Econ Dev Show Podcast - Economic Development

In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson sits down with Kathleen Coviello, Chief Economic Transformation Officer at the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, to explore how New Jersey is reshaping its economic future. Kathleen discusses the state’s targeted approach to building industries where it has a competitive edge—from film and digital media to life sciences, clean energy, and AI. She shares insights into innovative initiatives like film-ready certified towns, programs that turn company losses into cash, and the ambitious Evergreen Fund designed to attract venture capital and corporate engagement. Along the way, Kathleen highlights both the opportunities and challenges facing New Jersey, including housing affordability and talent retention, while also offering a candid look at her own journey from venture banking to two decades in public service. Like this show? Please leave us a review here (https://econdevshow.com/rate-this-podcast/) — even one sentence helps! Special Guest: Kathleen Coviello.

In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson sits down with Rich Garman, Director of Economic Development and Finance at the North Dakota Department of Commerce, to explore how North Dakota’s unique scale and culture enable fast, collaborative economic development. Rich highlights the benefits of a close-knit network where “everybody knows everybody,” the ability to push projects forward at breakneck speed, and the importance of trust and reputation in such a small state. Listeners will come away with insights into what makes North Dakota’s approach distinctive and how lessons from the state’s nimbleness can inspire economic developers everywhere. Like this show? Please leave us a review here (https://econdevshow.com/rate-this-podcast/) — even one sentence helps! Ten Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers Build tight relationships across agencies to speed project approvals. Use small-scale networks to your advantage: connect decision-makers quickly. Develop a reputation for trustworthiness--bad actors get noticed fast. Create systems where a single text or call can move a project forward. Prioritize collaboration over silos; success requires every stakeholder. Emphasize speed to prospective investors--it's a competitive advantage. Highlight cultural strengths (community-mindedness, shared goals) in pitches. Streamline processes wherever possible; eliminate "waiting on someone's desk." Recognize the risk of reputation spread--protect your credibility at all costs. Translate small-state agility lessons into big-state or regional contexts. Special Guest: Rich Garman.

In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson talks with Renee McKenney, Senior Vice President of Tourism for the Tulsa Regional Chamber and President of Tulsa Regional Tourism. Renee shares how Tulsa has leveraged its unique history, Route 66 heritage, and creative culture to attract visitors, residents, and businesses. From hosting major sporting events and revitalizing Black Wall Street to promoting film, music, and culinary scenes, Tulsa is redefining itself as a vibrant destination. Renee also explains how integrating tourism with economic development under the chamber umbrella creates a powerful synergy that fuels placemaking, business attraction, and civic pride Like this show? Please leave us a review here (https://econdevshow.com/rate-this-podcast/) — even one sentence helps! 10 Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers Integrate tourism and economic development--site selectors often experience your city first as visitors. Identify and elevate authentic community assets (history, culture, sports, etc.). Lean into storytelling; narratives like Route 66 or Black Wall Street resonate nationally. Invest in placemaking that surprises and delights both locals and visitors. Use large-scale events (sports, festivals, shows) as business attraction opportunities. Partner with creative industries--film, music, arts-- to build brand identity. Capitalize on civic pride to mobilize communities around unique initiatives. Focus on accessibility and vibe--livability drives both talent and business attraction. Treat tourism as "importing money and exporting experiences." Always be ready for your "prime time"--community investments build toward big moments like centennials, championships, or global events. Special Guest: Renee McKenney.

In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson sits down with Lakey Boyd, Chief Economic Officer at the Greater Baltimore Committee, to explore the unique strengths and opportunities of the Baltimore region. From its historical assets and waterfront livability to the challenges of shifting national perceptions, Lakey shares insights on regional collaboration, economic drivers, and how Greater Baltimore is positioning itself for future growth. (Sorry about my audio quality. Don't worry: Lakey's is great.) Like this show? Please leave us a review here (https://econdevshow.com/rate-this-podcast/) — even one sentence helps! 10 Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers Always frame your community as part of a region — economies rarely stop at city borders. Address negative perceptions head-on with facts, data, and compelling stories. Highlight unique local assets (e.g., universities, hospitals, waterfronts) as differentiators. Showcase livability alongside business opportunities to attract both companies and talent. Balance historical identity with forward-looking strategies. Leverage anchor institutions like universities and hospitals to drive innovation and growth. Collaborate across counties and municipalities to present a united economic front. Market regional resilience — especially in industries that thrive locally. Invest in workforce pipelines that connect local talent with growing industries. Don’t let outsiders define your community’s brand — own your narrative. Special Guest: Lakey Boyd.

In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, host Dane Carlson talks with Stacie LoVan, Senior Vice President of Economic Development at the Greater Des Moines Partnership, about the transformative power of collaboration in economic development. Stacie shares how Greater Des Moines has built a culture of regional cooperation, implemented workforce and quality-of-life initiatives, and set bold goals for 2025. Their conversation highlights best practices that other communities can adopt, from aligning diverse stakeholders to creating momentum through shared vision. Whether you’re a veteran practitioner or new to the field, this episode offers actionable strategies for strengthening your own community through collaboration. Like this show? Please leave us a review here (https://econdevshow.com/rate-this-podcast/) — even one sentence helps! 10 Actionable Takeaways For Economic Developers Prioritize collaboration over competition: regional growth accelerates when communities work together instead of against one another. Define a clear, shared vision: goals like Greater Des Moines' 2025 plan keep stakeholders aligned and motivated. Leverage workforce initiatives as anchors: workforce preparedness is often the deciding factor for business attraction and retention. Balance quality-of-life improvements with economic strategies: housing, amenities, and placemaking are as critical as incentives. Build a culture of trust among partners: successful collaboration depends on consistent communication and reliability. Celebrate small wins: incremental progress builds credibility and keeps stakeholders engaged in long-term efforts. Engage the private sector early: businesses can provide funding, advocacy, and momentum for regional initiatives. Invest in regional branding: a unified message makes a region more competitive nationally and globally. Be adaptable to change: collaboration requires flexibility when balancing the needs of multiple stakeholders. Apply DSM's model to your community: while every region is unique, the principles of shared vision, trust, and collaboration can be replicated anywhere. Special Guest: Stacie Lovan.

In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson sits down with John Lynn, co-founder and managing partner of Quay Acceleration, to explore how public-sector-backed accelerators are reshaping the entrepreneurial landscape. They discuss the shift from private, investor-focused models to community-centered programs funded by economic development organizations, the unique benefits these accelerators provide to entrepreneurs, and how communities can measure success beyond ROI. John shares real-world examples, including a retail storefront accelerator in Manhattan, insights into evolving capital markets, and his vision for the future of entrepreneurship in an ever-changing economy. Like this show? Please leave us a review here (https://econdevshow.com/rate-this-podcast/) — even one sentence helps! Ten actionable takeaways for economic developers Define success metrics for accelerators that align with community priorities, not just investor ROI. Focus on retention of high-revenue companies as a key measure of long-term impact. Pair accelerator participants with experienced mentors from relevant industries. Use accelerators to address specific local economic challenges, such as high retail vacancy rates. Integrate accelerators into broader multi-tiered economic development strategies. Ensure program content is field-informed and reflects the latest industry practices. Leverage public visibility to attract community engagement and media coverage. Conduct feasibility studies before launching to ensure sustainability and fit. Expand success metrics to include job creation, revenue generation, and brand recognition. Build relationships with global networks to bring investment and expertise into local programs. Special Guest: John Lynn.

In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, host Dane Carlson interviews Andrew Miller, a multi-faceted leader who serves as CEO of both the United Way of Skagit County and Tupe Valley Farms, as well as commissioner at Skagit PUD. Miller shares his unique journey from working at major tech companies like Amazon and Expedia to returning home to Skagit County as an economic developer, only to eventually become the entrepreneur he had been encouraging others to be. The conversation explores the challenges economic developers face when advocating for entrepreneurship and innovation, the resistance to change in established systems, and Miller's decision to "walk the walk" by purchasing a farm business when others wouldn't take the leap. Ten Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers Look for gaps in existing industries where innovation can create new business models (like adding U-pick to traditional tulip festivals) Study successful elements from adjacent industries and adapt them to your community's assets Create bridges between urban and rural communities through experiential tourism Focus on finding and selling what's remarkable about your community to people willing to pay for it Combine unexpected elements (like Scottish Highland cows with tulips) to create unique attractions Make agriculture and rural life accessible to urban neighbors who lack farming connections Consider compound risks when developing agritourism ventures (weather for growing AND weather for visitors) Use personal availability and storytelling to create authentic connections with visitors Help passionate people in your community turn their interests into viable businesses Remember that credentials matter less than passion and willingness to learn in entrepreneurship Special Guest: Andrew Miller.

In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, host Dane Carlson welcomes back Ilana Preuss, founder and CEO of Recast City, for a follow-up conversation four years after her initial appearance on the show. Preuss shares insights on how economic development has evolved and discusses her methodology for helping communities identify and support small-scale manufacturing businesses. The conversation explores how economic developers can create meaningful change with relatively modest investments by focusing on local assets, engaging directly with community members and business owners, and implementing targeted strategies that respond to actual community needs rather than pursuing expensive business recruitment projects. Like this show? Please leave us a review here (https://econdevshow.com/rate-this-podcast/) — even one sentence helps! Ten Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers Engage directly with small-scale manufacturing business owners to understand their specific needs and challenges before creating programs. Focus on modest, targeted investments ($10K-$20K) rather than expensive business recruitment projects that may not address community needs. Identify and leverage existing local assets and manufacturing businesses already present in your community. Meet with property owners to understand real estate availability and constraints for small manufacturing businesses. Analyze community feedback to prioritize actions that will create the biggest impact based on local goals and beneficiaries. Create short-term wins that build momentum toward longer-term, more complex development projects. Thread the line between community assets, needs, and goals to develop effective priority strategies. Focus on de-risking economic development investments by ensuring projects respond to actual community needs. Build "sticky" communities by creating places where interesting commercial activity takes place and people want to be. Use systematic methods to gather information from stakeholders and translate that into actionable development strategies. Special Guest: Ilana Preuss.

In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson sits down with Jason El Koubi, President and CEO of the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, to explore the intersection of analytical thinking and economic development leadership. Jason discusses how his engineering background shapes his systems-thinking approach to economic development, the value of hiring talent from competitive states like Georgia, North Carolina, and Ohio, and the importance of continuous learning in the profession. He emphasizes the critical role of passion, ethics, and effective communication in economic development work, while sharing insights from his recent 360-degree evaluation and his commitment to ensuring positive economic growth across all regions of Virginia. Like this show? Please leave us a review here (https://econdevshow.com/rate-this-podcast/) — even one sentence helps! Special Guest: Jason El Koubi.

In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, host Dane Carlson speaks with Shani Coleman, Director of Community and Economic Development for Clark County, Nevada, about the economic transformation happening beyond the famous Las Vegas Strip. Coleman shares insights into how professional sports teams, including the Raiders, Golden Knights, and upcoming MLB team, are driving a new sports innovation economy. She discusses the county's five-year-old economic development department, their focus on small business support, the challenges of federal land ownership, and how California's regulatory environment is driving business migration to Nevada. The conversation covers everything from hotel rooms of the future at Harry Reid Tech Park to plans for advanced manufacturing in areas near the proposed second airport. Like this show? Please leave us a review here (https://econdevshow.com/rate-this-podcast/) — even one sentence helps! Ten Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers Lean into your existing assets - Don't shy away from what makes your community unique; figure out how to leverage those assets for economic development advantage. Build comprehensive small business support programs - Create virtual platforms and technical assistance programs that help small businesses understand public contracting opportunities and build resilience. Develop specialized innovation districts - Designate physical locations with boots-on-the-ground support to create environments where entrepreneurs and innovative businesses can thrive. Create business-friendly digital tools - Develop project estimators and online resources that help businesses understand licensing, permitting, and operational costs upfront. Focus on business retention and expansion - Don't just recruit new businesses; actively support existing businesses in growing and hiring more employees. Build venture capital ecosystems - Work with organizations that support both entrepreneurs seeking funding and individuals wanting to become venture capitalists. Capitalize on proximity advantages - Use geographic location and transportation access as selling points for logistics and distribution opportunities. Plan for future land development - Engage in master planning activities even when land ownership is complicated to be ready when opportunities arise. Diversify beyond traditional industries - Look for ways emerging sectors (like sports innovation) can create new economic opportunities in your community. Network strategically and tell your story - Use podcasts, conferences, and digital platforms to communicate your community's business opportunities to site selectors and potential investors. Special Guest: Shani Coleman.

In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, host Dane Carlson sits down with Kevin Crowder, author of "Red Tape Empire" and publisher of Street Economics Daily, to explore the intersection of fiction and reality in economic development. Crowder shares the inspiration behind his novel, which tells the story of a woman returning to revitalize her family business while battling bureaucratic obstacles, a narrative rooted in his real experiences working in Miami Beach development. The conversation delves into pivotal moments like the 1986 Calvin Klein campaign that transformed South Beach from European catalog shoots to a celebrity fashion destination, illustrating how strategic exposure can unlock a city's hidden potential. Crowder emphasizes the ongoing challenges economic developers face, from navigating red tape to managing the tension between preserving the status quo and embracing transformative change. Like this show? Please leave us a review here (https://econdevshow.com/rate-this-podcast/) — even one sentence helps! Ten Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers Identify your community's hidden assets that could attract new audiences if properly exposed Use storytelling and fiction to process and share complex development experiences in relatable ways Look for strategic partnerships with creative industries (fashion, film, media) to showcase your location Document and learn from pivotal moments that transformed other communities for replication strategies Develop the political will and stakeholder buy-in necessary to move beyond status quo thinking Anticipate and plan for resistance from established interests when proposing transformative changes Focus on "exposure" opportunities that can shift perceptions and attract new investment Build relationships with entrepreneurs who can see potential where others see problems Create accessible content (newsletters, social media) to share development insights with broader audiences Recognize that successful economic development requires both strategic vision and the force of will to execute despite obstacles Special Guest: Kevin Crowder.

In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson sits down with April Mason, president and founder of Violet PR, a boutique public relations agency specializing in economic development. April explains the difference between earned and paid media, sharing how editorial coverage can be worth five to seven times more valuable than advertising because of its inherent credibility. The conversation covers newsjacking techniques, where PR professionals quickly tie current news events to their clients' stories, and explores how economic development PR differs from consumer-focused campaigns by focusing on business trends, tax incentives, and workforce development rather than lifestyle content. Like this show? Please leave us a review here (https://econdevshow.com/rate-this-podcast/) — even one sentence helps! Ten Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers Monitor news headlines daily and hold weekly team meetings to identify PR opportunities Focus on earning editorial coverage rather than paying for advertisements for 5-7x better credibility Develop a newsjacking strategy to quickly tie breaking news to your organization's strengths Pitch thought leadership articles to trade publications in your industry Create redundant systems or unique selling points that can become newsworthy angles Build relationships with journalists who cover economic development and business topics Develop spokespeople who can provide expert commentary on industry trends Differentiate your PR approach from consumer marketing by focusing on business fundamentals Leverage client successes and unique infrastructure as story angles Maintain a proactive media relations strategy rather than waiting for news to happen Special Guest: April Mason.

In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson interviews Sophia Zheng, Founder and CEO of Bludot Technologies, a startup initially incubated through a unique collaboration with a city’s economic development department. Sophia explains how Bludot’s innovative platform helps more than 150 communities across the U.S. and Canada retain and expand local businesses through advanced data analytics and digital incentives. She dives into the successful Open Rewards program, a community-wide shop-local initiative, and explores how technologies like AI could further enhance business retention and expansion strategies. Sophia also highlights Bludot’s achievements, including recognition in Govtech 100 and AWS GovtechStart, as well as USDA NIFA grants for supporting rural economic development. Like this show? Please leave us a review here (https://econdevshow.com/rate-this-podcast/) — even one sentence helps! Ten Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers Consider launching digital reward programs to incentivize local spending. Centralize your local business data for effective business retention strategies. Leverage consumer data to tailor shop-local campaigns to specific areas or seasons. Minimize barriers for businesses to participate in city-sponsored programs. Regularly evaluate and track consumer behaviors to measure the impact of your initiatives. Use qualitative consumer feedback to validate program effectiveness. Collaborate with local chambers, business districts, and main streets for increased program reach. Explore targeted incentives to revitalize specific economic zones. Integrate technology-driven solutions to streamline business support and retention processes. Continuously innovate engagement tactics to keep consumers excited and actively shopping locally. Special Guest: Sophia Zheng.

In this episode of the Econ Dev Show (a replay from EDO Breakthrough Podcast episode #10 (https://edobreakthrough.buzzsprout.com/2360993/episodes/16158566-e10-expediting-the-rfi-process-with-dane-carlson)), Sandy Dubay interviews Dane Carlson about his entrepreneurial journey in economic development. Dane shares the deeply personal story behind starting his podcast during COVID while his son underwent cancer treatment, his initial nervousness about hearing his own voice, and his strategy of cold-contacting newly certified economic developers for guests. The conversation explores the challenges economic developers face with changing leadership and boards, before diving into Dane's innovative solution: Sitehunt, (https://sitehunt.io) an AI-powered platform that transforms how economic developers respond to RFIs by automatically matching community assets with project requirements and generating detailed responses in minutes rather than days. Like this show? Please leave us a review here (https://econdevshow.com/rate-this-podcast/) — even one sentence helps! Special Guest: Sandy Dubay.

In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, host Dane Carlson sits down with Tom Kucharski, President and CEO of Invest Buffalo Niagara, who has led the organization's transformation efforts for 25 years. Kucharski shares how Buffalo evolved from being the 8th largest U.S. city in 1960 to experiencing devastating industrial decline, and then orchestrating a remarkable comeback that includes the first population growth in decades. He discusses the region's competitive advantages including clean hydroelectric power from Niagara Falls, the 43 North business plan competition (the largest in the country with $1 million prizes), and securing the nation's only semiconductor tech hub designation. The conversation covers Buffalo's evolution into a hub for manufacturing, life sciences, and technology, while addressing new challenges like housing shortages that come with rapid growth and success. Like this show? Please leave us a review here (https://econdevshow.com/rate-this-podcast/) — even one sentence helps! Special Guest: Tom Kucharski.

In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson sits down with Barry Broom, President and CEO of the Greater Sacramento Economic Council. Dane and Barry explore Sacramento's remarkable economic transformation. Barry highlights how Sacramento has leveraged its strategic location 72 miles east of San Francisco to become one of America's premier second-tier markets, emerging as a semiconductor hub while diversifying into clean tech and agricultural research sectors. Throughout the conversation, Barry shares his data-driven approach to economic development, his passion for working with underdog cities, and the challenges he overcame to build community trust and create a thriving economic ecosystem in California's capital region. Barry shares insights on economic development, leadership, and the importance of data-driven decisions in driving regional growth. The episode also covers his personal background, emphasizing Barry's passion for economic development in underdog cities and his experiences in navigating and overcoming initial challenges to build a thriving community. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 01:20 Discovering Sacramento 02:40 Sacramento's Economic Growth 04:40 Semiconductor Hub Vision 09:44 Infrastructure and Utilities 11:41 Target Sectors Beyond Semiconductors 14:08 Barry Broom's Journey 21:16 Challenges and Achievements 25:20 Building a Strong Board 29:05 Barry's Background and Philosophy 34:55 Conclusion and Contact Information Ten Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers Leverage your geographic proximity to major economic centers; Sacramento's 72-mile distance from San Francisco became a strategic advantage rather than a limitation. Diversify your economic base beyond traditional anchors; Sacramento moved beyond government dependence to semiconductors, clean tech, and agricultural research. Position your community as a second-tier market alternative to expensive primary markets, offering similar talent and infrastructure at better cost basis. Use data-driven decision making to guide your economic development strategy and demonstrate measurable results to stakeholders. Build strong board governance early; invest time in assembling committed leaders who can provide stability and strategic direction. Target emerging sectors where your region has natural advantages; Sacramento capitalized on its research universities and proximity to Silicon Valley for semiconductor development. Develop compelling narratives around your community's diversity and quality of life as competitive advantages for business attraction. Address infrastructure and utilities proactively as foundational elements for sector-specific development strategies. Embrace your role as an "underdog city champion"; sometimes the most rewarding opportunities are in communities others overlook. Focus on long-term relationship building and community trust, understanding that transformational economic development takes years to achieve and sustain. Special Guest: Barry Broome.

In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, host Dane Carlson interviews Jonathan Knecht, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Creative Services at the Kansas City Area Development Council, who reveals how his team markets the greater Kansas City region to attract business investment and talent. Jonathan, a self-described "refugee from advertising" who's been with the organization for 21 years, discusses their collaborative approach to regional branding centered around the iconic KC Heart logo, their focus on key industry sectors like digital health and sports architecture, and how Kansas City's central location, affordability, and quality of life create competitive advantages. He also shares insights on building consensus across state lines and how their in-house creative agency supports economic development efforts throughout the region. Like this show? Please leave us a review here (https://econdevshow.com/rate-this-podcast/) — even one sentence helps! Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers Consider adopting organically popular community symbols rather than creating new brands from scratch to ensure authenticity and community buy-in. Build collaborative relationships across political boundaries to present a unified front when pursuing major projects and investments. Leverage your region's unique industry clusters (like KC's sports architecture) to create compelling specialization stories for targeted marketing. Create an in-house creative agency to support marketing needs across your region, especially for partners with limited budgets. Develop talent attraction initiatives like KC's "Team KC" that connect employers and equip them with shared marketing resources. Create specialized content for different audiences, such as belonging guides for various cultural communities, to support talent recruitment efforts. Focus on tracking meaningful metrics tied to actual business attraction and expansion results rather than just marketing activities. Identify and promote quality of life advantages such as central location, cost of living, and cultural amenities as competitive differentiators. Establish sector-specific initiatives (like KC's Digital Health and Animal Health Corridor) to target industries where your region has competitive advantages. End counter-productive incentive competitions between neighboring communities to better focus resources on attracting new businesses to the region. Special Guest: Jonathan Knecht.

In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, host Dane Carlson speaks with Deb Brown, co-founder of Save Your Town and author of "From Possibilities to Reality: How to Save Your Small Town." They discuss Brown's workbook-style approach to small town economic development, sharing practical examples of community revitalization, including movie theater revitalization as an economic driver. Brown offers insights on addressing resistance to change by exploring what people truly valued about their towns in the past, and provides actionable strategies for community members who want to make a difference in their small towns. Like this show? Please leave us a review here (https://econdevshow.com/rate-this-podcast/) — even one sentence helps! Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers Implement the "idea friendly method" to bypass traditional committee bureaucracy and mobilize community-driven economic development projects. Organize "Tour of Empty Buildings" events to showcase vacant commercial spaces and connect potential business owners with available properties. Focus on attracting and supporting local businesses to expand into empty downtown spaces rather than solely pursuing large outside employers. Create accessible maps and resources that showcase available commercial properties to potential investors and entrepreneurs. Engage residents outside the "usual suspects" (city officials, chamber members) by hosting informal idea-gathering sessions at local coffee shops or breweries. When communities resist change, dig into what they specifically valued about the past to identify the core needs that modern solutions can address. Develop sustainable business models for community assets (like movie theaters) that create real employment rather than relying exclusively on volunteers. Establish clear pathways from idea generation to implementation that don't require formal committee formation or extensive bureaucratic processes. Prioritize filling downtown vacancies with businesses that serve current community needs while preserving historical character. Leverage success stories from similar small towns as proof-of-concept examples when pitching new development ideas to stakeholders and building owners. Special Guest: Deb Brown.

In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, host Dane Carlson speaks with Aaron Pitts, Chief Commercial Officer for Business PA, who shares how Pennsylvania is revitalizing its economic development approach under Governor Shapiro's administration. Aaron explains the creation of Business PA, a dedicated unit within the Department of Community and Economic Development focused exclusively on building and maintaining business relationships. He details Pennsylvania's strategic advantages as a founding state with major cities, rural areas, and world-class educational institutions like UPenn and Carnegie Mellon, while highlighting their focus on five key sectors: life sciences, manufacturing, energy, AI/tech, and business services. Listeners learn about Pennsylvania's impressive $500 million investment in site development, streamlined permitting processes that reduced business license waits from eight weeks to two days, and how Pittsburgh has emerged as a global AI leader with companies like Google, Nvidia, and Duolingo. Aaron also shares insights from his previous experience helping create JobsOhio and explains why leaving corporate America for economic development has been so personally fulfilling. Like this show? Please leave us a review here (https://econdevshow.com/rate-this-podcast/) — even one sentence helps! Ten Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers Create dedicated units focused solely on business relationships within your economic development organization to ensure businesses receive specialized attention. Invest significantly in site readiness programs with dedicated funding to create shovel-ready locations that can immediately accommodate business relocations. Implement a concierge service for permitting to help businesses navigate regulatory processes more efficiently and combat negative perceptions about permitting complexity. Identify and focus on 4-5 key sectors where your region has competitive advantages rather than trying to be everything to everyone. Build regional partnerships with clear roles and responsibilities for business retention, expansion and attraction activities to present a unified front to prospective companies. Bring corporate experience into economic development leadership to better understand and speak the language of business executives. Develop a strategy that balances care for incumbent businesses while positioning your region to attract cutting-edge industries. Create a disciplined financial model to evaluate incentive offers that ensures both the business and the region benefit from each deal. Leverage educational institutions as key partners in workforce development and innovation to create distinct advantages in specific sectors. Foster an attitudinal shift within economic development organizations from reactive to proactive engagement with businesses to demonstrate that you genuinely care about their success. Special Guest: Aaron Pitts.

In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, host Dane Carlson sits down with Victor Hoskins, President and CEO of Fairfax County Economic Development Authority, who oversees Virginia's largest economy and leads a team that has secured approximately $3 billion in capital investment. Victor shares insights from his unique career spanning both public and private sectors, including his instrumental role in securing Amazon HQ2 during his time at Arlington Economic Development. With candid reflections on his education at MIT, experience in private equity, and passion for creating economic opportunity, Victor reveals his philosophy that has helped companies create over 38,000 jobs in Fairfax County – a place he describes as "where companies come to dent the universe." Like this show? Please leave us a review here (https://econdevshow.com/rate-this-podcast/) — even one sentence helps! Special Guest: Victor Hoskins.