Develop This: Economic and Community Development

How will artificial intelligence change the way we work, lead, and build communities?

In this episode of Develop This!, Dennis Fraise sits down with Dan Chuparkoff, AI keynote speaker and technology leader with more than 30 years of experience at Google and McKinsey, to explore the opportunities and challenges AI presents.

Dan breaks down common misconceptions about AI, including why AI can sound confident while still being wrong. He explains how professionals can use AI as an assistant, coach, and productivity tool while keeping humans responsible for critical decisions.

The conversation also explores how economic developers can use AI to improve research, communication, decision-making, and everyday tasks. Dan emphasizes that the skills that matter most in the AI era—problem solving, creativity, imagination, and good judgment—are uniquely human.

The episode also looks ahead at AI's impact on jobs, robotics, leadership, and the future of work.

• AI can dramatically improve productivity and reduce time spent on mundane tasks.

• AI-generated information should always be verified and vetted.

• Humans need to remain responsible for important decisions.

• Economic developers can use AI to improve research, communication, and problem solving.

• Creativity, imagination, and judgment will become increasingly valuable.

• AI and robotics will continue transforming the workplace.

• AI misconceptions and reliability

• Using AI as an assistant and coach

• AI in economic development

• Vetting AI-generated information

• The future of work and jobs

• Problem solving and creativity in the AI era

• Robotics and the next wave of AI innovation

"AI is a B minus assistant."

"Where humans should remain in charge of AI."

"AI's impact on jobs and sectors."

What does it take to build a stronger community from the ground up?

In this episode of Develop This!, Dennis Fraise sits down with Mason Ainsworth to explore his journey from young city councillor to passionate advocate for community development and economic growth.

Mason shares lessons from his experience in local government and explains why economic development often comes down to relationships, trust, transparency, and achieving small victories that create long-term momentum.

The conversation also explores the unique strengths and challenges of rural communities, including infrastructure, local leadership, placemaking, and creating communities where people want to live, work, and invest.

Mason also discusses the importance of education, continuous learning, and attracting young professionals to the economic development field. He shares why great economic developers need strong people skills—and, most importantly, the ability to listen.

• Strong relationships and community trust are essential to economic development.

• Small victories can create momentum for long-term community growth.

• Rural communities have unique assets and opportunities to leverage.

• Placemaking helps create communities where people want to live and invest.

• Listening and approachability are critical skills for economic developers.

• Young professionals have an important role in the future of the profession.

• Mason Ainsworth's journey into economic development

• Local government and community leadership

• Rural economic development

• Placemaking and quality of place

• Building relationships and community trust

• Recruiting young talent into economic development

• Education and continuous learning

• Podcasting and community engagement

"You gotta kick the tires."

"Most people don't wake up and say, I want to be an economic developer."

"A great economic developer listens."

What happens when a community stops settling for "good enough" and starts thinking bigger?

In this episode of Develop This!, Dennis Fraise talks with former Fort Madison Mayor Matt Mohrfeld and Rick Kiernan of Convergent Nonprofit Solutions about the transformation of the Fort Madison Marina.

What started as an aging marina became a much larger vision for the community, incorporating hospitality, events, wellness, tourism, and placemaking. Matt explains how community leaders studied other projects, built a shared vision, and challenged Fort Madison to think beyond simply fixing the existing marina.

Rick discusses how the team turned that vision into a $12.7 million project through feasibility studies, community leadership, and a diverse capital stack that included public, private, and philanthropic support.

The conversation also explores the importance of strong leadership, community ownership, and telling a compelling story when pursuing transformational projects.

A key takeaway? Big community projects start with a bold vision and become reality when people come together to believe in it.

• Think bigger than the original problem

• Build a shared community vision

• Strong leadership drives transformational projects

• Feasibility studies can strengthen fundraising

• Community ownership creates lasting impact

• Placemaking can support economic development

• Fort Madison Marina transformation

• Community vision and leadership

• Fundraising and capital stacks

• Placemaking and tourism

• Community engagement

• Economic and social impact

"Swing for a home run, not a single."

"People follow people."

"You think bigger than you think you should think."

What can a career spanning sports, hospitality, tourism, and business development teach us about economic development?

In this episode of Develop This!, Dennis Fraise sits down with Kirk Elmquist to explore his unconventional career journey and the leadership lessons he's learned along the way.

Kirk shares why relationships are often more valuable than technical skills and how listening, trust, mentorship, and community involvement have shaped his approach to business and economic development.

The conversation also explores the transformation of Branson and the Ozarks into a major tourism and golf destination, including the influence of Johnny Morris, Bass Pro Shops, and Big Cedar Lodge.

Kirk also reflects on career setbacks, reinvention, and the importance of maintaining balance while continuing to grow personally and professionally.

• Relationships and trust are foundational to economic development.

• Diverse career experiences can create valuable leadership perspectives.

• Branson's growth demonstrates the power of tourism and destination development.

• Career setbacks can become opportunities for reinvention.

• Mentorship and community involvement create lasting impact.

• Listening is one of the most important leadership skills.

• Kirk Elmquist's unconventional career journey

• Leadership and relationship building

• Branson's tourism and economic growth

• Golf and destination development

• Johnny Morris and Big Cedar Lodge

• Career setbacks, resilience, and reinvention

• Mentorship and community involvement

"Listen twice as much as you speak."

"Relationships are more important than skills."

"Balance your physical, mental, spiritual, and financial tires."

What does it take to lead one of the world's most dynamic regional economies?

In this episode of Develop This!, Dennis Fraise sits down with Stephen Cheung, CEO of the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC), to discuss his unconventional journey from social work to leading one of the nation's largest economic development organizations.

Stephen shares how his diverse career shaped his leadership style and explains why listening, collaboration, and long-term thinking are essential to building resilient communities. He also discusses how Los Angeles has leveraged its diversity, innovation, and global connections to remain one of the world's leading economic hubs.

The conversation explores LA's competitive advantages, including its strength in international trade, aerospace, entertainment, life sciences, and emerging industries. Stephen also highlights the importance of infrastructure, foreign direct investment, and regional partnerships in supporting long-term economic growth.

Another major focus is resilience. From natural disasters to economic disruptions, Stephen explains how communities can prepare for uncertainty while continuing to attract investment and create opportunities. He also shares how Los Angeles is preparing for the 2028 Olympic Games and other global events that will shape the region's future.

Throughout the episode, Stephen reflects on the importance of relationship-building, global collaboration, and embracing new technologies like AI to stay competitive in a rapidly changing economy.

A key takeaway? Strong regional economies are built through collaboration, resilience, and leaders who can unite diverse stakeholders around a shared vision.

Key Takeaways

• Diverse industry clusters strengthen long-term economic resilience

• International trade and global partnerships remain critical to regional growth

• Infrastructure and collaboration drive sustainable economic development

• Preparing for major global events creates lasting economic opportunities

• AI and emerging technologies are reshaping economic development strategies

• Effective leadership begins with listening and building strong relationships

Key Topics Covered

• Stephen Cheung's journey into economic development

• Los Angeles' diverse economy and industry clusters

• International trade and foreign direct investment

• Regional resilience and disaster recovery

• Preparing for the 2028 Olympic Games

• Leadership, collaboration, and future economic trends

Sound Bites

• "Stephen Cheung's career path was not linear."

• "LA hosts multiple major sporting events and teams."

• "AI is a key trend for economic developers."

How do you build a stronger profession while helping communities thrive?

In this episode of Develop This!, Dennis Fraise sits down with Jacqueline Brinkman, CEO of Economic Development Australia (EDA), to discuss the evolution of economic development in Australia and why collaboration, professional standards, and continuous learning are shaping the future of the industry.

Jacqueline shares her career journey into economic development and reflects on the lessons she's learned leading Australia's national professional association. She explains how Economic Development Australia has expanded education, certification, and networking opportunities while strengthening the profession across the country.

The conversation explores why collaboration—not competition—is one of the most important drivers of community success. Jacqueline discusses how building trust among stakeholders, encouraging knowledge sharing, and creating strong professional networks lead to better outcomes for communities and organizations alike.

Dennis and Jacqueline also examine how crises such as the Australian bushfires and the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated innovation, reinforced the importance of leadership, and highlighted the value of adaptable, resilient economic development organizations.

Looking ahead, Jacqueline shares her perspective on the future of economic development, including the growing importance of international collaboration, professional certification, and developing the next generation of leaders equipped to solve increasingly complex economic challenges.

A key takeaway? Economic development is strongest when professionals invest in collaboration, embrace lifelong learning, and build trusted relationships that create lasting community impact.

• Collaboration consistently delivers stronger outcomes than competition.

• Professional standards and certification elevate the economic development profession.

• Trust and authentic relationships are the foundation of effective leadership.

• Crises can become opportunities for innovation and organizational growth.

• International collaboration accelerates learning and improves community outcomes.

• Saying "yes" to new opportunities often leads to unexpected career growth.

• Jacqueline Brinkman's journey into economic development

• The growth and mission of Economic Development Australia

• Professional certification and industry standards

• Building trust through collaboration

• Leading through crises and organizational change

• International partnerships and the future of economic development

"Collaborate or die."

"Say yes to opportunities."

"Build a career by saying yes."

How can communities identify their greatest strengths and turn them into a competitive advantage?

In this episode of Develop This!, Dennis Fraise sits down with Jeanette Goldsmith, President of Strategic Development Group, to discuss how communities can build a smarter asset strategy that attracts investment and supports long-term economic growth.

Jeanette explains that successful economic development goes beyond available land and infrastructure. Communities must recognize both their tangible and intangible assets—from workforce and leadership to partnerships and organizational alignment—and understand how those strengths position them for future opportunities.

A major focus of the conversation is the Economic Development Readiness Continuum: Stabilize, Strengthen, Prepare, and Compete. Jeanette walks through each stage, explaining how communities can assess their current position, reduce risk, and develop the capabilities needed to compete for investment.

The discussion also explores common mistakes communities make, including trying to pursue every opportunity instead of focusing on industries and projects that align with their strengths. Jeanette emphasizes the importance of prioritization, collaboration, and realistic market positioning.

Throughout the episode, she shares practical advice on aligning community assets with economic goals, improving organizational readiness, and balancing long-term planning with short-term wins.

A key takeaway? The communities that succeed aren't the ones with the most assets—they're the ones that understand, align, and leverage their strengths with purpose.

Key Takeaways

• Community assets include both physical infrastructure and intangible strengths

• Organizational alignment improves speed, execution, and competitiveness

• The Readiness Continuum helps communities prepare for sustainable growth

• Focused strategies outperform trying to chase every opportunity

• Understanding market realities leads to better investment decisions

• Long-term planning and continuous improvement drive lasting success

Key Topics Covered

• Community asset strategy and economic development

• Tangible and intangible community assets

• The Economic Development Readiness Continuum

• Organizational alignment and collaboration

• Common asset strategy mistakes

• Prioritizing opportunities and building community competitiveness

Sound Bites

• "Prepared communities know where they can win."

• "Intangible assets can really make a difference."

• "Communities that win are incredibly focused."

How can communities build entrepreneurial ecosystems that create lasting economic opportunity?

In this episode of Develop This!, Dennis Fraise sits down with David Ponraj, Founder and CEO of Economic Impact Catalyst, to discuss his journey from immigrant entrepreneur to economic development leader and his mission to help communities build thriving entrepreneurial ecosystems.

David shares how his experiences shaped his passion for creating pathways to prosperity and explains why supporting entrepreneurs is one of the most effective ways to drive long-term economic growth. He emphasizes that successful ecosystems go beyond programs—they connect people, resources, and opportunities to create lasting impact.

The conversation explores the growing role of data, technology, and AI in economic development. David explains how communities can better measure outcomes, tell their success stories, and use technology to scale support for entrepreneurs while making smarter, data-driven decisions.

Another major focus is the importance of serving rural and underserved communities. David discusses how innovation, collaboration, and ecosystem thinking can unlock opportunities regardless of a community's size or location.

Throughout the episode, David offers practical advice for economic developers on moving beyond isolated initiatives, embracing outcome-based metrics, and preparing for the future of AI and workforce development.

A key takeaway? Strong entrepreneurial ecosystems are built through collaboration, data-driven decision-making, and a shared commitment to creating opportunities for everyone.

Key Takeaways

• Entrepreneurial ecosystems fuel long-term economic growth and innovation

• Data and impact measurement help communities improve and demonstrate results

• Technology and AI can expand access to entrepreneurial support

• Rural and underserved communities have unique strengths and opportunities

• Ecosystem building requires collaboration, not isolated programs

• Outcome-based strategies create more sustainable economic development

Key Topics Covered

• David Ponraj's entrepreneurial journey

• Building entrepreneurial ecosystems

• Data, technology, and AI in economic development

• Measuring impact and telling community success stories

• Supporting rural and underserved communities

• The future of entrepreneurship and workforce development

Sound Bites

• "Rising tide lifts all boats."

• "You cannot become poor in the process of becoming rich."

• "AI will free us from mundane tasks and focus on passions."

How can entrepreneurship become the driving force behind stronger, more resilient communities?

In this episode of Develop This!, Dennis Fraise talks with Josh Mejia, Economic Development Specialist for the City of Arlington, about his unconventional journey from aspiring pediatric neurosurgeon to economic development leader and why entrepreneurship should be at the center of every community's growth strategy.

Josh explains how entrepreneurship and economic development go hand in hand, arguing that thriving local businesses create the foundation for long-term economic success. He shares lessons from Brownsville's eBridge Center and how strategic partnerships can build stronger entrepreneurial ecosystems.

The conversation also explores the growing role of data and technology in site selection, incentive strategies, and community planning. Josh discusses how economic developers can use data-driven insights to make smarter decisions while preparing communities for future opportunities.

Another major theme is resilience. From water infrastructure to rapid population growth, Josh explains why communities must invest in long-term planning while preserving quality of place and remaining adaptable to changing economic conditions.

Throughout the episode, Josh emphasizes the importance of collaboration, financial literacy, continuous learning, and developing the soft skills that today's economic development professionals need to succeed.

A key takeaway? Sustainable economic growth starts with empowering entrepreneurs, building strong partnerships, and creating communities that are prepared for the future.

Key Takeaways

• Entrepreneurship is a cornerstone of long-term economic development

• Data and technology improve decision-making and site selection strategies

• Strong partnerships create thriving entrepreneurial ecosystems

• Resilient infrastructure supports sustainable community growth

• Balancing growth with quality of place is essential for long-term success

• Soft skills and financial literacy are valuable tools for economic developers

Key Topics Covered

• Josh Mejia's career journey into economic development

• Entrepreneurship and community growth

• The success of the eBridge Center

• Data-driven site selection and incentives

• Infrastructure resilience and quality of place

• Leadership, collaboration, and professional development

Sound Bites

• "Economic developers facilitate job creation, they don't create jobs."

• "Learning a new language is a valuable skill for economic developers."

• "I hope my legacy is fostering collaboration and breaking silos."

What separates communities that thrive from those that struggle to attract lasting investment?

In this episode of Develop This!, Dennis Fraise sits down with Gray Swoope, President & CEO of Vision First Advisors, to discuss why leadership—not incentives—is the most important driver of economic development success.

Gray shares lessons from decades of experience helping communities navigate complex projects, explaining how trust, transparency, and a shared vision create the foundation for sustainable growth. He discusses why leadership becomes even more critical during times of uncertainty and how crises often reveal the true character of an organization.

The conversation explores the evolution of economic development leadership, the unique challenges facing rural and small communities, and the importance of aligning stakeholders around a common purpose. Gray also explains why communities should focus on long-term development rather than chasing every available project.

A major highlight is Gray's practical Four W's Framework—Who, What, Why, and Who Benefits—which helps leaders evaluate projects, build public trust, and make better strategic decisions.

Throughout the episode, Gray offers actionable advice for economic developers on managing project risks, fostering community support, and leading with integrity.

A key takeaway? Strong leadership, a clear vision, and trust are the true competitive advantages that position communities for long-term success.

Key Takeaways

• Leadership is the foundation of successful economic development

• Trust and transparency strengthen community support for projects

• Crisis reveals the effectiveness of leadership

• A clear long-term vision is more valuable than chasing every opportunity

• Rural communities can compete by leveraging strong leadership and collaboration

• The Four W's Framework helps guide smarter community decisions

Key Topics Covered

• Leadership in economic development

• Building trust and community alignment

• Leading through crisis and uncertainty

• Rural and small community strategies

• Site selection risks and project evaluation

• The Four W's Framework for decision-making

Sound Bites

• "Crisis reveals true character."

• "Start early and build trust."

• "Trust in the process is key."