Advertise on podcast: Econ Dev Show Podcast - Economic Development

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 place, infrastructure, and people have reshaped the city’s trajectory, enabled major wins like hosting Olympic events, and strengthened key industries such as aerospace, energy, and life sciences. The conversation also explores the power of business leadership engagement, the growing role of data and AI in economic development, and practical advice for communities looking to unlock their own growth. Like this show? Please leave us a review here. 10 Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers Bundle major projects into a single, clear vision and take it to voters as one package. Avoid debt when possible and tie project execution directly to collected revenue. Invest consistently in quality of place, not just incentives or recruitment. Engage top CEOs as active partners, not just passive supporters. Build long-term strategies that evolve with community needs over decades. Use data continuously to reassess competitive positioning and refine strategy. Align economic development, tourism, and community development under one structure when possible. Focus on expanding existing industries and assets, not just chasing new ones. Leverage anchor institutions to guide sector strategy and investment. Treat community engagement as part of both planning and execution, not just a checkbox. Special Guest: Christy Gillenwater.

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 how the agency targets the right companies using data and intelligence. The conversation explores investment attraction, high-net-worth migration programs, and why Bermuda focuses less on competing broadly and more on being the obvious choice for specific industries and business models. Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! 10 Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers Focus on becoming the best location for a specific niche instead of competing broadly. Align government, regulators, and private sector around a shared vision to create a unified value proposition. Use data and intelligence to target companies that are a strong fit rather than marketing to everyone. Build strong aftercare programs so existing companies become your best ambassadors. Develop regulatory flexibility (like sandboxes) to attract innovative industries. Think of your community as a launchpad into larger markets, not just a standalone market. Prioritize certainty and stability, especially when targeting global investors and firms. Engage high-net-worth individuals as network multipliers, not just direct investors. Invest in research capacity internally to guide strategy and outreach. Continuously advocate for policy and regulatory improvements to stay competitive. Special Guest: David Parker.

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 economies in the U.S. The conversation dives into practical tools like revolving loan funds, shovel-ready site development, and tight-knit community coordination, along with lessons learned from winning and losing projects. Tim also shares how rural economic developers must wear many hats, from childcare advocacy to housing and workforce development, and why knowing your limits and leaning into your strengths is key to long-term success. 10 Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers Build your own toolbox early - Start small with tools like a revolving loan fund. Even modest contributions compound into real leverage over time. Have product ready before the prospect shows up - Shovel-ready sites win deals. If you're waiting until an RFI arrives, you're already behind. Sell your labor shed, not just your city limits - Expand your workforce story to include the full commuting region, not just population within city boundaries. Be honest about fit upfront - Disqualify bad-fit projects early. It saves time, builds credibility, and focuses your effort on winnable deals. Use speed as a competitive advantage - Quick answers, quick coordination, and quick decisions often beat larger incentive packages. Coordinate like one team, not multiple agencies - Eliminate friction between city, county, utilities, and partners so companies feel like there's "no wrong door." Invest in local companies, not just recruitment - Expansions from existing businesses can absorb sites faster and more reliably than outside recruitment. Treat workforce, housing, and childcare as core infrastructure - These are not side issues. They directly determine whether companies can hire and grow. Lean into what you actually do well - Don't try to win every project. Focus on industries and company sizes that match your real strengths. Own the outcome, even when you lose - Some deals fall apart for reasons outside your control. Learn what you can, adjust where possible, and keep moving. Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Special Guest: Tim Hanigan.

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 customization matter more than flashy packages, and how responsiveness and speed from local governments can win projects even when incentive dollars are smaller. The conversation also explores how communities can structure clearer processes, communicate timelines, and position themselves to compete more effectively for major investment. Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Special Guest: Taylor Stepp.

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 coordinated content strategy that turns a single video project into years of marketing assets. She explains how even small communities can market themselves effectively by highlighting local companies, repurposing content across platforms, and tracking real marketing ROI. The conversation explores why economic development should focus less on static statistics and more on authentic stories that help companies, site selectors, and residents connect emotionally with a place. Like this show? Please leave us a review here. 10 Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers Let companies tell your story. Interviews with CEOs and business leaders are more persuasive than marketing copy. Create industry-focused content that explains why companies in each sector succeed in your region. Turn one project into many assets: long videos, short clips, photos, reports, and social media content. Use short video ads to drive viewers to longer storytelling pieces on your website or YouTube. Track website visitors and identify companies researching your region. Send periodic industry-specific newsletters highlighting local expansions, infrastructure, and investment. Use LinkedIn and targeted digital ads to stay visible to site selectors and executives. Repurpose marketing content across guides, one-pagers, websites, and presentations. Hire local creative talent who can update or expand your content over time. Apply for marketing awards to boost credibility and morale inside your organization and community. Special Guest: Lyndsay Wisneski.

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, controlling rail and logistics assets, and focusing relentlessly on speed to occupancy have allowed TexAmericas Center to compete for heavy and light manufacturing projects. From creative risk-taking with early-stage companies to clearing 250-acre rail-served sites after losing a deal, this conversation is a masterclass in how data, preparation, and governance alignment drive real economic development results. Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! 10 Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers Make time your primary incentive. If possible, remove unnecessary entitlement layers and compress approval timelines. Speed reduces perceived risk. Self-certify before paying for certification. Develop internal "qualified site" standards so prospects can complete due diligence faster. Track inventory in categories. Move-in ready, construction ready, shovel ready, rail served, etc. Clarity accelerates decisions. Invest after losing. If you lose a project for a specific reason, eliminate that weakness permanently, even if it costs real money. Treat small buildings as assets. Flexible, modular inventory can win projects creatively, even when you lack a single large structure. Control key assets when possible. Owning rail, logistics, or utilities strengthens your value proposition and revenue model. Be willing to take calculated risk on local companies. Early bets on scalable firms can create long-term anchor employers. Align your board around business realities. Populate governance with people who understand customers, not just politics. Operate like a private developer. Use CRM systems, outsourcing where efficient, and disciplined deal flow management. Let data guide strategy. Understand supply and demand curves in your region before pushing incentives or marketing narratives. Special Guest: Eric Voyles.

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 shares how a four-and-a-half-person team coordinates across municipalities, tribal nations, academia, and public health to execute a regional strategy that blends quantitative results with qualitative community engagement. From a $1.2 billion battery manufacturing project to evolving policies on nondisclosure agreements and enhanced due diligence, this conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at modern county-level economic development in action Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Special Guest: Heath Vescovi-Chiordi.

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, childcare capacity, housing pressure, and community resistance to change. They discuss talent attraction campaigns, podcasting as an economic development tool, and why rural EDOs must now think far beyond traditional business recruitment. The conversation also explores leadership, burnout, mentoring the next generation of economic developers, and how Lisa is using AI to save time while staying human where it matters most. Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Ten Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers Treat childcare capacity as core economic infrastructure, not a side issue Invest in talent marketing even when results are hard to attribute directly Use layered messaging across state, local, and employer campaigns Build trust by proactively sharing progress and visuals with the community Accept that some resistance to change cannot be resolved, only managed Partner aggressively to avoid owning every initiative yourself Use podcasts and storytelling to humanize your community and organization Leverage AI for HR, editing, and admin work to protect business-facing time Mentor younger economic developers to reduce burnout and build continuity Remember that stopping a bad project can be a win, not a failure Special Guest: Lisa Hurley.

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 shovel-ready infrastructure matters more than incentives alone, how cutting red tape became a competitive strategy, and what economic developers can do locally when state-level constraints get in the way. The conversation also dives into AI as a staff multiplier, coalition-building for regulatory reform, and why economic development is ultimately about reducing risk, not forcing growth. Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Special Guest: Ellie Reynolds.

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, international relationships, and leadership discipline to compete. The conversation blends practical economic development strategy with candid insights on burnout, boundaries, and leading people well in a demanding field. Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! 10 Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers Treat quality of life as a competitive asset, not a marketing afterthought. Focus attraction efforts on industry clusters that naturally complement what already exists locally. International business development does not require a global city, only consistent relationship-building. Cast a clear vision so teams understand the "why," not just the tasks. Protect staff health by modeling boundaries, especially around after-hours communication. Build attraction strategies around regional strengths, not generic wish lists. Encourage team members to say no when capacity or clarity is missing. Leverage peer networks aggressively. Most good ideas already exist somewhere else. Recognize burnout as an organizational risk, not a personal weakness. Remember that economic development works best when personal well-being and professional performance reinforce each other. Special Guest: Juliet Abdel.

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, how cities, counties, and private businesses are investing through uncertainty, and what shifting project timelines signal for 2026. Mike also shares lessons from leading a two-county, ten-city partnership, why “no product, no project” still holds true, and how speed, predictability, and engagement quietly determine which regions win. FYI, "No Product, No Project" is a registered trademark of Garner Economics LLC. Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! 10 Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers Product readiness matters more than marketing language. Speed and predictability often outweigh incentive packages. Regional collaboration expands capacity without diluting local wins. Growth planning must stay ahead of infrastructure demand. Economic outlook events are tools for alignment, not just forecasting. Accurate, current site information prevents deal-killing surprises. Cities and counties should be treated as the primary customer. Engagement across private industry strengthens long-term outcomes. Development processes should be reviewed continuously, not periodically. Capital on the sidelines eventually moves. Be ready when it does. Special Guest: Mike Kamerlander.

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 dedicated Department of Redevelopment, and why single-family housing alone cannot support a city’s long-term finances. Jessica explains how community engagement, honest trade-off conversations, flexible planning, and city-led redevelopment of the historic Imperial site are shaping Sugar Land’s next chapter, offering lessons for any community facing limited land, changing markets, and rising expectations. Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! 10 actionable takeaways for economic developers If your city is landlocked, every acre decision is a long-term financial decision Single-family housing alone will not sustain municipal services over time Create space for redevelopment before crisis forces it Be honest with residents about trade-offs, not just benefits Sales tax strategy matters just as much as property tax in many states Avoid being overly prescriptive in RFQs and redevelopment plans Lead with outcomes and identity, not tenant wish lists Community visioning works best when residents are asked real questions Historic assets should inform the future, not freeze it Cities that fail to adapt risk losing relevance, not just revenue Special Guest: Jessica Huble.

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 connections into real outcomes, including route changes that unlocked student internships and boosted ridership. They dig into suburban realities like coverage vs. ridership, post-COVID recovery, and why transit belongs inside RFP workforce narratives, land-use planning, and even parking requirement conversations. Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! 10 Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers Get your transit provider “at the table” early for major projects, not after the announcement, so service planning can match real hiring needs. Treat “workforce access” as more than unemployment rates: explicitly describe how transit expands the labor pool and reduces absenteeism and turnover risk. Audit first-mile/last-mile gaps for key job centers, campuses, and training sites; don’t assume a route nearby means people can actually reach it. Use microtransit strategically to bridge gaps, but pair it with fixed routes when predictable arrival times matter (classes, shifts, internships). Build a “route change wins” pipeline: channel feedback from chambers, employers, schools, and workforce boards into concrete service-change proposals. Include transit in your site selection/RFP package (especially the workforce section): routes, frequency, last-mile options, and how employers can engage. Coordinate transit with land-use planning and TOD goals so comp plans and transit plans evolve together instead of living on shelves. Use transit to reduce development friction: make the case for lower parking requirements where transit access supports it. Map housing-to-transit-to-jobs (especially affordable housing) to show actual accessibility and to target investments or service pilots. Frame transit as competitiveness and sustainability: companies care about low-carbon performance, and mobility options are part of that story. Special Guest: Joya Stetson.

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 customized training, ApprenticeshipNC, the Bio Network (now stretching from life sciences into food/beverage and natural products), and a small business center network embedded across 58 community colleges, all while pushing for tighter collaboration so employers experience one connected system instead of disconnected silos. Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! 10 Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers Treat workforce development as core infrastructure, not a support function. Engage community colleges early, not after a project announcement. Promote customized training programs aggressively to prospects and existing employers. Use pre-hire assessments to reduce employer risk on major projects. Encourage employers, even competitors, to collaborate on shared talent needs. Leverage apprenticeship programs beyond manufacturing into healthcare, construction, and trades. Think regionally, not jurisdiction by jurisdiction, when building talent pipelines. Repurpose successful training models across industries where skills overlap. Break down silos between workforce, small business, and economic development teams. Communicate these resources constantly because most businesses do not know they exist. Special Guest: John Loyack.

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 the biggest misconceptions around power lead times, why transmission is often the bottleneck, how utilities are adapting with costly engineering studies and take-or-pay requirements, and what steps EDOs must take to credibly position their sites. This is a masterclass on the new electricity-driven geography of economic development. Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Ten Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers Build strong, direct relationships with utility contacts who will actually talk to prospects. Understand that real timelines for securing large loads run in years, not months. Work with utilities to pre-identify transmission routes and right-of-way feasibility. Gather realistic load estimates from prospects instead of just taking their engineer's peak numbers. Know whether your sites already sit near substations with real remaining capacity. Incorporate redundancy needs early, since 100 percent backup can double infrastructure requirements. Prepare for developers who request huge speculative loads and learn how to differentiate serious projects. Recognize that incentives tied to data centers may face political pressure due to ratepayer impacts. Push utilities and state partners to invest in long-range planning that anticipates industrial and data center growth. Educate local stakeholders that modern site readiness now includes power readiness as a top priority. Special Guest: Timothy Comeford.