Laith and special guest co-host Jake Rouch spoke with Deb Lutz, Northwest SEWN Regional Director for the Steel Valley Authority about business retention and providing resources and consulting for manufacturers throughout the region.

Our guest was Matt Fields of the Buchanan County, VA Industrial Development Authority, who discussed comprehensive economic development fueled by coal-related income and a bold vision.

Hosts:

Tina Mengine - CEO of Erie County Redevelopment Authority

Laith Wardi - Founder of Gem City Growth Strategies

Our hosts welcomed colleague Ti Sumner, Vice President of Grants & Brownfield Specialist at the ECRDA, to discuss the enormity of remediating the former EMI plant in Erie, which is being transformed into Ironworks Square on West 12th Street.

Hosts:

Tina Mengine - CEO of Erie County Redevelopment Authority

Laith Wardi - Founder of Gem City Growth Strategies

Laith and producer Joel Natalie welcomed Gerald Blanks, CEO of the Greater Erie Economic Development Corporation. They discussed using proceeds from strategic investments to advance individuals and organizations in Erie's urban communities.

Hosts:

Tina Mengine - CEO of Erie County Redevelopment Authority

Laith Wardi - Founder of Gem City Growth Strategies

Laith and producer Joel Natalie welcomed back Marty Vanags, economic development consultant and author of the weekly Curated Morning newsletter, discussing the importance of staying on top of emerging trends inside and outside the ED context.

Hosts:

Tina Mengine - CEO of Erie County Redevelopment Authority

Laith Wardi - Founder of Gem City Growth Strategies

Economic Development expert and author of the book "When the Boomers Bail," Mark Lautman joined our hosts for a timely conversation.

Hosts:

Tina Mengine - CEO of Erie County Redevelopment Authority

Laith Wardi - Founder of Gem City Growth Strategies

Our hosts were joined by producer Joel Natalie to discuss the ECRDA's focus on activating a data-driven strategic plan toward economic growth.

Hosts:

Tina Mengine - CEO of Erie County Redevelopment Authority

Laith Wardi - Founder of Gem City Growth Strategies

Laith and Tina welcomed back Chuck Peters, one of the partners who recently purchased Executive Pulse, a customer management system designed for economic development agencies. Chuck explained how the software will use artificial intelligence to maximize outcomes.

Hosts:

Tina Mengine - CEO of Erie County Redevelopment Authority

Laith Wardi - Founder of Gem City Growth Strategies

Our hosts welcomed back Jen Gilburg Pennsylvania's Deputy Secretary of Technology and Entrepreneurship for the Department of Community and Economic Development, to talk innovation strategies in the Commonwealth.

Hosts:

Tina Mengine - CEO of Erie County Redevelopment Authority

Laith Wardi - Founder of Gem City Growth Strategies

Our hosts welcomed Tim Necastro, President and CEO of Erie Insurance as well as President of the Erie Downtown Development Corporation, along with Kim Thomas, Executive Director of Infinite Erie to discuss the many growth opportunities that lay ahead for our local Erie, PA region.

Hosts:

Tina Mengine - CEO of Erie County Redevelopment Authority

Laith Wardi - Founder of Gem City Growth Strategies