire to learn more and understand more. It's it's businesses and it's even visitors. So whether you're curious about how town services function or what town services we offer, or more about local businesses and what they may have to offer, it's an opportunity to learn, as Paul said, , and an opportunity for everyone to tune in. We're gonna try to interject a little h or along the way. I was joking earlier that this has been a lifelong dream of mine to have a podcast, but Paul and I did joke about this many, many years ago, before podcasts were trendy, you know, that we wanted to launch one together, and so here we are. But yeah, I think it's a great opportunity for our community, and I'm excited about just all the different user groups that I hope tune in.

Sara Wilde 3:31

And you're kicking it off together. So hey, full circle. Your dreams coming true.

Michael Kirkopoulos 3:35

You know what? Absolutely. Absolutely.

Release Schedule And Format

Stephanie Hicks 3:38

So based on the schedule, you know, you mentioned that we will be interviewing businesses and there will be Town of Lincoln staff targeting the residents. What can listeners expect as far as scheduling goes?

Paul Di Ianni 3:50

Yeah, so our goal is is to be releasing two episodes per month. The one focused a little bit more on the municipal topics that sort of Mike highlighted, a little bit of a deeper dive into those programming and services, as I said, council decisions and res and how residents can get can get involved in the community. And the second will feature some of those local businesses, the employers of our community that make Lincoln so great. everything from our tourism sector right down to our retailers, our culinary, all the things that make Lincoln a great place to be, and showcasing the people, the product, and and everything Lincoln. So we're looking forward to it.

Why Business Stories Matter

Stephanie Hicks 4:23

Why is it important to include local businesses and economic development in this podcast?

Paul Di Ianni 4:27

So local businesses and jobs are central to a strong economy. It's really what makes our community vibrant. And this podcast is going to give residents a chance to listen to the local businesses, the business people that put their blood, sweat, and tears, obviously, into our community. And through these episodes, we hope to paint the picture of Lincoln growing and the fact that we are a diversified economy. so we're gonna be telling some great stories, and I look forward to people listening.

Stephanie Hicks 4:50

Us too.

Sara Wilde 4:51

Mike. So, how do you hope that this podcast helps build trust and understanding between the town and the community?

The Lincoln Community Hub Update

Michael Kirkopoulos 4:57

Well, that's I mean that isn't an easy question. I've I've often I've been doing this for a long time, and I often say the underpinning of good relationships and just what government does and municipalities do is trust. and I think you know, trust comes from an ability to really be honest with one another. Sometimes it's good news that we're sharing, sometimes it's not good news. Sometimes you know you hear words like people don't understand. We communicate in a way that is often too complex or in a way that seems cloaked in language that isn't easy for the average person. So I think our goal with this podcast, and but in everything we do, is to take complex issues, try to simplify them, bring it forward, less spin and more more substance. And I think if we hear from residents things that they want to learn or want to know about, it's an opportunity for us then to bring it to this for and other forms, but this for for sure, and try to talk about it. And so that's everything from the cost of things to how long things take. Right now we're in a great location here at the old Beamsville District Secondary School that you know very well, Sara, in terms of having studied here. It's you know, it's the home of a future hub for us for sure, and that's why we've started calling it, you know, the Lincoln Community Hub. But people want to know about this. This is a good example. The more people know, the more we can communicate, the more we build trust. And so for me, trust is really at the core of municipal services and something that I hope us communicating in this way and other ways, but us communicating in a way like we are here that we'll be able to continue to build that trust that I think exists. But that again, you know, I think we talked about demystifying government earlier. That's probably the word that jumps out. Let's find a way to share what we're doing and share it easily and and tell people all the exciting and and sometimes challenging things that we have to deal with.

Sara Wilde 6:55

Yeah, nicely said.

Stephanie Hicks 6:57

Yeah, so we launched a teaser on social media a few weeks ago, and the response, the the influx of comments and people reaching out to us wanting to be a part of this podcast was huge. So, Paul, can you tell us how people can get involved or suggest topics?

Paul Di Ianni 7:13

yeah, Stephanie, and and I'm glad that you brought up that teaser post because it's been one of our best performing social media posts in a really long time. So I'm I'm happy that people are excited. and we really want this to be a two-way conversation. The direction of the podcast, the suggested topics that residents can provide are really what we're striving for. So we have launched SpeakUpLincoln.ca backslash podcast where residents or business can businesses can really get involved, suggest comments, provide sort of feedback, and also make some suggestions in terms of some of the businesses that they'd like to hear under the podcast. So we want people to really be involved.

Sara Wilde 7:48

And it's been very positive. The feedback that we've been getting on the reel, on launching the podcast. So far, everything's been very positive, which is amazing. Mike, final message for listeners.

Final Messages And Platforms

Michael Kirkopoulos 8:00

Wow. I feel like there's first of all, time's gone by really fast, but I do feel like there's more I'd love to say. And I'm loving this, you know, venue and this kind of approach to things. But maybe I'll end by just saying that you know, podcasts and this podcast really is about feeling informed, connected, and part of the conversation. And I do encourage and I hope it is, more of a two-way street in terms of us really tackling things, not that we just care about, but that residents want to hear. And I think a chance for us to really promote our businesses. At the end of the day, it's about the people behind the work and any chance we we have and we can use to promote those people, those businesses, those services. I think we should. And so look forward to being back on for sure. But just look forward to you know to continuing to listen. I'm told it's on Spotify, you know, and some other Apple. Apple, absolutely. So yeah, look forward to and I'll be telling my daughters absolutely that I'm on a I've got a podcast now. Or I'm on a podcast. I shouldn't say I've got a podcast. But no, thank you very much for having both Paul and I on. And again, look forward to the exciting times ahead.

Paul Di Ianni 9:13

So in my mind, when you're on a podcast, you know you've made it. and so Mike, I think we're we're in good hands with Stephanie and Sara.

Michael Kirkopoulos 9:20

So that means Paul, you and I can launch our lifelong dream of having our own podcast.

Talk Of The Town Tea

Stephanie Hicks 9:25

However, we're

Sara Wilde 9:26

not done here.

Stephanie Hicks 9:26

We're not done yet. We do have a part of the podcast called the Talk of the Town Tea, where you have the opportunity to spill the tea. so is there anything exciting happening that you would like to spill to our listeners? We'll start with you, Paul.

Paul Di Ianni 9:41

Well, in the world of economic development, we don't always want to spill the tea just yet. but we are working.

Michael Kirkopoulos 9:46

Don't I know that? I mean, Paul always does not tell me what's going on until there's a lot brewing. Yeah, because he worries I'm just gonna get so excited and blurt it out and tell people.

Stephanie Hicks 9:57

Brewing and steeping.

Sara Wilde 9:58

Like this podcast.

Paul Di Ianni 10:00

Like this podcast. No, but we you know we're always hard at work trying to attract new investment into our community. and so we do have a number of new sort of businesses that are we're in conversation with, revolving around the tourism sector. Think craft beverage, think accommodation, think health and wellness. And so at the end of the day, we're working hard to bring more business into our community because they employ people, they create wealth for Lincoln.

Sara Wilde 10:24

Awesome. Mike?

Quick Fire Round: Pets, Preference and a Sock-Off

Michael Kirkopoulos 10:25

Yeah, I don't know if I've got any tea. I mean, we're in this building because today we just opened up Early On, which is a chance for young kids to learn literacy, to have a place to connect for parents, and so you'll be hearing more about that. So I'm not sure if that's tea, but you will listen and hear more about what's gonna happen at this entire site. So the Lincoln Community Hub, the BDSS Precinct, it goes by a bunch of names, but in the coming months, much more to hear about what's gonna happen at this exciting site now that the town has taken over this property. We've done a lot of engagement, we've reached out to people. And now we're gonna tell the community everything we heard and all the wonderful things people want to see here. Not sure we deliver on them all, but definitely some exciting times ahead for this particular property and this site.

Stephanie Hicks 11:15

Can't wait.

Sara Wilde 11:15

So we're gonna finish things off with some quick fire questions.

Michael Kirkopoulos 11:19

Oh my favourite.

Sara Wilde 11:20

Your favourite. This is kind of like this or that. So we're gonna say something. We're gonna start with you, Mike. I'm gonna say something to you, and the first word that mostly resonates with you is gonna be your answer. Okay? So email or text message.

Michael Kirkopoulos 11:34

Text message.

Stephanie Hicks 11:35

Paul, morning meetings or afternoon meetings?

Paul Di Ianni 11:38

Afternoon.

Sara Wilde 11:39

In person or virtual meetings.

Michael Kirkopoulos 11:43

Oh wow, that's a good well, it depends on the person. The person I'm meeting. I would say though, oh, in person.

Sara Wilde 11:50

Okay.

Stephanie Hicks 11:52

Dog or cat?

Paul Di Ianni 11:53

Dog.

Michael Kirkopoulos 11:53

Cat. I know you didn't ask me, but cat.

Sara Wilde 11:57

I love it.

Paul Di Ianni 11:58

Although growing up I did have a cat for 21 years. And so yeah, it lived a long time, but most recently had a dog, so definitely dog.

Michael Kirkopoulos 12:05

And I love my cat Ace lyn. I've you know, I should show you some pictures, but shout out to Ace lyn.

Stephanie Hicks 12:10

Ace lyn.

Michael Kirkopoulos 12:11

Well, but she goes by Ace.

Stephanie Hicks 12:13

Ace. I do like that. And what was your cat's name?

Paul Di Ianni 12:15

So my cat's name was Natasha. Oh, which was actually named before we got the cat.

Michael Kirkopoulos 12:20

My my cat had a, we had to feed like she needed a feeding tube through her nose, but I had to feed manually. Ace? Ace. And Ace was previous Ace was previously named too, but Natasha?

Paul Di Ianni 12:34

It was the previous family that had her that named her, and we just stuck with the name.

Michael Kirkopoulos 12:37

I think that's a great topic for for Focach and Skatch.

Paul Di Ianni 12:39

Yes.

Michael Kirkopoulos 12:41

Would be Natasha the cat.

Paul Di Ianni 12:42

Natasha the cat.

Sara Wilde 12:43

I'm sorry, Ace's name was Tube?

Michael Kirkopoulos 12:46

No, no, no, it had a feeding tube. Ace had a feeding tube.

Sara Wilde 12:50

Okay.

Michael Kirkopoulos 12:50

Because she wouldn't eat. And after thousands of dollars in tests, determined that she just was a very fickle, stubborn cat, and sometimes she wouldn't eat and go on a hunger strike. And so.

Paul Di Ianni 13:02

Now I am showing a picture of Natasha.

Stephanie Hicks 13:05

I mean, it looks like a Natasha if I ever saw Natasha.

Paul Di Ianni 13:09

Yes. Yeah. We called her Tishi.

Sara Wilde 13:12

Tishi. That's cute.

Paul Di Ianni 13:13

So there you go.

Michael Kirkopoulos 13:14

I don't know about that either.

Sara Wilde 13:15

Yeah, Natasha.

Michael Kirkopoulos 13:16

I'm not sure about those names at all. I don't know any of those names. So keep some of my cat conversation. Paul took it down a weird path. You know, with his Natasha.

Sara Wilde 13:31

Natasha. Very cute.

Stephanie Hicks 13:33

Oh, there are a few more questions.

Sara Wilde 13:35

Mike, notes app on your phone or paper notebook.

Michael Kirkopoulos 13:39

Definitely not the notes app. Probably paper notebook if I had to pick between those two.

Sara Wilde 13:44

Okay.

Stephanie Hicks 13:46

Your inbox at zero or controlled chaos?

Michael Kirkopoulos 13:49

Controlled chaos for sure.

Sara Wilde 13:50

Podcasts or music?

Michael Kirkopoulos 13:53

Podcast.

Sara Wilde 13:54

That was a trick question, right?

Michael Kirkopoulos 13:56

And I got it, right?

Sara Wilde 13:57

Yeah, you got it right.

Stephanie Hicks 13:58

Early bird or night owl?

Paul Di Ianni 14:00

Night owl.

Michael Kirkopoulos 14:01

Early bird. I just want to answer all of them.

Sara Wilde 14:06

Doing it. I heard you might not answer to either of these ones, so I'm gonna ask you anyway. Coffee or tea?

Michael Kirkopoulos 14:13

Coffee.

Paul Di Ianni 14:15

Yeah, coffee for sure. 

Sara Wilde 14:16

 This one thought, you were going to say Diet Coke.

Michael Kirkopoulos 14:18

Yeah. Anything it has to be past eleven.

Sara Wilde 14:21

Okay.

Michael Kirkopoulos 14:21

And then about eight Diet Coke. But sure. Although I do like tea as well. Definitely I love I love tea. But I like tea with sugar in it, but my coffee, no sugar. So just as a quick aside.

Paul Di Ianni 14:35

Lately I found on Instagram a subculture of those that love Diet Coke. And I've been sending the videos to Mike because he is an avid Diet Coke fan.

Michael Kirkopoulos 14:45

Well, let me ask you a question. Let's turn this around for my podcast experience. All right. Diet Coke or Coke Zero?

Sara Wilde 14:52

Diet Coke.

Michael Kirkopoulos 14:53

Really? No.

Sara Wilde 14:55

Especially Fountain.

Michael Kirkopoulos 14:57

So Fountain, I would agree with you. I disagree. Coke Zero.

Sara Wilde 15:01

Really?

Michael Kirkopoulos 15:01

Yes, I just still. I'm becoming a lover of the Coke Zero.

Sara Wilde 15:04

Okay, I'll try it.

Michael Kirkopoulos 15:04

What about Pepsi Zero or Pepsi? Diet Pepsi.

Sara Wilde 15:07

Neither.

Michael Kirkopoulos 15:08

Oh, you're not a Pepsi.

Sara Wilde 15:09

No. If I had to and I was like at a restaurant, would you like Pepsi instead of Diet Coke? I would say it. I guess Pepsi.

Michael Kirkopoulos 15:18

Oh, really? Okay. Yeah. All right. I digress. Please continue.

Sara Wilde 15:23

This could be for both of them, too.

Michael Kirkopoulos 15:24

This could be.

Sara Wilde 15:25

The last one.

Stephanie Hicks 15:26

Plain dress socks or fun dress slots?

Paul Di Ianni 15:30

Fun for me.

Michael Kirkopoulos 15:31

Fun as well. We did one at one time, I think during the pandemic in the office, really have a sock-off amongst everyone, and people would select who had the funkiest socks. I think Paul rarely won. One of our former finance folks...

Paul Di Ianni 15:44

I think Paul always won, but that's okay. 

Michael Kirkopoulos 15:48

No, I would disagree.

Stephanie Hicks 15:49

If there is a suggestion box, I would like to bring that day back.

Sara Wilde 15:52

I agree with this.

Stephanie Hicks 15:53

I feel I have some great contenders to bring to that.

Paul Di Ianni 15:57

Great.

Michael Kirkopoulos 15:57

As do I. I have pictures of myself on my socks. I have Diet Coke socks that Paul has bought me as well.

Sara Wilde 16:06

Those are awesome. That's it.

Thanks, Sponsors, And CTA

Stephanie Hicks 16:08

Okay.

Sara Wilde 16:09

So thank you, Mike and Paul, for kicking off our first episode of the Lincoln Local.

Paul Di Ianni 16:13

Thank you for having us on. And we look forward to seeing where this goes.

Sara Wilde 16:17

Yeah, thanks Focach and Skatch.

Michael Kirkopoulos 16:19

Yeah, it's it's exciting. I like it. You remember the old name we had, eh?

Sara Wilde 16:24

Yeah. How could I not remember that?

Michael Kirkopoulos 16:27

I guess people need to decide who is Focach.

Stephanie Hicks 16:29

Yes.

Michael Kirkopoulos 16:29

And who is Skatch?

Sara Wilde 16:30

Yeah. Listeners, I think...

Stephanie Hicks 16:32

We should start a poll online. Yeah.

Sara Wilde 16:34

Yeah.

Paul Di Ianni 16:34

It's a great idea. 

Sara Wilde 16:35

I think we should. 

Michael Kirkopoulos 16:36

I mean the only hint I'll give you is Paul is Italian.

Paul Di Ianni 16:40

And Mike is Greek.

Sara Wilde 16:42

That's a good hint.

Michael Kirkopoulos 16:44

When you throw that in there now, people are really confused.

Stephanie Hicks 16:47

That's all for today's episode of the Lincoln Local. Thank you to our sponsors Niagara Region Economic Development, The Watering Can, Second Chance Decor, and Verhoef Electric.

Sara Wilde 16:57

New episodes drop twice a month and will be shared through the town's social media channels.

Stephanie Hicks 17:01

And if there's a topic or local business you'd like us to feature, visit SpeakUpLincoln.ca backslash podcast.

Stephanie Hicks 17:08

Don't miss the next Talk of the Town.