On this special crossover episode, Dane Carlson joins Joe Barker on the Rural Strong Podcast to talk about Sitehunt, entrepreneurship, and the power of AI to help rural and small-community economic developers compete at scale.

In this episode of Rural Strong, Joe and Dane explore how AI tools like Sitehunt automate site analysis, RFI responses, and data collection — giving small EDOs the same analytical firepower as their big-city counterparts. Dane shares his unlikely journey from early-2000s internet entrepreneur to chamber president in the Sierra Nevada foothills to Texas economic-development director to startup CEO. They discuss why feedback matters more than features, why execution beats ideas every time, and why even the smallest communities need a modern website, a plan, and the willingness to pivot.

Dane also unpacks how child care, housing, and workforce shortages have become the new pillars of competitiveness, why AI is best thought of as a “dim-witted but persistent intern,” and how rural leaders can use technology to take back the information advantage from site selectors.

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Sponsored By:

• Sitehunt: Sitehunt is an AI-enhanced platform that helps economic developers build a comprehensive property database, enabling informed decisions and efficient RFI responses to accelerate site selection and project success.

Links:

• RuralStrong - YouTube
• Dane Carlson | LinkedIn
• Sitehunt
• Joe Barker | LinkedIn

In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Candi Clouse from IMPLAN joins Dane Carlson to unpack how the fifty-year-old economic-impact platform grew from a U.S. Forest Service project into the industry’s gold standard for analyzing how local and regional economies respond to change. She explains the basics of input-output modeling, how opening a single manufacturing plant can affect hundreds of related industries and household spending, and describes how IMPLAN empowers users to measure those effects in real time.

Candi also shares her personal journey from psychology to economic development, the surprising ripple effects of Ohio’s motion-picture tax credit, and how IMPLAN’s data helps states compare investments, balance urban-rural needs, and plan for reshoring and supply-chain shifts.

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Special Guest: Candi Clouse.

Sponsored By:

• Sitehunt: Sitehunt is an AI-enhanced platform that helps economic developers build a comprehensive property database, enabling informed decisions and efficient RFI responses to accelerate site selection and project success.

Links:

• Candi Clouse, Ph.D. | LinkedIn
• IMPLAN | Economic Impact Analysis Software
• IMPLAN - Support

In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, host Dane Carlson shares his talk from the Utility Economic Development Association’s 2025 Fall Forum in Traverse City, Michigan. He explains how artificial intelligence is transforming economic development from a guessing game into a data-driven discipline. Drawing from his work with Sitehunt, Dane reveals how utilities can turn raw infrastructure data like power, water, sewer, and fiber into actionable intelligence that accelerates projects, shortens RFI responses, and drives smarter investment decisions. He challenges listeners to stop optimizing for Google and start optimizing for AI, showing how even small steps like making one dataset machine readable can reshape how regions grow and compete.

Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps!

Sponsored By:

• Sitehunt: Sitehunt is an AI-enhanced platform that helps economic developers build a comprehensive property database, enabling informed decisions and efficient RFI responses to accelerate site selection and project success.

Links:

• Utility Economic Development Association | Utility Economic Development Association
• UEDA 2025 Fall Forum | Utility Economic Development Association on Glue Up
• AI for Utilities: The Future of Economic Development and Site Selection - YouTube
• Dane Carlson | LinkedIn
• Sitehunt

In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson talks with Joe Rudemiller, Vice President of Marketing and Communications at Cincinnati Center City Development Corporation (3CDC), about how the organization helped turn Over-the-Rhine from a crime-ridden, disinvested neighborhood into one of America’s most celebrated urban communities.

Joe shares how strategic partnerships with the corporate sector, catalytic public spaces, historic preservation, and mission-driven development created a vibrant, mixed-income district filled with local businesses and active civic life.

He also discusses how programming, special improvement districts, and community initiatives like GeneroCity 513 and fair-chance hiring continue to strengthen the fabric of downtown Cincinnati — and what lessons other cities can apply to their own revitalization efforts.

Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps!

Special Guest: Joe Rudemiller.

Sponsored By:

• Sitehunt: Sitehunt is an AI-enhanced platform that helps economic developers build a comprehensive property database, enabling informed decisions and efficient RFI responses to accelerate site selection and project success.

Links:

• Joe Rudemiller | LinkedIn
• 3CDC: Overview | LinkedIn
• 3CDC
• 3CDC | Instagram
• What's next for 3CDC? These projects could reshape Cincinnati (again)
• How Cincinnati Salvaged the Nation’s Most Dangerous Neighborhood - POLITICO Magazine
• How 3CDC became a vital redevelopment force
• What is 3CDC in Cincinnati? Where does 3CDC get its money?
• OTR North: $100 million project lands Cincinnati City Council funds - Cincinnati Business Courier — Massive $100M 'OTR North' project secures first-phase financing
• Over-The-Rhine: Is this a model for urban renewal or a warning sign?
• Cincinnati company Paycor moving into Downtown's old Saks building
• 3CDC unveils proposals for new convention hotel
• Cincinnati's Foundry bld. brings upscale offices near Downtown square
• Look inside Music Hall after its $143 million, 16-month renovation

In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson talks with Kat Guillaume-Delemar, President and CEO of the Center for Community Progress, the nation’s only nonprofit dedicated to fixing the systems that lead to widespread vacant, abandoned, and deteriorated properties. Kat shares how systemic vacancy harms communities — from lowering property values and public health to blocking economic opportunity — and explains how policy reform, land banking, and innovative programs can restore vitality and equity to disinvested neighborhoods. Drawing from her deeply personal journey from poverty and trauma to leadership and advocacy, Kat offers inspiring insights and actionable strategies for economic developers seeking to build stronger, more human-centered communities.

Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps!

Special Guest: Kathleen Guillaume-Delemar.

Sponsored By:

• Sitehunt: Sitehunt is an AI-enhanced platform that helps economic developers build a comprehensive property database, enabling informed decisions and efficient RFI responses to accelerate site selection and project success.

Links:

• Kat J. Guillaume- Delemar | LinkedIn
• Center for Community Progress
• Center for Community Progress: Overview | LinkedIn
• Center for Community Progress - YouTube
• Center for Community Progress | Instagram
• Center for Community Progress | Facebook

In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson sits down with Molly Howey, CEO of the Greater Topeka Partnership, to discuss how Topeka is redefining what is possible for mid-sized U.S. cities.

Molly shares how uniting economic development, downtown revitalization, tourism, and the chamber under one strategic umbrella helped the city align its vision and accelerate growth. From transforming a once-quiet airfield into a future industrial hub, to building momentum in the Animal Health Corridor and nurturing homegrown startups, Molly reveals the creative thinking and community grit driving Topeka forward.

Her story offers powerful lessons for any economic developer aiming to build sustainable, people-centered progress in their community.

Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps!

Special Guest: Molly Howey.

Sponsored By:

• Sitehunt: Sitehunt is an AI-enhanced platform that helps economic developers build a comprehensive property database, enabling informed decisions and efficient RFI responses to accelerate site selection and project success.

Links:

• Molly Howey, CEcD | LinkedIn
• Greater Topeka Partnership: Overview | LinkedIn
• Greater Topeka Partnership | Instagram

In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson sits down with Anders Victor, Director of International Business Development for the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, to explore how the state positions itself as a global powerhouse for foreign direct investment. Anders shares how North Carolina leverages its international offices, partnerships, and workforce strengths to attract companies like Toyota, Siemens, and Roche, while also tackling challenges around product availability, infrastructure, and talent pipelines. From lessons learned in global competition to the importance of mentorship and cultural adaptability, Anders offers practical and inspiring advice for economic developers everywhere

Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps!

Special Guest: Anders Victor.

Sponsored By:

• Sitehunt: Sitehunt is an AI-enhanced platform that helps economic developers build a comprehensive property database, enabling informed decisions and efficient RFI responses to accelerate site selection and project success.

Links:

• Anders Victor, CEcD | LinkedIn
• Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina | EDPNC

(Due to technical issues, this episode has been reuploaded. My apologies to Jamie and to all our listeners. –Dane)

In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson welcomes back Jamie Beasley, who shares her path from chamber leadership to her current role as a Regional Development Specialist in north central Oklahoma.

Jamie discusses the joys and challenges of working with small towns, the importance of building authentic community connections, and the value of bringing fresh ideas from other places.

She also introduces her new initiative, Econ Dev Ops, a virtual assistant service tailored to chambers of commerce and economic development organizations, designed to help overburdened leaders focus on strategy and growth.

Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps!

Special Guest: Jamie Beasley.

Sponsored By:

• Sitehunt: Sitehunt is an AI-enhanced platform that helps economic developers build a comprehensive property database, enabling informed decisions and efficient RFI responses to accelerate site selection and project success.

Links:

• Jamie Beasley | LinkedIn
• Chamber Burnout with Jamie Beasley - A Podcast for Chamber Professionals
• Econ Dev Ops LLC
• Sitehunt
• Crowdfund Better
• SmartStart Business Development
• SaveYour.Town – Practical steps to shape a better future for your community, small town, rural or local neighborhood
• Oklahoma Department of Commerce | Building business in OK
• Econ Dev Show Podcast - Economic Development 106: The First Month in the ED Director's Chair with Jamie Beasley

In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson welcomes back Jamie Beasley, who shares her path from chamber leadership to her current role as a Regional Development Specialist in north central Oklahoma.

Jamie discusses the joys and challenges of working with small towns, the importance of building authentic community connections, and the value of bringing fresh ideas from other places.

She also introduces her new initiative, Econ Dev Ops, a virtual assistant service tailored to chambers of commerce and economic development organizations, designed to help overburdened leaders focus on strategy and growth.

Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps!

Special Guest: Jamie Beasley.

Sponsored By:

• Sitehunt: Sitehunt is an AI-enhanced platform that helps economic developers build a comprehensive property database, enabling informed decisions and efficient RFI responses to accelerate site selection and project success.

Links:

• Jamie Beasley | LinkedIn
• Chamber Burnout with Jamie Beasley - A Podcast for Chamber Professionals
• Econ Dev Ops LLC
• Sitehunt
• Crowdfund Better
• SmartStart Business Development
• SaveYour.Town – Practical steps to shape a better future for your community, small town, rural or local neighborhood
• Oklahoma Department of Commerce | Building business in OK
• Econ Dev Show Podcast - Economic Development 106: The First Month in the ED Director's Chair with Jamie Beasley

In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson welcomes back Jamie Beasley, who shares her path from chamber leadership to her current role as a Regional Development Specialist in north central Oklahoma.

Jamie discusses the joys and challenges of working with small towns, the importance of building authentic community connections, and the value of bringing fresh ideas from other places.

She also introduces her new initiative, Econ Dev Ops, a virtual assistant service tailored to chambers of commerce and economic development organizations, designed to help overburdened leaders focus on strategy and growth.

Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps!

Special Guest: Jamie Beasley.

Sponsored By:

• Sitehunt: Sitehunt is an AI-enhanced platform that helps economic developers build a comprehensive property database, enabling informed decisions and efficient RFI responses to accelerate site selection and project success.

Links:

• Jamie Beasley | LinkedIn
• Chamber Burnout with Jamie Beasley - A Podcast for Chamber Professionals
• Econ Dev Ops LLC
• Sitehunt
• Crowdfund Better
• SmartStart Business Development
• SaveYour.Town – Practical steps to shape a better future for your community, small town, rural or local neighborhood
• Oklahoma Department of Commerce | Building business in OK
• Econ Dev Show Podcast - Economic Development 106: The First Month in the ED Director's Chair with Jamie Beasley