The Catalyst
A CEP podcast on bold leadership in the Ocala Metro. Join us as we hear from business and civic leaders who have propelled the community forward. Hosted by the Ocala Metro Chamber and Economic Partnership and recorded at the Wiley Productions Podcast Studios in Ocala, Florida. New episodes, guests, and perspectives on leadership premiere twice a month. Follow us on Apple, Amazon, Spotify or wherever you enjoy podcasts.
Episodes
18 episodes
Moving Community Health Forward: Levonda Goodson
In this episode, we talk to LaVonda Goodson, the new CEO of Estella Bird Whitman Community Health Center. We discuss the center's mission to provide primary care to underserved communities on Ocala's northwest side. The center, establis...
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30:24
Protecting Children: Dawn Westgate
In this episode, we talk to Dawn Westgate, Executive Director of Kimberly's Center and the vital role she plays in garnering community support for Kimberly's Center, a child advocacy organization dedicated to providing specialized services to c...
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23:19
Hospitality Forward: Rondo Fernandez
Rondo shares his inspiring personal story and valuable insights on overcoming adversity, chasing passions, and building a solid foundation for success in both business and life. Highlighting the critical role of creating a supportive environmen...
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35:20
Innovation & Engineering: Gary Mishkin
Specializing in injection molding, engineering, prototyping, and in-house tooling, Artemis Plastics is Ocala's one-stop shop for contract manufacturing. It's also been recognized as a company to watch by GrowFL. Join us as CEO, Gary Mishkin hig...
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Season 1
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Episode 14
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22:37
The New Belleview CEP: Joe Reichel
A new affiliate organization has come to serve the business community in South Marion County. The Ocala Metro CEP (Chamber and Economic Partnership) has launched the Belleview CEP to bring business services, attraction, retention, creation, and...
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Season 1
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Episode 13
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20:21
Advances in Orthopaedic Care: Dr. Justin Deen
Joint replacement surgery has not only become more commonplace, but many patients can return home on the same day with greatly reduced recovery time thanks to new minimally invasive techniques. Join us as we hear from Dr. Justin Deen, Orthopaed...
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Season 1
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Episode 12
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22:55
Serving Clients & Country: Jeremiah Blocker
Military service is in the background of many Ocala/Marion County leaders. Often thrusting them into leadership positions early in their careers and greatly influencing how they approach their roles in the private sector. Join us as we hear fro...
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Season 1
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Episode 11
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21:05
Take Inventory - Your Financial Health in 2024: Charisse Rivers
Want to feel better about your financial future in the New Year, but you don't know where to start? Join us as Charisse Rivers, CEO of Zinnia Wealth Management shares some simple strategies, free resources, and the message that it's never too e...
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Season 1
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Episode 10
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29:20
Truck Drivers & The Entrepreneurial Spirit: Tra Williams
As a logistics hub, the Ocala Metro sees firsthand the effect a national truck driver shortage has on this growing sector of the economy. Join us as Tra Williams, President and Founder of FleetForce, discusses the challenges and innovativ...
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Season 1
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Episode 9
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28:12
Moving Our Community Forward: Kevin Sheilley
With more than a decade at the helm of the Ocala Metro CEP, Kevin Sheilley and his team have set the pace for job and wage growth in the Ocala Metro. Serving as the voice for the business community, the CEP has attracted new businesses and indu...
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Season 1
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Episode 8
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25:02
Ocala's Next Mayor: Ben Marciano
Get to know the incoming Mayor of Ocala, Ben Marciano. With his first term starting this December, he won the election uncontested thanks to his popularity and widespread support in the community. Ben has become a well-known figure ...
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Season 1
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Episode 7
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23:06
Farmland Preservation: Sara Fennessy
As the Horse Capital of the World®, Ocala/Marion County has long been known for its abundance of horse farms and rolling pasture land. But today, the Ocala Metro is also gaining attention as one of the fastest-growing metro areas in the U...
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Season 1
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Episode 6
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20:34
Serving the City: Ocala Mayor, Kent Guinn
With 24 years of service to the City of Ocala, including 12 as mayor, hear from Kent Guinn as he completes his term and reflects on major accomplishments, challenges he continues to be passionate about addressing, and his favorite part ab...
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Season 1
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Episode 5
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22:51
Building a Destination for the Arts in Ocala: Matt & Pamela Wardell
Hear from a real power couple for music and the arts in Ocala. From the opening of the Reilly Arts Center in 2015, to the recent expansion and creation of the Community Music Conservatory, Matt and Pamela Wardell have truly created a destinatio...
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Season 1
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Episode 4
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25:59
Engineering Marion County: Tracy Straub
As a growing community in a growing state, Marion County is welcoming approximately 225 new residents a week. Attracted by job opportunities, affordable living, and that Florida sunshine. Coordinated planning, smart resource allocation, and eff...
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Season 1
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Episode 3
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19:38
Leadership through Service to the Community: Angie Lewis
Leaders have the unique privilege to serve as teachers. Teams look to their leaders as mentors in building future career paths and the skills needed to get there. Hear from Angie Lewis, Owner of Angie Lewis State Farm Agency as she shares how h...
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Season 1
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Episode 2
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14:59
Responding to Local Workforce Needs: Dr. Jim Henningsen
With limited funding opportunities and aging facilities, CF has overcome a number of challenges to create new programs and degree tracks to align with a growing Ocala Metro area. Hear from Dr. Jim Henningsen, President of College of Central Flo...
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Season 1
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Episode 1
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19:25