Locally Produced Business Forward Joins WTVP’s Daily Business Block Line-Up

A new, locally produced program about Central Illinois business will debut September 17, 5:30 p.m. on WTVP-HD (47.1). The half-hour, weekly interview program, Business Forward, is hosted by small business owner, local nonprofit CEO and author, Matt George.

Business Forward joins DW News (Monday through Friday 5 p.m.), Consuelo Mack Wealth Track, (Mondays at 5:30 p.m.), DW Global 3000 (Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m.), Plan Stronger TV (Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m.), America’s Heartland (Fridays at 5:30 p.m.), and PBS NewsHour (Monday through Friday at 6 p.m.) to make up WTVP’s daily Business Block.

Business Forward is the region’s only locally produced business program. It will feature one-on-one interviews and panel discussions about issues confronting every business in Central Illinois, from mentoring and minority-owned business strategies, to local business success stories and creating a winning business plan. The premiere program on business mentoring will feature former Caterpillar CEO Doug Oberhelman and Kevin Harrington, an original “shark” on the TV show Shark Tank and creator of the infomercial.

“Business Forward is all about business, but it’s not just for business leaders,” said WTVP’s CEO and President, Lesley Matuszak. “What happens with business happens to all of us, so the show is meant to drive the entire region forward. The regional business community has been asking for a program like this for some time. We’re responding with a format that we believe will drive local growth and profitability. We’re anxious to hear feedback from our viewers and members throughout Central Illinois.”

Check the schedules for WTVP-HD (47.1) and WTVP-World (47.3) for rebroadcasts of Business Forward. All schedules are in the monthly program guide.

About WTVP

WTVP’s mission is to enrich our community in engaging and relevant ways using public media and outreach efforts. The station is an essential source for education, scientific, entertainment, and cultural content that connects Central Illinois on a local and world level. Generous membership donations and business underwriting are what make this mission and vision possible. An investment in WTVP is an investment in our community. Learn more at www.wtvp.org or call 309-677-4747.