

Econ Dev Show Podcast - Economic Development
Dane Carlson
Dane Carlson explores the strategies, ideas, and insights that are driving economic development forward into the future. You'll hear new insights from passionate ED's about their successes and struggles, and you'll learn from attraction and retention experts about how to apply actionable strategies inside your EDO. We'll help take your organization, your community, and your career to the next level.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 14, 2023 • 32min
99: Unraveling the Jones Act with Colin Grabow
Join Dane as he dives deep into the intricacies of the Jones Act with guest Colin Grabow, a research fellow at the Cato Institute’s Herbert A. Stiefel Center for Trade Policy Studies.
In this episode, we discuss the requirements and implications of the Jones Act, and how it affects the cost and efficiency of shipping within the United States. Colin provides an in-depth analysis of the Act's effects on economic development, with a particular focus on its impacts on the coastal regions of Texas. We also explore potential paths forward and solutions to mitigate the negative effects of the Act on the domestic economy.
Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Special Guest: Colin Grabow.Sponsored By:KathodeRay Media, Inc.: 
[KathodeRay](https://kathoderay.com) is a full-service marketing agency that connects government organizations to their community. This small (but mighty) woman owned and operated marketing agency can help your community thrive. They use tried and true methods that will connect your organization to your residents using social, digital and traditional media. [https://kathoderay.com](https://kathoderay.com)Links:Colin Grabow | Cato InstituteColin Grabow (@cpgrabow) / TwitterColin Grabow | LinkedInFed up with High Gas Prices and Slow Amazon Deliveries? Blame These 2 Century-Old Laws That Need to Be Repealed. | Cato Institute — To avoid higher costs, many companies are forced to turn to imports.Against the Jones Act - Truth on the Market Truth on the MarketProtectionism and the Development of the U.S. Maritime Industry | The Regulatory Review — U.S. maritime protectionism fails policy and economic goals.
Adam Smith Would Oppose the Jones Act | Cato Institute — U.S maritime policy, both for the country’s economic prosperity and national security, is crying out for a dramatic overhaul.
The Jones Act: A Burden America Can No Longer Bear | Cato Institute — How an archaic, burdensome law has been able to withstand scrutiny and persist for almost a century.
Rust Buckets: How the Jones Act Undermines U.S. Shipbuilding and National Security | Cato Institute — Policymakers must consider either major reform of the law or outright repeal.Amazon.com: The Power of Productivity: Wealth, Poverty, and the Threat to Global Stability by William W. Lewis

Jul 10, 2023 • 30min
98: Pawns, Kings, and Rooks: Economic Development with Karl Heck
In today's episode of the Econ Dev Show Podcast, Dane unpacks the dynamic puzzle of industrial growth and community development in the charming realm of Franklin, Virginia, known for its beautiful blend of agricultural roots and emerging industries.
It's an intriguing tale that unfolds with our esteemed guest, Karl Heck, a man who knows a thing or two about economic development since he's the President and CEO of the Franklin Southampton Economic Development.
And surprise - Karl is also quite fond of chess! So, legions of listeners, prepare yourselves for a journey where economic strategies might just be delivered with a side of knight-to-e5 checkmate. Here's a spoiler - it's more fun than getting cornered by your own bishop in a chess game!
Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Special Guest: Karl Heck.Sponsored By:KathodeRay Media, Inc.: 
[KathodeRay](https://kathoderay.com) is a full-service marketing agency that connects government organizations to their community. This small (but mighty) woman owned and operated marketing agency can help your community thrive. They use tried and true methods that will connect your organization to your residents using social, digital and traditional media. [https://kathoderay.com](https://kathoderay.com)Links:Karl Heck | LinkedInDepartment of Economic Development for Franklin Southampton County | Franklin Southampton Economic Development, Inc.The Nine Nations of North America: Garreau, Joel: 9780380578856: Amazon.com: Books

Jul 4, 2023 • 24min
97: A Deep Dive into a Local Business Incubator with Lina Rugova
In this episode, Dane sparks an engaging conversation with Lina Rugova, the founder, and president of Emerge and Rise, a nonprofit business incubator in San Antonio, Texas. Lina provides an insider's look into the role and importance of business incubators for budding entrepreneurs and the support she provides to startups to not just survive, but thrive.
Following a compelling discussion on the incubator's unique approach to promoting entrepreneurship, the episode also explores the challenges that new entrepreneurs face while stepping into the business world, the dire need for partnerships and collaboration within cities, and the heartwarming success stories of Lina's program.
Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Special Guest: Lina Rugova.Sponsored By:KathodeRay Media, Inc.: 
[KathodeRay](https://kathoderay.com) is a full-service marketing agency that connects government organizations to their community. This small (but mighty) woman owned and operated marketing agency can help your community thrive. They use tried and true methods that will connect your organization to your residents using social, digital and traditional media. [https://kathoderay.com](https://kathoderay.com)Links:Lina G. Rugova, M.M. | LinkedInEmerge and Rise - Business Incubator of San AntonioUndercover Billionaire | DiscoveryThe 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth: Live Them and Reach Your Potential eBook : Maxwell, John C.: Kindle StoreSmall Business AdministrationSCOREThe DEC Network

Jun 12, 2023 • 13min
96: Chambers of Commerce: From Relevant to Essential
In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson discusses the book "From Relevant to Essential: Five Key Insights for Chambers of Commerce" by Casey Steinbach.
It addresses the tension between serving individual businesses (the "me" members) and focusing on supporting the community as a whole (the "we" members).
Carlson appreciates how the author recognizes that there are different types of members in a chamber of commerce: those who join for direct benefits and those who support the community's overall development.
He appreciates Steinbach's call for a more community-oriented focus among chambers, as well as her insight into the conflicts that arise from trying to provide services to both types of members. He highly recommends the book for individuals who work within chambers of commerce or who seek to understand their evolving roles and challenges.
Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps!Sponsored By:KathodeRay Media, Inc.: 
[KathodeRay](https://kathoderay.com) is a full-service marketing agency that connects government organizations to their community. This small (but mighty) woman owned and operated marketing agency can help your community thrive. They use tried and true methods that will connect your organization to your residents using social, digital and traditional media. [https://kathoderay.com](https://kathoderay.com)Links:Amazon.com: From Relevant to Essential: Five Key Insights for Chambers of Commerce eBook : Steinbacher, Casey: Kindle StoreCasey Steinbacher | LinkedInFinding Next

Jun 5, 2023 • 26min
95: AI in Economic Development
In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, host Dane Carlson shares his experiences using the AI tool ChatGPT for economic development tasks. Built for interacting with OpenAI's models, the chatbot's capacity to understand and generate human-like text has made it a radically transformative tool. Dane talks about various applications for AI technology in economic development and compares it to other automation tools often used in economic development offices.
Dane discusses how ChatGPT can be harnessed for a range of tasks, including blog post generation, social media marketing, writing emails, summarizing texts in different styles, and analysis tasks, all without requiring any programming skills.
Additionally, Dane has created numerous videos on AI-based workflows designed to support professionals in economic development. To access them, join Econ Dev Pro.
Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Sponsored By:KathodeRay Media, Inc.: 
[KathodeRay](https://kathoderay.com) is a full-service marketing agency that connects government organizations to their community. This small (but mighty) woman owned and operated marketing agency can help your community thrive. They use tried and true methods that will connect your organization to your residents using social, digital and traditional media. [https://kathoderay.com](https://kathoderay.com)Links:OpenAIChatGPTHow to Write a Blog Post with ChatGPTHow to Analyze Legalese with Chat GPTAI in Economic Development - Econ Dev ShowADVANCED - Clone of ChatGPT, uses official model, Bing, PaLM 2, reverse-engineered UI, with AI model switching, message search, ChatGPT Plugins, Multi-User System, & Prompt Templates (WIP) — The tool that Dane uses to access ChatGPT

May 15, 2023 • 26min
94: Main Street Makeover: How CO.STARTERS Trains for Economic Revival with Jose Alfaro
In this episode, Dane has an in-depth conversation with Jose Alfaro, CEO of CO.STARTERS, a dynamic entrepreneurial accelerator program designed to equip creative entrepreneurs with the necessary skills and support to turn their passion into a profitable business.
Jose shared the inspiring journey of CO.STARTERS, from its beginnings in Chattanooga, Tennessee, inspired by a desire to revitalize the city and attract major corporations like Volkswagen, to its current global reach spanning over 210 cities across 24 states and multiple countries. The program, which started under a non-profit initiative, went private in 2016, broadening its horizons and allowing it to have a significant impact on a global scale.
Throughout the episode, Jose emphasized the unique approach of the CO.STARTERS program. Instead of adopting a traditional teaching methodology, CO.STARTERS is built around facilitation, with the program directors guiding participants towards their customers to validate their business ideas. This innovative approach has resulted in not only robust business formation but also organic collaborations and mergers among the participants.
Key to the CO.STARTERS model is their focus on building community. Participants are grouped into cohorts of 10 to 16 people, fostering an environment of peer-to-peer learning, collaboration, and cooperation. Jose shared fascinating anecdotes of how this peer interaction has led to the formation of successful businesses and collaborations.
The conversation also delved into the curriculum of the program, which has been designed to simplify complex business concepts and make them accessible to creative entrepreneurs who might not have a traditional business background. Beyond the curriculum, the program also serves as a front door to the entrepreneurial ecosystem, connecting graduates to a variety of resources, from the SBA to different accelerators and pitch competitions.
Jose Alfaro's passion for supporting creative entrepreneurs was evident throughout the conversation. If you're interested in the intersection of creativity and entrepreneurship, or if you're a part of a community that could benefit from a program like CO.STARTERS, this episode is not to be missed.
Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Special Guest: Jose Alfaro.Sponsored By:KathodeRay Media, Inc.: 
[KathodeRay](https://kathoderay.com) is a full-service marketing agency that connects government organizations to their community. This small (but mighty) woman owned and operated marketing agency can help your community thrive. They use tried and true methods that will connect your organization to your residents using social, digital and traditional media. [https://kathoderay.com](https://kathoderay.com)Links:Jose Alfaro | LinkedInCO.STARTERS | Help Entrepreneurs Build Thriving BusinessesWhy Main Street Businesses Fail—and How to Save Them | CO.STARTERSThe CO.STARTERS® StoryCO.STARTERS WebinarCO.STARTERS VideosCulture Making: Recovering Our Creative Calling by Andy Crouch

May 8, 2023 • 39min
93: Alia Abbas Spills the Tea on the Importance of Small Businesses in Community Development
In this Econ Dev Show podcast episode, Dane Carlson interviews Alia Abbas, former Economic Development Officer for the City of Toronto, who shares her insights on business continuity, the importance of small businesses in community development, and the concept of "employment lands" in Canada.
Alia emphasizes the crucial role of small and family-owned businesses as advocates and champions for their communities, and the growing trend towards sustainability and greener economies in economic development.
Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Special Guest: Alia Abbas.Sponsored By:KathodeRay Media, Inc.: 
[KathodeRay](https://kathoderay.com) is a full-service marketing agency that connects government organizations to their community. This small (but mighty) woman owned and operated marketing agency can help your community thrive. They use tried and true methods that will connect your organization to your residents using social, digital and traditional media. [https://kathoderay.com](https://kathoderay.com)Links:Alia Abbas, MA, BREC | LinkedInAlia ConsultingPreparing for Megaprojects in Economic Development: FDI Alliance International MagazineBIDs Can Be Opportunities for Foreign Trade and FDI | ED Now FeatureA Manual for Developing an Economic Recovery Plan & Task Force for Investment Attraction: Rural EDOs (R-EDO) EditionAlia Consulting - Economic Development Firm | LinkedIn — Alia ConsultingWho's Your City?: How the Creative Economy Is Making Where to Live the Most Important Decision of Your Life by Richard Florida

May 1, 2023 • 34min
92: The Human Centered Approach to Economic Development with Larry Holt
In this podcast episode, Dane Carlson talks with Larry Holt, the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation's Vice President of Economic & Workforce Development.
Holt shares his insights on the human-centered approach to economic development. According to Holt, economic development is all about serving the communities and providing them with opportunities that will improve their lives.
He also discusses the challenges and opportunities of economic development in California, a state with a massive population boom after World War II that has led to significant housing supply issues. He acknowledges that the birthplace of the environmental movement and taxation policies have also contributed to restrictions on new housing growth, making it difficult to keep working-class families in their homes. However, he remains optimistic about the state's concerted effort to drive new housing supply and incentivize more housing around public transportation, which will help meet California's climate goals.
Despite the challenges, Holt believes that economic development is more relevant than ever, and economic developers have a crucial role to play in driving the future of their communities. He notes that they must be larger voices for pro-housing policies, advocate for resources for workforce systems, and have a broader view of economic development beyond just attracting businesses. In closing, Holt expresses his excitement about the future of Los Angeles and California's economic development and the role he and his colleagues play in shaping their communities' future.Special Guest: Larry Holt.Sponsored By:KathodeRay Media, Inc.: 
[KathodeRay](https://kathoderay.com) is a full-service marketing agency that connects government organizations to their community. This small (but mighty) woman owned and operated marketing agency can help your community thrive. They use tried and true methods that will connect your organization to your residents using social, digital and traditional media. [https://kathoderay.com](https://kathoderay.com)Links:Larry Holt | LinkedInLos Angeles County Economic Development CorporationCertain to Win: The Strategy of John Boyd, Applied to Business (Amazon)

Apr 24, 2023 • 18min
91: Ask Dane #1: Starship Edition
Welcome to the inaugural edition of Ask Dane. Every week, you ask, and I answer. Sometimes the questions only need short answers, and other-times they require tons of research or contemplation. This issue is a little of both.
Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Sponsored By:KathodeRay Media, Inc.: 
[KathodeRay](https://kathoderay.com) is a full-service marketing agency that connects government organizations to their community. This small (but mighty) woman owned and operated marketing agency can help your community thrive. They use tried and true methods that will connect your organization to your residents using social, digital and traditional media. [https://kathoderay.com](https://kathoderay.com)Econ Dev Pro: Upgrade your subscription and support the Econ Dev Show with a paid membership. Plus AI in Economic Development and other bonuses.Links:Ask Dane #1: Starship EditionSpaceXStarship Test FlightSouth Padre IslandMargaritaville Beach Resort - South Padre Island Beach HotelStarship Launch from South Padre Island 4/20/23 - YouTubeObsidian

Apr 18, 2023 • 57min
90: Gen Z Marketing in Plain English with Kathleen McQuaid Holdridge and Jessica Packard
Kathleen McQuaid Holdridge, Jessica Packard, and Dane Carlson delve deep into the world of Generation Z, exploring their unique characteristics, values, and preferences that are shaping today's marketing landscape. Our expert guests discuss strategies for successfully marketing to this powerful demographic, including embracing authenticity, leveraging multiple platforms, and focusing on visual storytelling. They also share real-life examples of effective marketing campaigns within economic development, shedding light on how these initiatives can attract and retain businesses, entrepreneurs, and talent. Tune in and discover the keys to unlocking the immense potential of Generation Z, the next wave of consumers, workforce, and innovators.
Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Special Guests: Jessica Packard and Kathleen McQuaid Holdridge.Sponsored By:KathodeRay Media, Inc.: 
[KathodeRay](https://kathoderay.com) is a full-service marketing agency that connects government organizations to their community. This small (but mighty) woman owned and operated marketing agency can help your community thrive. They use tried and true methods that will connect your organization to your residents using social, digital and traditional media. [https://kathoderay.com](https://kathoderay.com)Links:KathodeRay MediaWhy is Gen Z Humor So Weird?


