EDO Breakthrough

Is your EDO’s strategic plan a short-term to-do list? Or just a vague vision that leaves employees with more questions? In this episode, Alex Dadok and I discuss why having the courage to question assumptions – and take real action – is the key to community transformation.

Key Takeaways:

• Why most EDOs use strategic plans wrong (and how to turn them into actual tools for progress)
• How to create space for thinking ahead while balancing day-to-day operations
• The reasons your organization might be stuck in planning mode (and it might surprise you!)

About the Guest:

Alex Dadok owns his own consulting firm, Alex Dadok Consulting. He draws from his extensive experience in economic development and his current work consulting with EDOs to share practical insights for anyone looking to make meaningful change in their community. You can connect with him on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/alex-dadok-03894b1) or visit his website (alexdadok.com) to learn more.

Resources Mentioned:

• Book: "The Road Less Stupid"
• Blog: On Strategic Plans and What Happens After

The EDO Breakthrough podcast is brought to you by PPR Strategies. PPR Strategies is a strategic consulting firm working specifically with EDOs and other place-based organizations. We share the unique stories of communities through communications, strategic planning, marketing, media relations, and more.

Visit us at pprstrategies.com/edobreakthrough to learn more and to submit a question for a future episode.

Produced and edited by SpeakEasy Productions.

You can take inspiration from other communities and things you learn at conferences, but you simply can’t copy/paste what others are doing…it just won’t work. And that’s where Main Street America comes in, to help historic downtowns re-energize!

Joi Cuartero Austin and I discuss Main Street America’s hyper-local support, strategic doing vs. strategic planning, and leaning into your strengths.

Key Takeaways:

• Incremental changes can lead to big wins over time.
• ALL parts of a community need to “click” together.
• Behind-the-scenes of the 4-point approach MSA uses.

About the Guest:

Joi Cuartero Austin is the Senior Program Officer for Economic Vitality at Main Street America. You can connect with Joi on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/joi-cuartero-austin-cecd-2287976) and learn more about Main Street America on their website (mainstreet.org)

The EDO Breakthrough podcast is brought to you by PPR Strategies. PPR Strategies is a strategic consulting firm working specifically with EDOs and other place-based organizations. We share the unique stories of communities through communications, strategic planning, marketing, media relations, and more.

Visit us at pprstrategies.com/edobreakthrough to learn more and to submit a question for a future episode.

Produced and edited by SpeakEasy Productions.

Jonathan Aberman is an internationally recognized thought leader in technology and innovation. In this episode, we discuss Washington D.C.’s focus on the service economy (vs. Silicon Valley’s focus on product) and the delicate balance of utilizing AI while maintaining real connections with humans. He also shares what he’s learned from teaching in Italy and offers advice for other educators. 

Key Takeaways:

• Economic Development can’t be an individual’s game.
• Technology is critical, but we must stay engaged with real people!
• Predictions on how the Trump Administration will affect government contracting opportunities.

About the Guest:

Jonathan Aberman’s job is to find entrepreneurial people and help them succeed, whether that’s with Ruxton Ventures, Amplifier Advisors, or the countless boards he’s a member of. You can connect with him on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/jonathanaberman) and you can listen to his “What’s Working in Washington” podcast here: federalnewsnetwork.com/shows/whats-working-in-washington-podcast

The EDO Breakthrough podcast is brought to you by PPR Strategies. PPR Strategies is a strategic consulting firm working specifically with EDOs and other place-based organizations. We share the unique stories of communities through communications, strategic planning, marketing, media relations, and more.

Visit us at pprstrategies.com/edobreakthrough to learn more and to submit a question for a future episode.

Produced and edited by SpeakEasy Productions.

For the season finale of EDO Breakthrough, we’ve invited Dane Carlson to be this week’s guest! Dane is the Host of the Econ Dev Show podcast and CEO of Sitehunt. We discuss all things podcasting, how to deal with change in the workplace, and the impetus behind creating Sitehunt, an AI platform that helps economic developers. 

Key Takeaways:

• What it’s *really* like to be the host of a podcast
• How Sitehunt can expedite the RFI process
• Similarities between AI and interns

About the Guest:

Dane Carlson is the CEO of Sitehunt, an AI-enhanced platform that helps economic developers build a comprehensive property database. He is also the Host of the Econ Dev Show podcast. You can connect with Dane on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/danecarlson). 

Resources Mentioned:

• Econ Dev Show podcast
• Econ Dev Show newsletter
• Sitehunt
• 8 Weeks of Connections blog post

The EDO Breakthrough podcast is brought to you by PPR Strategies. PPR Strategies is a strategic consulting firm working specifically with EDOs and other place-based organizations. We share the unique stories of communities through communications, strategic planning, marketing, media relations, and more.

Visit us at pprstrategies.com/edobreakthrough to learn more and to submit a question for a future episode.

Produced and edited by SpeakEasy Productions.

Ash Hanson is a rural arts advocate and in this episode, we discuss the four themes of rural community development: Activate, Connect, Nurture, and Support.

She also shares how arts & culture can intersect with economic development, how she creates opportunities for connection through her roles at DoPT and PlaceBase Productions, and her thoughts about #EroticCapital.

Key Takeaways:

• How Arts & Culture directly impact economic development
• Why viewing art as the “cherry on top” does a disservice to your community
• How to get your community activated (and excited) for what’s next

About the Guest:

Ash Hanson is the Creative Executive Officer (CEO) of the Department of Public Transformation (DoPT), an artist-led nonprofit organization that works to develop creative strategies for increased community connection, civic engagement, and equitable participation in rural places. She is also the founder of PlaceBase Productions, a theater company that creates original, site-specific musicals celebrating small-town life. You can connect with Ash on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/ash-hanson-a08172289). 

Resources Mentioned:

• Department of Public Transformation website
• PlaceBase Productions on Facebook
• Beyond The Clock virtual happy hour

The EDO Breakthrough podcast is brought to you by PPR Strategies. PPR Strategies is a strategic consulting firm working specifically with EDOs and other place-based organizations. We share the unique stories of communities through communications, strategic planning, marketing, media relations, and more.

Visit us at pprstrategies.com/edobreakthrough to learn more and to submit a question for a future episode.

Produced and edited by SpeakEasy Productions.

Clarence Hulse is one of the few individuals in the industry who actively sought out a career in economic development. In this episode, we discuss lifelong learning, reverse mentorship, and the programs Michigan City is implementing to attract and develop its workforce.

Key Takeaways:

• How being in the private sector of real estate has made him a better economic developer
• Why “inclusive” economic development is important
• How infrastructure updates are boosting Michigan City’s economy

Resources Mentioned:

• The Vibrant Michigan City Playbook
• The South Shore Line Double Track Commuter Rail 

About the Guest:

Clarence Hulse is the Executive Director of the Economic Development Corporation in Michigan City. You can connect with him on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/clarencehulse)

The EDO Breakthrough podcast is brought to you by PPR Strategies. PPR Strategies is a strategic consulting firm working specifically with EDOs and other place-based organizations. We share the unique stories of communities through communications, strategic planning, marketing, media relations, and more.

Visit us at pprstrategies.com/edobreakthrough to learn more and to submit a question for a future episode.

Produced and edited by SpeakEasy Productions.

Sandy Castor shares her perspective on how transportation and economic development work together, professional development opportunities, and the power of mentorship. We also discuss “soft” skills, saying yes more, and her accidental path to economic development.

Key Takeaways:

• Why access to transportation *is* economic development
• The difference between mentors, advisors, and sponsors
• How “soft skills” are not soft

About the Guest:

Sandy Castor is an Economic Development professional. You can connect with her on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/sandyscastor).

The EDO Breakthrough podcast is brought to you by PPR Strategies. PPR Strategies is a strategic consulting firm working specifically with EDOs and other place-based organizations. We share the unique stories of communities through communications, strategic planning, marketing, media relations, and more.

Visit us at pprstrategies.com/edobreakthrough to learn more and to submit a question for a future episode.

Produced and edited by SpeakEasy Productions.

This week’s episode is all about Economic Development Week, and how you can leverage it to share your EDO’s story with your local community. Economic Developers rarely promote their efforts or teams, and this is the perfect opportunity to do that! 

Key Takeaways:

• Best practices and tips for a successful event, including using Earned and Owned media
• Utilizing and training volunteers
• How MEDA has been able to host a successful Economic Development Week since 2011

Resources Mentioned:

• MEDA Economic Development Week Website
• IEDC Economic Development Week Awards

The EDO Breakthrough podcast is brought to you by PPR Strategies. PPR Strategies is a strategic consulting firm working specifically with EDOs and other place-based organizations. We share the unique stories of communities through communications, strategic planning, marketing, media relations, and more.

Visit us at pprstrategies.com/edobreakthrough to learn more and to submit a question for a future episode.

Produced and edited by SpeakEasy Productions.

Ebonie Atkins, Managing Director of Henrico Economic Development Authority, shares tips for networking and creating relationships. We also discuss business retention tactics, regionalism, partnerships, and teaching economic geography.

Key Takeaways:

• Tips for creating relationships in a people-focused industry 
• How to work with local partners for business retention efforts
• Balancing data and storytelling in economic development

About the Guest:

Ebonie Atkins is the Managing Director for the Henrico Economic Development Authority in Henrico, Virginia. Prior to the EDA, she served as the Business Investment Manager for VEDP where she worked directly with tech companies to support their relocation and expansion in Virginia. You can connect with her on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/ebonieatkins) or contact her at [email protected]. 

Resources Mentioned:

• Henrico EDA website

The EDO Breakthrough podcast is brought to you by PPR Strategies. PPR Strategies is a strategic consulting firm working specifically with EDOs and other place-based organizations. We share the unique stories of communities through communications, strategic planning, marketing, media relations, and more.

Visit us at pprstrategies.com/edobreakthrough to learn more and to submit a question for a future episode.

Produced and edited by SpeakEasy Productions.

Amanda Ellis, Editor-in-Chief for Livability.com, shares how EDOs can leverage storytelling when marketing their communities. In this episode, we discuss workforce trends like hybrid working and relocating, how AI will affect search engine optimization for prospects, and why professional development opportunities are so important for retaining employees.

Key Takeaways:

• How communities can leverage their unique assets for talent attraction and tourism
• Using experiences and meetups to create “stickiness” and retain talent
• How to get residents to see the benefits of growth

About the Guest:

Amanda Ellis is the Editor-in-Chief for Livability.com and hosts the “Inside America’s Best Cities” podcast. Prior to Livability, she worked in PR and with her local Chamber of Commerce in Chattanooga, TN. You can connect with her on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/amandaellis1) and you can listen to Livability’s podcast here (livabilitymedia.com/podcast).

Resources Mentioned:

• Inside America’s Best Cities episode with Sandy 
• Livability’s Top 100 Best Places to Live 
• Chattanewbies 
• “We’re Busting These ChatGPT Myths Right Now” Blog Post 

The EDO Breakthrough podcast is brought to you by PPR Strategies. PPR Strategies is a strategic consulting firm working specifically with EDOs and other place-based organizations. We share the unique stories of communities through communications, strategic planning, marketing, media relations, and more.

Visit us at pprstrategies.com/edobreakthrough to learn more and to submit a question for a future episode.

Produced and edited by SpeakEasy Productions.