Recorded live at the 2026 American South Site Selection Summit in Arlington, Texas, host Ray Methvin of Insyteful sits down for individual interviews with industry experts to discuss the mechanics of regional growth. The first segment features Chuck Sexton, Principal and CEO of Strategic Location Advisors, who provides a detailed look into the modern site selection process. Sexton analyzes the specific criteria that consultants use to narrow down location shortlists, emphasizing why digital transparency and proactive community data are essential for moving from a request for information to a successful site visit.

The recording continues with an interview featuring Robert Long, Director of Chester County Economic Development. Long shares his perspective on managing industrial recruitment at the local level, specifically focusing on the recent influx of manufacturing investment in South Carolina. He discusses the importance of maintaining a shovel-ready inventory of sites and the collaborative role that local economic development offices play in coordinating with state partners and utility providers. These interviews offer practical insights into the high-stakes environment of site selection and the strategies used by Southern Economic Development Council members to secure major capital projects.

The SEDC Podcast is sponsored by Insyteful.