'Listen Up, DuPage!' episode tackles crisis communication, regional economic impact of COVID-19
"Listen Up, DuPage!," a podcast produced by College of DuPage in partnership with the DuPage County Board, launched its second episode exploring the role of crisis communications in the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the economic implications stemming from the virus.
The discussion features College of DuPage President Dr. Brian Caputo, News Bureau Manager Jen Duda, Center for Entrepreneurship Manager Rita Haake, Choose DuPage Economic Development Alliance President and CEO Greg Bedalov, DuPage County Board Chairman Daniel Cronin and Emergency Management Coordinator for the DuPage County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management John Nebl.
As the COVID-19 outbreak continues, COD and DuPage County leaders face the growing challenge of navigating messaging in a time where information is ever-changing. Local experts will discuss the importance of ongoing communication through the pandemic as well as the operational challenges resulting from social distancing and shelter-in-place orders.
"We have to consider what happens not just today, but tomorrow and beyond," Dr. Caputo said. "Given the uncertainty about the coronavirus and what still lies ahead, the college's ongoing crisis planning team identifies each possible scenario to ensure we are prepared on all fronts to make quick and efficient decisions. This is an anxiety-provoking time for everyone, but at COD we remain a place where our students, staff, faculty and community members can turn to for support."
In addition, experts from DuPage County discuss the primary economic challenges moving forward, the importance of supporting small business, resources available to those in need of assistance and the necessary actions to minimize the impact of an economic turndown.
"As we navigate this crisis, people are worried about their jobs, their families and their own health," Cronin said. "They need information and help navigating the many local, state and federal programs designed to help them. Accessing these programs and completing applications can be a daunting process. Between our DuPage County Health Department, Choose DuPage and our county government, we are creating important linkages between our residents and the services they need. And we're going to continue to serve as a trusted resource providing updated, reliable, easy-to-access information."
"Listen Up, DuPage!," is designed to keep community members informed on key local initiatives, community innovation and central issues shaping DuPage County. On each episode, host WDCB Radio Station Manager Dan Bindert will join influential community leaders to engage in meaningful conversations about the most rapidly involving county in the nation.
New episodes will be released each month. Listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart Radio and TuneIn.