Advertise on podcast: ShovelTalk: An Economic Development Podcast

From thorough preparation to clear communication to creative problem solving, Sarah White offers valuable insights on the site selection process in this month's Shovel Talk episode. Sarah is a Principal and Vice President of Site Selection for Global Location Strategies, and this conversation is a must listen for any economic development professional who wants to have more success appealing to site selectors.

When Molly Ryan became Executive Director of the County of Clinton Industrial Development Agency, nobody in the community knew much about the organization or what it did. So, Ryan built public awareness and now she's the face of a new social media campaign designed to help residents and businesses connect with CCIDA, counteract rumors, and build community support. Download our latest ShovelTalk episode to find out how she did that, along with her thoughts on AI in economic development, managing public opposition, and planning for the future.

Camille Barigar came to economic development late in her career, but she has hit the ground running as Executive Director of Jerome 20/20 in Jerome, ID. Listen to this episode of ShovelTalk to learn how she has gotten up to speed while responding to seven RFIs in her first three months, how she is balancing Jerome's agricultural heritage with rapid growth and expanding technology opportunities, and what it's like to be in direct competition for projects with her husband, an economic development professional in nearby Twin Falls.

The future of workforce development looks bright in east-central Nebraska, where the York County Development Corporation recently completed efforts to raise more than $10 million for a new Regional Workforce Development Center. We'll learn more about that project from YCDC Executive Director Lisa Hurley and discover the unique opportunities this project will create for employers, existing employees and people getting ready to enter the workforce for the first time. As a bonus, Lisa discusses how YCDC's podcast has helped bring people to the community by telling York County's story to an international audience.

Newberry, FL has a proud agricultural heritage, but what's happening there today could help shape the future of farming while boosting the city's economy. The city's developing AgFood Tech Innovation Park recently announced plans for a 325,000-square-foot hydroponic greenhouse that will produce up to four tons of leafy greens daily while creating more than 50 jobs paying an average of $91,000 per year.  In this episode, Golden Shovel Agency President Bethany Quinn talks with Kamal Latham, a consultant leading development of the park, about the project's origin, how it is shaping the future of agriculture, and how he has built support for ag innovation.

As a smaller city situated near a larger metropolitan area, Sherwood, AR sometimes has trouble standing out. In this episode of ShovelTalk, Sherwood Mayor Mary Jo Heye-Townsell talks about how she has emphasized placemaking and quality of life enhancements to draw residents and businesses to the city. Hear what Heye-Townsell has to say to Golden Shovel Agency President Bethany Quinn about efforts to enhance Sherwood's parks, rethink city events and identify innovative opportunities to communicate with her constituents.

Wyandotte County, Kansas has seen a remarkable $3 billion in investment over the past three years, and they expect even more in the years ahead. In our latest Shovel Talk episode, Wyandotte Economic Development Council President Greg Kindle talks about how his organization attracted that investment plus an estimated $10 billion over the next five years by focusing on what his community does well, and keeping his pipeline filled with a diverse set of projects.  Hear what Greg has to say to Golden Shovel Agency President Bethany Quinn about building workforce, attracting development, and supporting BR&E.

The future of aviation is coming, whether or not you're ready for it.  In this fascinating episode, we sit down with Golden Shovel Agency co-founder and aviation enthusiast Ron Kresha to talk about how developments including autonomous aircraft and electric VTOLs will make air travel more personal and more accessible. Critically, Ron also explains why communities with airports of any size risk losing significant economic development opportunities if they're not prepared for these changes.  Ron explains what's on the horizon for air travel, how to start planning, where to find funding, and how to communicate these changes to your community. If you're an airport leader or an economic development professional with a local airport, this is a conversation you don't want to miss.

What's the secret to success? In Roswell-Chaves County, it's all about going the extra mile to make sure everyone feels supported.  On the latest ShovelTalk episode, host Bethany Quinn sits down with Michael Espiritu, President & CEO of the Roswell–Chaves County Economic Development Corporation to talk about managing expectations in a rural community and how a commitment to exceeding expectations has led to some major success stories. Mike also explains how his commitment to going above and beyond helped Roswell beat out 38 other communities to land the National Championship Air Races, an annual event that generated more than $30 million in its first year, inspired business and tourism opportunities, and is set to be a cornerstone of the community for years to come.  This episode is packed with insights for both new and seasoned economic developers who want to build momentum, resilience, and pride in their communities.

What if the future of America’s small towns isn’t decline—but possibility? In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Jerry Foster, Small Town Champion at Resource Bank, to explore how communities of all sizes are turning vision into reality. Born and raised in rural Illinois, Jerry has spent years helping small towns rediscover their strengths, connect to resources, and take meaningful action to improve quality of life. Jerry shares the story behind Resource Bank’s Inspire, Renew, Enjoy (IRE) initiative, a national effort designed to empower volunteers, advocates, and local leaders who want to renew their communities—but may not know where to start. From changing the negative narrative around rural America to helping communities uncover their unique character, Jerry explains why no story is too small and why passion—paired with the right connections—can spark real transformation. Whether you’re from a small town, a neighborhood within a larger city, or simply someone who believes in community-driven change, this conversation offers hope, practical insight, and inspiration to help you be the transformation you want to see.

Hugh McDonald, Arkansas Secretary of Commerce, joins ShovelTalk to unpack how a “small but mighty” state has become home to global giants like Walmart, Tyson Foods, J.B. Hunt—and now a $4 billion Google data center. In this conversation with Golden Shovel’s Bethany Quinn, McDonald shares the strategy behind Arkansas’ recent wins and what other states and regions can learn from their approach. You’ll hear how Arkansas’ IMPACT legislation modernized incentives, strengthened data center and lithium policies, and reformed utility regulations in ways that helped land Google’s latest project while protecting local ratepayers. McDonald also dives into the state’s evolving energy strategy, the critical role of utilities and economic developers, and why a diversified mix of power sources—and strong community engagement—matters more than ever in the age of AI. On a personal note, McDonald reflected on his own move from CEO of Entergy to public service, encouraging other retiring executives to consider how they too might contribute to their communities.

In this episode, we sit down with Shirar O’Connor, Vice President of Marketing at AdvanceCT, to explore how clarity, creativity, and strategy come together in one of the nation’s most successful economic development websites—recently honored with a Gold Award from IEDC. With nearly three decades of experience spanning the U.S., U.K., Netherlands, and beyond, Shirar offers a rare, global perspective on foreign direct investment (FDI) and economic development marketing. She shares how AdvanceCT’s data-backed, design-forward website became the digital front door for Connecticut’s business ecosystem—and how economic developers everywhere can apply the same principles to strengthen their own storytelling, even on limited budgets. Tune in for insights on: FDI trends and shifting investment strategiesBalancing creativity and clarity in economic development marketingBuilding digital tools that empower local communitiesReal-world metrics behind an IEDC Gold-winning project

Fort Worth has just become the 11th largest city in the U.S.—surpassing Austin—and it’s not slowing down. In this episode, Robert Allen, President & CEO of the Fort Worth Economic Development Partnership, shares how the city is balancing big-league business attraction with strong support for small businesses, entrepreneurs, and residents. From aerospace and logistics to film, TV, and vibrant downtown corridors, Fort Worth’s privately funded, nimble approach to economic development offers a blueprint for communities everywhere. Robert also opens up about his path into the field from the Governor's office to leading statewide economic development efforts, the importance of civic collaboration, and the lessons he’s learned in making cities both competitive and livable.

What happens when a former TV news anchor trades the bright lights of the city for the charm of rural America? In this episode, we sit down with Cory Hepola, host of the hit docuseries My Town, to explore the heart, hustle, and hidden treasures of small-town life. Cory shares his personal journey from dreaming of the big city to rediscovering the magic of small communities—and how My Town is rewriting the narrative about rural America. You’ll hear behind-the-scenes stories, powerful examples of local pride in action, and tips on how communities can catch the eye of national media. Bonus: My Town is now accepting applications for its next season—find out what it takes to get your town on the map!

Inclusive economic development means creating opportunities for everyone in the community to build wealth. But, how do we do that as economic developers? NGIN's Senior Advisor, Cuevas Peacock shares his insights and information on a grant program that can help your community to increase capacity and bring about transformative change.