Develop This: Economic and Community Development

In this forward-looking episode of Develop This!, Dennis sits down with acclaimed speaker, author, and CEO Mark C. Perna to unpack one of the most important shifts facing economic and community development professionals today: the rise of the entrepreneurial generation.

With 84% of Gen Z expressing interest in entrepreneurship, communities must rethink how they build talent pipelines, support startups, and cultivate opportunity.

Mark shares insights from his 27+ years of building impactful businesses and explains why today's youth view risk, safety, and control differently than previous generations. For them, entrepreneurship isn't rebellion—it's stability. It's ownership. It's purpose.

Drawing from his bestselling book Answering Why and his work through TFS Results, Mark explores how communities can better align education, workforce development, and economic strategy to support this shift.

This episode is packed with practical takeaways for economic developers, chamber leaders, workforce boards, and higher education partners looking to future-proof their ecosystems.

Key Insights for Economic Developers

The Generational Shift

• 84% of Gen Z are interested in entrepreneurship.
• Young people see traditional employment as riskier than ownership.
• Control, flexibility, and purpose are powerful motivators.

Lower Barriers, Bigger Opportunities

• Physical storefronts are no longer required to launch a business.
• Social media, freelance platforms, and digital tools have democratized entrepreneurship.
• Communities must pivot from recruitment-only strategies to startup cultivation.

Managing Risk & Building Resilience

• Risk management—not risk avoidance—is the true entrepreneurial skill.
• Failure is data. Reflection drives growth.
• Adaptability is the competitive advantage of modern founders.

Leadership in the New Economy

• Integrity and vision are non-negotiable.
• Decisiveness builds confidence in teams.
• Shared vision is critical when managing remote and distributed teams.

Avoiding Mission Creep

• Clarity of purpose prevents dilution.
• A strong "North Star" helps organizations streamline offerings and maximize impact.
• Focus drives scalability.

Why This Matters for Community & Economic Development

Entrepreneurship is no longer a niche strategy—it's a central economic development driver.

Mark discusses his Education with Purpose & Employment with Passion movement and his involvement with the International Economic Development Council, emphasizing the need for tighter alignment between:

• K–12 education
• Higher education
• Workforce development
• Employers
• Economic development organizations

Communities that connect these dots will win the future talent war.

Practical Takeaways

• Start small—but start.
• Define your North Star.
• Build ecosystems, not just incentives.
• Teach risk literacy.
• Focus on value creation over scale.
• Use failure as a confidence-building tool.

About Mark

Mark C. Perna is an internationally recognized speaker, author, and CEO who has examined education and careers through a generational lens since 2019. He is the founder of TFS Results and creator of the Education with Purpose & Employment with Passion movement.

A graduate of John Carroll University, Mark serves on the Advisory Council for the Coalition for Career Development and is a member of the International Economic Development Council.

His viral writing on the education crisis continues to spark national dialogue around workforce readiness, entrepreneurship, and generational change.

In this episode of Develop This!, host Dennis Fraise sits down with Ron Kresha, Chief Financial Officer and founding member of Golden Shovel Agency, to explore the powerful — and often overlooked — role of community airports in economic development.

Drawing from his professional expertise and personal passion for aviation, Ron makes a compelling case for why community airports must be viewed not as line-item expenses, but as anchor institutions that drive investment, healthcare access, business recruitment, and long-term growth.

From general aviation to essential air service, airport marketing to emerging aviation technology, this episode delivers actionable insights for community and economic development leaders ready to elevate their local airport strategy.

1. Community Airports: Expense or Economic Engine?

Ron challenges the common misconception that airports are financial drains. Instead, he reframes them as infrastructure investments that produce measurable ROI through:

• Business attraction and retention
• Corporate aviation access
• Site selection competitiveness
• Tourism and regional connectivity

2. The Critical Role of General Aviation

While commercial flights often dominate the conversation, general aviation is a major contributor to local economies. Corporate aircraft, medical flights, flight training, agricultural aviation, and logistics operations all rely on well-maintained community airports.

For many communities, general aviation is the real driver of economic activity.

3. Essential Air Service & Small Community Survival

Ron highlights the importance of Essential Air Service (EAS) for rural and smaller communities. Reliable air connectivity supports:

• Healthcare access
• Executive travel
• Talent recruitment
• Emergency response

4. Airport Marketing & Community Engagement

One of the strongest themes of the episode is airport awareness. Many residents — and even local leaders — don't fully understand what their airport contributes.

Ron emphasizes proactive airport marketing, storytelling, and community engagement to bridge the knowledge gap. Airports must:

• Share economic impact data
• Highlight business users
• Showcase medical and emergency benefits
• Build pride and awareness locally

5. Avoiding the Vicious Cycle of Decline

Underinvestment leads to reduced usage. Reduced usage leads to funding challenges. Funding challenges lead to further decline.

Ron urges communities to:

• Maintain and modernize infrastructure
• Pursue airport funding opportunities
• Treat airports as strategic assets
• Align airport strategy with broader economic development plans

6. The Future of Aviation Technology

Looking ahead, the conversation explores:

• Autonomous aircraft
• Advanced air mobility
• Emerging aviation technologies
• Increased efficiency in general aviation

Communities that prepare now will be positioned to capitalize on the next evolution of aviation.

Takeaways for Economic Development Professionals

• Community airports are anchor institutions — not optional amenities.
• Investment in airport infrastructure generates long-term economic returns.
• General aviation plays a larger role in local economies than many realize.
• Essential air service can determine whether small communities thrive or struggle.
• Airport engagement and marketing are essential to sustaining funding and support.
• Education and awareness campaigns can transform public perception.
• The future of aviation presents new opportunities for proactive communities.

Show Notes

In this episode of Develop This!, Dennis Fraise sits down with Paul Cranch from Brisbane to explore one of the most innovative and community-driven education and workforce models in the world: Country University Centers (CUCs).

Designed to expand access to tertiary education in regional and rural Australia, CUCs are community-led, community-run facilities that allow students to pursue university degrees without leaving their hometowns. The result? Stronger local economies, reduced brain drain, and a new generation of homegrown talent fueling regional prosperity.

Paul shares how this model emerged, why it works, and what economic development professionals around the world can learn from its success.

Key Topics Covered

• The origins and purpose of Country University Centers, and how they were created to serve regional Australia
• Why community-led, community-run facilities matter in expanding access to higher education
• Reversing brain drain by keeping students local and attracting talent back to rural communities
• Creative funding models combining federal, state, local, and private sector investment
• Economic ripple effects: workforce development, business engagement, and entrepreneurship
• Scaling and sustaining the model while keeping communities at the center
• Lessons for other regions, including online learning partnerships, governance structures, and community engagement strategies
• Real-world success stories featuring student demographics, degree programs, and regional outcomes

About Paul Cranch

Paul Cranch is an experienced economic development professional, consultant, and thought leader dedicated to helping communities turn local potential into lasting prosperity.

Based in Queensland, Paul has worked extensively with councils, regional organizations, and state agencies to strengthen local economies, attract investment, and build professional capability. He is the founder of Local Economic Impact Advisory, an independent consultancy focused on data-driven strategy and place-based impact.

Paul is also the voice behind several influential professional newsletters—EcDev with Paul, EcDev Jobs, and EcDev Data—connecting thousands of practitioners across Australia and internationally with practical, evidence-based insights.

Before returning to Australia, Paul spent more than a decade in Japan, studying commerce in Japanese at Kansai University and building a career in brand management and international business development. This experience shaped his global perspective on cross-cultural partnerships, investment facilitation, and place branding.

He is an active contributor to Economic Development Australia and international networks such as the International Economic Development Council, where he champions professional development, community readiness, and practical leadership.

When he's not advising communities or writing about economic development, Paul can be found training at CrossFit, volunteering in Brisbane's Japanese community, or traveling across regional Australia discovering the stories that shape local economies.

Featured Resource

Paul is the author of: BUILDING PLACES INVESTORS BELIEVE IN: How to attract, win, and keep businesses investing in your region

Show Notes

In this episode of Develop This!, Dennis Fraise welcomes Andrew Ratchford, Vice President at Site Selection Group, for a wide-ranging conversation on how the role of economic developers is rapidly expanding—and what that means for communities trying to compete for investment and jobs.

As a proud partner of the Site Selectors Guild, Develop This! continues its mission of connecting economic developers with the site selection profession. This episode reflects that shared commitment: helping communities better understand how projects are evaluated and what it truly takes to deliver results.

Andrew explains how the pandemic accelerated a shift away from traditional economic development toward a more holistic model—one that now includes housing, childcare, workforce readiness, placemaking, sustainability, and risk management as essential components of successful projects.

Rather than simply providing data and incentives, communities are now judged on their ability to execute: align stakeholders, solve infrastructure challenges, and create environments where companies and talent want to stay.

Key Takeaways

• Economic developers' roles are expanding far beyond traditional business attraction
• The pandemic reshaped priorities, forcing a stronger focus on supporting existing businesses
• Communities are evaluated on outcomes, not just information
• Housing and childcare have become critical site selection factors
• Transportation and infrastructure gaps can derail projects if not addressed early
• Stakeholder alignment is essential for project success
• Scarcity of resources is driving innovation in economic development strategies
• Placemaking is key to attracting and retaining talent
• Workforce strategies must evolve with changing industry needs
• Sustainability and risk management now play a central role in project evaluations

About Andrew Ratchford

Andrew Ratchford is Vice President at Site Selection Group, where he specializes in evaluating sites and infrastructure for developability, capacity, and long-term improvement potential. He manages complex requests for information (RFIs), coordinates site visits with clients and community partners, and develops strategic improvement plans to help communities become more investment-ready.

Before joining Site Selection Group, Andrew built a diverse real estate and planning background across the nonprofit, public, and private sectors. His experience includes:

• Nonprofit housing development managing federal grants and affordable housing projects
• Community and regional planning for Greenville County, South Carolina
• Multifamily development with Graycliff Capital Partners
• Site selection advisory services with Global Location Strategies

With more than 13 years of experience, Andrew now focuses primarily on industrial assets and infrastructure, with a special interest in energy and brownfield redevelopment. His client work has included organizations such as Nacero, Georgia Pacific, Tennessee Valley Authority, Wisconsin Economic Development, CSX Railroad, BNSF Railroad, and Hoosier Energy.

Andrew holds an MBA from Clemson University and a Bachelor of Arts in American Studies from North Greenville University. He is skilled in Excel, PowerPoint, GIS platforms, and PowerBI.

Outside of work, Andrew enjoys playing electric and bass guitar, hiking, traveling, cheering on Clemson football, and perfecting his lawn care game while spending time outdoors with his wife, two children, and their dog.

In this episode of Develop This!, host Dennis Fraise sits down with Phil Schneider, Project Principal at Global Location Strategies (GLS), to unpack one of the most critical challenges facing communities today: site readiness.

With more than 30 years of global consulting experience and nearly 400 site selection engagements across manufacturing, headquarters, R&D, technology, and shared services, Phil brings a site selector's unfiltered perspective on how the site selection landscape has fundamentally changed—and why many communities are struggling to keep up.

The conversation explores how manufacturing site selection projects now move at hyper speed, why risk aversion among companies has intensified, and how the shortage of truly competitive industrial sites is reshaping economic development strategy. Phil also dives into the persistent problem of inconsistent definitions of "ready sites" across states and programs—and how that inconsistency can derail projects before they even get started.

A major focus of the episode is the work of the Site Selectors Guild to establish national standards for site readiness. Phil explains how standardized criteria, data transparency, and data integrity can dramatically improve a community's competitiveness—and save both site selectors and economic developers valuable time.

This episode is essential listening for any economic development professional looking to align their site readiness efforts with real-world site selection expectations.

Key Takeaways

• Site readiness is now a baseline requirement, not a competitive advantage.
• Site selection timelines have compressed dramatically, increasing pressure on communities.
• There is a national shortage of quality, build-ready industrial sites.
• Companies are increasingly risk-averse, demanding better data and fewer unknowns.
• Definitions of "ready sites" vary widely—and that inconsistency creates friction.
• Economic developers and site selectors don't always evaluate readiness the same way.
• Data richness, accessibility, and transparency are essential to staying competitive.
• The Site Selectors Guild Ready Sites program helps identify gaps and raise standards.
• There are no perfect sites—but knowing your site's limitations matters.
• National site readiness standards are becoming increasingly important, even globally.

In this episode of Develop This!, host Dennis Fraise sits down with rural innovation expert Becky McCray, co-founder of SaveYour.Town and author of the bestselling books The Idea Friendly Guide and Small Town Rules.

Becky brings a rare perspective to economic development—she doesn't just study rural communities, she lives in one (population: 30). From running a small-town liquor store to serving as a city administrator and nonprofit executive, Becky has spent her career helping rural places adapt, innovate, and thrive.

Together, Dennis and Becky explore why traditional economic development models often fail rural communities—and what works instead. They discuss how small towns can move forward without massive budgets, long strategic plans, or endless committees by becoming more Idea Friendly: open to experimentation, collaboration, and small wins.

Listeners will learn why supporting entrepreneurs matters more than recruiting big industry, how to engage skeptics productively, and how tiny experiments can lead to meaningful momentum. Becky also shares insights from her ongoing Survey of Rural Challenges and highlights positive trends emerging across rural America—from renewed interest in downtowns and walkability to stronger local business ecosystems.

This episode is packed with practical tools and mindset shifts for economic developers, community leaders, and anyone who believes their town's future is worth fighting for.

Your town matters. And change doesn't start with a perfect plan—it starts with one small step.

Key Topics Covered

• Why traditional strategic planning often fails rural communities
• The Idea Friendly Method: Gather Your Crowd, Build Connections, Take Small Steps
• How small experiments outperform big projects
• Supporting local entrepreneurs vs. chasing large employers
• Turning rural challenges into community strengths
• Engaging skeptics and building trust
• Creating momentum through incremental wins
• Why every community's future must be locally shaped

Episode Takeaways

• Rural communities need solutions designed for rural realities
• Economic development starts with entrepreneurs and small businesses
• You don't need permission to try small ideas
• Relationships drive innovation more than structures
• Skeptics can become allies when you listen first
• Progress comes from action, not perfect plans
• Tiny wins build confidence and momentum
• Communities thrive when people feel empowered to try

Housing has become one of the most urgent—and complex—challenges facing economic developers today. In this episode of Develop This!, host Dennis Fraise sits down with Michael Mohrfeld, Owner and President of Mohrfeld Electric, Green Oak Development, Mohrfeld Solar, and a housing developer.

Speaking candidly from a developer's perspective, Michael shares what it really takes to make housing projects work in small and mid-sized communities—and why so many well-intentioned plans never move from concept to construction. Drawing on his diverse portfolio across construction, real estate, energy, and community-focused development, Michael explains how housing challenges are deeply intertwined with workforce availability, zoning, financing, and local leadership.

Dennis and Michael explore:

• Why housing is now a top economic development constraint
• The growing difficulty of delivering affordable and workforce housing
• How labor shortages in construction are impacting timelines and costs
• Regulatory and zoning hurdles that can stall or stop projects entirely
• The differences between new construction and renovation-based development
• Opportunities in both multifamily and single-family housing markets
• Why small communities must rely on local leadership—because "there's no cavalry coming"

Key Takeaways

• Housing is one of the most critical issues facing economic developers
• Developers bring practical insight into what makes projects viable
• Small communities face unique housing and financing challenges
• Workforce shortages significantly affect construction feasibility
• Affordable housing is increasingly complex to build
• Zoning and regulatory processes can impede development
• New construction and renovation projects require different strategies
• Strong community leadership is essential for success
• Both multifamily and single-family housing present opportunities
• Local champions are key to driving meaningful progress

In this special Develop This! Crystal Ball Series episode, host Dennis Fraise welcomes speaker and author Will Baggett for a wide-ranging conversation about what the future holds for leadership, communities, and economic development in 2026.

Dennis and Will explore how AI, shifting cultural values, and new economic forces are reshaping communities. They discuss why human connection may become a competitive advantage, how third spaces and phone-free environments are emerging as a correction to digital overload, and why adaptability is the most valuable leadership skill of the next decade.

The conversation also dives into emerging trends such as biohacking and longevity, the changing expectations of the housing market, the economic impact of sports betting and NIL deals, and the growing importance of Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) over traditional SEO.

Key Takeaways

• People are craving real human connection more than ever
• Adaptability is the most important leadership skill
• Communities need more gathering spaces that support small businesses
• Outdated assumptions create serious planning risks
• Biohacking and longevity are becoming mainstream
• A healthy lifespan may matter more than retirement age
• Phone-free and unplugged spaces are gaining traction
• Human connection can become a strategic advantage for organizations
• Housing expectations are shifting toward individual needs
• Sports betting and NIL deals are reshaping local economies
• The labor market is experiencing a backlog from multiple forces
• Third spaces are critical for community engagement
• The shift from SEO to GEO is transforming digital strategy
• Knowledge matters more than raw information

In this episode of Develop This!, host Dennis Fraise sits down with Samantha Jefferson, Managing Director of the Site Selectors Guild. This episode continues the relationship between the Develop This! Podcast and the Site Selectors Guild, offering listeners direct insight into how site selectors think, lead, and shape economic development outcomes.

Samantha shares her unique career journey and how early leadership experiences helped shape her holistic approach to site selection. The conversation explores why community understanding is just as important as data, how the Guild promotes integrity and objectivity in the profession, and why member feedback is driving new initiatives—including the launch of new industry certifications.

Dennis and Samantha also discuss the realities of site readiness, the importance of speculative investment, the Guild's international expansion, and how partnerships and conferences are strengthening engagement across the profession.

Key Takeaways

• Samantha's diverse background shapes her holistic view of site selection
• Leadership lessons can come from early experiences, including youth organizations
• Understanding communities is critical to successful economic development
• The Site Selectors Guild promotes integrity and objectivity in site selection
• Member feedback guides the Guild's future direction
• New certifications help define professional standards for site selectors
• International expansion reflects the realities of a global economy
• Site readiness requires careful planning and speculative investment
• Partnerships enhance learning and engagement opportunities
• Success as Managing Director means strong membership and impactful collaboration

Snacks With Surpise

Mark your calendar and prepare for an unparalleled experience at the 2026 Guild Spring Conference with 50 top site selection consultants and members of the Site Selectors Guild taking place March 23-25, 2026 in the vibrant heart of Atlanta, Georgia! With a ratio of eight EDO attendees to one Guild member, this is your exclusive opportunity to connect directly with the world's top location strategy experts and economic developers from across the US and abroad who are all shaping the future of site selection and global investment. The 2026 Guild Spring Conference will bring together the brightest minds in the industry for dynamic panel discussions, interactive roundtables, and high-impact networking sessions—all designed to spark new ideas, foster meaningful connections, and drive real results. Whether you are looking to showcase your community, understand the latest trends, or build relationships that matter, there is no better place to do it than at the Guild Spring Conference.

Site visits can make—or break—an economic development project. In this episode of Develop This!, host Dennis Fraise is joined by Larry Gigerich, Executive Managing Director of Ginovus and one of the nation's most respected voices in site selection and economic development.

With more than 30 years of experience across local and state government, nonprofit leadership, and the private sector, Larry has worked on nearly 600 projects, generating $12 billion in capital investment, creating 100,000+ jobs, and retaining more than 200,000 existing jobs. A former Chair of the Site Selectors Guild. Larry brings unmatched insight into what site consultants and corporate decision-makers truly value when they come to town.

As part of the ongoing partnership between Develop This! and the Site Selectors Guild, this conversation pulls back the curtain on how communities can prepare for, host, and follow up after site visits in ways that build trust and improve outcomes.

Dennis and Larry explore:

• Why site visits are far more than "checking a box" in the project decision process
• Common misconceptions communities have about what site selectors are evaluating
• How logistics, professionalism, and pacing can influence perception
• Why authenticity, transparency, and the right people in the room matter more than a scripted pitch
• How meals, breaks, and quality-of-place experiences shape a visitor's impression
• The critical importance of timely, thoughtful follow-up
• How technology and data are continuing to evolve the site selection process