Econ Dev Show Podcast - Economic Development

In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson sits down with Jason El Koubi, President and CEO of the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, to explore the intersection of analytical thinking and economic development leadership. Jason discusses how his engineering background shapes his systems-thinking approach to economic development, the value of hiring talent from competitive states like Georgia, North Carolina, and Ohio, and the importance of continuous learning in the profession. He emphasizes the critical role of passion, ethics, and effective communication in economic development work, while sharing insights from his recent 360-degree evaluation and his commitment to ensuring positive economic growth across all regions of Virginia. Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Special Guest: Jason El Koubi.Sponsored By:Sitehunt: Sitehunt is an AI-enhanced platform that helps economic developers build a comprehensive property database, enabling informed decisions and efficient RFI responses to accelerate site selection and project success.Links:Jason El Koubi | LinkedInVirginia Economic Development PartnershipVirginia Economic Development Partnership | LinkedIn

In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, host Dane Carlson speaks with Shani Coleman, Director of Community and Economic Development for Clark County, Nevada, about the economic transformation happening beyond the famous Las Vegas Strip. Coleman shares insights into how professional sports teams, including the Raiders, Golden Knights, and upcoming MLB team, are driving a new sports innovation economy. She discusses the county's five-year-old economic development department, their focus on small business support, the challenges of federal land ownership, and how California's regulatory environment is driving business migration to Nevada. The conversation covers everything from hotel rooms of the future at Harry Reid Tech Park to plans for advanced manufacturing in areas near the proposed second airport. Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Ten Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers Lean into your existing assets - Don't shy away from what makes your community unique; figure out how to leverage those assets for economic development advantage. Build comprehensive small business support programs - Create virtual platforms and technical assistance programs that help small businesses understand public contracting opportunities and build resilience. Develop specialized innovation districts - Designate physical locations with boots-on-the-ground support to create environments where entrepreneurs and innovative businesses can thrive. Create business-friendly digital tools - Develop project estimators and online resources that help businesses understand licensing, permitting, and operational costs upfront. Focus on business retention and expansion - Don't just recruit new businesses; actively support existing businesses in growing and hiring more employees. Build venture capital ecosystems - Work with organizations that support both entrepreneurs seeking funding and individuals wanting to become venture capitalists. Capitalize on proximity advantages - Use geographic location and transportation access as selling points for logistics and distribution opportunities. Plan for future land development - Engage in master planning activities even when land ownership is complicated to be ready when opportunities arise. Diversify beyond traditional industries - Look for ways emerging sectors (like sports innovation) can create new economic opportunities in your community. Network strategically and tell your story - Use podcasts, conferences, and digital platforms to communicate your community's business opportunities to site selectors and potential investors. Special Guest: Shani Coleman.Sponsored By:Sitehunt: Sitehunt is an AI-enhanced platform that helps economic developers build a comprehensive property database, enabling informed decisions and efficient RFI responses to accelerate site selection and project success.Links:Shani Coleman | LinkedInClark County OCEDClark County leader: Even as economy recovers, diversifying remains paramount

In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, host Dane Carlson sits down with Kevin Crowder, author of "Red Tape Empire" and publisher of Street Economics Daily, to explore the intersection of fiction and reality in economic development. Crowder shares the inspiration behind his novel, which tells the story of a woman returning to revitalize her family business while battling bureaucratic obstacles, a narrative rooted in his real experiences working in Miami Beach development. The conversation delves into pivotal moments like the 1986 Calvin Klein campaign that transformed South Beach from European catalog shoots to a celebrity fashion destination, illustrating how strategic exposure can unlock a city's hidden potential. Crowder emphasizes the ongoing challenges economic developers face, from navigating red tape to managing the tension between preserving the status quo and embracing transformative change. Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Ten Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers Identify your community's hidden assets that could attract new audiences if properly exposed Use storytelling and fiction to process and share complex development experiences in relatable ways Look for strategic partnerships with creative industries (fashion, film, media) to showcase your location Document and learn from pivotal moments that transformed other communities for replication strategies Develop the political will and stakeholder buy-in necessary to move beyond status quo thinking Anticipate and plan for resistance from established interests when proposing transformative changes Focus on "exposure" opportunities that can shift perceptions and attract new investment Build relationships with entrepreneurs who can see potential where others see problems Create accessible content (newsletters, social media) to share development insights with broader audiences Recognize that successful economic development requires both strategic vision and the force of will to execute despite obstacles Special Guest: Kevin Crowder.Sponsored By:Sitehunt: Sitehunt is an AI-enhanced platform that helps economic developers build a comprehensive property database, enabling informed decisions and efficient RFI responses to accelerate site selection and project success.Links:Kevin Crowder, EDP | LinkedInBusinessFlareRed Tape Empire: You can't beat city hall until you have nothing left to lose by Kevin CrowderKevin Crowder (@businessflareofficial) • InstagramKevin Crowder, CEcD (@BusinessFlare) / XAll of Kevin's books

In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson sits down with April Mason, president and founder of Violet PR, a boutique public relations agency specializing in economic development. April explains the difference between earned and paid media, sharing how editorial coverage can be worth five to seven times more valuable than advertising because of its inherent credibility. The conversation covers newsjacking techniques, where PR professionals quickly tie current news events to their clients' stories, and explores how economic development PR differs from consumer-focused campaigns by focusing on business trends, tax incentives, and workforce development rather than lifestyle content. Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Ten Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers Monitor news headlines daily and hold weekly team meetings to identify PR opportunities Focus on earning editorial coverage rather than paying for advertisements for 5-7x better credibility Develop a newsjacking strategy to quickly tie breaking news to your organization's strengths Pitch thought leadership articles to trade publications in your industry Create redundant systems or unique selling points that can become newsworthy angles Build relationships with journalists who cover economic development and business topics Develop spokespeople who can provide expert commentary on industry trends Differentiate your PR approach from consumer marketing by focusing on business fundamentals Leverage client successes and unique infrastructure as story angles Maintain a proactive media relations strategy rather than waiting for news to happen Special Guest: April Mason.Sponsored By:Sitehunt: Sitehunt is an AI-enhanced platform that helps economic developers build a comprehensive property database, enabling informed decisions and efficient RFI responses to accelerate site selection and project success.Links:Top Boutique PR Firm Rebrands: We Write the Future | Violet PRViolet PR | Boutique Public Relations Agency for Economic Development

In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson interviews Sophia Zheng, Founder and CEO of Bludot Technologies, a startup initially incubated through a unique collaboration with a city’s economic development department. Sophia explains how Bludot’s innovative platform helps more than 150 communities across the U.S. and Canada retain and expand local businesses through advanced data analytics and digital incentives. She dives into the successful Open Rewards program, a community-wide shop-local initiative, and explores how technologies like AI could further enhance business retention and expansion strategies. Sophia also highlights Bludot’s achievements, including recognition in Govtech 100 and AWS GovtechStart, as well as USDA NIFA grants for supporting rural economic development. Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Ten Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers Consider launching digital reward programs to incentivize local spending. Centralize your local business data for effective business retention strategies. Leverage consumer data to tailor shop-local campaigns to specific areas or seasons. Minimize barriers for businesses to participate in city-sponsored programs. Regularly evaluate and track consumer behaviors to measure the impact of your initiatives. Use qualitative consumer feedback to validate program effectiveness. Collaborate with local chambers, business districts, and main streets for increased program reach. Explore targeted incentives to revitalize specific economic zones. Integrate technology-driven solutions to streamline business support and retention processes. Continuously innovate engagement tactics to keep consumers excited and actively shopping locally. Special Guest: Sophia Zheng.Sponsored By:Sitehunt: Sitehunt is an AI-enhanced platform that helps economic developers build a comprehensive property database, enabling informed decisions and efficient RFI responses to accelerate site selection and project success.Links:Sophia Zheng | LinkedInBludot | Business Retention & Economic DevelopmentBlog | Bludot Economic Development PlatformCity Beat: Rewards For Local Shoppers In Las Vegas - YouTubeBludot Technologies Inc.: Posts | LinkedIn

In this episode of the Econ Dev Show (a replay from EDO Breakthrough Podcast episode #10), Sandy Dubay interviews Dane Carlson about his entrepreneurial journey in economic development. Dane shares the deeply personal story behind starting his podcast during COVID while his son underwent cancer treatment, his initial nervousness about hearing his own voice, and his strategy of cold-contacting newly certified economic developers for guests. The conversation explores the challenges economic developers face with changing leadership and boards, before diving into Dane's innovative solution: Sitehunt, an AI-powered platform that transforms how economic developers respond to RFIs by automatically matching community assets with project requirements and generating detailed responses in minutes rather than days. Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! To reach Franklin for his podcast editing services, email franklin.carlson@icloud.com.Special Guest: Sandy Dubay.Sponsored By:Sitehunt: Sitehunt is an AI-enhanced platform that helps economic developers build a comprehensive property database, enabling informed decisions and efficient RFI responses to accelerate site selection and project success.Links:SitehuntEDO Breakthrough E10 – Expediting the RFI Process, with Dane Carlson — Expediting the RFI Process, with Dane CarlsonDane Carlson | LinkedIn

In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, host Dane Carlson sits down with Tom Kucharski, President and CEO of Invest Buffalo Niagara, who has led the organization's transformation efforts for 25 years. Kucharski shares how Buffalo evolved from being the 8th largest U.S. city in 1960 to experiencing devastating industrial decline, and then orchestrating a remarkable comeback that includes the first population growth in decades. He discusses the region's competitive advantages including clean hydroelectric power from Niagara Falls, the 43 North business plan competition (the largest in the country with $1 million prizes), and securing the nation's only semiconductor tech hub designation. The conversation covers Buffalo's evolution into a hub for manufacturing, life sciences, and technology, while addressing new challenges like housing shortages that come with rapid growth and success. Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Special Guest: Tom Kucharski.Sponsored By:Sitehunt: Sitehunt is an AI-enhanced platform that helps economic developers build a comprehensive property database, enabling informed decisions and efficient RFI responses to accelerate site selection and project success.Links:Tom Kucharski | LinkedInInvest Buffalo Niagara | Grow your Business in Buffalo NiagaraWhy Move to Buffalo? Hear from Those Who Have! - YouTube3/22: Tom Kucharski - HUNT Real Estate Corporation Blog

In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson sits down with Barry Broome, President and CEO of the Greater Sacramento Economic Council. Dane and Barry explore Sacramento's remarkable economic transformation. Barry highlights how Sacramento has leveraged its strategic location 72 miles east of San Francisco to become one of America's premier second-tier markets, emerging as a semiconductor hub while diversifying into clean tech and agricultural research sectors. Throughout the conversation, Barry shares his data-driven approach to economic development, his passion for working with underdog cities, and the challenges he overcame to build community trust and create a thriving economic ecosystem in California's capital region. Barry shares insights on economic development, leadership, and the importance of data-driven decisions in driving regional growth. The episode also covers his personal background, emphasizing Barry's passion for economic development in underdog cities and his experiences in navigating and overcoming initial challenges to build a thriving community. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 01:20 Discovering Sacramento 02:40 Sacramento's Economic Growth 04:40 Semiconductor Hub Vision 09:44 Infrastructure and Utilities 11:41 Target Sectors Beyond Semiconductors 14:08 Barry Broome's Journey 21:16 Challenges and Achievements 25:20 Building a Strong Board 29:05 Barry's Background and Philosophy 34:55 Conclusion and Contact Information Ten Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers Leverage your geographic proximity to major economic centers; Sacramento's 72-mile distance from San Francisco became a strategic advantage rather than a limitation. Diversify your economic base beyond traditional anchors; Sacramento moved beyond government dependence to semiconductors, clean tech, and agricultural research. Position your community as a second-tier market alternative to expensive primary markets, offering similar talent and infrastructure at better cost basis. Use data-driven decision making to guide your economic development strategy and demonstrate measurable results to stakeholders. Build strong board governance early; invest time in assembling committed leaders who can provide stability and strategic direction. Target emerging sectors where your region has natural advantages; Sacramento capitalized on its research universities and proximity to Silicon Valley for semiconductor development. Develop compelling narratives around your community's diversity and quality of life as competitive advantages for business attraction. Address infrastructure and utilities proactively as foundational elements for sector-specific development strategies. Embrace your role as an "underdog city champion"; sometimes the most rewarding opportunities are in communities others overlook. Focus on long-term relationship building and community trust, understanding that transformational economic development takes years to achieve and sustain. Special Guest: Barry Broome.Sponsored By:Sitehunt: Sitehunt is an AI-enhanced platform that helps economic developers build a comprehensive property database, enabling informed decisions and efficient RFI responses to accelerate site selection and project success.Links:Barry Broome | LinkedInHome - Greater Sac Economic CouncilThe Way We Work: Barry Broome | Comstock's magazineCalifornia 2030: Greater Sacramento Economic Council President Barry Broome - YouTubeTeam - Greater Sac Economic CouncilThe Semiconductor Industry's Dynamic Nature and Continuous Evolution | NasdaqNews & events - Greater Sac Economic Council

In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, host Dane Carlson interviews Jonathan Knecht, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Creative Services at the Kansas City Area Development Council, who reveals how his team markets the greater Kansas City region to attract business investment and talent. Jonathan, a self-described "refugee from advertising" who's been with the organization for 21 years, discusses their collaborative approach to regional branding centered around the iconic KC Heart logo, their focus on key industry sectors like digital health and sports architecture, and how Kansas City's central location, affordability, and quality of life create competitive advantages. He also shares insights on building consensus across state lines and how their in-house creative agency supports economic development efforts throughout the region. Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers Consider adopting organically popular community symbols rather than creating new brands from scratch to ensure authenticity and community buy-in. Build collaborative relationships across political boundaries to present a unified front when pursuing major projects and investments. Leverage your region's unique industry clusters (like KC's sports architecture) to create compelling specialization stories for targeted marketing. Create an in-house creative agency to support marketing needs across your region, especially for partners with limited budgets. Develop talent attraction initiatives like KC's "Team KC" that connect employers and equip them with shared marketing resources. Create specialized content for different audiences, such as belonging guides for various cultural communities, to support talent recruitment efforts. Focus on tracking meaningful metrics tied to actual business attraction and expansion results rather than just marketing activities. Identify and promote quality of life advantages such as central location, cost of living, and cultural amenities as competitive differentiators. Establish sector-specific initiatives (like KC's Digital Health and Animal Health Corridor) to target industries where your region has competitive advantages. End counter-productive incentive competitions between neighboring communities to better focus resources on attracting new businesses to the region. Special Guest: Jonathan Knecht.Sponsored By:Sitehunt: Sitehunt is an AI-enhanced platform that helps economic developers build a comprehensive property database, enabling informed decisions and efficient RFI responses to accelerate site selection and project success.Links:Jonathan Knecht | LinkedInKansas City Area Development Council | HomeKC Heartland | FacebookKansas City Area Development Council | LinkedInKCADC (@ithinkKC) / XKC Area Development Council on VimeoKC Area Development Council (@ithinkkc) • Instagram photos and videos

In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, host Dane Carlson speaks with Deb Brown, co-founder of Save Your Town and author of "From Possibilities to Reality: How to Save Your Small Town." They discuss Brown's workbook-style approach to small town economic development, sharing practical examples of community revitalization, including movie theater revitalization as an economic driver. Brown offers insights on addressing resistance to change by exploring what people truly valued about their towns in the past, and provides actionable strategies for community members who want to make a difference in their small towns. Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers Implement the "idea friendly method" to bypass traditional committee bureaucracy and mobilize community-driven economic development projects. Organize "Tour of Empty Buildings" events to showcase vacant commercial spaces and connect potential business owners with available properties. Focus on attracting and supporting local businesses to expand into empty downtown spaces rather than solely pursuing large outside employers. Create accessible maps and resources that showcase available commercial properties to potential investors and entrepreneurs. Engage residents outside the "usual suspects" (city officials, chamber members) by hosting informal idea-gathering sessions at local coffee shops or breweries. When communities resist change, dig into what they specifically valued about the past to identify the core needs that modern solutions can address. Develop sustainable business models for community assets (like movie theaters) that create real employment rather than relying exclusively on volunteers. Establish clear pathways from idea generation to implementation that don't require formal committee formation or extensive bureaucratic processes. Prioritize filling downtown vacancies with businesses that serve current community needs while preserving historical character. Leverage success stories from similar small towns as proof-of-concept examples when pitching new development ideas to stakeholders and building owners. Special Guest: Deb Brown.Sponsored By:Sitehunt: Sitehunt is an AI-enhanced platform that helps economic developers build a comprehensive property database, enabling informed decisions and efficient RFI responses to accelerate site selection and project success.Links:Debra Brown | LinkedInSaveYour.Town – Practical steps to shape a better future for your community, small town, rural or local neighborhoodBuyTheBook - Building PossibilityFrom Possibilities to Reality: Save Your Small Town with these Uniquely Do-able Ideas, Projects, and Success Stories: LuluFrom Possibilities to Reality: Save Your Small Town with these Uniquely Do-able Ideas, Projects, and Success Stories by Deb BrownBuilding Possibility - FacebookMentions Library - Deb Brown | Building PossibilityAbout - Deb Brown | Building Possibility