💡 Episode Summary

In this episode of Develop This!, host Dennis Fraise sits down with Mark Perna, a national thought leader on workforce, education, and generational engagement, for a deep dive into one of the most damaging forces in any organization—toxic leadership.

Together, Dennis and Mark unpack the growing disengagement crisis in today's workforce and explore the concept of the "Toxaboss"—a leader who demands high performance but fails to offer recognition or connection. They discuss how toxic behaviors erode trust, destroy morale, and ripple through entire organizations, especially within community and economic development teams.

Mark shares actionable strategies for reversing toxicity through self-reflection, gratitude, and consistent recognition—even when leaders can't control pay or promotions. The conversation wraps with insights into generational expectations and a powerful reminder that leading people is both a privilege and a responsibility.

🧭 Key Takeaways

• Toxic bosses are a major driver of employee disengagement.
• Recognition is the foundation of a healthy leadership culture.
• Leaders must invest in trust, connection, and consistency.
• Self-reflection is essential to prevent becoming a "Toxaboss."
• Toxicity at the top spreads quickly—and costs deeply.
• Employees who feel seen and appreciated are far more engaged.
• Even without control over pay, leaders can influence culture.
• Gratitude and recognition are power multipliers in leadership.
• Building a recognition culture enhances performance and retention.
• Leadership is a privilege, not a position of entitlement.

🏠 Show Notes

In this episode of Develop This!, host Dennis Fraise sits down with Mike Norris, Executive Director of SEIRPC and President of the Homes for Iowa Board of Directors, and David Miller, Executive Director of Homes for Iowa. Together, they share how an innovative Iowa initiative is tackling two of the state's most pressing challenges—affordable housing and workforce development—while also giving incarcerated individuals a second chance.

Built on a powerful public-private partnership with Iowa Prison Industries, Homes for Iowa trains men at the Newton, IA Correctional Facility in construction trades while building high-quality, affordable homes that are then moved to communities across the state.

Since launching in 2019, the program has:✅ Constructed and moved over 150 homes to 50 Iowa counties✅ Helped reduce recidivism by providing meaningful job training and purpose✅ Filled a crucial gap in the affordable housing market✅ Earned strong community support and positive feedback statewide

Mike and David discuss how the program came to life, what they've learned along the way, and their vision for the future—including expanding production capacity and creating an alumni foundation for program graduates.

Whether you're an economic developer, housing professional, or community leader, this episode delivers powerful lessons on innovation, collaboration, and human impact—a true model for other states to follow.

🔑 Key Takeaways

• Homes for Iowa provides affordable homes while training incarcerated men in building trades.
• The initiative helps reduce recidivism and strengthens Iowa's workforce pipeline.
• 150+ homes have already been placed in 50 counties across Iowa.
• Community feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.
• The program's public-private partnership with Iowa Prison Industries is central to its success.
• Future goals include expanding operations and creating a support network for alumni.
• Homes for Iowa serves as a replicable model for other states facing similar challenges.

💡 Episode Summary

In this episode of Develop This!, host Dennis Fraise sits down with Jay Garner, President of Garner Economics and a founding member of the Site Selectors Guild, to tackle one of the biggest challenges in economic development today—the workforce crisis.

Jay and Dennis dig into the realities behind the "silver tsunami" as millions of baby boomers near retirement, explore the widening skills gap, and discuss how quality of place now drives business investment decisions. They also examine how immigration, technology, and regional collaboration are reshaping workforce dynamics—and what communities can do to stay competitive.

Whether you're leading a local EDO, working in workforce strategy, or trying to attract industry to your region, this episode delivers timely insights on how to pivot and prepare for what's next.

🔑 Key Takeaways

• Workforce is the #1 concern for economic developers and site selectors.
• The "silver tsunami"—20% of the workforce nearing retirement—will redefine labor markets.
• Investment follows talent, and talent follows quality of place.
• Communities must enhance livability and amenities to attract and retain workers.
• Immigration is vital to sustaining labor force growth.
• Technology continues to reshape job demand and skill requirements.
• Retention is the new recruitment—keeping your existing workforce is a win.
• Collaboration between local industry, education, and government is essential for lasting solutions.

🎧 Episode Summary

In this episode of Develop This!, host Dennis Fraise sits down with Lynn Kreach, Learning & Development Associate with the International Economic Development Council (IEDC), to explore the evolving world of professional development in economic development.

From IEDC's new 2026 course catalog to the rise of virtual training and the importance of certification and continuous learning, Lynn shares a behind-the-scenes look at how IEDC equips professionals with the tools, skills, and confidence to thrive in a rapidly changing field.

The conversation covers how courses are designed for immediate, real-world application, the impact of networking and peer learning, and how becoming an IEDC instructor can be a natural next step in leadership. Whether you're a new practitioner or a seasoned pro, this episode will inspire you to take charge of your learning journey.

💡 Key Takeaways

• IEDC provides a complete pathway for economic developers at every stage of their careers.
• Courses focus on practical application—tools and strategies you can use the next day.
• Networking remains a cornerstone of professional growth and knowledge sharing.
• Certification pathways are built around IEDC's core competencies.
• Partnerships enrich the learning experience and expand access to expertise.
• Virtual learning requires new engagement strategies—and IEDC is leading the way.
• Instructors bring real-world experience and case studies to life in the classroom.
• Continuous learning keeps professionals ahead in a dynamic, fast-evolving field.
• Emerging trends include skills-first hiring and greater use of data-driven insights.
• The best time to plan your professional development? Right now.

In this episode of Develop This!, host Dennis Fraise sits down with Adrian Spencer, Co-Founder and Director of GrantGuru, the world's largest aggregator of grants and funding programs. Together, they explore how Grant Guru is transforming the way communities, local governments, and nonprofits access funding opportunities.

Adrian shares his unlikely journey from geology to grant funding, the evolution of GrantGuru into a global grants intelligence platform, and how its technology helps simplify and democratize access to more than 163,000 active grants worth over $3.5 trillion.

Listeners will learn how economic developers can leverage GrantGuru to identify relevant programs, support local businesses and nonprofits, and strategically use grants as a tool for long-term community growth. Adrian and Dennis also dive into the challenge of keeping grant data current, designing user-friendly tools, and the importance of pairing funding with strategic thinking and local impact.

Whether you're a small-town economic developer or part of a regional organization, this conversation offers practical insights into how technology can make the complex world of grants more accessible, transparent, and effective.

Key Takeaways

• Adrian Spencer's unconventional path from geologist to grant funding expert
• Grant Guru aggregates over 163,000 grants valued at $3.5 trillion worldwide
• The platform's mission: democratize access to funding for all communities
• How economic developers can simplify and streamline grant searches
• The importance of strategic alignment between grants and community goals
• Insights into how technology and data power modern grant discovery
• Why maintaining accurate, up-to-date information is key for success
• Grant funding as a lever for community empowerment and resilience

Download our free White Paper here (by providing a name/email): https://pages.grantguru.com/state-of-play-us-2025

Mention that you heard about GrantGuru on Develop This! and receive a 20% discount

In this inspiring episode of Develop This!, host Joi Cuartero Austin sits down with her sister, Christine Cuartero, Co-Director of the Filipino School of Chicago, to explore how cultural heritage can shape stronger communities and local economies.

October marks Filipino American History Month, a time to honor the resilience, creativity, and contributions of Filipino Americans across generations. Joi and Christine discuss how celebrating heritage is more than preserving tradition; it's an act of community-building, identity, and empowerment.

From the diverse neighborhood of Albany Park in Chicago, Christine shares the story of how a group of Pinay mothers in education came together to found a school rooted in bayanihan (collective spirit), kapwa (shared humanity), and cultural pride.

Together, they discuss how cultural education fosters belonging, how immigrant stories shape the economic and social fabric of neighborhoods, and how investing in heritage is a powerful strategy for local revitalization.

In this episode:

• The significance of Filipino American History Month and why representation matters.
• The story behind the Filipino School of Chicago, founded by a group of Pinay educators to preserve culture, language, and pride for the next generation.
• How Albany Park's diversity is both a cultural and economic asset.
• How cultural spaces foster belonging and retention, key factors in economic development.
• The role of heritage-based entrepreneurship and cultural businesses in driving local vitality.
• Why bayanihan, the Filipino spirit of collective effort, mirrors the principles of successful community and economic development.
• Practical ways economic developers can partner with immigrant-led and cultural organizations to strengthen inclusivity and representation in local economies.

Daughter of immigrants from Orani, Bataan and Quezon City, Christine C is an educator and community organizer with over a decade of service across public school settings and neighborhoods in Chicago and New York City. Committed to equity and civic engagement, she's worked with organizations like El Puente (NYC) and the National Center for Urban Education of Illinois State University (Chicago) to connect community based organizations with schools, lead service-learning initiatives, and mentor future educators. Christine is a Chicago Public Schools leader and parent, and co-founder of the Filipino School of Chicago. She currently works as a case manager at a CPS elementary school.

1 In this episode of Develop This!, host Dennis Fraise sits down with Emily Benjamin, the President and CEO of the Lee County Economic Development Group (LCEDG)—the very role Dennis once held. Together, they explore the realities of leadership transition, organizational change, and the evolution of community-focused economic development.

Emily shares her non-linear career journey into the field, how a strategic overlap period helped ensure a smooth handoff, and what it's been like stepping into leadership of a small but impactful economic development organization. From navigating board dynamics and community expectations to fostering team trust and strategic growth, this episode offers an honest and practical look at what it takes to lead and evolve within the ever-changing world of community and economic development.

Key Takeaways

• Leadership transitions require planning, patience, and trust to succeed.
• An overlap period can help both outgoing and incoming leaders align on priorities and culture.
• Board relationships and clear communication are essential for stability and success.
• Economic development leadership means balancing community expectations with organizational capacity.
• Adaptability and quick thinking are vital in a small EDO environment.
• Support from a committed board and engaged stakeholders makes all the difference.
• Understanding the organization's history and community context builds credibility and confidence.

What does it mean to be a young leader in economic development today? In this episode, Develop This! contributing correspondent Joi Cuartero Austin sits down with Chandler Shook, Centerville, Iowa's new Main Street & Economic Development Director, to explore the realities, opportunities, and challenges of leading in a small community.

From his start as a city administrator to his current role championing Centerville's revitalization, Chandler shares his insights on navigating leadership at a young age, building credibility, and turning limited resources into creative momentum.

Together, they discuss how young professionals are reshaping the field, why patience and progress often go hand in hand, and how Main Street continues to serve as the heartbeat of community identity and pride.

Main Street Amercia

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Chandler's unconventional journey into public service and economic development
• The value and perspective young leaders bring to the profession—and the hurdles they face
• How smaller communities can leverage scarcity to spark innovation and collaboration
• Why "boomerang" residents are vital to sustaining local leadership
• How Main Street captures the true soul of a community
• What the next chapter of small-town economic development might look like

In this episode of the Develop This! Podcast, Dennis Fraise is joined by Ashley Canada and Eric Canada for the third installment in a four-part series on building an AI blueprint. They dive into the essential role of workforce upskilling in successful AI adoption, explaining why AI training must extend beyond technical teams to prevent the creation of a two-tier workforce.

The discussion highlights how inclusive AI training not only builds employee skills but also boosts morale, engagement, and organizational growth. Listeners will gain actionable strategies for empowering employees, leveraging AI to amplify human strengths, and involving staff in identifying opportunities for AI implementation.

The episode also explores quick wins that spark awareness, the evolving roles of AI in economic development organizations, and practical ways to integrate AI into a broader workforce development strategy.

Key Takeaways:

• Upskilling the entire workforce is essential for successful AI adoption.
• Selective training risks creating a two-tiered workforce.
• AI enhances human capabilities and engagement—it doesn't replace people.
• Inclusive training fosters morale, ownership, and organizational alignment.
• Staff input is critical for identifying AI opportunities that add real value.
• Automating repetitive tasks frees humans for higher-value work.
• Understanding AI tools amplifies unique human strengths.
• Economic development organizations play a role in broader community AI education.
• Quick wins in AI training build awareness and momentum.
• Future-ready employees will work alongside AI copilots to achieve more.

In this episode of the Develop This! podcast, host Dennis Fraise dives into the newly released 2025 State of Site Selection annual report with guests Michelle Comerford from the Site Selectors Guild and Robyn Domber from Development Counsellors International. Together, they unpack the trends shaping facility location decisions and explore their implications for economic and community development professionals.

From the growing weight of risk factors such as policy shifts and tariffs to the pressing need for ready sites with robust infrastructure, the conversation explores how organizations can prepare for an increasingly complex site selection landscape. They also discuss the rising importance of reputation, including how community pushback can derail projects, and why proactive community engagement is now a must-have strategy.

Whether you're working to attract new investment or help your community stay competitive, this episode delivers practical insights grounded in real-world data from the Guild's annual report.

Key Takeaways:

• The Site Selectors Guild has published the State of Site Selection report annually since 2024.
• Risk—particularly in areas such as policy, tariffs, and uncertainty—is shaping decisions.
• Readiness—infrastructure, utilities, and shovel-ready sites—remains essential.
• Reputation and local pushback can create major hurdles for projects.
• Community engagement is critical to addressing concerns and building support.
• The report provides a clear and shareable resource for stakeholders.
• Site selectors are modeling multiple scenarios to help clients navigate uncertainty.
• Enhancing quality of life is key to attracting and retaining talent.