

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

Sep 13, 2021 • 34min
19: Planning and Anthropology with Econ Dev Jim Eldridge
Jim Eldridge grew up wanting to be an anthropologist or a city planner. Instead, he puts both of those skillsets to use as an economic developer in Ada, Oklahoma.
Jim thinks that economic developers need to change the ways in which we work. So much of the work we do, day-to-day, in our field is pragmatic, but we spend too little time thinking about more innovative or better ways of improving our ability to support our local communities and economies. We have to spend more time thinking about new and different ways of making our work more effective. Special Guest: Jim Eldridge.Sponsored By: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:Ada Jobs FoundationJames Eldridge, CEcD | LinkedInPortraits of a community: Ada - Center on Rural InnovationA fresh approach to growth in AdaJames Eldridge Professional WebsiteCenter on Rural InnovationIn Search of Respect: Selling Crack in El Barrio (Structural Analysis in the Social Sciences, Series Number 10)Rationality and Power: Democracy in Practice (Volume 1998) (Morality and Society Series)

Sep 6, 2021 • 44min
18: The Secrets of Economic Development with Novelist and Econ Dev Don Erwin
Retired econ dev Don Erwin has written an engrossing thriller and an economic development textbook. (And yes, they're the same book: Buffalo Hunting in Alabama: A Novel.)
You can reach Don by email at Donaldlouiserwin@gmail.com.Special Guest: Don Erwin.Sponsored By: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:DonErwin.netEconomic Development By The Book on Vimeo — Economic Development Assoc. of Alabama Summer Conference -- July 27th21 Book Recommendations for 2021 — Happy Holidays from DCI!Review: Buffalo Hunting in Alabama by Don Erwin - Birmingham Business JournalReal Estate Matters Podcast - 86: Profiles in Real Estate - Don ErwinBuffalo Hunting in Alabama: A Novel — What if economic development was a cross between Jurassic Park, James Bond and Jack Reacher?(Paperback) Buffalo Hunting in Alabama: A Novel(Kindle eBook) Buffalo Hunting in Alabama: A Novel(Audible Audiobook) Buffalo Hunting in Alabama: A Novel

Aug 30, 2021 • 36min
17: Entrepreneurship-Led Economic Development with Zachary Barker
In this episode, we hear from Zachary Barker about entrepreneurship-led economic development.
Zach's an expert in ecosystem design and delivery of entrepreneurship, technology, and innovation (ETI) led programming.
He said:
Entrepreneur-led economic development is the one of the best investment EDOs can make in their communities.
It supports BRE efforts for small businesses, retains young talent, diversifies the local business makeup, and... even if the people who enter your program are not successful in growing a business, they become experts in business execution and thus EXCEPTIONAL employees.
What's been your most influential book and why?
The Four-Hour Workweek by Timothy Ferris
this was my first glimpse into building systems to scale entrepreneurial ventures. I was a banker at the time when this came out and it shifted how I did banking, then launched me into entrepreneurship
Mastering the Rockefeller Habits by Verne Harnish
as a dealmaker (not the technical partner in a startup), I found that I was driving activity but didn't understand why I was not getting results. I had a business plan but that was a lot of assumptions where the "Rock Habits" is a "what to do today to be successful" model to follow
I have adapted this style of training along with driving the entrepreneurs self-understanding of their emotional intelligence, natural strengths, and mental health to create the Entrepreneur Blueprint
What is your favorite productivity tool or resource?
Audible - I have some wicked ADD and it can be difficult to find quiet time to read and dig in, but listening in the car, at the gym, walking the dogs, makes it to where I can learn the whole concepts, then go back and use the book as a manual of which I have a great understanding upfront
Therapy - while maybe not a tool or resource, understanding entrepreneurship is a guaranteed path towards failures, rejection, and missteps (as you have to learn what not to do before you succeed), means that you entrepreneurs (more than others) will have high potential for mental health struggles. From despair to frustration, loneliness to anxiety, knowing these will come and having a plan to preemptively address them gives me a toolkit that helps me move to the next "win"
Special Guest: Zachary Barker.Sponsored By: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:SSC, Startup Support Center, Entrepreneurs SupportedZachary Barker, MS, CEcD | LinkedInZachary Barker (@_zbark_) • Instagram photos and videosStartup Support Center (@startsupported) • Instagram photos and videosOpportunity MachineThrive Networks | Thrive NetworksBusiness in Colorado Springs | Colorado Springs Chamber & EDCPikes Peak Workforce Center | Your Employment Resource HubEconomic Development Institute - OU College of Professional and Continuing StudiesMaster of Science in Economic DevelopmentZachary Barker's articles on LinkedIn

Aug 23, 2021 • 26min
16: With Change Agent Jimi Copland of The Rural Spark
I this episode, Dane talks with Jimi Copland.
Jimi is rural economic developer, educator, needle mover, encourager, change agent, and owner of The Rural Spark, an online educational platform for small communities. Special Guest: Jimi Copland.Sponsored By: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:The Rural SparkThe Roadmap Course for Economic and Community DevelopersSummer Spark Challenge recordingsTop Ten Takeaways from the Summer Spark ChallengeAmazon.com: Recast Your City: How to Save Your Downtown with Small-Scale Manufacturing by Ilana PreussAmazon.com: Economic Development Is Not for Amateurs! by Jay Garner and Ross Patten13 Ways to Kill Your Community by Doug Griffiths and Kelly ClemmerYosemitebear Mountain Double Rainbow 1-8-10 - YouTubeDOUBLE RAINBOW SONG!! — The Double Rainbow autotuned and turned into an amazing song.

Aug 12, 2021 • 20min
15: Dane Talks to Himself About the Econ Dev Show
Not content to just interview economic developers, in this episode host Dane Carlson tries talking to himself.
He spends time talking to himself about all of the great content from the Econ Dev Show that's not the podcast, including the five weekday emails:
(Monday) Podcast Episode 14 - Is Stewart McGregor the Friendliest Economic Developer in Texas? - What happens when you pair one of the friendliest economic developers you'll ever meet, with one of the most interesting cities that you've never heard of?
(Tuesday) Amazon Has Changed Online Shopping and Economic Development - This isn't about Amazon HQ2, I promise.
(Wednesday) Economic Development and Developers in the News - Econ dev news from 112 economic development executives and organizations in 38 states, the Virgin Islands and Canada.
(Thursday) 45 Things Economic Developers Need To Know This Week - The stories that you need to see from this week.
(Friday) Economic Development Jobs This Week
Sponsored By: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:We Are Jobs Podcast (Next Move Group) - Episode 112 with Dane CarlsonEcon Dev ShowPodcast Episode 14 - Is Stewart McGregor the Friendliest Economic Developer in Texas?Amazon Has Changed Online Shopping and Economic Development23 - Economic Development and Developers in the News45 Things Economic Developers Need To Know This WeekEconomic Development Jobs This Week

Aug 9, 2021 • 36min
14: Is Stewart McGregor the Friendliest Economic Developer in Texas? You Decide.
What happens when you pair one of the friendliest economic developers you'll ever meet, with one of the most interesting cities that you've never heard of? In this episode, Dane meets Stewart McGregor of Grand Prairie, Texas. Special Guest: Stewart McGregor.Sponsored By: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:Grand Prairie Hires New Economic Development ManagerGrand Prairie city employee named to national 40 Under 40 listStewart McGregor, CEcD | LinkedInEconomic Development | City of Grand PrairieAmazon Cements Forney's Status As 'The Next Logical Industrial Frontier'The Prime Opportunity Zone No One Is Talking About In Grand PrairieRELOCATION STATION: After 35 years, Grand Prairie sets sights on new office projects - Dallas Business Journal

Aug 2, 2021 • 20min
13: "Rural is Cool" BR&E in Southeast Ohio with Taylor Stepp
In this episode we talk about making "rural cool" in Southeast Ohio with Taylor Stepp, and democratizing growth by recruiting white collar remote-workers to a traditionally blue collar region.
Dane and Taylor discuss the benefits of rural communities, BR&E and remote work opportunities. Taylor also dispels some preconceived notions about Appalachia. Special Guest: Taylor Stepp.Sponsored By: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:JobsOhio - Ohio Economic Development — JobsOhio is a private nonprofit corporation designed to drive job creation and new capital investment in Ohio through business attraction, retention and expansion efforts.Taylor Stepp, CEcD | LinkedInEconomic Development and Developers in the News — Taylor earned his CEcD, and was highlighted in the June 30, 2021 edition of Economic Development and Developers in the News.
Southeast Ohio - WikitravelOhioSE Economic Development

Jul 26, 2021 • 43min
12: Real Rural Economic Development with Robert Harrington
Former President Harry Truman said, "It is amazing what you can accomplish when you do not care who gets the credit."
For Robert Harrington this quote is the key to success in economic development in rural America. Born and raised in rural Missouri. Robert has remained part of rural America for his entire life.
When he was a boy, his grandmother instilled in him the importance of a hard day's work and giving back to your community. As an economic developer, he's remained committed to following his grandmother's advice while working as a full-time economic developer across Missouri, Iowa, and Texas.
Robert is currently the Director of Economic Development at the Bourbon County Economic Development Council in Fort Scott, Kansas.
Join Dane, as he and Robert, explore the challenges and opportunities in rural economic development success.Special Guest: Robert Harrington.Sponsored By: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:Robert Harrington MPA MEDP | LinkedInBig News In Bourbon County Kansas Today!Advanced Economic Development Leadership Program 3.0It’s a refocusing effort for Bourbon County economic development resource | KSNF/KODENew Bourbon County Eco Devo Director: Rob Harrington | Fort Scott Biz

Jul 19, 2021 • 44min
11: A Super Episode With "Super" Dave Quinn
Super Dave Quinn is one of those economic developers that seems to know and be known by everybody. He's also a sought-after public speaker, influencer, and all around nice guy. He's also super.
He served as Vice President of the Frisco EDC in Frisco, TX from 2014-2018 where he helped lead an economic development team for one of the nation's fastest-growing cities
Since then he's cofounded and is the managing partner for Day One Experts, an on-demand economic development and small business consulting firm.
He's also the founder of the Texas Economic Development Connection, a statewide marketing partnership that connects out-of-state businesses with relocation opportunities in Texas.
Super Dave's favorite book is QBQ! The Question Behind the Question: Practicing Personal Accountability at Work and in Life, by John Miller. Super Dave says it "It opened my eyes to who was responsible for my success and failure and set me on a lifetime journey of self-discovery and accountability. "Special Guest: "Super" Dave-Quinn.Sponsored By: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:What the heck is this Texas ED Connection thing? on VimeoMoving to Texas. The Texas EDConnection Way. - YouTubeDave Quinn, CEcD 👊 | LinkedInSuper Dave Quinn (@davequinn247) • Instagram photos and videosSuper Dave Quinn (@DaveQuinn247) / TwitterDay One Experts: Overview | LinkedInDay One Experts (@d1experts) • Instagram photos and videosDay One Experts (@D1Experts) / TwitterTexas Economic Development Connection: Overview | LinkedInTexas ED Connection (@economictexas) • Instagram photos and videosTexas Economic Development Connection (@EconomicTexas) / TwitterQBQ! The Question Behind the Question: Practicing Personal Accountability at Work and in Life - Kindle edition by Miller, John G.. Religion & Spirituality Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

Jul 12, 2021 • 23min
10: Recruiting from the US to Quebec with JP Saucier
Foreign direct investment doesn't just mean international investment in the US. For economic developers in other countries, the US is often the source of the "international" funds. For JP Saucier, who recruits businesses from Los Angeles, California to Quebec, the FDI flows from the United States to Canada.Special Guest: JP Saucier.Sponsored By: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:Setting up your business in North America | Investissement Québec


