How eBliss Chose Utica: Bill Klehm & Mayor Galime on Jobs, Manufacturing, and Utica's Future | Ep 39

What does it actually take to bring manufacturing back to America? And why is Utica, New York becoming part of that story? In this episode, Stephen Turnbull sits down with Bill Klehm, Chairman and CEO of eBliss Global, and Utica Mayor Mike Galime for a fascinating conversation about the future of American manufacturing, the power of local leadership, and why Utica was chosen as the home for eBliss’s U.S. e-bike production. Bill breaks down the vision behind eBliss, what makes the company’s bikes different, and why this project is about much more than building electric bikes. Mayor Galime shares how the opportunity came together behind the scenes, what it could mean for jobs and local suppliers, and why belief from the community matters if Utica wants to keep building momentum. This is a conversation about leadership, economic development, American manufacturing, and what becomes possible when builders in business and government actually work together. In this episode, Bill and Mike discuss: ● Why eBliss chose Utica, New York ● How this project could create jobs and strengthen local manufacturing ● What makes eBliss bikes different from most e-bikes on the market ● Why public-private partnership matters in economic development ● How local businesses and suppliers could benefit as production grows ● The long-term vision for Utica as a manufacturing and experience hub ● Why rebuilding industry in America starts with local action ● The mindset communities need if they want real growth 🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3DQnBF0... 💬 Question for you: What would it take for your city to become a place where things are built again? Timestamps: 0:00 – Intro: Bill Klehm, Mike Galime, and eBliss 2:05 – Bill’s background and the vision behind eBliss Global 5:10 – How Bill and Mayor Galime first connected 8:30 – Why Utica stood out as the right place to build 12:20 – From assembly to full manufacturing potential 17:05 – eBliss bikes already being used in Utica 21:10 – How the city helped move the opportunity forward 26:30 – Why manufacturing partnerships matter 31:15 – Certification, production, and the first major milestone 37:00 – Production goals and what comes next 42:40 – How municipalities could use eBliss bikes 48:10 – What makes eBliss bikes different 54:15 – The ripple effect for jobs and local suppliers 1:00:00 – Why belief and buy-in from the community matter 1:06:20 – Final thoughts on leadership, opportunity, and impact ABOUT MAKE AN IMPACT: Based in Central New York Follow us on Instagram: @MakeAnImpactPod Real stories. Real people. Real impact.