Develop This: Economic and Community Development

Can economic development organizations raise money in small towns?  You bet.

Small towns have a unique ability to rally around cause - be it economic development plans, community projects, or community festivals.  With the right plan in place, more money can often be raised than anyone thought possible.

In this episode, Mark Bergethon, Capital Campaign Specialist with Convergent Nonprofit Solutions, shares three case studies of successful fundraising campaigns in small towns: Vermillion, South Dakota; Holdrege, Nebraska; Clear Lake, Iowa.

Connect with Mark Bergethon

More About Convergent Nonprofit Solutions

Getting a project over the finish line can test your patience and those around you.  When your project hits a wall, you have two options: give up or find another path forward.

In this episode, Dennis shares his experience with going all in on a project- in this case, joint education center.  He refused to give in and was willing to push his chips to the table.  Tune in to find out more.

Sometimes, we just get down.  You put your blood, sweat, and tears into a project only to lose it.

It's okay to get the blues, but you can't stay there.

In this episode, Dennis shares strategies and tips for getting through the tough times and rebounding after a big loss.

Do you dress for success or do you dress to do you?

Although Dennis and Jason have never been called upon for fashion advice, in this episode, they wax poetically about the value of attire in both confidence and in making first impressions.

Tune in for strategies to consider when selecting your attire as well as discussion of the post-pandemic environment for acceptable dress policy standards.

This week's episode sponsored by Convergent Nonprofit Solutions.

What is your appetite for risk?

Do you play it safe - never putting your career or the organization's credibility on the line?

Have you taken too large a risk in the past only to wind up polishing your resume?

Which is worse - never taking a risk to taking too many risks?

In this episode, Jason makes the argument that risk taking is essential if you and/or your organization want to stay relevant.

This week's episode sponsored by Convergent Nonprofit Solutions.

'Now Hiring' signs can be seen everywhere.

From entry-level jobs to trades to professional occupations, companies are scrambling for employees.  Although this problem isn't new, the stress level is at an all-time high.

In this episode, Dennis and Jason have it all figured out.  Well- not really.

Although there are no easy answers, the duo does offer three thoughts for consideration on how economic and community development groups can help communities and employers grapple with a difficult situation.

In this episode, Dennis shares his very personal story of writing an obituary - his own.

If you had the opportunity to write your obituary, what own you include?  What would you omit?  What do you want to be sure to get done before that day comes?

How would you like to be remembered?

Slow down today and a take a moment to listen.  You'll be glad you did.

Building a business isn't easy, and a great idea is not enough! It takes discipline, accountability, and a solid network of support behind the scenes. Lakshmi Shenoy is the CEO of Embarc Collective and in this episode, host Andy Sokolovich engages Lakshmi to discuss what it takes to ensure entrepreneurs succeed.

The staff of executive advisors and function-specific experts at Embarc Collective deliver individualized support to startups inside the agency's state of the art 32,000 square foot collaboration facility in the Greater Tampa Bay Region. Embarc Collective's innovation hub brings together startups, venture capitalists, academic resources, and startup-focused partners in a central physical location to build, learn and collaborate.

Connect with Lakshmi Shenoy

2020 seemed like it would never end.  But this year is going quick.

If your organization operates on a calendar year, you are running out of time to do some very important things.

In this episode, Dennis and Jason offer suggestions for things to get on your calendar NOW. Don't wait until tomorrow - get these things on the calendar today to make sure they are done by the end of the year!

This week's episode sponsored by Convergent Nonprofit Solutions.

How do you know when it is time to change positions or take on a larger role?

In this episode, Dennis is joined by Alyssa Byrd, economic development director for the Town of Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina.

They talk about building skill sets, life balance, leadership, and public criticism.

Connect with Alyssa Byrd

More about Fuquay-Varina