Welcome to a special episode of “The New Developers on the Block”! Today, we are thrilled to welcome our first out-of-state guest, Ben McDaniel, the Economic Development Director for the Barrow-Braselton Joint Economic Development Authority in Georgia.

Click Here to view Ben’s LinkedIn Profile

In this episode, we had the pleasure of learning more about Ben and his community of Barrow County. Ben shares his expertise on leveraging LinkedIn and ChatGPT for economic development, offering valuable insights into how these tools can enhance community marketing efforts.

Ben discusses the innovative strategies he employs to attract businesses and foster economic growth in Barrow County. He provides practical advice on utilizing LinkedIn for networking and promotion, as well as how ChatGPT can be a game-changer for economic developers looking to streamline communication and information dissemination.

“The New Developers on the Block” is proudly presented by the North Carolina Economic Development Association (NCEDA). We remain dedicated to fostering dialogue and collaboration within the economic development community through engaging discussions like this one. Don’t miss out on this insightful conversation with Ben McDaniel—subscribe now.

Welcome to another exciting installment of "The New Developers on the Block"! In this episode, listeners are treated to an insightful conversation with Trey Goodson, the Chief Information Officer and Economic Development Director for the NC East Alliance.

Click Here to view Trey's LinkedIn Profile

Trey shares his journey from being a student at East Carolina University (ECU) to working with the NC East Alliance. He delves into the significant contributions of STEM East, an initiative of NC East Alliance, explaining what STEM East is and highlighting the impactful work it is doing. Additionally, Trey discusses his hopes for the future of eastern North Carolina, outlining his vision for the next ten to twenty years.

Throughout the episode, Trey offers practical advice and reflections on his career path and the initiatives that drive economic growth in the region. His story is an inspiring blend of personal achievements and professional insights.

"The New Developers on the Block" is proudly presented by the North Carolina Economic Development Association (NCEDA). Through engaging discussions like this one, NCEDA remains committed to fostering dialogue and collaboration within the economic development community. Don't miss out on this illuminating conversation with Trey Goodson—subscribe now.

Welcome to another exciting installment of "The New Developers on the Block"! In this episode, listeners are treated to an insightful conversation with Cliff Brumfield, the Executive Director of the Lincoln Economic Development Association (LEDA). From his enduring passion for Ford Broncos to his journey to Lincoln County and his perspectives on professional development, Cliff's story offers a captivating blend of personal interests and professional insights.

Throughout the episode, Cliff draws upon his wealth of knowledge to offer practical advice and reflections on professional development. From cultivating strategic partnerships to staying abreast of industry trends, his insights serve as a roadmap for aspiring professionals seeking to make their mark in the field. 

"The New Developers on the Block" is proudly presented by the North Carolina Economic Development Association (NCEDA). Through engaging discussions like this one, NCEDA remains committed to fostering dialogue and collaboration within the economic development community. Don't miss out on this illuminating conversation with Cliff Brumfield—subscribe now for more thought-provoking insights on the forefront of economic growth and community prosperity.

Welcome to a captivating episode of "The New Developers on the Block,". In this episode, we are joined by Maria Satira, the Director of Marketing and Communications at the Greenville ENC Alliance. With over a decade of experience in journalism, media relations, marketing, and communications, Maria brings a wealth of knowledge to our discussion. We delve into the crucial role of marketing in economic development, the strategies for effective community promotion, and the importance of strategic partnerships and talent attraction. Maria shares insights from her book, "An Introduction to Media Relations for Nonprofit Organizations," and her experiences in various newsrooms and economic development groups. Join us for an enlightening conversation with Maria Satira, as we uncover the power of marketing in driving economic growth and community development.

Click Here for a Link to Her Book

"The New Developers on the Block" is proudly presented by the North Carolina Economic Development Association (NCEDA). Subscribe now for more engaging discussions on the dynamics of economic development.

Welcome to another insightful episode of "The New Developers on the Block"!

In this episode, we're thrilled to welcome Josh Grant, a key member of the NCEDA Legislative Committee. Josh's diverse background in business, higher education, and government, including his significant experience at the General Assembly, has shaped his expertise in legislative advocacy. Join us as we delve into Josh's journey, the inner workings of the General Assembly, and the crucial role of the NCEDA Legislative Committee in advocacy efforts. Don't miss this insightful conversation on the importance of advocacy in economic development and the impact of legislative committees like NCEDA's.

"The New Developers on the Block" is proudly presented by the North Carolina Economic Development Association (NCEDA). Subscribe now to stay informed and inspired in the ever-evolving world of economic development.

Welcome to another engaging episode of "The New Developers on the Block"!

In this episode, we are honored to have Randall Johnson, Executive Director of the Southeastern Office of the North Carolina Biotechnology Center, as our special guest.

Randall Johnson brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the table, having played a pivotal role in the growth and development of the biotechnology sector in North Carolina. 

In this conversation, Randall will shed light on the mission and achievements of the North Carolina Biotechnology Center, the vital role of biotechnology in economic development, and the impact of the NCEDA Foundation in supporting these endeavors. We'll also dive into the challenges and opportunities facing the biotech industry, the importance of collaboration between academia, industry, and government, and much more.

Join us for a fascinating journey into the world of biotechnology and economic development with Randall Johnson. This episode promises to be a treasure trove of insights for anyone interested in the intersection of science, innovation, and economic growth.

"The New Developers on the Block" is proudly presented by the North Carolina Economic Development Association (NCEDA). Subscribe now to stay informed and inspired in the ever-evolving world of economic development.

Welcome to another exciting episode of "The New Developers on the Block"! We are thrilled to introduce our special guest, Crystal Morphis, CCED, with Creative Economic Development Consulting. Crystal is the bright idea generator behind Creative EDC, a firm she founded in 2012 and has since established as the "go-to" economic development consulting firm.

With a background as both a practitioner and consultant, Crystal brings a wealth of expertise in strategic planning, product development, organizational development, economic impact studies, existing business retention and expansion programs, and site selection. She has consulted with companies and economic development organizations across the Southeast U.S., building a reputation for quality work and exceptional customer service, as evidenced by the firm's high rate of repeat customers.

Creative EDC's entrepreneurial spirit is reflected in its innovative programs, including a web-based site assessment tool, a nationally recognized Certified Entrepreneurial Community® program, a Certified Industrial Buildings Program, and the first back office for economic developers, C-BOSS.

Join us as we delve into a fascinating discussion with Crystal Morphis, exploring her journey, insights, and the innovative programs that have made Creative EDC a leader in economic development consulting. Stay tuned for an enlightening conversation that promises to inspire and inform.

"The New Developers on the Block" is proudly presented by the North Carolina Economic Development Association (NCEDA). Subscribe now to stay informed and empowered in the world of economic development.

Welcome to another captivating episode of "The New Developers on the Block"! In this installment, your hosts, Elizabeth Underwood and Trey Cash, sit down with Charla Duncan, the Director of Community and Economic Development with Warren County and the esteemed recipient of the 2023 NCEDA Emerging Leader of the Year award.

Join Elizabeth, Trey, and Charla as they embark on a dynamic conversation exploring Charla's remarkable journey in economic development and her invaluable insights on relationship-building within the field. From navigating challenges to seizing opportunities, Charla shares her expertise and experiences, offering listeners a firsthand glimpse into the world of community and economic development.

Discover the strategies and principles that have propelled Charla Duncan to the forefront of her profession as she sheds light on the importance of forging meaningful connections and fostering collaboration for sustainable growth and development.

Whether you're a seasoned professional seeking fresh perspectives or an emerging leader eager to glean wisdom from industry trailblazers, this episode promises to inspire and inform. Tune in for an engaging dialogue filled with actionable takeaways and discover why Charla Duncan is a driving force in shaping the economic landscape of Warren County and beyond.

"The New Developers on the Block" is proudly presented by the North Carolina Economic Development Association (NCEDA). Don't miss out—subscribe now to stay informed and empowered in the ever-evolving world of economic development.

Welcome to an exciting episode of "The New Developers on the Block," in which host Elizabeth Underwood engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Blake Moyer, President of the Surry County Economic Development Partnership. In this episode, Elizabeth and Blake explore a range of impactful topics, including the upcoming Emerging Executives Conference, housing issues, and the vital role of professional development in today's economic landscape.

The Emerging Executives Forum takes center stage, offering listeners an inside look at initiatives aimed at nurturing the next generation of leaders in North Carolina. 

Blake Moyer is leading the Surry County Economic Development Partnership toward a prosperous future. Join us as we delve into Blake's insights on key challenges and opportunities, gaining valuable perspectives on the strategies driving positive change in Surry County and beyond.

Whether you're a seasoned professional in economic development or just starting your journey, this episode promises to be a compelling exploration of the issues shaping the economic landscape. Tune in for engaging insights, informative discussions, and a closer look at visionary leaders like Blake Moyer, who are significantly impacting the economic development scene.

"The New Economic Developers on the Block" is brought to you by the North Carolina Economic Development Association (NCEDA). Subscribe now to stay connected.

Welcome to an insightful new episode of "The New Economic Developers on the Block." In this episode, hosts Elizabeth Underwood and Trey Cash sit down with Lisa Finaldi, the Community Engagement Leader for the NC Early Childhood Foundation (NCECF). Lisa is at the forefront, leading the NC Campaign for Grade-Level Reading and driving the impactful Family Forward NC initiative.

With a rich background as an experienced non-profit leader on the state, national, and international stages, Lisa has a proven track record of bringing communities, businesses, government entities, and organizations together for collaborative change. Throughout her career, she has united disparate voices to define and achieve breakthrough solutions to complex issues.

In this episode, we take a deep dive into the current state of early child care in North Carolina and explore the innovative Family Forward NC program. Lisa shares her experiences and insights, shedding light on the collaborative efforts shaping positive change in early childhood development in the state.

Join us for a thought-provoking conversation that uncovers the challenges and triumphs of shaping cooperative efforts for change in the realm of early childhood care. Whether you're a seasoned economic developer or just starting your journey, this episode promises engaging insights, laughter, and inspiration.

"The New Economic Developers on the Block" is brought to you by the North Carolina Economic Development Association (NCEDA). Subscribe now to stay connected and gain a deeper understanding of the visionary leaders, like Lisa Finaldi, who are shaping North Carolina's economic future. Passion meets purpose as we explore the transformative initiatives paving the way for a brighter tomorrow.