Econ Dev Show Podcast - Economic Development

In this action-packed episode of the Econ Dev Show, host Dane Carlson talks with Mark Litten, VP of Economic Development at Putnam County Chamber of Commerce, about his transition from basketball officiating to empowering small communities. Mark shares insights on local-level involvement, the importance of marketing for smaller communities, and the potential impact of eliminating Enterprise Florida. Tune in to "Slam Dunk Economic Development Strategies" and discover how Mark Litten's basketball experience informs his transformative approach to local economic development. In the latest episode of the Econ Dev Show, host Dane Carlson welcomes Mark Litten, Vice President of Economic Development at the Putnam County Chamber of Commerce in Palatka, Florida. Mark shares his journey into economic development, starting with his roots in Ohio and Michigan before transitioning to Florida. The conversation also touches on the challenges of attracting businesses and Mark's experience as a retired basketball official. Highlighting the importance of bringing young people into economic development, Mark emphasizes the need for extroverted individuals with strong communication skills. Mark also discusses his preference for working in the private or non-profit sectors rather than the government. He believes there is more freedom and involvement in the local level as opposed to the state level. At the local level, they work with everything from site visits to negotiating prices, whereas at the state level, they are more focused on incentives. He also mentions the importance of marketing, especially for smaller communities. Due to limited budgets, small communities often have to raise funds to be competitive in marketing. Economic development focused magazines such as Site Selection, Business Facilities, and Area Development are popular places to advertise, reaching a wide readership of C-Suite individuals. However, frequent ad placements and online advertising can be costly for smaller communities. In Florida, there is a current discussion about eliminating Enterprise Florida and changing Visit Florida's tourism funding. The economic development director feels that it is shortsighted by the legislature and will create problems for attracting businesses. With the potential elimination of Enterprise Florida, he believes that there will be a shift in how leads are handled, and it will be a learning curve for many people. In response, he is increasing marketing efforts and planning to develop strategies to compete with other micropolitan communities. This insightful episode of the Econ Dev Show provides valuable perspectives on economic development and marketing challenges, particularly for smaller communities. Mark Litten's wealth of experience and forward-thinking approach offer essential guidance for those looking to navigate the changing landscape of economic development. As the conversation delves into critical topics such as attracting businesses, engaging young professionals, and the importance of strategic marketing, listeners are sure to benefit from the knowledge shared by both Mark and host Dane Carlson. Don't miss out on this fascinating conversation -- tune in to the latest episode of the Econ Dev Show to hear Mark Litten's invaluable insights and practical advice. Listen now, and stay ahead in the world of economic development. Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Special Guest: Mark Litten.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:Mark Litten | LinkedInEconomic Development - Putnam County ChamberHome - Putnam County Chamber

In this episode, Dane talks with Professor Todd Gabe. He is a professor of Economics at the University of Maine, author of the textbook, The Pursuit of Economic Development: Growing Good Jobs in U.S. Cities and States. He also publishes content from his classes, book, and other research on YouTube. 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:Todd Gabe - School of Economics - University of MaineThe Pursuit of Economic Development: Growing Good Jobs in U.S. Cities and StatesSome Random Economist - YouTubeEconomic Contribution of Maine’s Aquaculture Industry - Aquaculture Research Institute

In this episode, Dane talks with David Thornell, the author of Small Town Solutions: An Economic Development Guide for Small Communities with BIG Dreams, and founder of Small Town Solutions Consulting. He retired after 40+ years of service to community and economic development organizations mainly in rural environments, and now provides specialized consulting. Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Special Guest: David Thornell.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: Small Town Solutions: An Economic Development Guide for Small Communities with BIG DreamsKindle: Small Town Solutions : An Economic Development Guide for Small Communities with BIG Dreams eBook : Thornell, David: Kindle StoreSmall Town SolutionsDavid Thornell | LinkedIn

Nationally, outdoor recreation is a $788 billion dollar industry, accounting for 2.1% of U.S. GDP and 5.2 million jobs in 2019. In North Carolina, the outdoor recreation economy accounted for 2 percent ($12.1 billion) of the state GDP and created 151,661 jobs in the state. Thomas Salley, the director of tourism for the City of Wilkesboro, North Carolina knows this all too well. He's an integral part of a team working to create a community-led vision and 15-year roadmap to grow the outdoor economy and encourage active living in Wilkes County. The group is focusing on the planning and development of outdoor recreation infrastructure projects such as trails, greenways, destination-quality parks, attractive downtowns, and the creation of multi-use public spaces suitable for major events and festivals. These projects contribute significantly to the quality of life for local residents, help grow small businesses, and attract visitors. Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Special Guest: Thomas Salley.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:Wilkes Outdoor Action Plan (PDF)Wilkes Outdoor Action PlanThomas Salley | LinkedInHome | Made by Mountains - Western North CarolinaHome - Mountain BizWorksHome - Black Folks Camp TooIssa Vibe AdventuresWilkesboro, NC - Hotels, Music, Food, Things to Doestination by Design

Dane wants to start producing video content for the Econ Dev Show Podcast, but first, he must get comfortable on camera. And the best way that he's found to get over his fear of almost anything is to just do it! 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:Youtube: Econ Dev Show Podcast #85: Dane Talks to Himself... On VideoBe a Guest on the Econ Dev Show Podcast

In this episode, Dane talks to Tom Wengler. In just 20 minutes, they explain how the best economic development marketing teams stay in front of site selectors and business executives who've visited their websites. Tom explains how to stay top of mind with these people to get more leads. Plus, you'll learn how advertisers target you with ads too. You can use this knowledge as part of your Business Attraction Strategy! Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Special Guest: Tom Wengler.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:Tom's webinar: A 20 minute business attraction strategyTom Wengler | LinkedInHubSpot for Economic Development CRM - Marketing - Leads — (Tom's company)How to use a ChatBot on your Sites and Building Pages - YouTubeB2B Database - Gazelle | B2B database for growing companiesCamoin Associates | Economic Development ConsultingZoomInfo: B2B Database | Company Contacts & Intelligence

In this episode, Dane talks with Cody Morrison about childcare as an economic development priority. Cody is the Executive Director of the Monadnock Economic Development Corporation in Keene, New Hampshire. The MEDC has taken a leading role in working to improve the number of childcare providers in their region. Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Special Guest: Cody Morrison.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:Cody Morrison seeks to reimagine MEDC’s impact, forge new connectionsCody Morrison Tell-All - YouTubeCody Morrison Executive Director of M.E.D.C. On WKBK’s Open Mic With Dan Mitchell. 2.6.23 | WKBK RadioMonadnock Economic Development Corporation: Overview | LinkedInMonadnock Economic Development Corporation | Keene NH | FacebookMonadock Economic Development Corporation - Economic Development - Commercial Loan, Grant, Development, Real Estate, Tax Credit, Workforce Development.Cody Morrison | LinkedInThe Gatekeepers: How the White House Chiefs of Staff Define Every PresidencyRumsfeld's Rules: Leadership Lessons in Business, Politics, War, and Life

Last week, Wendy Rosen wrote an open letter to President Biden calling on the federal government to help rebuild Made in America. Her letter "Dear President Biden, Rebuild Made in America," struck a cord with Dane, and he brought her on the show to talk about it, and her experiences and insight. Wendy Rosen is the founder of the American Made Show, the national trade show for American made products. At it's height the show featured 1,600 exhibiting artisans and hosted more than 10,000 retail buyers who ordered more than $40 million at each show in Philadelphia. Realizing that artists desperately needed business education, Rosen founded the Arts Business Institute and taught workshops in more than 35 states. As one of the first in the field of "arts economic development," she transformed an abandoned civil war era cotton mill into the Mill Centre Artist Studios. Rosen's AmericanStyle magazine published an annual list of America's Top Arts Destinations. The sector grew to contribute 14B annually to the GDP but lost 70% of it's small businesses after 2009 when small businesses lost seasonal credit lines in the wake of the banking crisis and closure of community banks. Rosen now provides affordable growth planning services for arts organizations and creative communities. After Richard Florida gives you an assessment or asset inventory, she's the person to give you an affordable plan of action. Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Special Guest: Wendy Rosen.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:TheRosenGroupMD - YouTubeDear President Biden, Rebuild Made in America | LinkedInWendy Rosen: From Businesswoman and Arts Advocate to Politician15 Gifted Women: Wendy Rosen - Gifts & Decorative AccessoriesCrafting As A BusinessMy Government Speaks a Foreign Language by Wendy Rosen – Dailey WoodworkingArts Business Institute | FacebookArts Business Summit: A Career Acceleration Event for Visual Artists - Art Business NewsSt Pete Art Business Network • St Pete CatalystOp-Ed: A Plan for Job Creation by Wendy RosenArts Business Institute BlogHow it’s Being Done: Arts Business Training across the U.S."Demand American-Made" Campaign to Launch at the Grand CanyonMill Centre Artist StudiosMill Centre ArtistsRosen Consulting - Business Development, Arts Business Institute, American Made Show, Buyers Market of American Craft, American Made Alliance, Art Marketing, Creative Economy Plans,

In this episode, Dane talks with Martin Vanags. According to Martin, climate change is the single biggest challenge we face as humans... however it can also be the single greatest opportunity for economic developers to reframe their attraction, retention and workforce strategies for a positive outcome. What will it take to change the narrative and reframe the question for ED professionals so that can have successful outcomes? Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Special Guest: Martin Vanags.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:MartinKarl ConsultingThe Five Step Climate Change Opportunity GuideMartin Karl Vanags | LinkedInMarty Vanags' BlogCurated MorningThe 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal ChangeFlow: The Psychology of Optimal ExperienceGrit: The Power of Passion and PerseveranceMindset: The New Psychology of Success

Colin Holloway is the Economic Development and Communications Officer for the town of Clarenville in the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Town of Clarenville is a regional service hub which provides government and retail services to a broader regional population of 35,000 residents. The town has a multitude of local assets which, with the right marketing and exposure, can draw visitors and, more importantly, encourage them to stay longer. Taking a regional approach to tourism enhancement, through the Strategic Tourism Enhancement Program, provides a medium by which businesses and community stakeholders can become involved in economic development. This 11-month stakeholder engagement process will include the development of a Strategic Tourism Plan which the community can embrace and help guide future developments/investments in the area. In his new role as the Economic Development Officer, his overall goal is to work with the business community and key stakeholders to develop Clarenville as a Tourism Destination. Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Special Guest: Colin Holloway.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:The Town of Clarenville.Colin Holloway — Clarenville, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada