Épisodes

  • First Show of 2026
    Jan 12 2026
    In the inaugural episode of 2026, hosts Bill and Lori celebrate the New Year while delivering essential updates for the Long Beach Island (LBI) region. They kick off the show by discussing the recent New Jersey minimum wage increase to $15.92 per hour, which includes a gradual rise for seasonal and small businesses, designed to ease their financial burden. This change exemplifies the commitment to fostering a supportive environment for workers and businesses alike. Listeners are encouraged to visit visitlbiregion.com for detailed information about these regulations and classifications.
    The episode also sheds light on pressing issues, including a surge in phishing scams targeting local businesses and residents. The hosts emphasize the importance of vigilance against these threats, advising listeners to verify unexpected requests and report suspicious messages. With a focus on community safety, they highlight the Southern Ocean Chamber's partnership with the New Jersey Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Cell to combat these malicious activities.
    Joining the hosts is Kate Career, the Chamber's business development coordinator, who outlines exciting upcoming events like the State of the Chamber on January 30, where local officials and key industry leaders will address vital topics impacting the community. Additionally, they discuss the popular Women in Business networking event and an upcoming job fair, emphasizing the Chamber's role in fostering connections and opportunities for local businesses. With a fresh website and new initiatives underway, this episode of the LBI Region Report sets the tone for an engaging and productive year ahead, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in the community's growth and safety.
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    27 min
  • Meals on Wheels of Ocean County
    Dec 8 2025
    Hi! In this engaging episode of the LBI Ridge Report, hosts Lori and her guest, Heather DeYoung, Director of Advancement and Engagement for Meals on Wheels of Ocean County, dive into the holiday spirit at the shore while discussing vital community services. They highlight the upcoming holiday bazaar at St. Francis, the significance of the 112th Annual State of the Chamber event, and the Southern Ocean Job Fair, all while emphasizing the essential role of Meals on Wheels in delivering not just meals but also companionship and wellness checks to over 1,700 seniors. Heather shares insights into the program's operations, including eligibility criteria and how volunteers can make a difference. This episode serves as an informative guide for those looking to get involved, support local initiatives, or simply enjoy the festive offerings at the shore during this bustling season.
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    20 min
  • LBI Region Report - ShoreBreak Recovery
    Dec 1 2025
    Hi, in this episode of the LBI Region Report, hosts Lori and Billy celebrate the arrival of December and reflect on their 13 years of broadcasting. They kick off the holiday season with an invitation to the Southern Ocean Chamber Open House, highlighting the festive atmosphere and opportunities for local businesses to promote their offerings. The spotlight then shifts to special guest Erin Grant from Shorebreak Recovery, who discusses their mission to support individuals recovering from substance abuse. Listeners gain insights into the comprehensive care offered, including outpatient services, trauma-informed care, and the importance of community support. Erin emphasizes their commitment to accessibility, accepting various insurances, including Medicaid, and providing scholarships for those in need. This episode beautifully blends community spirit with essential health resources, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in local events and support systems.
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    17 min
  • Thanksgiving Preparations and Local Business Highlights in the LBI Region
    Nov 17 2025
    Hi, in this episode of the LBI Region Report, hosts dive into the festive spirit as Thanksgiving approaches, highlighting local businesses and community events that enrich the holiday season. They discuss the newly launched website for the Southern Ocean Chamber, designed to enhance member engagement and support local commerce. Special guest Alicia Hartunian, CEO of Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Toms River, shares insights on the importance of inpatient rehabilitation and the advanced services offered at their facility. Listeners will gain valuable knowledge about healthcare resources in the community, as well as discover exciting local holiday events like performances at the Stafford Township Arts Center and Surflight Theater. This episode is not just about local happenings; it’s a reminder of the importance of supporting local businesses while also focusing on health and well-being during the holidays.
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    17 min
  • Thanksgiving Preparations and Celebrating Small Business in LBI Region
    Nov 10 2025
    Hi! In this engaging episode of the LBI Region Report, hosts Lori and Billy dive into the importance of supporting local businesses and preparing for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday. They highlight the Celebrate Small Business Breakfast scheduled for November 14th, aimed at equipping entrepreneurs with essential resources and networking opportunities. Key guest David Sorkin, president of New Frontier, discusses their initiative to offer free website services to New Jersey small businesses through the NJEDA’s Small Business E-Commerce Support Program, emphasizing the transformative impact of a strong online presence for local shops. The episode wraps with reminders for holiday preparations and local events, ensuring listeners are informed and ready to celebrate the season.
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    22 min
  • Wellness is Front and Center
    Nov 3 2025
    In this engaging episode of the LBI Regional Report, hosts Lori and her co-host reflect on recent community events, including Halloween festivities and the bittersweet retirement of long-serving president Jerry Thompson from the Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce. The episode highlights the significance of upcoming events, such as Election Day on November 4th and the "Dink, Drink, and Do Business" pickleball social on November 5th, aimed at fostering connections within the local business community. Special guest Brianna, a nurse practitioner from Euphoria Aesthetics and Wellness, discusses her journey to establish a wellness and aesthetics practice that bridges medical care and beauty. She shares insights on the importance of self-care, the challenges of entrepreneurship, and the services offered, such as weight loss programs and cosmetic treatments. Krug emphasizes community involvement and the mission to empower clients to feel their best inside and out.
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    19 min
  • Halloween Safety Tips, Herbonology, and Upcoming Events in the LBI Region
    Oct 27 2025
    Hi, in this episode of the LBI Region Report, hosts Lori and Billy dive into the vibrant events surrounding Halloween, while spotlighting the importance of community engagement. They discuss the upcoming Women in Business event on October 28th, and a notable Fall Nonprofit Forum on November 5th, featuring experts from Art Pride New Jersey who will share insights on advocacy and community activism. The episode also features an enlightening conversation with Brianna Marshell from Herbonology, a women-owned company specializing in organic CBD and natural antibiotic products. Brianna emphasizes the significance of reconnecting with nature for wellness and shares how Herbonology stands out through its hand-crafted, ethically sourced products. Listeners will gain valuable insights into natural health alternatives and community resources that promote holistic well-being.
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    16 min
  • Welcome Fall and Some Digital Marketing Tips
    Oct 20 2025
    Hi! In this episode of the LBI Region Report, hosts Lori and her co-host delve into the vibrant happenings in the Long Beach Island region, emphasizing the seamless blend of fun fall events and essential business initiatives. They highlight the upcoming Southern Ocean Chamber Women in Business wellness workshop on October 28th, designed to empower female professionals through health screenings and networking opportunities at Health Village Imaging. The discussion shifts to marketing insights with guest Renee Rossi, vice president of Social Trend Marketing Solutions, who shares valuable strategies for building a robust digital presence, the importance of website optimization, and effective use of Google Ads. Key takeaways include the necessity of a professional website, the impact of SEO, the benefits of email marketing, and the importance of choosing the right social media platforms for targeted outreach. With a focus on community engagement and professional development, this episode offers a comprehensive snapshot of what’s happening in the region while providing actionable advice for local businesses.
    **Key Issues Discussed:**
    - Upcoming Southern Ocean Chamber Women in Business wellness workshop on October 28th.
    - Importance of a professional website as a business's digital storefront.
    - Strategies for effective Search Engine Optimization (SEO).
    - The role of Google Ads in targeting potential customers.
    - Recommendations for utilizing social media platforms to reach specific demographics.
    Notable guest Renee Rossi shares her expertise on marketing trends and strategies, making this episode a must-listen for entrepreneurs and professionals looking to thrive in a competitive landscape.
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    29 min