Econ Dev Show Podcast - Economic Development

In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson interviews Amber Tarrac, CEO of Founder Fuego. The discussion centered on the mission and activities of Founder Fuego, a company dedicated to empowering Spanish-speaking and diverse entrepreneurs with the tools, resources, and knowledge they need to succeed. Amber shared insights into her transition from nearly 20 years in the public sector in economic development and workforce development to launching Founder Fuego. The conversation highlighted Founder Fuego's innovative approach to inclusion and empowerment, focusing on their Founder Fuel newsletter, which offers weekly content with a unique Spanglish twist. This newsletter provides valuable information on funding opportunities, diverse founder stories, and essential business updates. Amber also discussed the importance of providing bilingual resources and workshops to better serve Spanish-speaking entrepreneurs, who often feel left out of traditional economic development ecosystems. By meeting these entrepreneurs where they are, both culturally and linguistically, Founder Fuego builds trust and credibility, fostering greater engagement and participation. Additionally, Amber emphasized the value of community and network building, leveraging social media platforms like LinkedIn to enhance visibility and connections. She shared her vision for expanding Founder Fuego's impact, starting with key regions like Miami and Southern California, and the significance of cultural inclusion in economic development. Amber's journey and the mission of Founder Fuego underscore the critical role of inclusive support in helping diverse entrepreneurs thrive, ultimately contributing to stronger and more resilient communities. Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Additionally: The Econ Dev Show is made possible by our Econ Dev Pro members (join now) and sponsors: join now, join now, join now, and join now. (join now.).Special Guest: Amber Tarrac.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:Amber Tarrac — FounderFuegoFounderFuegoAmber Tarrac, CEcD, ACE | LinkedInFounderFuego: Overview | LinkedInFounderFuego on FacebookAmber Tarrac┃FounderFuego • InstagramJoin Us — FounderFuegoBlogs — FounderFuegoArchive — FounderFuego

In this episode of the Econ Dev Show host Dane Carlson interviewed Julianna Dodson, the Deputy Executive Director at the Hannah Grimes Center for Entrepreneurship in Keene, New Hampshire, and the director of Radically Rural. The discussion revolved around the origins and work of the Hannah Grime Center for Entrepreneurship, the national programming called Radically Rural, and their innovative approach to community development, including hosting conferences and events in unique locations to foster collaboration and innovation. The conversation also delved into the concept of reweaving social fabric and the importance of genuine connection and communication in communities. Julianna shared her background and how she got involved in this field, highlighting the impact and opportunities for learning and engagement through the programs offered by Radically Rural. Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Special Guest: Julianna Dodson.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:Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community by Robert PutnamBraiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants by Robin Wall KimmererPathways to Rural Prosperity: Julianna DodsonRadically Rural on FacebookTheme & Keynote - Radically RuralHannah Grimes CenterJulianna Dodson | LinkedIn

In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson interviews Rob Williams, director of SourceLink, a not-for-profit organization that collaborates with economic development agencies to promote entrepreneurial-led economic growth. Rob details SourceLink's origins in 2003 in Kansas City, Missouri, where it began as an initiative to better connect local entrepreneurs to resources, evolving into a significant player in fostering entrepreneurial ecosystems across the U.S. He discusses the early challenges of advocating for entrepreneurship in economic development, the importance of tailored community strategies, and practical steps communities can take to engage and support local entrepreneurs. Rob emphasizes the evolving understanding and importance of entrepreneurship in economic development, sharing insights from his extensive experience and the impact of SourceLink's work in various communities. Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Special Guest: Rob Williams.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:SourceLink – Entrepreneurial Ecosystem & Community BuildingRob Williams | LinkedInEntrepreneurship Development Professional (EDP)Our Network – SourceLinkIowa Innovation, Powered by NewBoCo: #9: Building Ecosystems (ft. Rob Williams)e.Builders Forum (Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Builders Forum) InBIA

In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, host Dane Carlson engages with Ben Lamb, Vice President of Economic Development at 1Berkshire in Massachusetts, to unravel the synergistic blend of economic growth and tourism in the Berkshires. Ben illuminates the unique approach of integrating cultural and economic vibrancy within a rural context, underlining the strategic application of 'wraparound economic development.' This concept not only aims at job creation and business enhancement but also keenly addresses broader community needs, including housing and transit, thus fostering a holistic regional development. The discussion ventures into the evolving demographics and economic shifts in the Berkshires, emphasizing post-pandemic transformations and the region's increasing diversity. Ben underscores the significance of fostering connectivity and collaborative efforts across geographic and sectoral boundaries, positioning the Berkshires as a pivotal hub for innovation and cultural richness in the Northeast. This episode is a treasure trove of insights for economic developers and community strategists alike, offering profound lessons on leveraging adaptability, collaboration, and community-centric approaches to catalyze sustainable regional prosperity. Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Special Guest: Ben Lamb.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:1Berkshire: The Home of Business In The BerkshiresBenjamin Lamb | LinkedInGoodnight Moon | AmazonGoodnight Pothole | Amazon

In today's episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane dives into the resurgence of labor productivity growth in the US, marking an end to years of standstill. This isn't just economic jargon; it's about how these changes affect our daily lives, enhancing our overall quality of life. There's a compelling narrative unfolding, reminiscent of the productivity leaps we saw in the 1990s. Let's explore what this means for us today and uncover the parallels and lessons from that transformative era. 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:High-tech productivity gains in 1990s : The Economics Daily : U.S. Bureau of Labor StatisticsWhat Went Right in the 1990s? Sources of American and Prospects for World Economic Growth | Conference – 2000 | RBABeyond Numbers: The Rise in Productivity Shapes Our WorldProductivity by industry between 1990 and 2000 : The Economics Daily : U.S. Bureau of Labor StatisticsThe Real Source of the Productivity Boom

Hey there! I know it's been a while since you've heard from me — I've been deep in the trenches working on something special. Let me introduce you to Sitehunt: it's my latest creation, designed with a pinch of AI magic to revolutionize how economic developers gather property data. It's more than just a tool; it's your new partner in making well-informed decisions and speeding up the whole site selection process, all to help you nail those RFI responses and get ahead in your projects. I made it with you in mind, hoping it'll make a big difference in your work. Excited to see what you think! 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:Sitehunt

In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, host Dane Carlson sits down with Adam Berk, co-author of "Startup Program Design," to explore the nuances of creating successful partnerships between startups and corporates. Berk delves into the challenges and opportunities in these collaborations, providing practical advice on how to design effective startup programs. His approach emphasizes the importance of mutual understanding, strategic alignment, and fostering an environment that encourages innovation and growth for both startups and established companies. Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Special Guest: Adam Berk.Links:Amazon.com: Startup Program Design: A Practical Guide for Creating Accelerators and Incubators at Any OrganizationAdam Berk | LinkedInThe Team - Startup Program DesignStartup Program DesignStartup Program metrics list - Google SheetsStartup Program Models — Startup Program Design

In this encore episode from 2022, Dane talks with Emily Blaylock, Senior Vice President and Chief Lending Officer for Northwest Bank about Tax Increment Financing (TIF). Northwest Bank & Trust Company is an entrepreneurial bank that has built an Economic Development Division to help developers and municipalities get projects done around the US. They utilize Tax Increment Financing incentives designated from the municipalities to give developers funds upfront. These funds can be used to provide gap equity, expansion of existing sites, investment in other projects, working capital needs, or tenant improvements. Currently, they have completed projects in 8 states and over $400 million in funding. Their team has over 100 years of combined education in economic development and banking to help structure these loans. Update: Since this episode originally aired, Emily is now the CEO of Untamed Equity, a company dedicated to bridging the gap between development projects and the equity needed to complete them. Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Special Guest: Emily Blaylock.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:Emily Blaylock | LinkedIn — Untamed EquityTIF Monetization Loan Program | Untamed EquityAbout Untamed Equity and Our TIF Monetization Loan SolutionsBenefits of Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Monetization for Developers - YouTubeBenefits of Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Monetization for Municipalities - YouTubeNorthwest Bank and Trust - Serving Davenport & Quad Cities

In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane talks with Nate Clayberg CEcD. Nate Clayberg's approach to education is all about getting students ready for a future job market, including careers that might not even exist yet. With his varied experience in fields like broadcasting, sports, and economic development, Clayberg sees the importance of changing the way education is delivered. He suggests moving away from the traditional classroom focus and instead, developing skills that are versatile and crucial for a wide range of future jobs. Clayberg emphasizes starting career exploration early. He believes in exposing students to a variety of job options, especially those in their local areas, to expand their understanding of possible career paths. This is vital in connecting what they learn in school to real-world scenarios. He advocates for an education that involves hands-on, project-based learning, where students work on actual problems faced by businesses. This method makes learning more relevant and interesting. A crucial aspect of Clayberg's idea is to bridge the gap between the education system and the evolving job market. He highlights the role of economic developers in bringing together schools and local businesses. This collaboration aims to create educational models that are in tune with both current and future job market requirements. It's about ensuring that the education system works closely with businesses and industry experts to make learning more dynamic and directly applicable to the workforce needs of tomorrow. Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Special Guest: Nate Clayberg.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:Nate Clayberg | LinkedInNateClayberg.com@NateClayberg / XStudent Professional Study Programs - CAPS NetworkThe Network Podcast: Episode 7 - It's A Life Thing — Corey travels to Cedar Falls, IA to talk with Ethan Wiechmann and Nate Clayberg. Amid a busy CAPS visit, Corey, Ethan and Nate discuss the strategic partnerships that have helped launch CF CAPS to a position of success. Education for life is showcased as Nate and Ethan share students' stories from the CAPS program, high ed, and in the working world. Choosing the Life You Want, Not Just the Job - 2022 Iowa CAPS Summit — On November 7, 2022, Nate Clayberg presented to nearly 40 instructors, counselors, and school administrators about taking CAPS (Center for Advanced Professional Studies) student associates from being prepared for their purpose to creating the Pathway to Purpose.Economic Development and Education with Nate Clayberg - YouTube — Nate Clayberg helps students to envision their future so that they can navigate a pathway to purposeful life beyond education. Through the Career Adventure Academy, Cedar Valley CAPS and host of the That's a Job? PodcastThat's a Job? Podcast with Nate ClaybergFrom Come Rain or Shine Podcast: Preparing Youth for the Future — On this episode of Come Rain or Shine, Nate Clayberg, Founder of Career Adventure Academy, joins the show to discuss his role as a student mentor and career coach.

STARTedUP Foundation, founded by former teacher Don Wettrick, is reshaping the educational experience in Indiana by introducing students to entrepreneurship. This initiative provides a unique platform where students engage in real-world problem-solving, develop business ideas, and receive mentorship from industry experts. The foundation hosts annual competitions where students pitch their ideas, fostering a new generation of innovators who are equipped to tackle real-world challenges through creative solutions. Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Special Guest: Don Wettrick.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:Don Wettrick | LinkedInSTARTedUP FoundationInnovate WithIN — STARTedUP FoundationPure Genius: Building a Culture of Innovation and Taking 20% Time to the Next Level by Don WettrickAn Entrepreneurial Way of Being: Finding Ikigai Through Innovation | Don Wettrick | TEDxPurdueU — Don Wettrick is a high school teacher in Noblesville, Indiana with a passion for helping people explore their passion outside of their everyday curriculum. He started an after-school entrepreneurship program called StartEdUp that provides a platform for students and teachers to actively change education through innovation and entrepreneurship in the classroom. Don Wettrick is the founder of The STARTedUP Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to foster innovation and entrepreneurship for youth. He is also the author of “Pure Genius: Building a Culture of Innovation” and host of the "STARTedUP” podcast. Don is known for his award-winning work as a middle school and high school teacher; educational and innovation consultant; and educational speaker. Innovation Specialist on Unlearning - Don Wettrick — YoutubeDrive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us by Daniel PinkLinchpin: Are You Indispensable? by Seth Godin