Econ Dev Show Podcast - Economic Development

In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, host Carlson sits down with Adam Stoker, president and CEO of Relic, to discuss the intersection of economic development and destination marketing. Adam, whose company specializes in creating podcasts for Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs), shares insights on how the strategies used in tourism promotion can be effectively applied to economic development efforts. The conversation explores the similarities between attracting tourists and attracting businesses, with both aiming to bring outside money into specific geographic areas. The discussion then delves into the power of podcasting as a marketing tool for economic developers. Adam emphasizes how creating valuable, educational content through podcasts can help build relationships with potential investors and businesses without resorting to direct sales pitches. He shares success stories from his experience, highlighting how inviting guests to share their stories on a podcast often yields better results than traditional outreach methods. The episode also addresses common objections to starting a podcast, such as fear of poor performance and lack of time, with Adam encouraging economic developers to overcome these barriers and prioritize audience building for long-term success in their community promotion efforts. Like this show? Please leave us a review here (https://econdevshow.com/rate-this-podcast/) — even one sentence helps! Special Guest: Adam Stoker.

In this episode, Bo Kemp, CEO of the Southland Development Authority discusses his unique approach to economic development through a not-for-profit organization that operates with the agility and risk-taking mindset of a for-profit business. Kemp emphasizes the importance of failing fast and pivoting quickly to optimize programs and services. He explains how his organization is structured to evaluate and stop initiatives that aren’t delivering the expected impact, which contrasts with traditional non-profits that often have difficulty abandoning projects due to the lengthy fundraising and validation process. His goal is to take on the risks that for-profit businesses avoid, using innovative techniques like measuring social impact and partnering with businesses to drive wealth-building at the municipal level. Kemp also shares how his team is working to monetize their services by offering their proven models to other municipalities. For example, their business growth services could be replicated in cities like Tucson, Arizona, allowing other communities to benefit from their expertise and infrastructure without having to start from scratch. Kemp’s team uses tools like Salesforce and data science to manage relationships and measure success, which they are willing to share with other cities to support broader economic growth. The conversation highlights Kemp’s vision of blending for-profit efficiency with non-profit values to foster sustainable, community-centered development. Like this show? Please leave us a review here (https://econdevshow.com/rate-this-podcast/) — even one sentence helps! Special Guest: Bo Kemp.

In this episode host Dane Carlson interviews Don Iannone (https://www.linkedin.com/in/doniannone/), the author of "America's Dream, at the Crossroads (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0D8M6LQKF/econdevshow-20)," a book that delves into the challenges and opportunities facing the American Dream, particularly in the context of the upcoming 2024 presidential election. The discussion centers on the critical role that economic development plays in enabling Americans to achieve the American Dream, emphasizing the often-overlooked connection between economic policies and individual prosperity. Iannone explains how economic developers are at the forefront of shaping the future of the nation, making this conversation particularly relevant for those engaged in economic development and public policy. Through this dialogue, Carlson and Iannone highlight the importance of understanding economic development not just as a technical field, but as a fundamental driver of societal well-being and a key factor in the nation's political landscape. Like this show? Please leave us a review here (https://econdevshow.com/rate-this-podcast/) — even one sentence helps! Actionable Takeaways Connect Economic Development to the American Dream: Ensure that your community’s economic development initiatives are directly tied to helping individuals achieve their version of the American Dream, emphasizing job creation, homeownership, and economic mobility. Engage in Policy Advocacy: Advocate for policies at the local, state, and national levels that support sustainable economic growth and align with the broader goals of improving quality of life and expanding economic opportunities for all. Foster Inclusive Growth: Focus on creating opportunities that benefit all segments of the population, particularly marginalized communities, to ensure that the economic benefits of development are widely shared. Promote Workforce Development: Invest in education and training programs that equip workers with the skills needed for the jobs of the future, ensuring that your community remains competitive in a rapidly changing economy. Leverage Public-Private Partnerships: Collaborate with businesses, educational institutions, and government entities to create innovative solutions that drive economic growth and community development. Focus on Quality of Life: Develop strategies that not only attract businesses but also enhance the overall quality of life in your community, making it a desirable place to live, work, and invest. Communicate the Economic Development Story: Clearly articulate the role of economic development in achieving the American Dream to stakeholders, including elected officials, business leaders, and the general public. Prepare for Economic Disruptions: Build resilience into your economic development strategies by planning for potential disruptions, such as technological changes, global market shifts, or political instability. Measure and Communicate Impact: Regularly assess the impact of your economic development efforts and communicate these results to stakeholders to demonstrate the value of your work and secure continued support. Stay Informed on National Trends: Keep abreast of national economic and political trends that could impact your community, and be prepared to adjust your strategies accordingly to remain aligned with broader national goals. Other Sponsors 🫶 The Econ Dev Show is made possible by our Econ Dev Pro members (join now (https://econdevshow.com/#/portal/account/plans)) and sponsors: EDOiQ (https://edo-iq.com/), ResearchFDI (https://researchfdi.com/), Jorgenson Pace (https://jorgensonpace.com), and SiteHunt (https://sitehunt.io/). (Become a sponsor (https://econdevshow.com/annual-sponsorship/).) Special Guest: Donald Iannone.

In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, host Dane Carlson interviews Alia Abbas, an economic development consultant in Canada, about the critical importance of sustainable economic development. They discuss how integrating sustainability into daily economic development tasks can build community resilience against climate change and disasters. Alia emphasizes the need for transparent risk communication with businesses, the importance of engaging with diverse stakeholders, and the growing influence of purpose-driven development among younger generations. The episode also explores incentivizing green initiatives, learning from resilient communities, and advocating for policy changes to support long-term sustainable growth. Aliyah's insights provide a fresh perspective on creating resilient, adaptable, and sustainable communities. Actionable Takeaways Incorporate Sustainable Development: Economic developers should integrate sustainable development into their daily tasks, making communities more resilient to disasters and climate change. Transparent Risk Communication: Economic developers need to openly discuss risks like floods or power outages with businesses to build trust and help them prepare for potential challenges. Engage with Businesses on Environmental Impact: Regularly consult with local businesses to understand the environmental impacts they face and how economic development can support mitigation efforts. Incentivize Green Initiatives: Highlight and offer incentives for businesses to adopt greener practices, such as tax breaks or credits, to attract and retain companies focused on sustainability. Learn from Resilient Communities: Study and collaborate with communities that have successfully managed disasters to improve local emergency management strategies and resilience. Promote Cross-Sector Collaboration: Work with diverse stakeholders, including disaster emergency management professionals, supply chain groups, and higher education institutions, to address sustainable development comprehensively. Focus on Purpose-Driven Development: Emphasize purpose-driven projects and job opportunities to attract younger generations who prioritize making a positive impact on their communities. Advocate for Policy Changes: Push for policy changes that support sustainable and resilient economic development, ensuring long-term community stability and growth. Develop Workforce Programs: Create workforce development programs that focus on green skills and sustainability to prepare the local workforce for future demands. Stay Informed and Educate: Continuously educate yourself on new sustainability initiatives and trends by engaging with businesses and participating in relevant events and organizations, like the Great Lakes Economic Development Council. Like this show? Please leave us a review here (https://econdevshow.com/rate-this-podcast/) — even one sentence helps! Other Sponsors 🫶 The Econ Dev Show is made possible by our Econ Dev Pro members (join now (https://econdevshow.com/#/portal/account/plans)) and sponsors: EDOiQ (https://edo-iq.com/), ResearchFDI (https://researchfdi.com/), The PACE Group (https://thepacegroup.com/), and SiteHunt (https://sitehunt.io/). (Become a sponsor (https://econdevshow.com/annual-sponsorship/).) Special Guest: Alia Abbas.

Dane Carlson had a wild July. Quiet fireworks, a hurricane, and COVID-19. But that's not the interesting part. The interesting part is what he built: Sitehunt now automatically responds to RFIs. How? It reads the RFI document, extracts questions and criteria, matches your sites, and generates a response packet. All automatically. Plus, it understands local demographics, workforce, housing, and childcare situations. It uses this to answer RFI questions more intelligently. Dane says no other tool does all this for economic developers. Like this show? Please leave us a review here (https://econdevshow.com/rate-this-podcast/) — even one sentence helps!

About this Episode In this episode of the Econ Dev Show Podcast (https://podcast.econdevshow.com), Dane Carlson (https://www.linkedin.com/in/danecarlson/) sits down with Lara Gale (https://www.linkedin.com/in/laragale/), Economic Development Program Manager for the Taubman Center of State and Local Government at Harvard Kennedy School (https://www.hks.harvard.edu/centers/taubman), and Alison Turner (https://www.linkedin.com/in/amturnr/), Senior Economic Development Researcher at Argonne National Laboratory (https://www.anl.gov). Lara Gale and Alison Turner bring their extensive expertise and passion for economic development to the discussion, sharing their unique perspectives and strategic visions. They delve into innovative approaches to fostering growth and sustainability, emphasizing the importance of strategic planning and collaboration with various stakeholders. Lara provides insights into her role at the Harvard Kennedy School, where she manages economic development programs and supports state and local governments through research and practical solutions. She highlights key projects and initiatives that have contributed to economic successes, including infrastructure development and community engagement strategies. Alison discusses her work at Argonne National Laboratory, focusing on research-driven economic development. She explores the role of technology and data in shaping economic development strategies, sharing examples of how data-driven decision-making can identify trends, optimize resources, and create business-friendly environments. Together, Lara and Alison address the unique challenges and opportunities in managing economic development in diverse contexts. They emphasize the significance of community engagement and partnerships in driving economic growth, highlighting the importance of building strong relationships with local businesses, educational institutions, and community organizations for a holistic approach to development. This episode showcases the innovative work being done by Lara Gale and Alison Turner, providing valuable insights and practical strategies for economic developers and community leaders looking to drive positive change in their regions. Like this show? Please leave us a review here (https://econdevshow.com/rate-this-podcast/) — even one sentence helps! Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers Leverage Academic Partnerships: Collaborate with academic institutions to access cutting-edge research and resources. This can provide valuable insights and innovative solutions for economic development challenges. Utilize Data-Driven Decision Making: Emphasize the importance of data in shaping economic strategies. Use data to identify trends, optimize resource allocation, and create a business-friendly environment. Foster Community Engagement: Build strong relationships with local businesses, educational institutions, and community organizations. Engaging the community can lead to more holistic and sustainable economic development. Focus on Infrastructure Development: Prioritize infrastructure projects that support long-term economic growth. This includes transportation, utilities, and technological infrastructure that can attract and retain businesses. Encourage Strategic Planning: Develop comprehensive strategic plans that outline clear goals, strategies, and metrics for success. Ensure these plans are adaptable to changing economic conditions. Promote Sustainability: Integrate sustainability into economic development strategies. This includes promoting green technologies, energy efficiency, and sustainable business practices. Enhance Workforce Development: Invest in workforce development programs that align with the needs of local industries. This can include training, education, and partnerships with local educational institutions. Diversify the Economic Base: Focus on attracting a diverse range of industries to reduce dependency on a single economic sector. This can make the local...

In this episode of the Econ Dev Show Podcast (https://podcast.econdevshow.com), Dane Carlson (https://www.linkedin.com/in/danecarlson/) sits down with Ken Chapa (https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenchapa/), the Director of Economic Development and Tourism for the City of Avondale, Arizona (https://avondaleedge.com), a thriving community in the Phoenix metropolitan area. Ken Chapa shares his journey and passion for economic development, highlighting his strategic vision for Avondale. With extensive experience in the field, Ken discusses the innovative approaches he has implemented to foster growth and sustainability in Avondale. He delves into the dynamic economic landscape of the city, emphasizing the importance of strategic planning and collaboration with various stakeholders to attract and retain businesses. Throughout the conversation, Ken addresses the unique challenges and opportunities that come with managing economic development in a fast-growing urban area. He provides insights into key projects and initiatives that have significantly contributed to Avondale's economic success, including the development of the Avondale City Center, efforts to enhance infrastructure, and the attraction of healthcare and technology companies to diversify the economic base. Ken also explores the role of technology and data in shaping economic development strategies. He shares examples of how Avondale leverages data-driven decision-making to identify trends, optimize resources, and create a business-friendly environment. Additionally, Ken emphasizes the significance of community engagement and partnerships in driving economic development. He highlights the importance of building strong relationships with local businesses, educational institutions, and community organizations to create a holistic approach to growth and development. By showcasing the innovative work being done in Avondale, this episode provides valuable insights and practical strategies for economic developers and community leaders looking to drive positive change in their regions. Ken's passion for economic development and his commitment to making Avondale a thriving and sustainable community make this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in the field. Like this show? Please leave us a review here (https://econdevshow.com/rate-this-podcast/) — even one sentence helps! Actionable Insights for Economic Developers: Focus on Unique Strengths: Identify and leverage the unique aspects of your community to stand out. For Avondale, this included its young population and investment in amenities that cater to younger families and professionals. Develop Mixed-Use Projects: Consider developing mixed-use projects like the Avondale City Center to create vibrant, multi-functional spaces that attract residents and businesses alike. Invest in Parks and Recreation: Invest heavily in parks, recreation, and community spaces to enhance the quality of life for residents and make your community more attractive to newcomers. Foster Strong Educational Partnerships: Build strong partnerships with local schools and universities to support education and workforce development, ensuring a skilled talent pool for local businesses. Engage with the Community: Actively engage with residents to get their input on projects and initiatives. This helps build a sense of ownership and pride in the community. Leverage Data for Decision-Making: Use data-driven decision-making to identify trends, optimize resources, and create a business-friendly environment. Attract Diverse Industries: Diversify the economic base by attracting a variety of industries, such as healthcare and technology companies, to ensure economic stability and growth. Improve Infrastructure and Connectivity: Work on transportation and infrastructure projects to improve connectivity and accessibility within the community, making it easier for people to live, work, and play. Promote a Business-Friendly Environment: Create policies and initiatives...

In this episode of the Econ Dev Show (https://econdevshow.com/), Dane Carlson sits down with Lorie Vincent (https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorie-vincent/), the founder of the Stand Up Rural America Summit (https://www.standupruralamerica.com), an innovative program aimed at empowering rural communities through economic development. Lorie Vincent shares her journey and passion for rural economic development, spanning over 34 years and involving work with approximately 350 rural communities. She explains the inception of Stand Up Rural America, a unique summit designed to bring together rural trailblazers and change makers. Unlike traditional associations or memberships, this event is open to everyone, aiming to foster collaboration and provide actionable insights that attendees can implement in their communities immediately. Throughout the conversation, Lorie emphasizes the importance of community and collaboration in rural economic development. She discusses her extensive experience and involvement in state associations and organizations such as IEDC and SEDC, which inspired her to create an event specifically tailored to rural America. Her goal is to share the innovative and impactful work being done in these communities, providing inspiration, tools, and strategies to drive positive change. Lorie also highlights the importance of bringing together diverse voices and experiences to address the unique challenges faced by rural communities. By showcasing successful initiatives and offering practical solutions, Stand Up Rural America aims to elevate rural economic developers and community developers, helping them create immediate and lasting impact in their regions. Actionable Insights for Economic Developers: Promote Community Collaboration: Foster collaboration among local stakeholders to leverage collective resources and knowledge for economic development. Share Success Stories: Highlight successful initiatives from other rural communities to inspire and guide local development efforts. Provide Practical Tools: Equip community developers with practical tools and strategies that can be implemented immediately to drive economic growth. Engage Diverse Voices: Involve a diverse range of stakeholders to ensure comprehensive and inclusive economic development planning.4 Focus on Immediate Impact: Prioritize initiatives that can deliver quick wins and immediate benefits to the community, building momentum for long-term projects. Leverage State and National Resources: Utilize resources and support from state associations and national organizations to enhance local economic development efforts. Encourage Innovation: Support innovative approaches and creative solutions to address the unique challenges faced by rural communities. Facilitate Knowledge Sharing: Create platforms for knowledge sharing and networking among rural economic developers to foster continuous learning and improvement. Empower Local Leaders: Empower local leaders with the skills and knowledge needed to drive economic development and inspire their communities. Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices in rural economic development to ensure your strategies are effective and relevant. By championing these principles and leveraging the insights from Stand Up Rural America, rural economic developers can drive significant and sustainable growth in their communities. Other Sponsors 🫶 The Econ Dev Show is made possible by our Econ Dev Pro members (join now (https://econdevshow.com/#/portal/account/plans)) and sponsors: EDOiQ (https://edo-iq.com/), ResearchFDI (https://researchfdi.com/), The PACE Group (https://thepacegroup.com/), and SiteHunt (https://sitehunt.io/). (Become a sponsor (https://econdevshow.com/annual-sponsorship/).) Special Guest: Lorie Vincent.

In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson (https://www.linkedin.com/in/danecarlson/) interviewed Eric Trevan, PhD (https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-s-trevan-ph-d-83262348), an investor, economist, and business and the President and CEO of aLocal Solutions (https://alocalsolutions.com) an AI marketing and economic analytics platform. Their conversation dives into Eric’s extensive experience and innovative approach to economic development. Eric shares how his career evolved from being a planning director in Southeast North Carolina to his current role, emphasizing the importance of transparency and parity in economic data. He discusses the inception of his AI platform aimed at creating equitable economic opportunities by automating and providing affordable solutions for cities of all sizes. Throughout the discussion, Eric highlights the significance of objective and comprehensive data in decision-making, especially for local governments and economic developers who often operate with limited resources compared to large developers. He illustrates how his platform, aLocal, aggregates and analyzes vast datasets to offer predictive analytics, enabling communities to make informed decisions about economic initiatives. The conversation also covers the evolution of aLocal from its conceptualization in 2002 to its formal establishment in 2019. Eric recounts the journey, including his academic pursuits and various leadership roles that contributed to his understanding of economic dynamics. He stresses the role of AI in leveling the playing field for smaller communities and fostering data equity, sovereignty, and diplomacy. Eric elaborates on the platform’s capabilities, such as forecasting market demand, economic impact, and financial health at granular levels, down to zip codes. He also touches on the importance of community involvement and stake Sponsor Sitehunt (https://sitehunt.io/?ref=econdevshow.com) is Dane's AI-enhanced platform that helps economic developers build a comprehensive property database and respond to RFIs. Request a demo (https://cal.com/sitehunt/quick-walkthru?ref=econdevshow.com). Actionable Insights for Economic Developers Leverage AI for Data Equity: Use AI-driven platforms to automate and provide affordable economic data solutions, ensuring all cities, regardless of size, have access to high-quality data for informed decision-making. Focus on Transparency and Objectivity: Ensure that all economic development decisions are based on transparent and objective data, reducing bias and building trust within the community and with stakeholders. Utilize Predictive Analytics: Employ predictive analytics to forecast market demand, economic impact, and financial health, helping to guide investment and development decisions with greater accuracy. Conduct Comprehensive Market Analyses: Regularly perform market analyses to identify industry demands, economic leakages, and financial health at a granular level, down to specific zip codes. Engage in Stakeholder Meetings: Actively participate in and facilitate stakeholder meetings to gather community input and ensure that development projects align with local needs and priorities. Support Data Sovereignty: Encourage communities to take ownership of their data, allowing for more accurate and relevant local economic models and better-informed decision-making processes. Implement Customizable Solutions: Offer customizable economic development solutions that can be tailored to the specific needs and priorities of different communities, whether they require detailed market studies or broad economic impact assessments. Foster Collaboration Across Jurisdictions: Promote intergovernmental and inter-jurisdictional collaboration to leverage shared resources and data, maximizing the impact of economic development initiatives. Invest in Workforce Development: Prioritize workforce development initiatives to ensure that local populations have the skills needed to support new and...

In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson interviews Greg Canfield, who currently serves as the Managing Director of Economic Development at Burr & Forman. Greg previously served 12 years as Secretary of Commerce for the state of Alabama. Their conversation covers Greg's career journey, and his take on the complexities of economic development. Greg shares how he transitioned from local politics, serving as the president of a city council, to becoming the head of Alabama’s Department of Commerce. He highlights the importance of building strong relationships, understanding the needs of businesses, and fostering an environment conducive to economic growth. Greg emphasizes the significance of adapting to changing circumstances, especially in the context of the global pandemic, which has forced many economic developers to rethink their strategies and approaches. The discussion also touches on the challenges Greg faced during his tenure, such as the global economic downturn, and how quick decision-making and consultation with influential figures helped him navigate these obstacles. Additionally, Greg provides insights into the future of economic development, stressing the need for resilience, digital infrastructure, and workforce development. Like this show? Please leave us a review here (https://econdevshow.com/rate-this-podcast/) — even one sentence helps! Additionally: The Econ Dev Show is made possible by our Econ Dev Pro members (join now (https://econdevshow.com/#/portal/account/plans)) and sponsors: join now (https://edo-iq.com/), join now (https://researchfdi.com/), join now (https://thepacegroup.com/), and join now (https://sitehunt.io/). (join now (https://econdevshow.com/annual-sponsorship/).). Special Guest: Greg Canfield.

In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson interviews Amber Tarrac, CEO of Founder Fuego. The discussion centered on the mission and activities of Founder Fuego, a company dedicated to empowering Spanish-speaking and diverse entrepreneurs with the tools, resources, and knowledge they need to succeed. Amber shared insights into her transition from nearly 20 years in the public sector in economic development and workforce development to launching Founder Fuego. The conversation highlighted Founder Fuego's innovative approach to inclusion and empowerment, focusing on their Founder Fuel newsletter, which offers weekly content with a unique Spanglish twist. This newsletter provides valuable information on funding opportunities, diverse founder stories, and essential business updates. Amber also discussed the importance of providing bilingual resources and workshops to better serve Spanish-speaking entrepreneurs, who often feel left out of traditional economic development ecosystems. By meeting these entrepreneurs where they are, both culturally and linguistically, Founder Fuego builds trust and credibility, fostering greater engagement and participation. Additionally, Amber emphasized the value of community and network building, leveraging social media platforms like LinkedIn to enhance visibility and connections. She shared her vision for expanding Founder Fuego's impact, starting with key regions like Miami and Southern California, and the significance of cultural inclusion in economic development. Amber's journey and the mission of Founder Fuego underscore the critical role of inclusive support in helping diverse entrepreneurs thrive, ultimately contributing to stronger and more resilient communities. Like this show? Please leave us a review here (https://econdevshow.com/rate-this-podcast/) — even one sentence helps! Additionally: The Econ Dev Show is made possible by our Econ Dev Pro members (join now (https://econdevshow.com/#/portal/account/plans)) and sponsors: join now (https://edo-iq.com/), join now (https://researchfdi.com/), join now (https://thepacegroup.com/), and join now (https://sitehunt.io/). (join now (https://econdevshow.com/annual-sponsorship/).). Special Guest: Amber Tarrac.

In this episode of the Econ Dev Show host Dane Carlson (https://www.linkedin.com/in/danecarlson/) interviewed Julianna Dodson (https://www.linkedin.com/in/julianna-dodson-25992094/), the Deputy Executive Director at the Hannah Grimes Center for Entrepreneurship (https://hannahgrimes.com) in Keene, New Hampshire, and the director of Radically Rural (https://radicallyrural.org). The discussion revolved around the origins and work of the Hannah Grime Center for Entrepreneurship, the national programming called Radically Rural, and their innovative approach to community development, including hosting conferences and events in unique locations to foster collaboration and innovation. The conversation also delved into the concept of reweaving social fabric and the importance of genuine connection and communication in communities. Julianna shared her background and how she got involved in this field, highlighting the impact and opportunities for learning and engagement through the programs offered by Radically Rural. Like this show? Please leave us a review here (https://econdevshow.com/rate-this-podcast/) — even one sentence helps! Special Guest: Julianna Dodson.

In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson interviews Rob Williams, director of SourceLink, a not-for-profit organization that collaborates with economic development agencies to promote entrepreneurial-led economic growth. Rob details SourceLink's origins in 2003 in Kansas City, Missouri, where it began as an initiative to better connect local entrepreneurs to resources, evolving into a significant player in fostering entrepreneurial ecosystems across the U.S. He discusses the early challenges of advocating for entrepreneurship in economic development, the importance of tailored community strategies, and practical steps communities can take to engage and support local entrepreneurs. Rob emphasizes the evolving understanding and importance of entrepreneurship in economic development, sharing insights from his extensive experience and the impact of SourceLink's work in various communities. Like this show? Please leave us a review here (https://econdevshow.com/rate-this-podcast/) — even one sentence helps! Special Guest: Rob Williams.

In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, host Dane Carlson engages with Ben Lamb, Vice President of Economic Development at 1Berkshire in Massachusetts, to unravel the synergistic blend of economic growth and tourism in the Berkshires. Ben illuminates the unique approach of integrating cultural and economic vibrancy within a rural context, underlining the strategic application of 'wraparound economic development.' This concept not only aims at job creation and business enhancement but also keenly addresses broader community needs, including housing and transit, thus fostering a holistic regional development. The discussion ventures into the evolving demographics and economic shifts in the Berkshires, emphasizing post-pandemic transformations and the region's increasing diversity. Ben underscores the significance of fostering connectivity and collaborative efforts across geographic and sectoral boundaries, positioning the Berkshires as a pivotal hub for innovation and cultural richness in the Northeast. This episode is a treasure trove of insights for economic developers and community strategists alike, offering profound lessons on leveraging adaptability, collaboration, and community-centric approaches to catalyze sustainable regional prosperity. Like this show? Please leave us a review here (https://econdevshow.com/rate-this-podcast/) — even one sentence helps! Special Guest: Ben Lamb.

In today's episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane dives into the resurgence of labor productivity growth in the US, marking an end to years of standstill. This isn't just economic jargon; it's about how these changes affect our daily lives, enhancing our overall quality of life. There's a compelling narrative unfolding, reminiscent of the productivity leaps we saw in the 1990s. Let's explore what this means for us today and uncover the parallels and lessons from that transformative era. Like this show? Please leave us a review here (https://econdevshow.com/rate-this-podcast/) — even one sentence helps!

Hey there! I know it's been a while since you've heard from me — I've been deep in the trenches working on something special. Let me introduce you to Sitehunt: it's my latest creation, designed with a pinch of AI magic to revolutionize how economic developers gather property data. It's more than just a tool; it's your new partner in making well-informed decisions and speeding up the whole site selection process, all to help you nail those RFI responses and get ahead in your projects. I made it with you in mind, hoping it'll make a big difference in your work. Excited to see what you think! Like this show? Please leave us a review here (https://econdevshow.com/rate-this-podcast/) — even one sentence helps!

In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, host Dane Carlson sits down with Adam Berk, co-author of "Startup Program Design," to explore the nuances of creating successful partnerships between startups and corporates. Berk delves into the challenges and opportunities in these collaborations, providing practical advice on how to design effective startup programs. His approach emphasizes the importance of mutual understanding, strategic alignment, and fostering an environment that encourages innovation and growth for both startups and established companies. Like this show? Please leave us a review here (https://econdevshow.com/rate-this-podcast/) — even one sentence helps! Special Guest: Adam Berk.

In this encore episode from 2022, Dane talks with Emily Blaylock, Senior Vice President and Chief Lending Officer for Northwest Bank about Tax Increment Financing (TIF). Northwest Bank & Trust Company is an entrepreneurial bank that has built an Economic Development Division to help developers and municipalities get projects done around the US. They utilize Tax Increment Financing incentives designated from the municipalities to give developers funds upfront. These funds can be used to provide gap equity, expansion of existing sites, investment in other projects, working capital needs, or tenant improvements. Currently, they have completed projects in 8 states and over $400 million in funding. Their team has over 100 years of combined education in economic development and banking to help structure these loans. Update: Since this episode originally aired, Emily is now the CEO of Untamed Equity (https://www.untamedequity.com/), a company dedicated to bridging the gap between development projects and the equity needed to complete them. Like this show? Please leave us a review here (https://econdevshow.com/rate-this-podcast/) — even one sentence helps! Special Guest: Emily Blaylock.

In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane talks with Nate Clayberg CEcD. Nate Clayberg's approach to education is all about getting students ready for a future job market, including careers that might not even exist yet. With his varied experience in fields like broadcasting, sports, and economic development, Clayberg sees the importance of changing the way education is delivered. He suggests moving away from the traditional classroom focus and instead, developing skills that are versatile and crucial for a wide range of future jobs. Clayberg emphasizes starting career exploration early. He believes in exposing students to a variety of job options, especially those in their local areas, to expand their understanding of possible career paths. This is vital in connecting what they learn in school to real-world scenarios. He advocates for an education that involves hands-on, project-based learning, where students work on actual problems faced by businesses. This method makes learning more relevant and interesting. A crucial aspect of Clayberg's idea is to bridge the gap between the education system and the evolving job market. He highlights the role of economic developers in bringing together schools and local businesses. This collaboration aims to create educational models that are in tune with both current and future job market requirements. It's about ensuring that the education system works closely with businesses and industry experts to make learning more dynamic and directly applicable to the workforce needs of tomorrow. Like this show? Please leave us a review here (https://econdevshow.com/rate-this-podcast/) — even one sentence helps! Special Guest: Nate Clayberg.

STARTedUP Foundation, founded by former teacher Don Wettrick, is reshaping the educational experience in Indiana by introducing students to entrepreneurship. This initiative provides a unique platform where students engage in real-world problem-solving, develop business ideas, and receive mentorship from industry experts. The foundation hosts annual competitions where students pitch their ideas, fostering a new generation of innovators who are equipped to tackle real-world challenges through creative solutions. Like this show? Please leave us a review here (https://econdevshow.com/rate-this-podcast/) — even one sentence helps! Special Guest: Don Wettrick.