Econ Dev Show Podcast - Economic Development

In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, host Dane Carlson sits down with Arthur Jackson, Chief Economic Development Officer for Cedar Park, Texas. Arthur shares his unexpected path into economic development following a layoff from a sales director position, leading to his role with the Austin Chamber and eventual leadership in Cedar Park. Through their conversation, Arthur reveals how his sales background enhances his economic development approach, emphasizing the importance of listening and resilience. He also showcases Cedar Park's impressive achievements as the safest and most affluent city in the Austin area, while discussing the delicate balance of regional cooperation and local development in the greater Austin metroplex. Cedar Park is undergoing a remarkable transformation. Under Arthur’s leadership, this rapidly growing suburb of Austin is attracting innovative businesses that are transforming the tech, aerospace and clean energy industries including rocket tester Firefly, Hyliion, which provides clean, flexible and affordable electricity production., and Hanyang. Cedar Park offers space, affordability and access to talent while capitalizing on its proximity to Austin. The City is also attracting talent and providing enhanced livability to its residents by investing in itself. Cedar Park, which was incorporated about 50 years ago, has 80,000 residents and experienced 44.2% growth in the last population Census, but it never had a downtown or gathering place. The City’s approach to community development was to bet on big-box retail, a minor league sports and event arena (HEB Center), hotels, and 31 miles of trails and parks, along with housing. This presented an opportunity to build a modern-day downtown with resident buy-in. Cedar Park is currently building its first downtown with the Bell District—a $750 million development anchored by a $31 million state-of-the-art public library that opened this November. Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Special Guest: Arthur Jackson.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:Arthur Jackson, MBA | LinkedInCity of Cedar Park, Texas Economic Development CorporationCedar Park Economic Development Corporation | LinkedInCedar Park Economic Development Corporation (@cedarpark.edc) • Instagram photos and videosCedar Park, Texas government - Facebook

In this episode, Alan Tio shares his journey from earning his Master's in Public Administration to his current role as VP of Business Development at South Bend International Airport. He discusses the unique challenges and opportunities of airport-based economic development, including managing hundreds of acres of developable land and creating partnerships to maximize the airport's potential as a community asset. Tio emphasizes the importance of long-term planning and viewing the airport as the "front door" to the community for business development. Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Actionable Takeaways View airports as strategic community assets beyond just transportation hubs Focus on creating long-term partnerships rather than short-term wins Look for opportunities that others might not see in your community Use winter months for planning and preparation of development-ready sites Understand the importance of first impressions - your community's "front door" Develop comprehensive land use studies before marketing properties Build relationships with local and regional partners for aligned development Consider utilities and infrastructure needs early in the planning process Take time to understand regional priorities when planning development Focus on creating value for both companies and communities in partnerships Special Guest: Alan Tio.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:Alan Tio, MPA, CEcD, MEDP | LinkedInSouth Bend International Airport (SBN) | FlySBN

In this episode of the Sandy Dubay opens up about her unexpected path from traditional economic development to entrepreneurship, sparked by a life-changing moment when she was pregnant with her first child and a friend's suggestion led her to establish her own consulting practice, which has now grown to a team of eight people over 22 years, while also discussing her passion for educating new economic developers through her her EDO Breakthrough Podcast. Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! 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:Sandy Dubay, CEcD | LinkedInPPR Strategies | We Tell Your StoryEDO Breakthrough PodcastPPR Strategies: Overview | LinkedInPPR Strategies (People & Places Reimagined) (@pprstrategies) • Instagram

In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, host Dane Carlson talks with Juan Pablo Alcantar, the CEO of Economic Development for Tuxpan in Mexico. Juan shares his journey from being US-trained to making significant changes in economic development practices in his hometown. Faced with challenges like data accessibility and cash-based economies, he emphasizes the importance of implementing best practices and establishing rapport with stakeholders. Juan also recounts his interactions with significant institutions like the North American Development Bank and moments of insight during meetings at the White House Business Council. Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Actionable Takeaways: Building relationships with stakeholders is crucial for gaining support. Ensure continuous training to incorporate international best practices. Transitioning from a cash-based to a digital economy can improve data accessibility. Tailor economic development strategies to local contexts despite international insights. An effective investment attraction requires a dedicated website distinct from government portals. Use data analytics to support entrepreneurship and economic risk management. Present clear and current data to stakeholders to foster informed decision-making. Engage with global economic bodies and networks to gain valuable perspectives. Adapt international concepts to fit local economic and cultural environments. Encourage innovation even in the face of local opposition to new practices. Special Guest: Juan Pablo Alcantar.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:Juan Pablo Alcantar, CEcD | LinkedIn

In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Kathleen Rose, drawing from her 30-year experience and family background in development, discusses the evolution of economic development planning from lengthy reports to actionable scorecards. She emphasizes the importance of practical implementation over extensive planning, sharing how her firm helps communities move from aspirational ideas to concrete actions through data-driven approaches and efficient resource allocation. Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! 10 Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers: Replace lengthy reports with concise, data-driven scorecards to track progress Focus on implementation strategies rather than just creating plans Build stronger partnerships with the private sector for effective execution Use scorecards with 90 data points to guide decision-making Consider cost-effective snapshot assessments before investing in expensive plans Create practical "recipe books" for implementing strategic plans Align economic development goals with existing comprehensive land use plans Prioritize action-oriented documents over aspirational planning Update and track progress regularly using measurable data points Focus resources on specific annual priorities rather than trying to do everything at once Special Guest: Kathleen Rose.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:Rose Associates - Kathleen Rose, CCIM - Davidson, NCKathleen Rose, CCIM, CRE® | LinkedIn

In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, host Dane Carlson speaks with Dan Eernissee, Economic Development Director for the City of Everett, Washington. Leading economic development efforts in this dynamic city of 115,000 residents north of Seattle, Dan reveals how his unique blend of private sector experience and public service shapes his approach to community development. From attracting cutting-edge technology companies to reimagining traditional retail spaces, Dan shares practical insights on how economic developers can transform their communities while maintaining their distinct character and creating new opportunities for residents. Dan also talks about reimagining highway corridors as valuable community assets rather than eyesores. Through his unique perspective, Dan explains how these often-overlooked areas can become dynamic mixed-use spaces that provide essential services, housing opportunities, and quality jobs while maintaining their crucial role in transportation infrastructure. Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers: Consider highway corridors as opportunities for mixed-use development rather than just retail spaces Utilize planned actions to streamline development processes and attract investors Look for opportunities to convert underperforming retail spaces into multifamily housing Focus on creating higher-paying jobs through industrial and manufacturing development along corridors Embrace the existing infrastructure and traffic capacity of highway corridors for development Balance the need for pedestrian-friendly spaces with the practical reality of highway commerce Consider how online shopping trends affect corridor development opportunities Look for ways to integrate housing solutions into existing commercial corridors Leverage existing utility infrastructure along corridors for new development Focus on creating true mixed-use environments that serve multiple community needs Special Guest: Dan Eernissee.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:Choose EverettDan Eernissee | LinkedInThe E-Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Businesses Don't Work and What to Do About It by Michael GerberBuilding Healthy Corridors: Transforming Urban and Suburban Arterials Into Thriving Places

In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, tourism expert Lynn Fuhler, former tourism director of Clearwater and Clearwater Beach area and author of two books on festival management, discusses the intricacies of organizing successful events and festivals. She shares her experience as the former chairman of the Clearwater Jazz Holiday, insights on community revitalization through arts and tourism, and emphasizes the importance of proper event planning, including post-event evaluation and the four key elements necessary for tourism development. Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers Focus on sustainable tourism initiatives rather than just chasing big industrial projects Ensure four key elements are in place: government support, infrastructure, community support, and proper planning Use events and festivals as consistent economic drivers rather than relying solely on large, unstable employers Implement thorough post-event evaluation processes to continuously improve Build strong volunteer networks and management systems for community events Create infrastructure that serves multiple purposes (like transportation routes that benefit both tourism and industry) Recognize the role of arts communities in revitalizing declining areas Document processes and maintain organized records for event planning continuity Consider tourism as a reliable employer for entry-level and service industry workers Foster collaboration between government, business, and community stakeholders for successful tourism initiatives Special Guest: Lynn Fuhler.Links:Lynn Fuhler | LinkedInSecrets to Successful Events: How to Organize, Promote and Manage Exceptional Events and FestivalsSecrets to Successful Events Resource Guide: 42+ Easy-To-Use Forms and Tools to Save You Time and MoneyWebsites Designed to Drive Visitors | Build Relationships | Grow CustomersLynn Fuhler, Flying Compass | Tourism Marketing + Event Consultant Serving the Travel, Outdoor + Leisure IndustriesLynn Fuhler - Event and Festival Management Author, SpeakerAuthor Nonprofit Boards + Management Leadership and Festival + Event Management Expert, Speaker, CoachTopic on VimeoGrants on Vimeo

In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson talks with Brock Herr, Senior Vice President for Business Development at the Indiana Economic Development Corporation. They discuss the evolution of economic development beyond simple land sales. He details Indiana's comprehensive approach to business development, including sales enablement, lead generation, site selection, and ongoing business support. Herr emphasizes the importance of high-touch engagement and walking businesses through each step of their journey, highlighting how modern economic development requires a full-experience approach to ensure long-term success. Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Ten Actionable Insights for Economic Developers Develop a high-touch, full-experience model for business engagement Focus beyond just selling land - create comprehensive support systems Build strong introduction networks for new businesses Maintain detailed knowledge of available sites and inventory Create strategic approaches for modern site selection needs Implement business retention and expansion programs Develop clear online resources while maintaining personal connections Focus on long-term business success rather than just initial attraction Create systems to support projects of all sizes, not just large ones Establish clear communication channels for business support needs Five Notable Quotes "Economic development is not an easy game and glad that somebody like you's bringing a little bit of insight to folks that may not have a peek into what we do on a day to day." "There's more to it than just selling them a piece of land." "You bring a business into your community, and you want them to succeed." "Like you'd rather not just be looked at as a sale or a metric." "Walking them through step by step, introducing them to who they need to be introduced to, opening doors that are closed to them, all those kinds of things." 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:Indiana Economic Development CorporationGov. Holcomb, IEDC continue record-breaking economic momentum, secure largest annual committed capital investment in Indiana’s history — Following back-to-back record-setting years for investment and the largest quarter on record in Q1 2024, Indiana sets yet another record with $38.3 billion in committed CapEx J. Brock H. | LinkedIn

This episode of the Econ Dev Show podcast features an insightful conversation with Kristen Fish-Peterson, the Principal and CEO at Redevelopment Resources. Kristen shares her vast expertise in economic and community development, detailing the work her firm does in housing studies, market analysis, and downtown redevelopment planning. Throughout the episode, Kristen emphasizes her team's unique ability to work with both private developers and public sector entities, helping them navigate the complexities of municipal processes and strategic planning. As the discussion unfolds, Dane and Kristen explore how economic development and redevelopment projects can rejuvenate communities, particularly downtown areas. Kristen delves into how her team assists municipalities in implementing redevelopment plans and helping developers secure the necessary municipal support. This episode provides listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the world of redevelopment, offering valuable insights for economic developers and community planners alike. Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! 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:Redevelopment ResourcesKristen Fish-Peterson, CEcD, EDFP | LinkedinRedevelopment Resources | Facebook

In this episode of the Econ Dev Show Podcast, Dane Carlson interviews Josh Wright about Lightcast's new report "The Rising Storm: Building a Future-Ready Workforce to Withstand the Looming Labor Shortage." The report explores the impending demographic drought due to retiring baby boomers, declining birth rates, and other factors such as incarceration and addiction. Wright explains how these converging trends are creating an unprecedented challenge for the U.S. economy, with certain industries like healthcare, construction, and food service already feeling the impact. He discusses the potential long-term consequences of this labor shortage on economic growth, productivity, and community sustainability. The conversation then shifts to strategies for economic developers and communities to prepare for this challenge. Wright emphasizes the importance of skills-based hiring and training, talent attraction and retention, and partnerships between businesses and educational institutions. He advocates for a data-driven approach, urging communities to analyze their local labor markets and adapt their workforce development strategies accordingly. The episode provides valuable insights for economic development professionals, policymakers, and business leaders on how to build a future-ready workforce in the face of these demographic shifts. Wright also highlights the resources available in the report and accompanying materials to help communities navigate this looming crisis. Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Special Guest: Josh Wright.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:The Rising Storm, a Lightcast Demographic Drought | LightcastLightcast - A Global Leader in Labor Market AnalyticsJoshua Wright | LinkedIn