Econ Dev Show Podcast - Economic Development

By Dane CarlsonBusiness Government Marketing Non-Profit

Econ Dev Show Podcast - Economic Development episodes

August 11, 2025185: How Local Governments Can Power Startups with John Lynn
In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson sits down with John Lynn, co-founder and managing partner of Quay Acceleration, to explore how public-sector-backed accelerators are reshaping the entrepreneurial landscape. They discuss the shift from private, investor-focused models to community-centered programs funded by economic development organizations, the unique benefits these accelerators provide to entrepreneurs, and how communities can measure success beyond ROI. John shares real-world examples, including a retail storefront accelerator in Manhattan, insights into evolving capital markets, and his vision for the future of entrepreneurship in an ever-changing economy.
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Ten actionable takeaways for economic developers
Define success metrics for accelerators that align with community priorities, not just investor ROI.
Focus on retention of high-revenue companies as a key measure of long-term impact.
Pair accelerator participants with experienced mentors from relevant industries.
Use accelerators to address specific local economic challenges, such as high retail vacancy rates.
Integrate accelerators into broader multi-tiered economic development strategies.
Ensure program content is field-informed and reflects the latest industry practices.
Leverage public visibility to attract community engagement and media coverage.
Conduct feasibility studies before launching to ensure sustainability and fit.
Expand success metrics to include job creation, revenue generation, and brand recognition.
Build relationships with global networks to bring investment and expertise into local programs.
Special Guest: John Lynn.
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:
Quay Acceleration
John Lynn | LinkedIn
EIR Live | All Episodes
Here's How to Get Your Startup Into Accelerator Element 46 - Business Insider
29 min
July 28, 2025184: The Colorblind Tulip Farmer: Revolutionizing Rural Economic Development with Andrew Miller
In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, host Dane Carlson interviews Andrew Miller, a multi-faceted leader who serves as CEO of both the United Way of Skagit County and Tulip Valley Farms, as well as commissioner at Skagit PUD. Miller shares his unique journey from working at major tech companies like Amazon to returning home to Skagit County as an economic developer, only to eventually become the entrepreneur he had been encouraging others to be. The conversation explores the challenges economic developers face when advocating for entrepreneurship and innovation, the resistance to change in established systems, and Miller's decision to "walk the walk" by purchasing a farm business when others wouldn't take the leap.
Ten Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers
Look for gaps in existing industries where innovation can create new business models (like adding U-pick to traditional tulip festivals)
Study successful elements from adjacent industries and adapt them to your community's assets
Create bridges between urban and rural communities through experiential tourism
Focus on finding and selling what's remarkable about your community to people willing to pay for it
Combine unexpected elements (like Scottish Highland cows with tulips) to create unique attractions
Make agriculture and rural life accessible to urban neighbors who lack farming connections
Consider compound risks when developing agritourism ventures (weather for growing AND weather for visitors)
Use personal availability and storytelling to create authentic connections with visitors
Help passionate people in your community turn their interests into viable businesses
Remember that credentials matter less than passion and willingness to learn in entrepreneurship
Special Guest: Andrew Miller.
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:
Andrew Miller | LinkedIn
Tulip Valley Farms
The Colorblind Tulip Farmer - YouTube
Tulip Valley Farm | TikTok
Tulip Valley Farms | Facebook
tulipvalleyfarms | Instagram
Ep. 376: Destination Marketing Insights From a Colorblind Tulip Farmer with Andrew Miller - YouTube
How Will You Measure Your Life? by Clayton M. Christensen
23 min
July 21, 2025183: Small-Scale Manufacturing as Community Development Strategy with Ilana Preuss
In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, host Dane Carlson welcomes back Ilana Preuss, founder and CEO of Recast City, for a follow-up conversation four years after her initial appearance on the show. Preuss shares insights on how economic development has evolved and discusses her methodology for helping communities identify and support small-scale manufacturing businesses. The conversation explores how economic developers can create meaningful change with relatively modest investments by focusing on local assets, engaging directly with community members and business owners, and implementing targeted strategies that respond to actual community needs rather than pursuing expensive business recruitment projects.
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Ten Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers
Engage directly with small-scale manufacturing business owners to understand their specific needs and challenges before creating programs.
Focus on modest, targeted investments ($10K-$20K) rather than expensive business recruitment projects that may not address community needs.
Identify and leverage existing local assets and manufacturing businesses already present in your community.
Meet with property owners to understand real estate availability and constraints for small manufacturing businesses.
Analyze community feedback to prioritize actions that will create the biggest impact based on local goals and beneficiaries.
Create short-term wins that build momentum toward longer-term, more complex development projects.
Thread the line between community assets, needs, and goals to develop effective priority strategies.
Focus on de-risking economic development investments by ensuring projects respond to actual community needs.
Build "sticky" communities by creating places where interesting commercial activity takes place and people want to be.
Use systematic methods to gather information from stakeholders and translate that into actionable development strategies.
Special Guest: Ilana Preuss.
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:
Ilana Preuss | LinkedIn
Recast City LLC
Recast Your City: How to Save Your Downtown with Small-Scale Manufacturing by Ilana Preuss
Recast Your City
32 min
July 14, 2025182: Engineering Economic Success: A Systems Approach to Development with Jason El Koubi
In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson sits down with Jason El Koubi, President and CEO of the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, to explore the intersection of analytical thinking and economic development leadership.
Jason discusses how his engineering background shapes his systems-thinking approach to economic development, the value of hiring talent from competitive states like Georgia, North Carolina, and Ohio, and the importance of continuous learning in the profession.
He emphasizes the critical role of passion, ethics, and effective communication in economic development work, while sharing insights from his recent 360-degree evaluation and his commitment to ensuring positive economic growth across all regions of Virginia.
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Special Guest: Jason El Koubi.
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:
Jason El Koubi | LinkedIn
Virginia Economic Development Partnership
Virginia Economic Development Partnership | LinkedIn
36 min
July 07, 2025181: Beyond the Strip: Clark County's Economic Transformation with Shani Coleman
In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, host Dane Carlson speaks with Shani Coleman, Director of Community and Economic Development for Clark County, Nevada, about the economic transformation happening beyond the famous Las Vegas Strip.
Coleman shares insights into how professional sports teams, including the Raiders, Golden Knights, and upcoming MLB team, are driving a new sports innovation economy.
She discusses the county's five-year-old economic development department, their focus on small business support, the challenges of federal land ownership, and how California's regulatory environment is driving business migration to Nevada.
The conversation covers everything from hotel rooms of the future at Harry Reid Tech Park to plans for advanced manufacturing in areas near the proposed second airport.
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Ten Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers
Lean into your existing assets - Don't shy away from what makes your community unique; figure out how to leverage those assets for economic development advantage.
Build comprehensive small business support programs - Create virtual platforms and technical assistance programs that help small businesses understand public contracting opportunities and build resilience.
Develop specialized innovation districts - Designate physical locations with boots-on-the-ground support to create environments where entrepreneurs and innovative businesses can thrive.
Create business-friendly digital tools - Develop project estimators and online resources that help businesses understand licensing, permitting, and operational costs upfront.
Focus on business retention and expansion - Don't just recruit new businesses; actively support existing businesses in growing and hiring more employees.
Build venture capital ecosystems - Work with organizations that support both entrepreneurs seeking funding and individuals wanting to become venture capitalists.
Capitalize on proximity advantages - Use geographic location and transportation access as selling points for logistics and distribution opportunities.
Plan for future land development - Engage in master planning activities even when land ownership is complicated to be ready when opportunities arise.
Diversify beyond traditional industries - Look for ways emerging sectors (like sports innovation) can create new economic opportunities in your community.
Network strategically and tell your story - Use podcasts, conferences, and digital platforms to communicate your community's business opportunities to site selectors and potential investors.
Special Guest: Shani Coleman.
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:
Shani Coleman | LinkedIn
Clark County OCED
Clark County leader: Even as economy recovers, diversifying remains paramount
27 min
June 30, 2025180: Red Tape, Real Stories, and Economic Revival with Kevin Crowder
In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, host Dane Carlson sits down with Kevin Crowder, author of "Red Tape Empire" and publisher of Street Economics Daily, to explore the intersection of fiction and reality in economic development.
Crowder shares the inspiration behind his novel, which tells the story of a woman returning to revitalize her family business while battling bureaucratic obstacles, a narrative rooted in his real experiences working in Miami Beach development.
The conversation delves into pivotal moments like the 1986 Calvin Klein campaign that transformed South Beach from European catalog shoots to a celebrity fashion destination, illustrating how strategic exposure can unlock a city's hidden potential.
Crowder emphasizes the ongoing challenges economic developers face, from navigating red tape to managing the tension between preserving the status quo and embracing transformative change.
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Ten Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers
Identify your community's hidden assets that could attract new audiences if properly exposed
Use storytelling and fiction to process and share complex development experiences in relatable ways
Look for strategic partnerships with creative industries (fashion, film, media) to showcase your location
Document and learn from pivotal moments that transformed other communities for replication strategies
Develop the political will and stakeholder buy-in necessary to move beyond status quo thinking
Anticipate and plan for resistance from established interests when proposing transformative changes
Focus on "exposure" opportunities that can shift perceptions and attract new investment
Build relationships with entrepreneurs who can see potential where others see problems
Create accessible content (newsletters, social media) to share development insights with broader audiences
Recognize that successful economic development requires both strategic vision and the force of will to execute despite obstacles
Special Guest: Kevin Crowder.
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:
Kevin Crowder, EDP | LinkedIn
BusinessFlare
Red Tape Empire: You can't beat city hall until you have nothing left to lose by Kevin Crowder
Kevin Crowder (@businessflareofficial) • Instagram
Kevin Crowder, CEcD (@BusinessFlare) / X
All of Kevin's books
46 min
June 23, 2025179: Why PR Beats Advertising in Economic Development Every Time with April Mason
In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson sits down with April Mason, president and founder of Violet PR, a boutique public relations agency specializing in economic development. April explains the difference between earned and paid media, sharing how editorial coverage can be worth five to seven times more valuable than advertising because of its inherent credibility.
The conversation covers newsjacking techniques, where PR professionals quickly tie current news events to their clients' stories, and explores how economic development PR differs from consumer-focused campaigns by focusing on business trends, tax incentives, and workforce development rather than lifestyle content.
Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps!
Ten Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers
Monitor news headlines daily and hold weekly team meetings to identify PR opportunities
Focus on earning editorial coverage rather than paying for advertisements for 5-7x better credibility
Develop a newsjacking strategy to quickly tie breaking news to your organization's strengths
Pitch thought leadership articles to trade publications in your industry
Create redundant systems or unique selling points that can become newsworthy angles
Build relationships with journalists who cover economic development and business topics
Develop spokespeople who can provide expert commentary on industry trends
Differentiate your PR approach from consumer marketing by focusing on business fundamentals
Leverage client successes and unique infrastructure as story angles
Maintain a proactive media relations strategy rather than waiting for news to happen
Special Guest: April Mason.
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:
Top Boutique PR Firm Rebrands: We Write the Future | Violet PR
Violet PR | Boutique Public Relations Agency for Economic Development
28 min
June 16, 2025178: Reinventing Shop Local Initiatives with Sophia Zheng
In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson interviews Sophia Zheng, Founder and CEO of Bludot Technologies, a startup initially incubated through a unique collaboration with a city’s economic development department.
Sophia explains how Bludot’s innovative platform helps more than 150 communities across the U.S. and Canada retain and expand local businesses through advanced data analytics and digital incentives. She dives into the successful Open Rewards program, a community-wide shop-local initiative, and explores how technologies like AI could further enhance business retention and expansion strategies. Sophia also highlights Bludot’s achievements, including recognition in Govtech 100 and AWS GovtechStart, as well as USDA NIFA grants for supporting rural economic development.
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Ten Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers
Consider launching digital reward programs to incentivize local spending.
Centralize your local business data for effective business retention strategies.
Leverage consumer data to tailor shop-local campaigns to specific areas or seasons.
Minimize barriers for businesses to participate in city-sponsored programs.
Regularly evaluate and track consumer behaviors to measure the impact of your initiatives.
Use qualitative consumer feedback to validate program effectiveness.
Collaborate with local chambers, business districts, and main streets for increased program reach.
Explore targeted incentives to revitalize specific economic zones.
Integrate technology-driven solutions to streamline business support and retention processes.
Continuously innovate engagement tactics to keep consumers excited and actively shopping locally.
Special Guest: Sophia Zheng.
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:
Sophia Zheng | LinkedIn
Bludot | Business Retention & Economic Development
Blog | Bludot Economic Development Platform
City Beat: Rewards For Local Shoppers In Las Vegas - YouTube
Bludot Technologies Inc.: Posts | LinkedIn
26 min
June 09, 2025177: Expediting the RFI Process, with Dane Carlson
In this episode of the Econ Dev Show (a replay from EDO Breakthrough Podcast episode #10), Sandy Dubay interviews Dane Carlson about his entrepreneurial journey in economic development. Dane shares the deeply personal story behind starting his podcast during COVID while his son underwent cancer treatment, his initial nervousness about hearing his own voice, and his strategy of cold-contacting newly certified economic developers for guests. The conversation explores the challenges economic developers face with changing leadership and boards, before diving into Dane's innovative solution: Sitehunt, an AI-powered platform that transforms how economic developers respond to RFIs by automatically matching community assets with project requirements and generating detailed responses in minutes rather than days.
Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps!
To reach Franklin for his podcast editing services, email [email protected].
Special Guest: Sandy Dubay.
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:
Sitehunt
EDO Breakthrough E10 – Expediting the RFI Process, with Dane Carlson
— Expediting the RFI Process, with Dane Carlson
Dane Carlson | LinkedIn
34 min
June 02, 2025176: From Rust Belt to Tech Hub: Buffalo's 25-Year Transformation with Tom Kucharski
In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, host Dane Carlson sits down with Tom Kucharski, President and CEO of Invest Buffalo Niagara, who has led the organization's transformation efforts for 25 years. Kucharski shares how Buffalo evolved from being the 8th largest U.S. city in 1960 to experiencing devastating industrial decline, and then orchestrating a remarkable comeback that includes the first population growth in decades.
He discusses the region's competitive advantages including clean hydroelectric power from Niagara Falls, the 43 North business plan competition (the largest in the country with $1 million prizes), and securing the nation's only semiconductor tech hub designation. The conversation covers Buffalo's evolution into a hub for manufacturing, life sciences, and technology, while addressing new challenges like housing shortages that come with rapid growth and success.
Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps!
Special Guest: Tom Kucharski.
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:
Tom Kucharski | LinkedIn
Invest Buffalo Niagara | Grow your Business in Buffalo Niagara
Why Move to Buffalo? Hear from Those Who Have! - YouTube
3/22: Tom Kucharski - HUNT Real Estate Corporation Blog
33 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…