In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, host Dane Carlson speaks with marketing consultant Alissa Sklar about effective digital strategies for economic development organizations. They discuss leveraging AI tools while maintaining an authentic voice, website management tips for small EDOs, content amplification through LinkedIn, and how to build partnerships with educational institutions. Alissa offers practical advice for economic developers wearing multiple hats, emphasizing how to maximize impact with limited resources and time.

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Special Guest: Alissa Sklar.

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:

• Sklar Consulting – Innovative digital marketing strategy for B2B and economic development
• Alissa Sklar, Ph.D. | LinkedIn
• Sklar Consulting | LinkedIn
• White Papers – Sklar Consulting
• Economic Development Marketing & Priorities | fDi Insights

In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, host Dane Carlson sits down with Clint O'Neal, Executive Director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, to discuss the evolution of economic development over his 17-year career spanning both Missouri and Arkansas. O'Neal shares his path from junior high teacher to economic development leader, highlights successful foreign direct investment projects, and emphasizes the importance of customer service in working with businesses. He also offers perspective on how economic development is adapting to changing workforce priorities, with quality of life and community attractiveness becoming increasingly important factors as people choose where to live before finding employment.

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Special Guest: Clint O'Neal.

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:

• Clint O'Neal, CEcD | LinkedIn
• Arkansas Economic Development Commission
• Arkansas Year in Review 2024 - YouTube
• Why Arkansas - YouTube

In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson welcomes Gus Garcia, the Director of Economic Development for the City of Arlington, Texas. Gus, a dual-certified economic developer with over 19 years of experience, shares his journey through various roles in both the public and private sectors. He emphasizes the importance of strategic planning, leveraging infrastructure, and fostering collaboration to achieve economic growth. Highlighting his work in Arlington and previous initiatives in cities like Edinburg and Duncanville, Gus provides listeners with a wealth of knowledge on implementing impactful economic development projects and aligning them with a city's long-term vision.

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The First 90 Days: Proven Strategies for Getting Up to Speed Faster and Smarter, Updated and Expanded - it sets the tone for an organization's direction. In Economic development, we have to have a plan and follow it. It is easy to get sidetracked in many different directions.

Special Guest: Gus Garcia.

Links:

• The First 90 Days: Proven Strategies for Getting Up to Speed Faster and Smarter, Updated and Expanded by Michael D. Watkins
• Agustin G. Garcia CEcD, EDFP | LinkedIn

In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, host Dane Carlson talks with Sadie Howell with Envision Greater Fond du Lac, a combined Chamber of Commerce and economic development organization in Wisconsin.

Sadie shares insights about her region's economic landscape, including the surprising prevalence of small manufacturers and agricultural businesses that often goes unnoticed.

They discuss the challenges of workforce development, the advantages of a combined chamber-economic development approach, and the importance of understanding local politics and stakeholder dynamics.

As a long-time listener of the podcast before becoming a guest, Sadie offers valuable perspective on regional economic development strategies and the shared challenges that unite economic developers across different communities.

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Special Guest: Sadie Howell.

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:

• Sadie Howell | LinkedIn
• Envision Greater Fond du Lac
• Sadie Vander Velde, Envision, Discusses FDL Economy, Manufacturing, Future + More | WiLLcast Ep. 43 - YouTube
• 40 Under 40 2023 Honoree: Sadie Vander Velde | 40 Under 40 | insightonbusiness.com
• Happy International Women's Day! Here are 8 Fond du Lac female leaders
• e-Edition | insightonbusiness.com
• The Five Dysfunctions of a Team: A Leadership Fable, 20th Anniversary Edition: Lencioni, Patrick M.: 9780787960759: Amazon.com: Books

In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson speaks with Chris Knight, Managing Director of FT Locations, about the nuances of investment promotion and economic development across different global regions. Chris introduces the newly rebranded FT Locations (known for products like Zoom Prospector, FDI Intelligence, and other Financial Times economic development tools) which officially launched on November 12th, 2024.

He explains how the consolidated brand brings together several previously separate services under the Financial Times umbrella to better serve both economic developers and companies seeking investment locations worldwide. Chris draws from his extensive international experience to offer insights on effective investment attraction strategies and emphasizes the importance of understanding investor perspectives when promoting regional opportunities.

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Special Guest: Chris Knight.

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:

• FT Locations

In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Spencer Bost, Executive Director of Downtown Spruce Pine, takes us through the dramatic transformation of his organization following Hurricane Helene's devastation. From managing their annual blacksmith festival and facade grant programs in this mountain town of 2,000 residents, to suddenly facing eight-foot flood waters that destroyed businesses, including his own office, Bost reveals how the community responded to this natural disaster while maintaining their position as a crucial global source of high-purity quartz.

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Sand County Almanac by Aldo Leopold is my most influential book because it beautifully connects the dots between the natural world and the human experience, particularly in rural areas. As an outdoor lover, Leopold's deep respect for ecosystems inspires a sense of stewardship. From a rural economy standpoint, his philosophy of land ethic emphasizes the importance of sustainable practices that benefit both the environment and the communities that depend on it. It’s a powerful reminder that conservation and economic development can coexist when rooted in a genuine appreciation for the land.

Special Guest: Spencer Bost.

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:

• Discover Spruce Pine, North Carolina
• Spencer Bost - Linkedin
• Helene in western North Carolina: "Fight for survival" as aid pours in
• Devastation from Hurricane Helene could bring semiconductor chipmaking to a halt | CNN Business
• Spruce Pine just got hit by Helene. The fallout on the tech industry could be huge : NPR

In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dr. Ronda Sauget, President and CEO of Coles Together, discusses the unique advantages of tertiary markets in economic development. She explores how smaller communities like Coles County, Illinois are attracting businesses through stable workforces, easier business processes, and strong infrastructure, while sharing her journey from the Federal Reserve to leading economic development in a thriving micropolitan area.

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Special Guest: Dr. Ronda Sauget.

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:

• Dr Ronda Sauget, MBA | LinkedIn
• Coles Together
• Greater Value in Site Selection in Tertiary Markets | Trade and Industry Development
• Coles Together (@colestogether) • Instagram
• Coles Together | Facebook

In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Robert Sturns, Director of Economic Development for Fort Worth, discusses how the city is transforming from "Cowtown to Boomtown" while preserving its authentic character.

With over 25 years of experience in municipal government, commercial real estate, and banking operations, Sturns details Fort Worth's success in securing major investments, including recent wins with Bell and Embraer, while balancing business recruitment with community development initiatives like Evans & Rosedale and the Panther Island project.

Sturns also discusses his journey in the profession, including his 20+ year career serving both Fort Worth and Arlington. He offers insights into managing regional relationships, particularly addressing the challenge of establishing Fort Worth's identity distinct from Dallas, while emphasizing the importance of teamwork and partnerships in economic development success.

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Special Guest: Robert Sturns.

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:

• Robert Sturns | LinkedIn
• Fort Worth Economic Development | Empowering Business
• Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeown
• Royal Capital named master developer for Evans & Rosedale project – Welcome to the City of Fort Worth
• Who owns Panther Island | A look at plans to develop Fort Worth | wfaa.com
• Fort Worth recieves billions in economic development investment | wfaa.com
• Major investment and large-scale projects attract national attention to Fort Worth, Texas - Boston Business Journal
• Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action by Simon Sinek
• The Daily Stoic: 366 Meditations on Wisdom, Perseverance, and the Art of Living by Ryan Holiday

In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Mary Cacioppi brings her 22 years of combined experience in community development, economic development, and poverty reduction to discuss her groundbreaking approach to economic development. As the founder/CEO of Bridges to Prosperity Northern Illinois and a national consultant for aha! Process, Mary explains how understanding the root causes of poverty and implementing strategic poverty reduction initiatives can transform communities and create sustainable economic growth across a five-county area.

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Special Guest: Mary Cacioppi.

Links:

• Mary Cacioppi | LinkedIn
• Economic Development That Benefits Everyone: Poverty Reduction Is a Key Strategy by Mary Cacioppi
• National Consulting Work — Bridges to Prosperity Northern IL
• Bridges to Prosperity Northern IL
• aha! Process - Poverty Reduction Professional Development and Solutions

In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson talks with Jennifer Storm, CEO of the Buda Economic Development Corporation, who discusses her transition from association management and government relations to economic development leadership. Storm shares insights about managing a rapidly growing community that's 90% built out, the importance of team building, and how her background in various roles prepared her for leading economic development in one of Texas's fastest-growing corridors.

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

Special Guest: Jennifer Storm.

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:

• Jennifer L. Storm - Buda EDC
• Buda EDC
• Jennifer Storm Buda EDC (@jenniferbudaedc) • Instagram photos and videos
• Jennifer Storm | LinkedIn