Develop This: Economic and Community Development

Today's podcast is the final in a series recorded live at the Arkansas Community Development Society annual conference in Conway, Arkansas.

In this episode, Jason is joined by Daniel Davis, Assistant Vice President and Public Affairs Officer at the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis to discuss some of the challenges related to economic mobility facing communities across the country.

With all of the societal challenges in today's world, the task of improving the standard of living within a community can seem overwhelming.  Where should we even start?  Daniel provides tips for gathering data, launching a community conversation, and even names those regions making a difference.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions shared within this episode are those of Daniel Davis individually and not the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis.

Connect with Daniel Davis

Arkansas Community Development Society

Last week, the podcast was recorded in front of a live studio audience at the Arkansas Community Development Society annual conference in Conway, Arkansas.

In this episode, Dennis is joined by Linsley Kinkade, the senior director of US programs for Winrock International.  Communities are always on a path towards improvement, but where should they focus?  There are infrastructure challenges, workforce shortages, disadvantaged populations, and all sorts of other challenges.  Few communities have the resources to get everything done.

Where should communities prioritize?  Linsley provides her guidance based on her experience in the trenches.

More About Winrock International

Connect with Linsley Kinkade

Arkansas Community Development Society

This episode brought to you by Accrisoft Corporation - leaders in the economic development web design business.

Do you want a successful career in economic development?  If so, then this series is for you: The Indisputable Rules for a Successful Career in Economic Development.

Yes- it is a bold claim, but listen before you judge.

Rule #: Never Stop Learning.  No matter how good you are or how much experience you have accumulated, there should never be a point at which you stop learning.  In this episode, Jason details the areas in which we can continuing learning.

Dennis is back from the IEDC annual conference and shares his summary thoughts from the event.  In addition, listeners from the Develop This! appreciation dinner share some comments as well.

Last week, the podcast was recorded in front of a live studio audience at the Arkansas Community Development Society annual conference in Conway, Arkansas.

In this episode, Jason is joined by Mike Preston, the state's Secretary of Commerce and chief economic development official to talk incentives, global recruiting, and the privileges and constraints of being a political appointee.

They also chat about the future of economic development and provide guidance for communities all of the country on adapting for the future.

More About Mike Preston

Arkansas Community Development Society

Your favorite podcast co-hosts are on the road this week, so some of the best content from the past is up for a repeat presentation.

Are we at the beginning of an educational revolution?  Dr. Kevin Fleming, author of "(Re)Defining the Goal" suggests it's time to rethink education and inspire students for life after high school.  Dr. Fleming knows a thing or two about the traditional education path after spending more than $150,000 on advanced degrees.

In part one of this two part series, Dennis interviews the creator of the YouTube video that helped launch a national dialogue about acquiring the right knowledge, skills and abilities to be successful in the new economy.  His message encourages America's talented high school students to considered a career in the skilled trades instead of the blind pursuit of higher education.

Check out the YouTube video here: Success in the New Economy

We are in the business of adding VALUE.

In this episode, Andy Sokolovich breaks down the VALUE acronym and shares his keys to a successful BRE program. Building rock-solid relationships with existing businesses is a key role of any EDO. How many plant managers can you text?

Speaking of open lines of communication, be sure to let us know how we’re doing! Email your feedback to [email protected].

Your favorite podcast co-hosts are on the road this week, so some of the best content from the past is up for a repeat presentation.

As economic development professionals, we often have a love-hate relationship with members of the media.  We rely on the media to help share our positive message of economic prosperity, but we also cringe when they attack job creation projects or misquote us.

Kiley Miller is the President/CEO of the Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation but started his career as a reporter for a daily newspaper.  With experience as both a reporter and an economic development professional, Kiley provides a unique perspective on how groups can better engage and interact with the media.

In this episode, Jason peels back the onion with Kiley on the questions you always wondered:

-What should you do when misquoted? -How can you provide appropriate context without sharing confidential information? -What can be done to improve coverage of our initiatives? -What should you do if you mess up?

Find out more about the Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corridor.

Do you want a successful career in economic development?  If so, then this series is for you: The Indisputable Rules for a Successful Career in Economic Development.

Yes- it is a bold claim, but listen before you judge.

Rule #6: Share the Credit.  Economic development is a team sport, and no one achieves success alone.  When it is time for the spotlight, do you share the credit?

Yes, we need to build a personal brand, but it is necessary to share the spotlight.  Give credit where it is due.

Carson King caught the attention of an entire nation when he raised $3 million for the University of Iowa Children's hospital.  Social media initially fueled the phenomenon, then became a point of controversy, and then reinvigorated the effort to help him raise another $2 million.

It is an amazing story and can also offer some lessons regarding social media.

In this episode, Dennis and Jason share their thoughts about social media profiles of economic and community development professionals.  What is fair game?  Should you 'sanitize' your profiles?  How should you handle personal views v those of the organization?