Econ Dev Show Podcast - Economic Development
The Econ Dev Show Podcast is hosted by Dane Carlson and focuses on economic development. It features conversations with economic development professionals about their successes and struggles. Guests include attraction and retention experts who share actionable strategies for economic development organizations. The show aims to help organizations, communities, and careers improve. Episodes provide insights into the strategies and ideas shaping the future of economic development.
Episodes
238: How Ponca City Turned Housing Into Economic Development with Lori Henderson
In this episode of the Econ Dev Show Dane Carlson talks with Lori Henderson, executive director of the Ponca City Development Authority, about what economic development looks like in a rural manufacturing community where workforce, housing, childcare, and quality of life are all connected.
Lori explains how Ponca City expanded beyond traditional business retention and expansion to tackl
237: What a Military Interrogator Can Teach Economic Developers with Dan Kiger
In this unique episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson talks with Dan Kiger, founder and principal advisor at VerumLegend, about why a meeting that feels productive can still leave you without the answers you need.
Drawing on more than 20 years in the defense intelligence community, including time as a military interrogator, Dan makes the case for clarity over agreement and curiosity
236: Stop Treating Entrepreneurship Like a Side Project with Peter McGee
In this episode of the Econ Dev Show Dane Carlson talks with Peter McGee about why entrepreneurship support is often included in economic development plans but rarely given the same strategic attention as attraction, retention, and infrastructure.
Peter explains how better entrepreneurship programs can help communities connect residents to economic development, support business owners w
235: Site Selection Doesn't Start With the Site with Thane Hutcheson
In this episode of the Econ Dev Show Dane talks with Thane Hutcheson about what site selection looks like from the company side of the table, beginning with why the process often starts with markets, labor, supply chains, and operating conditions rather than a specific piece of dirt.
Thane explains how companies narrow their choices, why falling in love with a community or site too earl
234: Why Rural Communities Need More Than Grant Money with Amy Renner
In this episode of the Econ Dev Show Dane Carlson talks with Amy Renner, Community Development Senior Program Manager for the Rural Community Assistance Partnership (RCAP), about what rural communities really need to move economic development projects forward.
Drawing on her experience as the former mayor of a 1,000-person Appalachian community and her current work providing technical a
233: Infrastructure, Trust, and the Future of Economic Development with Will Williams
In this episode of the Econ Dev Show Dane Carlson talks with Will Williams, president and CEO of the Western South Carolina Economic Development Partnership, about how economic development has changed over his career: from paper RFIs and long project timelines to massive capital investments, compressed decisions, and new infrastructure demands.
They dig into Western South Carolina’s eff
232: Stop Marketing Your Community Like Everywhere Else with Bethany Quinn
In this episode of the Econ Dev Show Bethany Quinn, president of Golden Shovel Agency, explains why communities that punch above their weight concentrate their resources on one or two genuine strengths.
She and Dane discuss how specificity makes communities memorable, why economic development marketing must address local stakeholders as well as outside prospects, and how disconnected ma
231: Speed Wins in Economic Development with Mike Swesey
In this episode of the Econ Dev Show Dane Carlson talks with Mike Swesey, president and CEO of the St. Petersburg Area Economic Development Corporation, about how St. Pete has worked to become known as a business destination as well as a place with beaches, culture, and quality of life.
Mike shares lessons from recruiting companies from markets like New York and Europe, explains why res
230: No Is Never the Final Answer: Creative Retention Strategies with Andrew Sloss
In this episode of the Econ Dev Show Andrew Sloss discusses his transition to independent consulting and the lessons he has learned from nearly two decades in site selection and incentive negotiations. He explains why an initial “no” from a community may reflect a misunderstanding, a lack of available tools, or simply bad timing, and how better communication and persistence can create new
229: How Monterey Bay Became an Advanced Air Mobility Hub with Lavera Alexander
In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson talks with Lavera Alexander about how the Monterey Bay region is positioning itself at the forefront of advanced air mobility.
Lavera explains how four public-use airports, aircraft manufacturers, research institutions, workforce partners, and community leaders are being brought together into a coordinated flight network designed to acc
228: Capital Is Not the Bottleneck with Liz Maxwell
In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson talks with Liz Maxwell, chief of staff at the Idea Village, about how communities can support high-growth startups as part of a broader economic development strategy.
Liz explains what accelerators actually do, how they differ from incubators and traditional small-business programs, and why capital is often not the real bottleneck for e
227: Never Underestimate the Power of Ceremony with Melissa James
In this episode of the Econ Dev Show Dane Carlson talks with Melissa James, founding president and CEO of REACH Central Coast, about building a regional economic development organization amid the anticipated closure of Diablo Canyon, persistent affordability challenges, and a fragmented approach to growth.
Melissa explains how the Central Coast organized around its distinctive assets in
226: Economic Development Is a Relationship Game with Damian Denmark
In this episode of the Econ Dev Show Dane Carlson talks with Damian Denmark, economic development director for the City of Yukon, Oklahoma, about what it looks like to build an economic development department in a fast-growing suburban community northwest of Oklahoma City.
Damian shares how his move to Liberal, Kansas changed the way he thinks about community, belonging, and the people-
225: Detroit Beyond the Comeback with Kevin Johnson
In this episode Dane talks with Kevin Johnson, president and CEO of the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation, about Detroit’s current economic momentum and what other communities can learn from it.
Kevin explains why “comeback city” no longer fully captures Detroit’s story, how technology, manufacturing, real estate, sports, tourism, and earned media are reshaping the city’s market posit
224: Building Trust Before Building Buildings with Janae Stark
In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane talks with Janae Stark about the Community Economic Revitalization Board’s “right project, right time” approach to rural economic development, from planning and project development to infrastructure financing, construction timelines, and what happens when projects go sideways.
Janae shares how CERB works with communities and federally recognize
223: The Power of Powerlessness with Michael Hecht
In this episode of the Econ Dev Show Dane Carlson talks with Michael Hecht, CEO of Greater New Orleans Inc., about the deeper economic story behind a region best known for food, music, culture, and Mardi Gras.
Michael explains how New Orleans’ economy is rooted in maritime, energy, defense, aerospace, and industrial innovation, and why long-term recovery after major disruption requires
222: How Energy Is Changing Site Selection with Anna Cardona
In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane talks with Anna Cardona, an economic development consultant with Wolves Development Group, about her path from architecture and design into economic development, her move from public and public-private work into the private sector, and the growing role of energy infrastructure in getting major projects across the finish line.
Anna explains how p
221: Music as Economic Development with Matt Mandrella
In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson talks with Matt Mandrella, Music Officer for the City of Huntsville, Alabama, about what it means for a city government to take music seriously as an economic development strategy.
Matt explains how Huntsville’s music audit led to intentional investments in venues, programming, artist development, tourism, and workforce attraction, inclu
220: The Hidden Cost of Becoming Cool with Jon Roberts
In this episode Dane Carlson talks with Jon Roberts of TIP Strategies about his new book, The Cost of Cool: Austin's Tech Growth and the People Left Behind, and what Austin’s rise can teach economic developers everywhere.
They discuss how Austin became a tech and talent magnet, why that growth created real pressure around equity, housing, and displacement, and whether tech growth inevit
219: The Economic Development Handbook We All Needed with Glenn Athey
In this episode of the Econ Dev Show Dane Carlson talks with Dr. Glenn Athey, author of The Local and Regional Economic Development Handbook, about what economic developers actually need to know to move from strategy to delivery.
Glenn shares how growing up in northeast England during de-industrialization shaped his interest in regional economic development, why he wrote the book he wis
218: What Site Selectors Wish Economic Developers Understood with Mark Williams
In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson talks with Mark Williams, founder of Strategic Development Group and author of Corporate Site Selection and Economic Development: A 35 Year Perspective, about what really happens behind the scenes in site selection.
Mark shares lessons from working in state government, building a consulting firm, advising corporate clients, and writing
Why Economic Development Fundraising Matters More Than Ever with Brian Abernathy and Clint Nessmith
In this episode of the Econ Dev Show Podcast, Dane Carlson talks with Brian Abernathy of Convergent and Clint Nessmith of Resource Development Group, now RDG, a Convergent Company, about the merger of two major economic development fundraising firms and what it means for chambers, EDOs, and community organizations.
They discuss why economic development fundraising is becoming more criti
216: Economic Development Isn’t What It Used to Be with Teresa Nortillo
In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson talks with Teresa Nortillo, President of Eco Devo 360, about how economic development has evolved from a deal-focused discipline into a complex, ecosystem-driven practice. They explore how energy constraints, workforce skill gaps, and the need for rapid RFI responses are reshaping site selection, along with the growing importance of child
215: How Oklahoma City Turned Voter Investment Into Real Growth with Christy Gillenwater
In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson talks with Christy Gillenwater, President and CEO of the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber, about how Oklahoma City has built sustained economic momentum through its unique MAPS program, a voter-approved, pay-as-you-go funding model for transformational community investments.
Christy explains how decades of strategic spending on quality of
214: The Bermuda Triangle of Economic Development with David Parker
In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson talks with David Parker of the Bermuda Business Development Agency about how a small island became a global powerhouse in reinsurance and is now strategically diversifying its economy.
David explains Bermuda’s unique “triangle” of government, regulator, and private sector alignment, the role of regulatory innovation like sandboxes, and
213: How a Town of 30,000 Competes (and Wins) in Economic Development with Tim Hanigan
In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson talks with Tim Hanigan, CEO of the Aberdeen Development Corporation in Aberdeen, South Dakota, about how a rural community of 30,000 punches above its weight in economic development.
Tim explains how Aberdeen leverages entrepreneurship, regional workforce draw, and value-added agriculture to build one of the most diverse micropolitan ec
212: How Incentives Really Influence Site Selection with Taylor Stepp
In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson talks with Taylor Stepp, Founder and President of Strategic Development Partners, about the real role incentives play in economic development deals.
Drawing on experience working with corporations and communities across the country, Taylor explains how incentives influence project internal rate of return, why applicability and customiza
211: How Video is Changing Economic Development Marketing with Lyndsay Wisneski
In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson talks with Lyndsay Wisneski, Chief Marketing Officer of the Greater Yuma Economic Development Corporation, about how storytelling and modern marketing strategies can transform economic development. Lyndsay shares how Yuma built a powerful regional brand through industry-focused mini-documentaries, digital advertising campaigns, and a coor
210: Turning a Military Base into a Manufacturing Engine with Eric Voyles
In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson talks with Eric Voyles, Executive Vice President and Chief Economic Development Officer for TexAmericas Center, about how a former 8,900-acre military installation became one of the most innovative redevelopment authorities in the country. Eric explains how eliminating public review delays, investing millions in environmental cleanup, con
209: Building a Cross-Border Economic Engine with Heath Vescovi-Chiordi
In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson sits down with Heath Vescovi-Chiordi, Director of Economic Development for Pima County, Arizona, to explore how one of the largest counties in the country balances rural biodiversity, cross-border trade with Mexico, aerospace and optics clusters, semiconductor workforce development, and even controversial data center projects.
Heath sha
208: What Rural Economic Development in Nebraska Really Looks Like in 2026 with Lisa Hurley
In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson sits down with Lisa Hurley, Executive Director of the York County Development Corporation in Nebraska, to talk about what modern rural economic development actually looks like on the ground.
Lisa shares how York County leverages its logistics position, diversified employers, and growing civic pride while navigating workforce shortages,
207: Speed to Market as an Incentive with Ellie Reynolds
In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson sits down with Ellie Reynolds, President and CEO of the Douglas County Economic Development Corporation, to unpack how one of Colorado’s fastest-growing counties balances quality of life, infrastructure investment, regulatory realities, and speed-to-market.
Ellie shares how Douglas County positions itself along the Front Range, why shov
206: The Fifth Season of Economic Development with Juliet Abdel
In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson sits down with Juliet Abdel, President and CEO of the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance, to talk about building a regionally focused, globally minded economic development organization.
Drawing on Cedar Rapids' "fifth season" advantage (time, accessibility, and quality of life) Juliet shares how the region leverages industry clusters,
205: No Product, No Project in Central Texas with Mike Kamerlander
In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, host Dane Carlson sits down with Mike Kamerlander, President and CEO of the Hays Caldwell Economic Development Partnership, to discuss what economic development looks like inside one of the fastest-growing regions in Texas.
Drawing from HCEDP’s recent Economic Outlook Event, the conversation explores why Central Texas continues to attract companies,
204: From Company Town to Community Vision with Jessica Huble
In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson sits down with Jessica Huble, Assistant Director of Redevelopment for the City of Sugar Land, Texas, to explore how a landlocked, master-planned suburb is rethinking growth, housing, and economic sustainability. The conversation dives into Sugar Land’s unique history as a company town built around Imperial Sugar, the creation of a dedicat
203: Transit as Economic Development Strategy with Joya Stetson
In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, host Dane Carlson talks with Joya Stetson, Community Development Director at the Minnesota Valley Transit Authority (MVTA), about how transit directly shapes workforce access, development costs, and long-term community competitiveness.
Joya unpacks “first mile/last mile” barriers and how tools like microtransit and service tweaks can turn missed con
202: How Community Colleges Power Statewide Economic Development with John Loyack
In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, host Dane Carlson sits down with John Loyack of the North Carolina Community College System to unpack what “workforce development” looks like when you’re the person who gets the call the day after the ribbon cutting asking where the next 500–5,000 workers will come from—and how North Carolina answers that question through four major tools: NC Edge cus
201: Why Electricity Decides Everything Now in Economic Development with Timothy Comerford
In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson talks with Timothy Comerford of Biggins Lacey & Shapiro about the rapidly shifting reality of power availability in site selection.
Tim explains how explosive demand from data centers and industrial users is overwhelming electric utilities, reshaping incentive policy, and lengthening timelines for securing capacity. He breaks down t
200: How Colorado Springs Competes Globally with Johnna Reeder Kleymeyer
In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson talks with Johnna Reeder Kleymeyer, President and CEO of the Colorado Springs Chamber and EDC, about how Colorado Springs is uniting its region to compete globally, building on its deep aerospace, defense, and cybersecurity assets, and expanding advanced manufacturing powered by a steady military-to-civilian talent pipeline.
She explain
199: How Peer-to-Peer Mentoring Can Transform Local Economies with Martin Vanags
In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson talks with economic development veteran and consultant Marty Vanags about Circles of Seven, a peer-based mentoring program designed to strengthen post-startup small businesses who often fall through the cracks of traditional support systems.
Marty explains how C7 groups work, why small businesses learn best from each other, and how thes
198: Dane With Joe Barker on the Rural Strong Podcast
On this special crossover episode, Dane Carlson joins Joe Barker on the Rural Strong Podcast to talk about Sitehunt, entrepreneurship, and the power of AI to help rural and small-community economic developers compete at scale.
In this episode of Rural Strong, Joe and Dane explore how AI tools like Sitehunt automate site analysis, RFI responses, and data collection — giving small EDOs the
197: Inside IMPLAN: Fifty Years of Economic Impact Analysis with Candi Clouse
In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Candi Clouse from IMPLAN joins Dane Carlson to unpack how the fifty-year-old economic-impact platform grew from a U.S. Forest Service project into the industry’s gold standard for analyzing how local and regional economies respond to change. She explains the basics of input-output modeling, how opening a single manufacturing plant can affect hundreds
196: AI and the Future of Economic Development with Dane Carlson
In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, host Dane Carlson shares his talk from the Utility Economic Development Association’s 2025 Fall Forum in Traverse City, Michigan. He explains how artificial intelligence is transforming economic development from a guessing game into a data-driven discipline. Drawing from his work with Sitehunt, Dane reveals how utilities can turn raw infrastructure da
195: Lessons from One of America’s Great Neighborhoods with 3CDC's Joe Rudemiller
In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson talks with Joe Rudemiller, Vice President of Marketing and Communications at Cincinnati Center City Development Corporation (3CDC), about how the organization helped turn Over-the-Rhine from a crime-ridden, disinvested neighborhood into one of America’s most celebrated urban communities.
Joe shares how strategic partnerships with the co
194: Tackling Systemic Vacancy and Building Equity with Kat Guillaume-Delemar
In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson talks with Kat Guillaume-Delemar, President and CEO of the Center for Community Progress, the nation’s only nonprofit dedicated to fixing the systems that lead to widespread vacant, abandoned, and deteriorated properties. Kat shares how systemic vacancy harms communities — from lowering property values and public health to blocking econom
193: How Mid-Sized Markets Win: The Topeka Story with Molly Howey
In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson sits down with Molly Howey, CEO of the Greater Topeka Partnership, to discuss how Topeka is redefining what is possible for mid-sized U.S. cities.
Molly shares how uniting economic development, downtown revitalization, tourism, and the chamber under one strategic umbrella helped the city align its vision and accelerate growth. From tran
192: How North Carolina Recruits on the World Stage with Anders Victor
In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson sits down with Anders Victor, Director of International Business Development for the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, to explore how the state positions itself as a global powerhouse for foreign direct investment. Anders shares how North Carolina leverages its international offices, partnerships, and workforce strengths
The Power of Showing Up in Communities with Jamie Beasley (Re-upload... take 2)
(Due to technical issues, this episode has been reuploaded. My apologies to Jamie and to all our listeners. –Dane)
In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson welcomes back Jamie Beasley, who shares her path from chamber leadership to her current role as a Regional Development Specialist in north central Oklahoma.
Jamie discusses the joys and challenges of working with small tow
190: New Jersey’s Bold Playbook with Kathleen Coviello
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
189: How North Dakota Gets Deals Done with Rich Garman
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 fo
188: Site Selectors Often Experience Your City First as Visitors with Tulsa's Renee McKenney
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
187: Changing Perceptions of Baltimore with Lakey Boyd
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
186: The Power of Collaboration in Economic Development with Stacie LoVan of the Greater Des Moines Partnership
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 go
185: How Local Governments Can Power Startups with John Lynn
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 ac
184: The Colorblind Tulip Farmer: Revolutionizing Rural Economic Development with Andrew Miller
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 Tulip Valley Farms, as well as commissioner at Skagit PUD. Miller shares his unique journey from working at major tech companies like Amazon to returning home to Skagit County as an economic developer, only to eventually bec
183: Small-Scale Manufacturing as Community Development Strategy with Ilana Preuss
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
182: Engineering Economic Success: A Systems Approach to Development with Jason El Koubi
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 competitiv
181: Beyond the Strip: Clark County's Economic Transformation with Shani Coleman
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 innovat
180: Red Tape, Real Stories, and Economic Revival with Kevin Crowder
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 obst
179: Why PR Beats Advertising in Economic Development Every Time with April Mason
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 conv
178: Reinventing Shop Local Initiatives with Sophia Zheng
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
177: Expediting the RFI Process, with Dane Carlson
In this episode of the Econ Dev Show (a replay from EDO Breakthrough Podcast episode #10), 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-contac
176: From Rust Belt to Tech Hub: Buffalo's 25-Year Transformation with Tom Kucharski
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
175: Transforming Second-Tier Markets into Economic Powerhouses with Barry Broome
In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson sits down with Barry Broome, 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 semic
174: Building a Regional Brand: Kansas City's Marketing Success with Jonathan Knecht
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 year
173: From Possibilities to Reality: How to Save Your Small Town with Deb Brown
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 of
172: Pennsylvania's First Economic Strategy in 20 Years with Aaron Pitts
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 bui
171: Leading Virginia's Largest Economy with Victor Hoskins
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
170: The Art of Downtown Transformation in Birmingham with David Fleming
In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, host Dane Carlson speaks with David Fleming, president and CEO of Rev Birmingham, about transforming Birmingham from an industrial city into a thriving service economy centered around healthcare and education. Fleming discusses how his organization fosters downtown vibrancy by preserving historic character, supporting local businesses that "make the c
169: Reimagining Urban Industrial Spaces for Modern Manufacturing with Lindsay Greene
In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson speaks with Lindsay Greene, CEO of the Brooklyn Navy Yard, about transforming industrial spaces for modern manufacturing. Greene shares insights on the challenges of changing perceptions about manufacturing careers, the importance of integrating workforce development with economic strategy, and her unusual career path from investment bank
168: Reimagining Economic Transformation for Distressed Communities with Rohan Sandhu
In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, host Dane Carlson sits down with Rohan Sandhu, co-founder of the Reimagining the Economy Project at Harvard Kennedy School, to examine the convergence of industrial policy, market crafting, and place-based economic development strategies. Drawing on his 15 years of experience at the intersection of research and practice, Sandhu discusses how tradition
167: Digital Marketing Strategies for EDOs with Alissa Sklar
In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, host Dane Carlson speaks with marketing consultant Alissa Sklar about effective digital strategies for economic development organizations. They discuss leveraging AI tools while maintaining an authentic voice, website management tips for small EDOs, content amplification through LinkedIn, and how to build partnerships with educational institutions. Al
166: Building Arkansas's Economic Future: Adapting to Changing Workforce Priorities with Clint O'Neal
In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, host Dane Carlson sits down with Clint O'Neal, Executive Director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, to discuss the evolution of economic development over his 17-year career spanning both Missouri and Arkansas. O'Neal shares his path from junior high teacher to economic development leader, highlights successful foreign direct investment
165: Leveraging Location and Infrastructure with Gus Garcia
In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson welcomes Gus Garcia, the Director of Economic Development for the City of Arlington, Texas. Gus, a dual-certified economic developer with over 19 years of experience, shares his journey through various roles in both the public and private sectors. He emphasizes the importance of strategic planning, leveraging infrastructure, and fostering
164: Confronting Workforce Challenges in Wisconsin with Sadie Howell
In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, host Dane Carlson talks with Sadie Howell with Envision Greater Fond du Lac, a combined Chamber of Commerce and economic development organization in Wisconsin.
Sadie shares insights about her region's economic landscape, including the surprising prevalence of small manufacturers and agricultural businesses that often goes unnoticed.
They discuss t
163: Understanding What Investors Really Want from Locations with Chris Knight of FT Locations
In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson speaks with Chris Knight, Managing Director of FT Locations, about the nuances of investment promotion and economic development across different global regions. Chris introduces the newly rebranded FT Locations (known for products like Zoom Prospector, FDI Intelligence, and other Financial Times economic development tools) which officiall
162: Mountain Town Meets Hurricane Helene with Spencer Bost
In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Spencer Bost, Executive Director of Downtown Spruce Pine, takes us through the dramatic transformation of his organization following Hurricane Helene's devastation. From managing their annual blacksmith festival and facade grant programs in this mountain town of 2,000 residents, to suddenly facing eight-foot flood waters that destroyed businesses, inc
161: Unlocking the Power of Tertiary Markets with Dr. Ronda Sauget
In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dr. Ronda Sauget, President and CEO of Coles Together, discusses the unique advantages of tertiary markets in economic development. She explores how smaller communities like Coles County, Illinois are attracting businesses through stable workforces, easier business processes, and strong infrastructure, while sharing her journey from the Federal Reserv
160: From Cowtown to Boomtown with Robert Sturns
In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Robert Sturns, Director of Economic Development for Fort Worth, discusses how the city is transforming from "Cowtown to Boomtown" while preserving its authentic character.
With over 25 years of experience in municipal government, commercial real estate, and banking operations, Sturns details Fort Worth's success in securing major investments, includi
159: Breaking the Poverty Cycle with Mary Cacioppi
In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Mary Cacioppi brings her 22 years of combined experience in community development, economic development, and poverty reduction to discuss her groundbreaking approach to economic development. As the founder/CEO of Bridges to Prosperity Northern Illinois and a national consultant for aha! Process, Mary explains how understanding the root causes of pover
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