Econ Dev Show Podcast - Economic Development

By Dane CarlsonBusiness Government Marketing Non-Profit

Econ Dev Show Podcast - Economic Development episodes

March 23213: How a Town of 30,000 Competes (and Wins) in Economic Development with Tim Hanigan
In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson talks with Tim Hanigan, CEO of the Aberdeen Development Corporation in Aberdeen, South Dakota, about how a rural community of 30,000 punches above its weight in economic development.
Tim explains how Aberdeen leverages entrepreneurship, regional workforce draw, and value-added agriculture to build one of the most diverse micropolitan economies in the U.S. The conversation dives into practical tools like revolving loan funds, shovel-ready site development, and tight-knit community coordination, along with lessons learned from winning and losing projects.
Tim also shares how rural economic developers must wear many hats, from childcare advocacy to housing and workforce development, and why knowing your limits and leaning into your strengths is key to long-term success.
10 Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers
Build your own toolbox early - Start small with tools like a revolving loan fund. Even modest contributions compound into real leverage over time.
Have product ready before the prospect shows up - Shovel-ready sites win deals. If you're waiting until an RFI arrives, you're already behind.
Sell your labor shed, not just your city limits - Expand your workforce story to include the full commuting region, not just population within city boundaries.
Be honest about fit upfront - Disqualify bad-fit projects early. It saves time, builds credibility, and focuses your effort on winnable deals.
Use speed as a competitive advantage - Quick answers, quick coordination, and quick decisions often beat larger incentive packages.
Coordinate like one team, not multiple agencies - Eliminate friction between city, county, utilities, and partners so companies feel like there's "no wrong door."
Invest in local companies, not just recruitment - Expansions from existing businesses can absorb sites faster and more reliably than outside recruitment.
Treat workforce, housing, and childcare as core infrastructure - These are not side issues. They directly determine whether companies can hire and grow.
Lean into what you actually do well - Don't try to win every project. Focus on industries and company sizes that match your real strengths.
Own the outcome, even when you lose - Some deals fall apart for reasons outside your control. Learn what you can, adjust where possible, and keep moving.
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Special Guest: Tim Hanigan.
Sponsored By:
Sitehunt: Sitehunt gives economic developers both AI-powered site selection software and a team of experts ready to do the work for you.
Schedule a demo at sitehunt.io/demo.
Links:
Tim Hanigan | LinkedIn
Aberdeen Development Corporation | South Dakota
Properties | Aberdeen Development Corporation
Aberdeen Development Corporation | LinkedIn
Aberdeen Development Corporation | Facebook
Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink
— "Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink is my favorite book because the core idea, which taking full responsibility for outcomes, fits perfectly with leadership in a rural community. In smaller towns, there’s no one else to blame and no one else coming to fix things for you. If something isn’t working, you own it and you figure it out."
24 min
March 16212: How Incentives Really Influence Site Selection with Taylor Stepp
In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson talks with Taylor Stepp, Founder and President of Strategic Development Partners, about the real role incentives play in economic development deals.
Drawing on experience working with corporations and communities across the country, Taylor explains how incentives influence project internal rate of return, why applicability and customization matter more than flashy packages, and how responsiveness and speed from local governments can win projects even when incentive dollars are smaller.
The conversation also explores how communities can structure clearer processes, communicate timelines, and position themselves to compete more effectively for major investment.
Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps!
Special Guest: Taylor Stepp.
Sponsored By:
Sitehunt: Sitehunt gives economic developers both AI-powered site selection software and a team of experts ready to do the work for you.
Schedule a demo at sitehunt.io/demo.
Links:
Strategic Development Partners
Taylor Stepp, CEcD | LinkedIn
Strategic Development Partners | LinkedIn
How to Spot a Community That’s Ready for Your Investment - Area Development
Midwest becomes hotspot for semiconductor manufacturing and supply industries - Area Development
Heritage Drums
— Taylor runs a national drum shop, Heritage Drums, where they rehabilitate and ship drums across the country.
24 min
March 09211: How Video is Changing Economic Development Marketing with Lyndsay Wisneski
In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson talks with Lyndsay Wisneski, Chief Marketing Officer of the Greater Yuma Economic Development Corporation, about how storytelling and modern marketing strategies can transform economic development. Lyndsay shares how Yuma built a powerful regional brand through industry-focused mini-documentaries, digital advertising campaigns, and a coordinated content strategy that turns a single video project into years of marketing assets. She explains how even small communities can market themselves effectively by highlighting local companies, repurposing content across platforms, and tracking real marketing ROI. The conversation explores why economic development should focus less on static statistics and more on authentic stories that help companies, site selectors, and residents connect emotionally with a place.
Like this show? Please leave us a review here.
10 Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers
Let companies tell your story. Interviews with CEOs and business leaders are more persuasive than marketing copy.
Create industry-focused content that explains why companies in each sector succeed in your region.
Turn one project into many assets: long videos, short clips, photos, reports, and social media content.
Use short video ads to drive viewers to longer storytelling pieces on your website or YouTube.
Track website visitors and identify companies researching your region.
Send periodic industry-specific newsletters highlighting local expansions, infrastructure, and investment.
Use LinkedIn and targeted digital ads to stay visible to site selectors and executives.
Repurpose marketing content across guides, one-pagers, websites, and presentations.
Hire local creative talent who can update or expand your content over time.
Apply for marketing awards to boost credibility and morale inside your organization and community.
Special Guest: Lyndsay Wisneski.
Sponsored By:
Sitehunt: Sitehunt gives economic developers both AI-powered site selection software and a team of experts ready to do the work for you.
Schedule a demo at sitehunt.io/demo.
Links:
Lyndsay Wisneski | LinkedIn
GYEDC - YouTube
Greater Yuma Economic Development Corporation
Yuma Industry Guide
Greater Yuma Economic Development Corporation: Linkedin
Contagious: Why Things Catch On by Jonah Berger
— "In this book, Berger breaks down the science behind why some ideas, products, and stories spread widely while others fade into obscurity. Rather than leaving “virality” to chance or big advertising budgets, he identifies six key principles; Social Currency, Triggers, Emotion, Public, Practical Value, and Stories, that help explain why people share what they share and how marketers can intentionally craft content that spreads.
What made Contagious particularly influential to me is how it reframes marketing from broadcasting messages to creating content and experiences that people want to talk about and can’t help sharing with others. It’s taught me that effective marketing isn’t just creative, it is rooted in understanding human psychology, what motivates people to share, and how to design campaigns that become part of everyday conversations, not just interruptions."
32 min
February 23210: Turning a Military Base into a Manufacturing Engine with Eric Voyles
In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson talks with Eric Voyles, Executive Vice President and Chief Economic Development Officer for TexAmericas Center, about how a former 8,900-acre military installation became one of the most innovative redevelopment authorities in the country. Eric explains how eliminating public review delays, investing millions in environmental cleanup, controlling rail and logistics assets, and focusing relentlessly on speed to occupancy have allowed TexAmericas Center to compete for heavy and light manufacturing projects.
From creative risk-taking with early-stage companies to clearing 250-acre rail-served sites after losing a deal, this conversation is a masterclass in how data, preparation, and governance alignment drive real economic development results.
Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps!
10 Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers
Make time your primary incentive. If possible, remove unnecessary entitlement layers and compress approval timelines. Speed reduces perceived risk.
Self-certify before paying for certification. Develop internal "qualified site" standards so prospects can complete due diligence faster.
Track inventory in categories. Move-in ready, construction ready, shovel ready, rail served, etc. Clarity accelerates decisions.
Invest after losing. If you lose a project for a specific reason, eliminate that weakness permanently, even if it costs real money.
Treat small buildings as assets. Flexible, modular inventory can win projects creatively, even when you lack a single large structure.
Control key assets when possible. Owning rail, logistics, or utilities strengthens your value proposition and revenue model.
Be willing to take calculated risk on local companies. Early bets on scalable firms can create long-term anchor employers.
Align your board around business realities. Populate governance with people who understand customers, not just politics.
Operate like a private developer. Use CRM systems, outsourcing where efficient, and disciplined deal flow management.
Let data guide strategy. Understand supply and demand curves in your region before pushing incentives or marketing narratives.
Special Guest: Eric Voyles.
Sponsored By:
Econ Dev Pro: Upgrade your subscription and support the Econ Dev Show with a paid membership. Plus AI in Economic Development and other bonuses.
Links:
TexAmericas Center
Eric Voyles | LinkedIn
Facebook
34 min
February 16209: Building a Cross-Border Economic Engine with Heath Vescovi-Chiordi
In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson sits down with Heath Vescovi-Chiordi, Director of Economic Development for Pima County, Arizona, to explore how one of the largest counties in the country balances rural biodiversity, cross-border trade with Mexico, aerospace and optics clusters, semiconductor workforce development, and even controversial data center projects.
Heath shares how a four-and-a-half-person team coordinates across municipalities, tribal nations, academia, and public health to execute a regional strategy that blends quantitative results with qualitative community engagement.
From a $1.2 billion battery manufacturing project to evolving policies on nondisclosure agreements and enhanced due diligence, this conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at modern county-level economic development in action
Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps!
Special Guest: Heath Vescovi-Chiordi.
Sponsored By:
Sitehunt: Sitehunt gives economic developers both AI-powered site selection software and a team of experts ready to do the work for you.
Schedule a demo at sitehunt.io/demo.
Links:
Heath Vescovi-Chiordi, MPA, AZED Pro | LinkedIn
— Heath Vescovi-Chiordi, MPA, AZED Pro
Economic Development | Pima County, AZ
25 min
February 09208: What Rural Economic Development in Nebraska Really Looks Like in 2026 with Lisa Hurley
In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson sits down with Lisa Hurley, Executive Director of the York County Development Corporation in Nebraska, to talk about what modern rural economic development actually looks like on the ground.
Lisa shares how York County leverages its logistics position, diversified employers, and growing civic pride while navigating workforce shortages, childcare capacity, housing pressure, and community resistance to change. They discuss talent attraction campaigns, podcasting as an economic development tool, and why rural EDOs must now think far beyond traditional business recruitment.
The conversation also explores leadership, burnout, mentoring the next generation of economic developers, and how Lisa is using AI to save time while staying human where it matters most.
Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps!
Ten Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers
Treat childcare capacity as core economic infrastructure, not a side issue
Invest in talent marketing even when results are hard to attribute directly
Use layered messaging across state, local, and employer campaigns
Build trust by proactively sharing progress and visuals with the community
Accept that some resistance to change cannot be resolved, only managed
Partner aggressively to avoid owning every initiative yourself
Use podcasts and storytelling to humanize your community and organization
Leverage AI for HR, editing, and admin work to protect business-facing time
Mentor younger economic developers to reduce burnout and build continuity
Remember that stopping a bad project can be a win, not a failure
Special Guest: Lisa Hurley.
Sponsored By:
Sitehunt: Sitehunt gives economic developers both AI-powered site selection software and a team of experts ready to do the work for you.
Schedule a demo at sitehunt.io/demo.
Links:
York County Dev. Corp.: Promote & Encourage Economic Growth
Lisa Hurley | LinkedIn
Why York County: 30 Years Strong — Building What’s Next
YCDC Debuts Talent Attraction Videos from “The Good Life Is Calling” Grant
YCDC Podcast
33 min
February 01207: Speed to Market as an Incentive with Ellie Reynolds
In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson sits down with Ellie Reynolds, President and CEO of the Douglas County Economic Development Corporation, to unpack how one of Colorado’s fastest-growing counties balances quality of life, infrastructure investment, regulatory realities, and speed-to-market.
Ellie shares how Douglas County positions itself along the Front Range, why shovel-ready infrastructure matters more than incentives alone, how cutting red tape became a competitive strategy, and what economic developers can do locally when state-level constraints get in the way.
The conversation also dives into AI as a staff multiplier, coalition-building for regulatory reform, and why economic development is ultimately about reducing risk, not forcing growth.
Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps!
Special Guest: Ellie Reynolds.
Sponsored By:
Sitehunt: Sitehunt gives economic developers both AI-powered site selection software and a team of experts ready to do the work for you.
Schedule a demo at sitehunt.io/demo.
Links:
Ellie Reynolds | LinkedIn
Douglas County - Economic Development Corporation
The Path to Power by Margaret Thatcher
28 min
January 26206: The Fifth Season of Economic Development with Juliet Abdel
In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson sits down with Juliet Abdel, President and CEO of the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance, to talk about building a regionally focused, globally minded economic development organization.
Drawing on Cedar Rapids' "fifth season" advantage (time, accessibility, and quality of life) Juliet shares how the region leverages industry clusters, international relationships, and leadership discipline to compete.
The conversation blends practical economic development strategy with candid insights on burnout, boundaries, and leading people well in a demanding field.
Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps!
10 Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers
Treat quality of life as a competitive asset, not a marketing afterthought.
Focus attraction efforts on industry clusters that naturally complement what already exists locally.
International business development does not require a global city, only consistent relationship-building.
Cast a clear vision so teams understand the "why," not just the tasks.
Protect staff health by modeling boundaries, especially around after-hours communication.
Build attraction strategies around regional strengths, not generic wish lists.
Encourage team members to say no when capacity or clarity is missing.
Leverage peer networks aggressively. Most good ideas already exist somewhere else.
Recognize burnout as an organizational risk, not a personal weakness.
Remember that economic development works best when personal well-being and professional performance reinforce each other.
Special Guest: Juliet Abdel.
Sponsored By:
Sitehunt: Sitehunt gives economic developers both AI-powered site selection software and a team of experts ready to do the work for you.
Schedule a demo at sitehunt.io/demo.
Links:
Juliet Abdel, CCE, IOM | LinkedIn
Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance
33 min
January 19205: No Product, No Project in Central Texas with Mike Kamerlander
In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, host Dane Carlson sits down with Mike Kamerlander, President and CEO of the Hays Caldwell Economic Development Partnership, to discuss what economic development looks like inside one of the fastest-growing regions in Texas.
Drawing from HCEDP’s recent Economic Outlook Event, the conversation explores why Central Texas continues to attract companies, how cities, counties, and private businesses are investing through uncertainty, and what shifting project timelines signal for 2026. Mike also shares lessons from leading a two-county, ten-city partnership, why “no product, no project” still holds true, and how speed, predictability, and engagement quietly determine which regions win.
FYI, "No Product, No Project" is a registered trademark of Garner Economics LLC.
Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps!
10 Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers
Product readiness matters more than marketing language.
Speed and predictability often outweigh incentive packages.
Regional collaboration expands capacity without diluting local wins.
Growth planning must stay ahead of infrastructure demand.
Economic outlook events are tools for alignment, not just forecasting.
Accurate, current site information prevents deal-killing surprises.
Cities and counties should be treated as the primary customer.
Engagement across private industry strengthens long-term outcomes.
Development processes should be reviewed continuously, not periodically.
Capital on the sidelines eventually moves. Be ready when it does.
Special Guest: Mike Kamerlander.
Sponsored By:
Sitehunt: Sitehunt gives economic developers both AI-powered site selection software and a team of experts ready to do the work for you.
Schedule a demo at sitehunt.io/demo.
Links:
Economic Development Is Not for Amateurs!: A must-read for community leaders on how to achieve economic development success by Jay Garner and Ross Patten
Hays Caldwell Economic Development Partnership | Home
Mike Kamerlander, CEcD
28 min
January 12204: From Company Town to Community Vision with Jessica Huble
In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson sits down with Jessica Huble, Assistant Director of Redevelopment for the City of Sugar Land, Texas, to explore how a landlocked, master-planned suburb is rethinking growth, housing, and economic sustainability. The conversation dives into Sugar Land’s unique history as a company town built around Imperial Sugar, the creation of a dedicated Department of Redevelopment, and why single-family housing alone cannot support a city’s long-term finances.
Jessica explains how community engagement, honest trade-off conversations, flexible planning, and city-led redevelopment of the historic Imperial site are shaping Sugar Land’s next chapter, offering lessons for any community facing limited land, changing markets, and rising expectations.
Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps!
10 actionable takeaways for economic developers
If your city is landlocked, every acre decision is a long-term financial decision
Single-family housing alone will not sustain municipal services over time
Create space for redevelopment before crisis forces it
Be honest with residents about trade-offs, not just benefits
Sales tax strategy matters just as much as property tax in many states
Avoid being overly prescriptive in RFQs and redevelopment plans
Lead with outcomes and identity, not tenant wish lists
Community visioning works best when residents are asked real questions
Historic assets should inform the future, not freeze it
Cities that fail to adapt risk losing relevance, not just revenue
Special Guest: Jessica Huble.
Sponsored By:
Sitehunt: Sitehunt gives economic developers both AI-powered site selection software and a team of experts ready to do the work for you.
Schedule a demo at sitehunt.io/demo.
Links:
Department of Redevelopment | City of Sugar Land Economic Development
Sugar Land Advances Historic Char House Preservation | City of Sugar Land Economic Development
Making Every Acre Count: Sugar Land’s Bold Plan for Smart Redevelopment - Urban Land Magazine
City of Sugar Land Makes History by Acquiring Imperial Historic District | City of Sugar Land Economic Development
City of Sugar Land Approves $12.5M Reinvestment to Modernize Town Square | City of Sugar Land Economic Development
Strategic Redevelopment in Sugar Land | City of Sugar Land Economic Development
Imperial Historic District | Sugar Land, TX - Official Website
Priority Projects | City of Sugar Land Development | Site Selection
Department of Redevelopment | Sugar Land, TX - Official Website
Sugar Land Economic Development: Posts | LinkedIn
Jessica Huble | LinkedIn
Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts.: Brown, Brené | Amazon
29 min

About Econ Dev Show Podcast - Economic Development

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Dane Carlson explores the strategies, ideas, and insights that are driving economic development forward into the future. You'll hear new insights from passionate ED's about their successes and…