Here are the top 5 takeaways from this episode:
* Credit unions are “by the people, for the people.” Unlike banks focused on profit, Advia is member-owned and puts people and communities at the center of everything they do, guided by four pillars: integrity, progress, relationships, and keeping people at the core.
* Advia is open to everyone. No union membership or special affiliation required. Anyone in the community can join and access competitive financial products including personal banking, auto loans, mortgages, and business accounts.
* Credit cards are a hidden gem. Credit union credit card rates are often half of what major banks charge (some near 30%), and new members can get 0% APR for the first 12 months, making it a great option for balance transfers.
* Community involvement is core to their mission. Through the Advia Foundation, they’ve provided grants to local nonprofits like the Center for Enriched Living, Salvation Army, and others, and they actively collaborate with neighboring businesses in the Riverwoods area.
* They prioritize financial education and long-term relationships. Advia aims to be a trusted financial partner for life, from a first auto loan at 19 to mortgages and retirement accounts, focusing on transformation, not just transactions..
Learn about Advia Credit Union (https://www.adviacu.org/)
Join the Chamber (https://www.dbrchamber.com/jointhechamber/why-join)
See Upcoming Events (https://www.dbrchamber.com/memberresources/events)
Subscribe to the Podcast Newsletter (https://dbrchamber.substack.com/)
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dbrchamber.substack.com (https://dbrchamber.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)
6 Apr 2026
(20) Meet Joe DiBlase of BankFinancial a Division of First Financial Bank
Here are the top 5 takeaways from this episode:
* New Role at First Financial Bank: Joe was recently appointed Mortgage Sales Manager for BankFinancial, now a division of First Financial Bank. He brings over a decade of experience and has processed and closed over $1 billion in residential mortgages.
* Community-First Banking: First Financial is a community-based bank that only lends in states where it has offices. It prioritizes local staff, local appraisers, and real-time access to live humans. No 800 numbers. No offshore processing.
* Home Equity Opportunity: With suburban Chicago home values up significantly over the last five years, homeowners are sitting on substantial equity. Joe highlighted cash-out refinancing and home equity loans as valuable tools, including one client who used it to fund a child’s education.
* Why the Housing Market Has Stalled: ~50-60% of mortgaged homeowners have rates below 4%, making it hard to justify moving when current rates are around 6%. Joe expects this to shift as the average 7-10 year homeownership cycle catches up with pandemic-era buyers.
* Ideal Referral Partners: Real estate agents, attorneys, financial advisors, and accountants are Joe’s top referral sources. He’s also launching a free quarterly lunch-and-learn program through the DBR Chamber to provide professional support to local business owners.
Learn about BankFinancial (https://www.bankfinancial.com/)
Join the Chamber (https://www.dbrchamber.com/jointhechamber/memberapplication)
See Upcoming Events (https://www.dbrchamber.com/memberresources/events)
Subscribe to the Podcast Newsletter (https://dbrchamber.substack.com/)
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dbrchamber.substack.com (https://dbrchamber.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)
25 Mar 2026
(19) Meet Jeff Altschul of Tamarisk NorthShore
Here are the top 5 takeaways from this episode:
* Tamarisk NorthShore is independent living, not assisted living. Residents maintain full autonomy — they can come and go, skip meals, and live on their own terms. It’s hospitality-driven, not clinically driven. If a resident eventually needs nursing or medication management, Tamarisk partners with nearby communities like the Weinberg Community on campus.
* Video builds trust and authenticity. Jeff emphasized that authentic, imperfect video is more powerful than polished, AI-generated content. For any business — especially senior living — showing the real, unfiltered community via smartphone video builds the transparency that earns trust with prospective clients.
* The “why” behind moving is social connection. The biggest driver for residents isn’t convenience or safety — it’s combating isolation. Studies show that living alone as you age is mentally demoralizing. Tamarisk offers camaraderie, kinship, and activity without forcing participation; it’s a buffet, not a mandate.
* Flexible, low-commitment rental model. There’s a one-time community fee and a year lease, but residents can exit with just 30 days’ notice for any reason. This is a key differentiator from buy-in communities that require major financial and time commitments.
* Visit multiple times before deciding and get on the waitlist early. Two-bedroom units are fully spoken for with a waitlist (at the time of recording). Jeff encourages prospective residents to visit at different times of day to get a true feel for the community, and to reach out early even if they’re 1–2 years away from being ready.
Learn about Tamarisk NorthShore (https://tamarisknorthshore.com/)
Join the Chamber (https://www.dbrchamber.com/jointhechamber/memberapplication)
See Upcoming Events (https://www.dbrchamber.com/memberresources/events)
Subscribe to the Podcast Newsletter (https://dbrchamber.substack.com/)
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dbrchamber.substack.com (https://dbrchamber.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)
Who has been a guest on DBR Chamber Podcast
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Cathy Kedjidjian
Marla Goldberg
Leslie Kischer
Rob Ruff
John Findeisen
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