Mary Cacioppi, founder and CEO of Bridges to Prosperity in Northern Illinois and Author of Economic Development that Benefits Everyone, joins host Kaycee Bunch to explore the connection between economic growth and community development in the fight against poverty. With 25 years of experience – from the Rockford Chamber of Commerce to leading impactful initiatives – Mary shares key insights on collaboration, systemic change, and her newly published book.

In this episode, we explore:

Quotable: “It’s not just, hey, under-resourced folks, you know, you've got to build your resources and life stability, but it’s also, hey, community, here’s why these are challenges and barriers to people in our communities from getting ahead and truly staying ahead.”

Resources and Links

Special Guest: Mary Cacioppi.

Sandy Dubay, CEcD, President and CEO of PPR Strategies, shares her dynamic journey from an early start in economic development to owning her own marketing and communications firm. Joining host Kaycee Bunch, Sandy discusses the importance of relationships, overcoming career challenges, and breaking barriers in the field. She also highlights the value of certifications and continuous learning, offering practical advice and personal anecdotes along the way.

In this episode, we explore:

Quotable: “Think of it as a journey – from bronze to silver, silver to gold, and eventually platinum. Each step helps identify improvements and brings you closer to being truly investment-ready.”

Resources and Links

Special Guest: Sandy Dubay, CEcD.

Didi Caldwell is the President and CEO of Global Location Strategies. Carrie Kelly is the Managing Director of the Site Selectors Guild. They discuss the intricacies of preparing investment-ready sites, the evolution and impact of the REDI Sites program, and the crucial differences between economic developers and site selectors.

In this episode, we explore:

Quotable: “Think of it as a journey – from bronze to silver, silver to gold, and eventually platinum. Each step helps identify improvements and brings you closer to being truly investment-ready.”

Resources and Links

Special Guests: Carrie Kelly and Didi Caldwell.

Brittany LaCour Deal, M.S, CEcD, CERP shares her journey from an aspiring reporter to becoming a pivotal figure in economic development with the Lafayette Economic Development Authority. Recognized for her leading role, Brittany emphasizes the importance of "failing fast" to learn and grow quickly. She discusses her current and future roles, revealing how her adaptability and business intelligence expertise contribute to community redevelopment.

In this episode, we explore:

Quotable

Resources and Links

Special Guest: Brittany LaCour Deal, M.S., CEcD, CERP.

In this episode, we explore:

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Resources and Links

Special Guest: Terri Bradshaw.

Today we’re joined by New Mexico Economic Development Department’s Creative Industries Division Director and JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) practitioner Shani Harvie and JEDI Coordinator Rita Veleta. We'll delve into their inspiring journeys, the impact of the pandemic on minority communities, and the essential role of DEI in economic development.

*In this episode, we explore:

Quotable

“Imagine a world where anyone can create a business and not have these huge hurdles and so much hardship trying to access capital and resources. We need to learn how to take people seriously and give them the opportunity. And why do we do that differently depending on people's demographic backgrounds?"

*Resources and Links

Special Guests: Rita Veleta, EDP and Shani Harvie.

Today’s guest is Melissa Meschke CEcD,EDP, Executive Director of St. Croix Economic Development Corporation. She has forged a unique path from growing up on a dairy farm in Wisconsin to building a career through many roles, including marketing and small business management. She highlights the importance of leveraging professional networks, giving advice for women transitioning to leadership roles, and advising them on how to overcome self-doubt and seek peer support.

In this episode, we explore:

Quotable

“You have the skills, the tools and the resources. It's up to you how you implement those and take that leap into the journey of moving to that next step"

*Resources and Links

Special Guest: Melissa Meschke, CEcD, EDP.

*In this episode, we explore:

Quotable

“Sometimes 50 jobs does transform a community. When you know a community well enough and you know that will make an incredible transformation, that's a lot of fun."

*Resources and Links

Kentucky Touchstone Energy Cooperatives

Special Guest: Brittany Cox.

Cecilia Harry's journey began in the early 2000s when she was a psychology student with aspirations of becoming a professor and pursuing a PhD. However, life took an unexpected turn, leading her into social services. In the state of Indiana, she dedicated herself as a case manager for child protective services.

For several years, she conducted investigations and managed cases, providing crucial support to families in need. Her passion and dedication have profoundly impacted numerous lives, illustrating her commitment to making a difference beyond academic aspirations.

In this episode, we explore:

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Resources and Links

Special Guest: Cecilia Harry, CEcD.

A driving force in economic development, Dr. Eloisa Klementich’s career has spanned Los Angeles, Washington, DC, and Atlanta. She is driven by her passion for transforming communities through strategic business programs, securing critical funding, and supporting companies like Athenahealth and Mailchimp.

In this episode, we explore:

Quotable

Resources and Links

Special Guest: Dr. Eloisa Klementich, CEcD.