In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Kathleen Rose, drawing from her 30-year experience and family background in development, discusses the evolution of economic development planning from lengthy reports to actionable scorecards. She emphasizes the importance of practical implementation over extensive planning, sharing how her firm helps communities move from aspirational ideas to concrete actions through data-driven approaches and efficient resource allocation.

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Special Guest: Kathleen Rose.

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:

• Rose Associates - Kathleen Rose, CCIM - Davidson, NC
• Kathleen Rose, CCIM, CRE® | LinkedIn

In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, host Dane Carlson speaks with Dan Eernissee, Economic Development Director for the City of Everett, Washington. Leading economic development efforts in this dynamic city of 115,000 residents north of Seattle, Dan reveals how his unique blend of private sector experience and public service shapes his approach to community development. From attracting cutting-edge technology companies to reimagining traditional retail spaces, Dan shares practical insights on how economic developers can transform their communities while maintaining their distinct character and creating new opportunities for residents.

Dan also talks about reimagining highway corridors as valuable community assets rather than eyesores. Through his unique perspective, Dan explains how these often-overlooked areas can become dynamic mixed-use spaces that provide essential services, housing opportunities, and quality jobs while maintaining their crucial role in transportation infrastructure.

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Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers:

Special Guest: Dan Eernissee.

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:

• Choose Everett
• Dan Eernissee | LinkedIn
• The E-Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Businesses Don't Work and What to Do About It by Michael Gerber
• Building Healthy Corridors: Transforming Urban and Suburban Arterials Into Thriving Places

In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, tourism expert Lynn Fuhler, former tourism director of Clearwater and Clearwater Beach area and author of two books on festival management, discusses the intricacies of organizing successful events and festivals. She shares her experience as the former chairman of the Clearwater Jazz Holiday, insights on community revitalization through arts and tourism, and emphasizes the importance of proper event planning, including post-event evaluation and the four key elements necessary for tourism development.

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Special Guest: Lynn Fuhler.

Links:

• Lynn Fuhler | LinkedIn
• Secrets to Successful Events: How to Organize, Promote and Manage Exceptional Events and Festivals
• Secrets to Successful Events Resource Guide: 42+ Easy-To-Use Forms and Tools to Save You Time and Money
• Websites Designed to Drive Visitors | Build Relationships | Grow Customers
• Lynn Fuhler, Flying Compass | Tourism Marketing + Event Consultant Serving the Travel, Outdoor + Leisure Industries
• Lynn Fuhler - Event and Festival Management Author, Speaker
• Author Nonprofit Boards + Management Leadership and Festival + Event Management Expert, Speaker, Coach
• Topic on Vimeo
• Grants on Vimeo

In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson talks with Brock Herr, Senior Vice President for Business Development at the Indiana Economic Development Corporation. They discuss the evolution of economic development beyond simple land sales.

He details Indiana's comprehensive approach to business development, including sales enablement, lead generation, site selection, and ongoing business support. Herr emphasizes the importance of high-touch engagement and walking businesses through each step of their journey, highlighting how modern economic development requires a full-experience approach to ensure long-term success.

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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:

• Indiana Economic Development Corporation
• Gov. Holcomb, IEDC continue record-breaking economic momentum, secure largest annual committed capital investment in Indiana’s history — Following back-to-back record-setting years for investment and the largest quarter on record in Q1 2024, Indiana sets yet another record with $38.3 billion in committed CapEx

This episode of the Econ Dev Show podcast features an insightful conversation with Kristen Fish-Peterson, the Principal and CEO at Redevelopment Resources. Kristen shares her vast expertise in economic and community development, detailing the work her firm does in housing studies, market analysis, and downtown redevelopment planning. Throughout the episode, Kristen emphasizes her team's unique ability to work with both private developers and public sector entities, helping them navigate the complexities of municipal processes and strategic planning.

As the discussion unfolds, Dane and Kristen explore how economic development and redevelopment projects can rejuvenate communities, particularly downtown areas. Kristen delves into how her team assists municipalities in implementing redevelopment plans and helping developers secure the necessary municipal support. This episode provides listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the world of redevelopment, offering valuable insights for economic developers and community planners alike.

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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:

• Redevelopment Resources
• Kristen Fish-Peterson, CEcD, EDFP | Linkedin
• Redevelopment Resources | Facebook

In this episode of the Econ Dev Show Podcast, Dane Carlson interviews Josh Wright about Lightcast's new report "The Rising Storm: Building a Future-Ready Workforce to Withstand the Looming Labor Shortage." The report explores the impending demographic drought due to retiring baby boomers, declining birth rates, and other factors such as incarceration and addiction. Wright explains how these converging trends are creating an unprecedented challenge for the U.S. economy, with certain industries like healthcare, construction, and food service already feeling the impact. He discusses the potential long-term consequences of this labor shortage on economic growth, productivity, and community sustainability.

The conversation then shifts to strategies for economic developers and communities to prepare for this challenge. Wright emphasizes the importance of skills-based hiring and training, talent attraction and retention, and partnerships between businesses and educational institutions. He advocates for a data-driven approach, urging communities to analyze their local labor markets and adapt their workforce development strategies accordingly. The episode provides valuable insights for economic development professionals, policymakers, and business leaders on how to build a future-ready workforce in the face of these demographic shifts. Wright also highlights the resources available in the report and accompanying materials to help communities navigate this looming crisis.

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Special Guest: Josh Wright.

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:

• The Rising Storm, a Lightcast Demographic Drought | Lightcast
• Lightcast - A Global Leader in Labor Market Analytics
• Joshua Wright | LinkedIn

In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson interviews Marta Tarantsey, Regional Development Officer for Business Oregon, about her work fostering economic growth in Southern Oregon. Since 2017, Marta has supported businesses and communities in the region, navigating the challenges and opportunities of a state rich in natural resources and talent but with a smaller population compared to national competitors.

Marta highlights key topics such as Oregon’s urban growth boundary and its influence on development. She shares the success story of Dutch Bros Coffee—an Oregon startup that scaled into a national brand and went public—as a prime example of the region’s potential. The conversation also explores pressing workforce issues, including childcare shortages, drawing on insights from a recent panel hosted by the Grants Pass and Josephine Chamber of Commerce.

Throughout the episode, Marta’s passion for community engagement is evident as she reflects on her involvement with local organizations. Her journey from Russia to Oregon over two decades ago adds a unique perspective to her approach to economic development. This conversation offers valuable insights into navigating regional growth challenges and strategies for building resilient communities in a competitive national landscape.

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Special Guest: Marta Tarantsey.

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:

• Marta Tarantsey | LinkedIn
• Business Oregon
• Dutch Bros
• Tuesdays with Morrie: An Old Man, a Young Man, and Life's Greatest Lesson by Mitch Alborn — Marta said: "It was one of the first books I was able to read and fully comprehend, internalize, and reflect on once I learned English. Upon reading it I decided to keep in touch with those who've helped me along the way, and I still keep in touch with my college professors and mentors from eras past."

In this episode of the Econ Dev Show Podcast, Dane talks with Darrell Scott and Jason Archer from the St. Louis Economic Development Partnership. Scott, the Vice President of Business Finance, and Archer, the Vice President of Business Development, share insights into their organization's unique role in promoting economic growth across both St. Louis City and County. They discuss their career paths, the challenges of attracting talent to the region, and highlight some of their successful projects and initiatives.

A key focus of the conversation is the Partnership's innovative Business Retention and Expansion program, which has won awards for its collaborative approach involving multiple economic development entities. The guests also touch on how COVID-19 has impacted their work, leading to more efficient virtual meetings and expanded outreach. Throughout the interview, Scott and Archer emphasize their commitment to supporting businesses of all sizes and fostering economic development in the St. Louis area.

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Special Guests: Darrell Scott and Jason Archer.

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.
• Launch Your EDO Podcast with the Econ Dev Show: Ready to take your economic development efforts to the next level? The Econ Dev Show has partnered with destination marketing expert Adam Stoker to help you launch a successful podcast for your EDO. Our tailored service provides the expertise, tools, and support you need to create compelling content that attracts businesses and investors to your community. Don't let the challenges of starting a podcast hold you back.

Links:

• STL Partnership Wins Bronze Award for Business Retention and Expansion Excellence | St. Louis Economic Development Partnership — STL Partnership Wins Bronze Award for Business Retention and Expansion Excellence
• St. Louis Economic Development Partnership
• Darrell Scott | LinkedIn
• Business Finance (Lending) | St. Louis Economic Development Partnership
• Jason Van Archer, MBA | LinkedIn
• Business Retention & Expansion | St. Louis Economic Development Partnership
• Jason Archer Discusses BRE on Inside America's Best Cities Podcast | St. Louis Economic Development Partnership
• Jason Archer, new chair of the St. Louis County Workforce Development Board, started his career with the UAW - The Labor Tribune
• Darrell Scott, VP of Business Finance, Named in "Top 100 St. Louisans You Should Know to Succeed in Business" | St. Louis Economic Development Partnership
• Darrell Scott in STL Small Business Monthly April 2023

About a month ago, I had the opportunity to appear on my friend Adam Stoker's Destination Marketing Podcast. Then, just a couple of weeks ago, Adam joined me right here on the Econ Dev Show. We thought it would be fun to switch things up and share our respective podcast episodes on each other's feeds. So, today’s episode is a bonus feature—you're about to hear my appearance on the Destination Marketing Podcast!

If you're interested in destination marketing, or want to know more about the work I did in Mariposa County, California, sit back, relax, and enjoy this special episode of the Destination Marketing Podcast."

In this episode, Adam talks with Dane Carlson, host of the Econ Dev Show and CEO of Site Hunt, about the crucial link between tourism and economic development. Dane shares his journey from blogging to economic development, including how he transformed Mariposa California by adding an escape room to the visitor center. Dane also emphasizes the importance of collaboration between economic developers and destination marketers to create meaningful visitor experiences and drive local economic growth.

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Special Guest: Adam Stoker.

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.
• Launch Your EDO Podcast with the Econ Dev Show: Ready to take your economic development efforts to the next level? The Econ Dev Show has partnered with destination marketing expert Adam Stoker to help you launch a successful podcast for your EDO. Our tailored service provides the expertise, tools, and support you need to create compelling content that attracts businesses and investors to your community. Don't let the challenges of starting a podcast hold you back.

Links:

• Destination Marketing Podcast
• Economic Development 139: From Tourism to Business Attraction: Podcasting in Economic Development with Adam Stoker
• Adam Stoker | LinkedIn
• Dane Carlson | LinkedIn

In this engaging episode of the Econ Dev Show, host Dane is joined by Anne Krieg, the Director of Community and Economic Development for Bangor, Maine. Anne provides an insightful overview of Bangor's economic landscape, emphasizing that while tourism is a major economic driver in Maine, Bangor relies more heavily on its medical centers and educational institutions, such as the Northern Light Medical Center and the University of Maine. She discusses the effective use of federal funds to revitalize underserved neighborhoods and the significant challenges that rural communities face due to limited staffing. Through her experience and perspective, Anne highlights the importance of community-focused planning and the need for systemic changes in regional development strategies to foster lasting economic growth.

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Special Guest: Anne Krieg.

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:

• Anne (Hoey) Krieg | LinkedIn
• City of Bangor, Maine