Econ Dev Show Podcast - Economic Development

In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson speaks with Lindsay Greene, CEO of the Brooklyn Navy Yard, about transforming industrial spaces for modern manufacturing. Greene shares insights on the challenges of changing perceptions about manufacturing careers, the importance of integrating workforce development with economic strategy, and her unusual career path from investment banking to grocery e-commerce before leading a major industrial development. The conversation explores how the Navy Yard creates accessible economic opportunities, the difficulties of attracting grocery stores to underserved areas, and Greene's passion for industrial policy as a driver of economic growth. Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Ten Actionable Takeaways Consider integrating workforce development and economic development under one organizational structure to reduce friction and align goals. Modernize perceptions of manufacturing by highlighting how today's industrial jobs offer sustainable careers without requiring advanced degrees. Create flexible spaces like pop-up opportunities for businesses not ready to commit to permanent locations. Recognize the unique challenges of attracting grocery stores and develop targeted strategies for food access in underserved areas. Leverage social media (like Instagram) and accessible communication channels to connect with community members and businesses. Balance preservation of industrial/waterfront spaces with the need for evolution to meet modern economic needs. Build strategic partnerships that enhance both economic opportunity and quality of life for residents. Develop demonstration projects that showcase how traditional industries are transforming for the future. Consider how your personal and professional background, even if unconventional, brings valuable perspective to economic development work. Create open channels of communication between your executive team and the public to foster engagement and collaboration. Special Guest: Lindsay Greene.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:Brooklyn Navy YardBrooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation | LinkedInBrooklyn Navy Yard (@BklynNavyYard) / XBrooklyn Navy Yard (@bklynnavyyard) • InstagramAlumni Spotlight: Lindsay Greene '11 - YouTubeBrooklyn Navy Yard CEO Lindsay Greene on keeping innovation in NYC | Crain's New York Business

In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, host Dane Carlson sits down with Rohan Sandhu, co-founder of the Reimagining the Economy Project at Harvard Kennedy School, to examine the convergence of industrial policy, market crafting, and place-based economic development strategies. Drawing on his 15 years of experience at the intersection of research and practice, Sandhu discusses how traditional economic development approaches often fail distressed communities due to uncoordinated policies and limited local capacity. They explore how forward-looking economic transformation requires moving beyond reactive, transactional approaches to development and better aligning workforce systems with economic growth initiatives. Sandhu's insights from his work on projects like "Bottom-Up Bidenomics" and "The US Place-Based Policy Supply Chain" offer practical guidance for practitioners seeking to build more resilient local economies. Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Ten Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers Shift from reactive, crisis-driven economic development to forward-looking strategies with a clear vision for transformation. Focus on building local institutional capacity as a foundation for implementing any economic development initiative. Identify and address the coordination gaps between overlapping economic development policies at federal, state, and local levels. Recognize the limitations of matching fund requirements that often exclude the most distressed communities from accessing resources. Develop funding models for local intermediary organizations that support capacity-building, not just project implementation. Integrate workforce development explicitly into economic growth strategies rather than treating them as separate domains. Use data visualization tools like economyinplace.com to better understand local labor markets and policy flows in your region. Examine how industrial policy principles can be applied practically to support small and medium enterprises in your community. Identify opportunities for "productive upgrading" of service sectors that absorb local labor. Design economic development strategies that directly target persistent economic distress rather than focusing primarily on already-advantaged areas. Special Guest: Rohan Sandhu.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:Rohan Sandhu | LinkedInRohan Sandhu | Harvard Kennedy SchoolIndustrial Policy Is a Verb - ProMarketServicing Development: Productive Upgrading of Labor-Absorbing Services in Developing EconomiesIndustrial policy for micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises | VoxDevPolicy Works Podcast | Harvard Kennedy SchoolRecoding America by Jennifer PahlkaPower, for All: How It Really Works and Why It's Everyone's Business: Julie Battilana and Tiziana Casciaro

In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, host Dane Carlson speaks with marketing consultant Alissa Sklar about effective digital strategies for economic development organizations. They discuss leveraging AI tools while maintaining an authentic voice, website management tips for small EDOs, content amplification through LinkedIn, and how to build partnerships with educational institutions. Alissa offers practical advice for economic developers wearing multiple hats, emphasizing how to maximize impact with limited resources and time. Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Actionable Takeaways Use AI tools like ChatGPT to draft content, but always rewrite it to match your organization's voice and verify all information. Amplify LinkedIn posts by having your director and board members repost content with additional commentary to significantly increase reach. Define clear objectives for all marketing content (website visits, downloads, event attendance) before creation. Avoid using auto-translate features that might make your organization appear to have capabilities it doesn't. Partner with local universities or community colleges for mutually beneficial marketing projects. Repurpose and leverage the same content across different platforms to maximize efficiency. Develop a consistent hashtag strategy for your organization's social media posts. Focus website content on what visitors need rather than internal organizational structures. Build relationships with educational institutions to connect with future business leaders. For small EDOs, prioritize quality website content over trying to maintain presence on too many platforms. Special Guest: Alissa Sklar.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:Sklar Consulting – Innovative digital marketing strategy for B2B and economic developmentAlissa Sklar, Ph.D. | LinkedInSklar Consulting | LinkedInWhite Papers – Sklar ConsultingEconomic Development Marketing & Priorities | fDi Insights

In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, host Dane Carlson sits down with Clint O'Neal, Executive Director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, to discuss the evolution of economic development over his 17-year career spanning both Missouri and Arkansas. O'Neal shares his path from junior high teacher to economic development leader, highlights successful foreign direct investment projects, and emphasizes the importance of customer service in working with businesses. He also offers perspective on how economic development is adapting to changing workforce priorities, with quality of life and community attractiveness becoming increasingly important factors as people choose where to live before finding employment. Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! 10 Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers Focus intensely on customer service when working with prospective businesses, as exceptional service can differentiate your location. Recognize that workers increasingly choose locations first and jobs second, making quality of life initiatives critical. Develop "risk-free" industrial sites that accelerate timelines and build company confidence in your location. Leverage data and AI tools to speed up information exchange with site selectors and businesses. Build strong relationships between economic development efforts and government leadership for coordinated responses. Create memorable experiences for visiting executives that showcase your region's unique advantages. Invest in outdoor recreation and quality of life amenities that make your community attractive to today's mobile workforce. Understand that economic development success often comes from coordinating multiple elements (tax policy, site readiness, incentives) simultaneously. Network with other economic development professionals to continuously learn and improve practices. Consider how shifts in business priorities (such as location flexibility) can be leveraged to benefit your community's recruitment efforts. Special Guest: Clint O'Neal.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:Clint O'Neal, CEcD | LinkedInArkansas Economic Development CommissionArkansas Year in Review 2024 - YouTubeWhy Arkansas - YouTube

In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson welcomes Gus Garcia, the Director of Economic Development for the City of Arlington, Texas. Gus, a dual-certified economic developer with over 19 years of experience, shares his journey through various roles in both the public and private sectors. He emphasizes the importance of strategic planning, leveraging infrastructure, and fostering collaboration to achieve economic growth. Highlighting his work in Arlington and previous initiatives in cities like Edinburg and Duncanville, Gus provides listeners with a wealth of knowledge on implementing impactful economic development projects and aligning them with a city's long-term vision. Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers Adopt strategic planning to keep your economic development initiatives aligned with long-term community goals. Leverage your community's location and infrastructure to attract businesses and investments. Cultivate both public and private sector partnerships to drive comprehensive economic growth. Draw upon your previous experiences to create adaptable solutions in new roles. Engage with local educational institutions to foster an environment conducive to economic advancement. Encourage civic leadership and active community involvement in economic decision-making. Recognize the importance of family support and personal interests in maintaining professional balance. Utilize certifications and continuous learning to enhance your skills and credibility. Balance immediate economic needs with long-term transformation strategies. Treat every stakeholder with dignity and respect, adhering to the golden rule in all interactions. Gus' Recommended Book The First 90 Days: Proven Strategies for Getting Up to Speed Faster and Smarter, Updated and Expanded - it sets the tone for an organization's direction. In Economic development, we have to have a plan and follow it. It is easy to get sidetracked in many different directions. Special Guest: Gus Garcia.Links:The First 90 Days: Proven Strategies for Getting Up to Speed Faster and Smarter, Updated and Expanded by Michael D. WatkinsAgustin G. Garcia CEcD, EDFP | LinkedIn

In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, host Dane Carlson talks with Sadie Howell with Envision Greater Fond du Lac, a combined Chamber of Commerce and economic development organization in Wisconsin. Sadie shares insights about her region's economic landscape, including the surprising prevalence of small manufacturers and agricultural businesses that often goes unnoticed. They discuss the challenges of workforce development, the advantages of a combined chamber-economic development approach, and the importance of understanding local politics and stakeholder dynamics. As a long-time listener of the podcast before becoming a guest, Sadie offers valuable perspective on regional economic development strategies and the shared challenges that unite economic developers across different communities. Ten Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers Study the layout of your community's stakeholders, including their biases and politics, to identify which challenges you can overcome and which you should work around. Recognize that most economic developers face similar challenges with boards, communities, and regional impacts - you're not alone. Leverage the complementary strengths of chamber of commerce and economic development functions when possible. Address workforce issues by coordinating efforts across regions rather than trying to solve everything at the local level. Challenge misconceptions about your region by actively showcasing lesser-known economic assets like small manufacturers. Connect local economic development priorities with state-level initiatives around talent attraction, childcare, and housing development. Network with other economic developers to validate your experiences and gather new approaches to common challenges. Consider how to tailor workforce programming specifically for chamber members while making entrepreneurship services broadly available. Identify early in your planning process which obstacles can be overcome and which need to be circumvented. Use podcasts and other learning resources to continuously build your economic development knowledge, especially in areas outside your expertise. Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Special Guest: Sadie Howell.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:Sadie Howell | LinkedInEnvision Greater Fond du LacSadie Vander Velde, Envision, Discusses FDL Economy, Manufacturing, Future + More | WiLLcast Ep. 43 - YouTube40 Under 40 2023 Honoree: Sadie Vander Velde | 40 Under 40 | insightonbusiness.comHappy International Women's Day! Here are 8 Fond du Lac female leaderse-Edition | insightonbusiness.comThe Five Dysfunctions of a Team: A Leadership Fable, 20th Anniversary Edition: Lencioni, Patrick M.: 9780787960759: Amazon.com: Books

In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson speaks with Chris Knight, Managing Director of FT Locations, about the nuances of investment promotion and economic development across different global regions. Chris introduces the newly rebranded FT Locations (known for products like Zoom Prospector, FDI Intelligence, and other Financial Times economic development tools) which officially launched on November 12th, 2024. He explains how the consolidated brand brings together several previously separate services under the Financial Times umbrella to better serve both economic developers and companies seeking investment locations worldwide. Chris draws from his extensive international experience to offer insights on effective investment attraction strategies and emphasizes the importance of understanding investor perspectives when promoting regional opportunities. Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers Consider how your digital presence appears from an investor's perspective rather than just telling your community's story. Recognize the value of consolidated data tools like those offered by FT Locations to enhance your investment attraction efforts. Look beyond administrative boundaries when developing regional strategies, as investors focus on market opportunities, not jurisdictional lines. Learn how international best practices in investment promotion can be adapted to your local context. Focus on understanding investor problems first before presenting your location as the solution. Use professional tools and databases to better understand your competitive position in the global marketplace. Distinguish between broader economic development goals and specific investment promotion activities. Collaborate with neighboring jurisdictions to present a unified labor market and value proposition to potential investors. Keep up with rebranding efforts of major tools and services in the industry to ensure you're accessing the full range of available resources. Connect directly with service providers like FT Locations (chris.knight@ft.comor via LinkedIn) to maximize the value of their tools for your community. Special Guest: Chris Knight.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:FT Locations

In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Spencer Bost, Executive Director of Downtown Spruce Pine, takes us through the dramatic transformation of his organization following Hurricane Helene's devastation. From managing their annual blacksmith festival and facade grant programs in this mountain town of 2,000 residents, to suddenly facing eight-foot flood waters that destroyed businesses, including his own office, Bost reveals how the community responded to this natural disaster while maintaining their position as a crucial global source of high-purity quartz. Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Actionable Takeaways: Develop flexible organizational structures that can pivot during crises Create emergency communication systems that work without power Maintain detailed documentation of pre-disaster conditions Build relationships with emergency management teams before disasters Plan for both small-scale events and large-scale disasters Keep important documents and equipment above potential flood levels Develop evacuation routes that consider topography Create crisis management plans that protect both people and assets Maintain relationships with regional and state economic development partners Balance immediate disaster response with long-term economic planning Spencer's Favorite Book: Sand County Almanac by Aldo Leopold is my most influential book because it beautifully connects the dots between the natural world and the human experience, particularly in rural areas. As an outdoor lover, Leopold's deep respect for ecosystems inspires a sense of stewardship. From a rural economy standpoint, his philosophy of land ethic emphasizes the importance of sustainable practices that benefit both the environment and the communities that depend on it. It’s a powerful reminder that conservation and economic development can coexist when rooted in a genuine appreciation for the land.Special Guest: Spencer Bost.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:Discover Spruce Pine, North CarolinaSpencer Bost - LinkedinHelene in western North Carolina: "Fight for survival" as aid pours inDevastation from Hurricane Helene could bring semiconductor chipmaking to a halt | CNN BusinessSpruce Pine just got hit by Helene. The fallout on the tech industry could be huge : NPR

In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dr. Ronda Sauget, President and CEO of Coles Together, discusses the unique advantages of tertiary markets in economic development. She explores how smaller communities like Coles County, Illinois are attracting businesses through stable workforces, easier business processes, and strong infrastructure, while sharing her journey from the Federal Reserve to leading economic development in a thriving micropolitan area. Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Ten Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers Take fresh looks at existing assets - they might be more valuable than you think Focus on building complete ecosystems including housing, childcare, and healthcare Leverage your location's unique advantages in infrastructure and connectivity Develop strong workforce pipelines through youth apprenticeships Create strategic plans that align all community assets Build relationships with both large and small businesses Focus on quick turnaround times for business requests Highlight quality of life advantages for workforce attraction Develop strong public-private partnerships Invest in sustainable infrastructure like green energy for long-term growth Special Guest: Dr. Ronda Sauget.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:Dr Ronda Sauget, MBA | LinkedInColes TogetherGreater Value in Site Selection in Tertiary Markets | Trade and Industry DevelopmentColes Together (@colestogether) • InstagramColes Together | Facebook

In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Robert Sturns, Director of Economic Development for Fort Worth, discusses how the city is transforming from "Cowtown to Boomtown" while preserving its authentic character. With over 25 years of experience in municipal government, commercial real estate, and banking operations, Sturns details Fort Worth's success in securing major investments, including recent wins with Bell and Embraer, while balancing business recruitment with community development initiatives like Evans & Rosedale and the Panther Island project. Sturns also discusses his journey in the profession, including his 20+ year career serving both Fort Worth and Arlington. He offers insights into managing regional relationships, particularly addressing the challenge of establishing Fort Worth's identity distinct from Dallas, while emphasizing the importance of teamwork and partnerships in economic development success. Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers Balance large-scale development with community needs and cultural preservation Focus on building relationships before transactions in deal-making Leverage existing cultural assets (like the Stockyards) for economic growth Develop strategic plans for transformational projects like Panther Island Create mixed-use developments that honor local heritage while embracing progress Build strong partnerships with educational institutions for workforce development Maintain clear communication channels with stakeholders and the community Use existing success stories (like Bell and Embraer) to attract similar industries Implement creative financing solutions for major development projects Balance business retention efforts with new business recruitment strategies Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Special Guest: Robert Sturns.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:Robert Sturns | LinkedInFort Worth Economic Development | Empowering BusinessEssentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeownRoyal Capital named master developer for Evans & Rosedale project – Welcome to the City of Fort WorthWho owns Panther Island | A look at plans to develop Fort Worth | wfaa.comFort Worth recieves billions in economic development investment | wfaa.comMajor investment and large-scale projects attract national attention to Fort Worth, Texas - Boston Business JournalStart with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action by Simon SinekThe Daily Stoic: 366 Meditations on Wisdom, Perseverance, and the Art of Living by Ryan Holiday