Worcester, MA — December 28, 2007 — Steve D’Agostino, principal of Best Rate Of Climb and former executive editor of Worcester Business Journal, hosts The Business Beat, a 30-minute Q&A program on Central New England business and economic development issues. The show is broadcast and webcast Sundays at 10 p.m. (Eastern) on WICN/90.5 FM, the NPR affiliate serving Central New England, and at WICN.org.

In an all-new episode on December 30, Steve talks with Bill Cavanagh of C.C. Lowell in Worcester, Laury Hammel of the national Business Alliance for Local Living Economies and Dante Comparetto of Worcester Local First. They talk about the all-new Worcester Local First campaign to encourage Worcester consumers to "think local first" when buying products and services. To hear a 1-minute audio clip of the interview, in MP3 format, visit Business Beat Preview.

To hear recent episodes of The Business Beat, in MP3 format, click on the links, below:

Dennis Rice and Scott Rossiter of Alternatives Unlimited on the historic renovation of the Whtin Mill Complex to help people with disabilities get back in - and of - the community.

Jason Fredette of American Superconductor on the role of superconductors in the renewable-energy field.

James Donahue of Old Sturbridge Village on the new challenges and opportunities facing living-history museums and the tourism industry.

To hear "This New Car: Clean, Mean Driving Machines," a 13-episode, 30-minute special edition of The Business Beat that aired originally January 8, 2006 to April 2, 2006, visit This New Car - Episodes 1-13.

To hear "This New Car: Exploring Transportation Alternatives," a 13-episode, 60-minute special edition of The Business Beat that aired originally October 15, 2006 to January 7, 2007, visit This New Car - Episodes 14-26.