Econ Dev Show Podcast - Economic Development

What's your downtown like? As a county economic developer, I can look out over several different cities, all with a diverse array of downtowns: Some are vibrant, beautiful tourist destinations. Others are transitioning and improving with city dollars and commercial reinvestment into new stores, new facades, new lighting, new life. Some suburban cities, to their shame, don't even really have downtowns. Unfortunately, I live in a town like that. But still, others are shells of their former selves; Empty storefronts with faded signs and broken sidewalks -- places that you don't go after dark -- not because they're dangerous per se, but because there's no reason to. Our guest today, hopes to change that. Ilana Preuss and her book Recast Your City: How to Save Your Downtown with Small-Scale Manufacturing offer an excellent primer on how to rebuild your downtown without relying on outsiders to bring their businesses to your community. Ilana's an expert. She led the technical assistance program at the U.S. EPA Smart Growth Program and was the Vice President & Chief of Staff at Smart Growth America. Her firm Recast City, works with local leaders to help create great places. Enjoy the show, and the book. (Originally aired June 2021) --- Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Special Guest: Ilana Preuss.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:Ilana Preuss | LinkedInRecast Your CityRecast Your City: How to Save Your Downtown with Small-Scale Manufacturing (Amazon.com)Recast Your City: How to Save Your Downtown with Small-Scale Manufacturing (Kindle edition)

In the this episode of the Econ Dev Show podcast, host Dane Carlson shares an insightful conversation with Noah Wilson of Mountain BizWorks and Bradley Spiegel from the Made By Mountains Partnership, delving into the outdoor recreation economy in Western North Carolina. Together, they explore the diverse elements of the outdoor economy supply chain encompassing manufacturing, guiding services, retail, and infrastructure planning, elucidating how each component significantly contributes to the region's vibrant outdoor recreation ecosystem. Noah unfolds the narrative of how the Western North Carolina's Outdoor Economy Conference came to fruition, under the theme "Connecting the Ecosystem." This annual convergence is highlighted as a crucial nexus for stakeholders across the outdoor recreation industry, fostering networking and the exchange of best practices. Noah delineates the four thematic tracks for this year’s conference, aimed at cultivating vibrant communities, bolstering outdoor businesses, spearheading inclusive coalitions, and envisioning the future of the outdoor industry. The discussion also touches on Thomas Salley's podcast, where both the Outdoor Economy Conference and the Building Outdoor Communities program were mentioned, making a cool connection between these initiatives. Shifting focus, Bradley sheds light on the Building Outdoor Communities program, a 7-month capacity-building initiative powered by an ARC grant. This program, as Bradley articulates, is aiding communities in meticulously assessing their outdoor recreation assets and devising sustainable development plans. They delve into strategies to adeptly manage the escalation in tourism and amenity migration alongside the growth of outdoor recreation. The conversation underscores investing in the outdoor economy as a potent strategy to attain triple bottom line goals — economic development, social equity, and environmental stewardship. The nuanced discussion offers a comprehensive outlook on the opportunities and challenges entailed, providing invaluable insights for communities and stakeholders invested in this dynamic sector. Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Special Guests: Bradley Spiegel and Noah Wilson.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:Bradley Spiegel, AICP | LinkedInNoah Wilson | LinkedInOutdoor Economy Conference - September 18-21, 2023Mountain BizWorksBuilding Outdoor Communities - Outdoor Recreation-Driven Economic DevelopmentMade by Mountains - Western North CarolinaRural Development - Outdoor Recreation RoundtableThe Ramayana: A Shortened Modern Prose Version of the Indian Epic (Penguin Classics): Narayan, R. K., Mishra, Pankaj

Jon Maynard has worked in economic development for over 15 years. In that time, he's come to believe that the traditional model of recruiting big employers doesn't work well for most small towns. Instead, he advocates for what he calls "tropical fish" economic development - building a vibrant community "reef" that will naturally attract residents, entrepreneurs and small businesses. The foundation of Maynard's approach is caring deeply about the town and its people. A declining "give a damn factor," seen in things like crumbling infrastructure, leads to a downward spiral. The data tells the story - population loss, falling labor force, decreasing retail sales all stem from neglecting quality of place and opportunity. Maynard helps towns turn the tide by focusing economic development inward. This means supporting local entrepreneurs, partnering with schools, and collaborating with arts groups. Ultimately, Maynard wants to spread the word that people-centered development is possible everywhere. He launched a consulting firm, Infinite Sequence Economics, to provide affordable expertise to communities trying to take a new path. His goal is to share ideas, find gaps, and hold towns accountable for real change. Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Special Guest: Jon Maynard.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:Jon Maynard | LinkedInJon Maynard: Economic Development and Tropical Fish | TED TalkPromoting Prosperity in Mississippi | Institute for Market StudiesInfinite Sequence Economics - Economic Development ConsultingBlog | Infinite Sequence EconomicsStartup Communities: Building an Entrepreneurial Ecosystem in Your City by Brad Feld

Anthony Michelic, President and CEO of The Pace Group executive recruiting firm, joins Dane on the the show in this, the first in-person episode the Econ Dev Show, joins the show to discuss how his firm works, trends in the economic development and chamber executive job market, advice for job seekers and career developers in the industry, changes he has seen since the pandemic, and the importance of properly aligning incentives between candidates, hiring organizations, and recruiters. Topics covered include: building relationships in the industry, personality and culture fit versus credentials, being open and specific with recruiters about ideal opportunities, developing broad knowledge as a generalist, adopting a global perspective, the evolving role of economic developers, increased workplace flexibility trends, and focusing on fit and seizing the right opportunities. Anthony provides an insightful recruiter's perspective on the economic development job market and practical tips for career success. Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Special Guest: Anthony Michelic.Links:The Pace Group – An Executive Search Firm Specializing in economic development, city managers, manufacturing and not for profit organizations.Anthony T.J. Michelic | LinkedInVision GalvestonMarMo Plaza | Galveston Event Venue | 2121 Market Street, Galveston, TX, USA

In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane welcome Beth Zimmer, Program Manager with the Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Building Leadership Project. Beth takes us on a journey through her five-year endeavor to cultivate a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem in Pennsylvania. From deep-diving into cultural assessments to executing awareness campaigns, her comprehensive approach sought to uplift the state's entrepreneurial spirit. Beth delves into the intricate components that make up an entrepreneurial ecosystem, such as mentorship programs, networking events, and targeted funding initiatives. She underscores the importance of these elements in supporting both nascent and established entrepreneurs. However, it's not all smooth sailing; Beth shares candid insights into how shifting political landscapes led to an abrupt halt to the program, offering lessons on the fragility of such initiatives in the face of political headwinds. The episode wraps up with a thoughtful discussion on the imperative for economic developers to champion inclusive entrepreneurship. According to Beth, this is as crucial as traditional business retention efforts and requires conscientious planning and action. Tune in for a comprehensive look at the highs and lows of ecosystem building, and walk away with actionable insights on how to foster entrepreneurial spirit in your community. Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Special Guest: Beth Zimmer.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:Entrepreneurship Building Leadership ProjectBeth Zimmer | LinkedInBeth Zimmer on Reducing the Barriers to Entry for Rural StartupsInBIA: Global Network of Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Builders InBIAInternational Economic Development CouncilBuilding an Economic Development Ecosystem Map

In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Joe Collins, economic development director for Norwood, MA, shares how his dual role for the town and municipal electric utility gives him an advantage in supporting local businesses. He discusses relationship building with groups like the chamber, how he sources ideas from podcasts and newsletters, and tools he uses like Apollo.io to find contact information. Joe also learns he was the very first subscriber to Dane's newsletter. Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Special Guest: Joe Collins.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:Joseph Collins, CEcD | LinkedInNorwood Massachusetts Economic DevelopmentSales Intelligence and Engagement Platform | ApolloZoomInfo: Go-to-Market Software | Scale & Power Your GTM2023 Annual Conference in Dallas, TX - International Economic Development CouncilThe Power Broker: Robert Moses and the Fall of New York by Robert Caro

In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Jamie Beasley talks with Dane Carlson about leaving law and virtual assistance to pursue a masters in economic development, the challenges of finding an entry-level job with her advanced degree, and her first month leading a rural chamber of commerce in Oklahoma. She provides tips on organization and discusses the potential for virtual assistants in economic development. Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Special Guest: Jamie Beasley.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:Jamie Beasley | LinkedInPushmataha County Chamber of Commerce – Working for the future, preserving the past!J.Audra.LaneSmall Town Solutions: An Economic Development Guide for Small Communities with BIG DreamsCorporate Site Selection and Economic Development: A 30-YEAR PERSPECTIVEBurn the Business Plan: What Great Entrepreneurs Really DoThe Birth of a Building: From Conception to DeliveryBargaining for Advantage: Negotiation Strategies for Reasonable PeopleThe E-Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Businesses Don't Work and What to Do About ItMeant For This: The Mindset and Strategy to Achieve Your Most "Impossible" DreamsStrategic Doing

In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Ben McDaniel, the director for the Barrow Brazelton Joint Economic Development Authority in Georgia, shares how he uses memes and AI tools like ChatGPT to market his community in creative ways. McDaniel says he leans into his authentic self on platforms like LinkedIn, making funny or interesting memes that get noticed by site selectors and project managers. He also uses ChatGPT to help with common economic development tasks like crafting RFI responses and offer letters. McDaniel believes AI will transform the field and is already introducing it to his 10-year-old daughter. Overall, the episode explores how economic developers big and small can tap into new technologies and creative marketing to share their community's story. McDaniel provides an interesting case study in embracing innovation while staying true to your roots. Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Special Guest: Ben Nelson.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:Benjamin McDaniel | LinkedInBarrow Economic DevelopmentEgo Is the Enemy by Ryan HolidayOne of Ben's memesAnother meme...Another...One of my favorites...Another...Another...Another...Another...Another...Another...Another...

Delve into the multifaceted world of economic development with Dane Carlson as he engages in an enlightening conversation with Dr. Chad Miller, the Graduate Coordinator for the Economic Development Master's program at the University of Southern Mississippi. In this episode, Miller paints a vivid picture of the ever-evolving landscape of economic development, tracing its roots from basic infrastructural necessities in developing nations to the data-driven approaches prevalent in developed countries like the US, Canada, Europe, and Mexico. As they navigate the delicate interplay between the art and science of the profession, Miller underscores the significance of hands-on, technical skills that the program imbues its students with, preparing them for real-world challenges in the dynamic realm of economic development. In an era where reshoring trends are gaining momentum and the focus is gradually shifting towards near-shoring to regions like Mexico and Central America, Miller provides a fresh perspective, highlighting the pressing need for diversity and the potential pivot from attracting big conglomerates to holistic community development. With an increasing emphasis on tech skills, building robust professional networks, and a rekindled focus on community development basics, the episode offers a deep dive into the challenges and opportunities facing the industry. Furthermore, Miller's emphasis on collaboration between universities and industry practitioners paints a promising picture for the future, bridging the gap between academic prowess and practical expertise. Whether you're a seasoned developer or just embarking on your journey in economic development, this episode promises a wealth of knowledge, insights, and actionable advice. Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Special Guest: Dr. Chad Miller.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:Chad R. Miller | LinkedIn‪Chad R. Miller‬ - ‪Google Scholar‬Economic Development - Master's | Graduate Programs | The University of Southern MississippiSouthern Miss Economic Development | Groups | LinkedInThe Southern Miss Experience - YouTubeDr. Miller on We Are Jobs Podcast — Are you interested in a Master’s degree in economic development? Or, could you use university backed research to aid in your economic development efforts?The World Is Flat: A Brief History of the Twenty-first Century: Thomas L. Friedman: 9780374292881: Amazon.com: Books

Sean Adkins has over a decade of economic development experience across multiple East Coast states. He currently serves as Town Manager of St. Albans, Vermont, where he uses his econ dev background to help the small town. Adkins shares insights into the differences between robust economic development support in Virginia versus the more isolated, self-reliant approach in Vermont. One of his most surprising projects was leading development of a childcare facility in rural Virginia, despite not having kids himself. The intensive childcare facility regulations and community resistance he encountered shows the breadth of challenges econ dev professionals take on. Adkins stresses public servants genuinely try to serve local needs, though projects often require compromise. He also discusses his favorite book, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, and the life philosophy behind its metaphors. Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps!Special Guest: Sean Adkins.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:Zen and the Art of Motorcycle MaintenanceSean Adkins, MPA | LinkedIn