Dennis is joined by Aaron Brossoit, CEO of the Golden Shovel Agency, to talk about AI for economic developers. Aaron and Golden Shovel Agency are at the leading edge of implementing AI. Aaron helps AI neophyte Dennis better understand AI and how economic development professionals can use it. Be sure to check out Aaron's avatar below, which speaks multiple languages.  AI tools and resources: Grammarly  Chat GPT Otter.ai Hey Gen See Arron's multi-language avatar created in Hey Gen Golden Shovel Agency

Dennis is joined by Mo Collins, Director of Entrepreneurship - International Economic Development Council, and they discuss the upcoming Rural Entrepreneurship 101 online class. Courtney Zaugg is the other instructor of the Rural Entrepreneurship class. Rural Entrepreneurship 101 - online November 20, 2024 11:00 am - 6:00 pm EST The rise of bandwidth, remote work, and local, place-based assets go hand in hand with emerging rural entrepreneurship and ecosystem building. Join this 101 Class to explore innovative strategies to overcome rural entrepreneurship's unique challenges and learn best practices to transform your rural community into a hub of growth and sustainability.  

Dennis is joined by Kaycee Bunch, an economic developer and podcast host. Dennis and Kaycee discuss the unique challenges faced by female economic development professionals. The Leading Ladies of Economic Development is a great podcast for all economic development professionals. Give it a listen; you won't be disappointed! The Leading Ladies of Economic Development podcast is a safe place for female economic development professionals to share stories, insights, and challenges of the economic development industry. We hear from women leaders across the country about their careers in ED and how you can apply their experiences to your own economic development career goals.  

Moving from burnout to renewal - Dennis Pruitt, Missouri Partnership In this episode, Dennis and Dennis discuss the reality of burnout and practical next steps to help deal with the effects of burnout.  Outline          I.            Definitions        II.            Causes      III.            Significance      IV.            Caveats       V.            Fundamentals of building personal energy      VI.            Practical Next Steps  

  Dennis and Mark Perna discuss the importance of and the three critical elements of a personal competitive advantage. Robust academic knowledge Technical competencies Professional skills Even though the Competitive Advantage Track is designed to talk to Gen Zers about their careers, there are lessons for all of us to learn and ponder. Competitive Advantage Track is a free, easy-to-use tool that will drive the dialogue to help young people think constructively about their future, develop crucial career and life skills, and ultimately thrive in a fast-changing world. In each module (or “Slice”), generational expert and Career Tree creator Mark C.  Perna delivers a short, heartfelt talk about a particular skill, why it matters, and how it connects to their personal competitive advantage for whatever they want to achieve in life.

Dennis is joined by Shawn Donovan, an Economic Recovery Corps (ERC) Fellow working in West Virginia. They discuss the Economic Recovery Corp, what it is like to be an ERC Fellow and Shaun's work in West Virginia. New River Gorge National Park ERC Project Project Title: Redefining West Virginia’s Region 1's Economy; Life After Coal Host Community or Region: West Virginia Host Organization: Region I Planning & Development Council, in collaboration with the Town of Fayetteville, WV A New Partnership for Economic Transformation - 65 Fellows, 65 Catalytic Projects, 42 States, 2 Territories The Economic Recovery Corps (ERC) program launched in 2023 through a $30 million cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA). Funded through the CARES Act, ERC aims to address long-standing economic disparities in America that surfaced during the COVID-19 pandemic, build capacity in  -hard-hit communities, and cultivate the next generation of economic development leaders. The ERC program is led by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) in partnership with six leading national organizations from across the economic development landscape. Over a 30-month Fellowship, 65 Fellows are working alongside Host Organizations in under-resourced communities, building a nationwide corps of diverse, cross-sector talent with the skills and expertise to activate regional strategies and promote innovation. The Fellowship promotes connectivity and knowledge-sharing among urban, rural, and tribal areas to elevate new practices and transform the field of economic development.

Springfield, Ohio, has recently been in the national spotlight after the community was mentioned in several political debates. What happens when you go from being one of 67 communities named Springfield to the one everyone is talking about? Is all publicity good publicity? How does an organization respond to the glare of the national media? Horton Hobbs, Vice President of Economic Development for The Greater Springfield Partnership, joins Dennis, and they go behind the scenes of working and living in Springfield, OH.  Mid-America EDC Competitiveness Conference Columbus, Ohio December 4–6, 2024

In this episode, Dennis is joined by Chris Lloyd from the McGuireWoods Consulting infrastructure and economic development team. Dennis and Chris discuss best practices for responding to RFPs and the intangibles that can prevent a community from being considered for a project.  Chris Lloyd leads the McGuireWoods Consulting infrastructure and economic development team, where he specializes in site selection and negotiations for economic development incentives. Since 1998, Chris has worked on dozens of high-profile corporate expansions and relocations across the country. Prior to joining McGuireWoods Consulting, Chris served for nearly five years in the Office of the Secretary of Commerce and Trade under Virginia Governors Allen and Wilder. Chris is also a past chair of the Site Selectors Guild. Chris has also worked closely with clients on numerous public-private partnership projects for transportation and other infrastructure, and played a leading role in the development and passage of Virginia’s public-private partnership laws, which have since become model legislation for use in other states.  

In this episode, Dennis talks about the frustrations of dealing with issues and projects that are beyond your direct control. What do you do when quiet diplomacy fails, and entities are determined to engage in behavior detrimental to the area you live and work in?

In this episode, Dennis explores the power of the unexpected compliment. Too often, we quickly criticize and forget to tell the people in our lives how much we appreciate them. Take a deep breath and unleash the power of the unexpected compliment.  

In this episode, Dennis shares his thoughts on the 2024 IEDC Annual Conference that was held in Denver. 

In this episode, Dennis laments how the seeds of distrust have been sown in our election process and how that distrust affects even local elections. Why is it so hard to disagree and still respect each other's opinions?

Mark Perna joins Dennis to discuss the power of saying no. Sometimes, saying no is the best strategy. Dennis and Mark talk about how and why to say no. 

Dennis is joined by third-generation magician and award-winning entertainer Dennis Watkins from the Magic Parlour in Chicago. Dennis and his wife attended a show at the Magic Parlour, and Dennis was so impressed he asked magician Dennis Watkins to join him on an episode of Develop This! Listen in for a fascinating discussion of the behind-the-scenes world of magic and discover how economic development is like magic! 

In this episode, Denis is joined by James Hoelscher, CEcD (Course Director) for The Heartland Economic Development Course (HEDC) and the Program Manager at the University of Northern Iowa's Institute for Decision Making. Dennis and James discuss the basic economic development courses and how they vary around the county. IEDC lists 25 basic economic development courses on its website. The Heartland Economic Development Course (HEDC) offers intensive training in the basic concepts, information, methods, and strategies of local economic development. A diverse and experienced faculty, composed of both academicians and practitioners, gives an excellent blend of theory and practice. Graduation from HEDC fulfills one of the education prerequisites for those who wish to take examinations for Certified Economic Development (CEcD) designation. Heartland 2025 is held at the Adams Pointe Conference Center in Blue Springs, MO, from April 29th through May 2nd. An evening reception is held the night prior on the 28th at the Conference Center. The format consists of interactive presentations, panels, and discussions facilitated by Heartland's expert faculty.   March 29 or April 5 (must attend one) 8:00 a.m. Strategic Planning for Economic Development April 22 4-7 p.m. Optional evening reception and course check-in at the Adams Pointe Conference Center April 23 7:00 a.m. Course Registration 8 a.m. Course opening Managing an EDO Ethics in Economic Development (Part 1) Workforce Development & Talent Attraction Networking Dinner! April 24 Entrepreneurship Economic Development Financing Neighborhood/Community Development/Main Street (community tours) KC Dinner & Networking! April 25 7 a.m. Professional Development Pathways (optional) Real Estate Development Ethics (part 2) Business Retention & Expansion (tour and mock BRE interview) Dinner on your own April 26 Understanding Site Selection Responding to an RFI State Partner Association Member: $995.00 Non-Member: $1,095.00 James Hoelscher, CEcD (Course Director)

Dennis is joined by Kirk Garton, program director of OUEDI - OU Economic Development Institute. OUEDI alumnus Dennis discusses the OUEDI curriculum and the process of completing the classes, which are available online and in person.  OU EDI Core Requirements OU EDI has aligned its curriculum to meet the education standards and requirements set by the IEDC Education and Certification Committees. These committees and OU EDI have identified three core areas considered to be the building blocks of economic development: Business Retention and Expansion (BRE), Real Estate, and Credit Analysis. Each OU EDI Participant Must Study these Three Core Areas by Completing the Following Courses: Business Retention and Expansion (16 hours) Real Estate Development and Reuse (16 hours) Economic Development Credit Analysis (24 hours) OU EDI Elective Requirements In addition to the core areas, OU EDI has developed a curriculum intended to give the participants a broad-based education and to develop the skills necessary to be successful economic developers, while simultaneously covering four of the topic areas necessary to prepare for IEDC's CEcD certification exam. Economic Development Marketing and Attraction Economic Development Strategic Planning Entrepreneurial and Small Business Development Strategies Managing Economic Development Organizations Community and Neighborhood Development Workforce Development OU EDI and IEDC have worked closely to ensure that OU EDI graduates will have fulfilled the necessary classroom contact hours in the three core areas and the elective areas of concentration to satisfy the education requirements necessary to sit for the CEcD exam.

Enjoy this classic Develop This! episode from 2021 Develop This! will be back next week with an all-new episode Are you new to the business of economic and community development and wondering how to get started? Whether you are brand new to the business or a seasoned economic developer looking to get back to basics, this episode is for you.  Dennis and Jason share the 7 rules you need to follow to have early success in your career.  

Enjoy this classic Develop! This episode from 2020. Develop This! will be back with an all-new show next week.   Many projects require divergent groups to work together, so how can we reach consensus when there are very different opinions? In this episode, Dennis and Jason share tips and strategies for identifying mutual goals, navigating compromise, and utilizing clear and consistent communication.  

Dennis is joined by Mark Perna. In light of President Biden's dropping out of the presidential race, they discuss how old is too old and the power of having multiple ages working together. 

Dennis is joined by Dell Gines, the Chief Innovation Officer of the International Economic Development Council. They discuss the upcoming IEDC annual conference, which will be held in Denver from September 15-18, 2024. Early Bird Registration Deadline ends July 26th.  Discover The Mile High City Calling all changemakers, visionaries, influencers, disruptors, and developers, the 2024 IEDC Annual Conference awaits! Your community, region, country, and world need you in Denver, CO, September 15-18, to join forces with thousands of economic development practitioners and thought leaders from around the globe as we celebrate and champion the unsung heroes of economic development. This year's conference is more than just one of our standard gatherings; it's the premier platform to flip the script and transform our profession into one of the world's most recognized, understood, and attractive industries. By spotlighting the innovative work of economic development superheroes, we aim to inspire and equip you with the tools and knowledge to drive positive change and innovation in your community. This is your team's opportunity to unleash your inner economic development superheroes and elevate the economic development profession to new heights in the Mile High City. Conference Theme: Championing Economic Development Superheroes  The conference will explore the following tracks: Marketing and Telling Our Stories Talent and Workforce Strategies Solving the Housing Crisis Climate Change and Sustainability Rural Prosperity Entrepreneurship and Ecosystem Building    

In this episode, Dennis is joined by Dell Gines, Chief Innovation Officer, of the International Economic Development Council. Find out more about Dell's passion for economic development and his path to joining IEDC.  Dr. Dell Gines is a nonprofit executive and certified economic developer with over 15 years of experience in organizational transformation and economic development. As Chief Innovation Officer at the International Economic Development Council (IEDC), he oversees the professional development, research, conferences, and program functions for the organization. This includes managing the $30 million, EDA-funded Economic Recovery Corps program, a national initiative that places 65 fellows in host organizations across the nation to promote equitable development. Before joining IEDC, Dell led economic development programs at the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City. Dell has authored six guides and one book on economic development ecosystem building, with a particular focus on equitable economic development in distressed urban and rural communities. His 2018 research report on Black women business startups has been cited by PBS, Forbes, Black Enterprise, CNN Business, and Entrepreneur magazine. He has spoken in over 26 states and 50 cities, often as a keynote speaker, advocating for equitable rural and urban economic development. He is among the 5,000 Certified Economic Developers (CEcD) and holds a Master of Business Administration, a Master of Finance, and a Ph.D. from the University of Nebraska School of Public Administration. He has received numerous awards, including the TOYO award from the Omaha Jaycees in 2011 and the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City’s President’s Award in 2014, 2019, and 2021. In 2020, he was inducted into the Kansas City Black Achievers Society.  

In this episode, Dennis is joined by Mark Perna, who discusses how to deal with stress and burnout in your job. We've all been there, with sleepless nights and nagging insecurities. Dennis and Mark discuss their own challenges and ways to deal with the two-headed monster of stress and burnout. 

Dennis is joined by Will Baggett, an author, motivational speaker, and authority on personal branding, body language, and soft skills leadership. A self-described "speaker snob," Dennis was blown away when he heard Will give a presentation at the IEDC Leadership Conference. Dennis and Will discuss how to find your North Star and exercise your leadership muscle.  Will Baggett, former operations manager for the College Football Playoff, is an award-winning major events professional, former strength coach, and dynamic speaker. In early 2020, the White House recognized Will for outstanding communications and service to the President of the United States. Will has also helped produce events such as the Super Bowl, Final Four, and a host of college football bowl games. Over his six-year coaching career, Will helped produce 19 NFL draft picks, including two first-round picks. The Blueprint for a Successful Career, Will’s first book, was released in 2017 to widespread acclaim and has been added to the curriculum at six nationally accredited universities. He began speaking in 2017 and has since delivered over 250 keynotes, inspiring over 50,000 people across multigenerational workplaces in both the public and private sectors. Will is considered to be the undisputed authority in personal branding, body language, and soft skills leadership, resulting in a 98.13% approval rating across all his speeches. Will is highly regarded as the most interactive speaker in the country. He leverages his unique INFJ personality and quick wit to leave teams more inspired and connected than ever before. Will, also a part-time actor, has appeared in national commercials for the PGA Tour, Coors Light, Academy Sports & Outdoors, Southwest Airlines, and VistaPrint.  Check out Will's new book, Hues of Hope.  

In this episode, Dennis is joined by Ella Woger-Nieves, Chief Executive Officer of Invest Puerto Rico. Dennis and Ella discuss all things Puerto Rico, from the thriving pharmaceutical industry to the highly educated workforce and tax benefits.  Ella Woger-Nieves, Chief Executive Officer of Invest Puerto Rico, leads the organization’s mission of promoting the Island as a competitive investment jurisdiction and attracting new businesses and capital to the island. Woger-Nieves was responsible for Invest PR’s start-up from an operational standpoint in 2018, playing an instrumental role in the organization’s creation by helping establish its mission, objectives, and roadmap to accomplishing them. The newly appointed CEO has a proven record of working with Fortune 500 companies throughout her 20-year marketing and management consulting career. She has vast experience leading and facilitating strategic planning, market analysis, and organizational restructuring initiatives for local and multinational corporations across various industries, including government, financial services, manufacturing, and the non-profit sector. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Pennsylvania.

It's another 500th special edition show! Dennis is joined by Develop This! contributing correspondents Joi Cuartero Austin and Sean Maguire. Dennis, Joi, and Sean pull out their crystal balls and discuss what the future holds for working economic development professionals. 

Join Dennis and Develop This! cofounder Jason Hutcheson as they reminisce about the podcast's early days and wax poetic about their personal journeys and what the future holds.

In this episode, Dennis is joined by Mike Neal - President and CEO of the Tulsa Regional Chamber. Mike presents a master class on how to build and lead a dynamic team of professionals and how to utilize strategic partnerships to build a world-class organization.  Mike Neal is in his 18th year as president and chief executive officer of the Tulsa Regional Chamber. In 2018, the Oklahoma Chamber of Commerce Executives (OCCE) inducted Mike into their Hall of Fame in recognition of his 30 years of service to the chamber industry. Tulsa People named Mike the 2011 Tulsan of the Year for his limitless energy, can-do optimism and tireless efforts toward making Tulsa a better place.  Mike is heavily involved with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. He serves on its Foundation Board of Directors, its Chamber of Commerce Committee of 100, and its Transportation Infrastructure & Logistics Committee. Mike is also the current chairman of their Accrediting Board of Directors. He also serves on the boards of the International Economic Development Council and the Southern Economic Development Council. Mike leads the Chamber's staff of more than 65 full-time professionals in the areas of economic development, regional tourism, government affairs and community development. The Chamber is a partner in prosperity to more than 2,200 member organizations across an 11-county region. MISSIONWe transform the Tulsa region by attracting and retaining employers, talent, and tourism for long-term prosperity. VISIONThe Tulsa region is a global destination for individual and community prosperity. WE ARE... Positive – We exhibit positivity toward our colleagues and a passionate devotion to our community. Innovative – We seek fresh ideas and solutions to lead our region forward. Inclusive – We embrace diversity and foster collaboration. Engaged – We are fully attentive and focused in service to one another, our members and our partners. Accountable – We maintain integrity, strive for excellence, and seek continuous improvement in our work and ourselves. Representing more than 2,150 member organizations and more than 178,000 workers, the Tulsa Regional Chamber is the primary driver of regional and individual prosperity in northeast Oklahoma. The Chamber develops and delivers a wide variety of programs and services designed to bolster and benefit Tulsa-area businesses of all shapes and sizes, from large corporations to small startups. For more than 115 years, the Chamber has served as an integral part of what makes the Tulsa region a great place to live, work and play. Our strategic initiatives include: Economic Development Collaborate with regional partners to position northeast Oklahoma for increased economic activity. Regional TourismLeverage the region's competitive identity to market Tulsa as a destination for tourism, sports, and culture. Government AffairsBuild coalitions to achieve pro-business public policy at the local, state and federal levels. Community DevelopmentCreate vibrant places that support and enrich quality of life and regional economic activity. Tulsa's Future is the Chamber's multi-county regional economic development partnership supported by public and private investors. Since 2005, Tulsa's Future has supported the creation of more than 80,000 jobs and more than $6 billion in capital investment.  

In this episode, Dennis is joined by Suzanne Dale Estey, Executive Director of the Washington Economic Development Association. Dennis and Suzanne preview the 2024 IEDC Future Forum and talk all things Washington State. The 2024 Economic Future Forum will be held in Spokane, Washington, on June 16-18 The 2024 Future Forum will explore 'Transformational Economic Development' and celebrate the 50th anniversary of Expo '74, Spokane's community-changing World Fair mega-event. Discover how Spokane's innovative businesses, events, projects, technologies, and workforce talent have revolutionized communities for the better. A sample of the Future Forum programs Unlocking Inclusive Energy Opportunities Community Buy-In, Circular Economy, and Zero Waste Strategies Putting CHIPS Act Dollars to Work Cultural Vibrancy & Creative Entrepreneurship The Community Placemaking Roundtable The Interdisciplinary Think-tank Breaking Down Creative Economy Data AI's Influence on the Modern Workforce Local Libraries as Entrepreneurship Incubators Conservation, Ecotourism, and Rural Prosperity Reactivating Art in Your Community Explore the 'Capital of the Intermountain Northwest,' with a diverse economy serving nearly 2 million people. The area boasts a thriving labor market and is a hub for healthcare, transportation, clean energy, education, and recreation. Learn how Spokane balances population growth, conservation, and innovative industries while still maintaining a flourishing downtown where more than half of the buildings are on the Historic Register. Discover how Spokane became the smallest city ever to host the World's Fair and the first to present an environmentally-themed exhibition in 1972.  

In this episode, Dennis is joined by Mark Perna, who discusses leadership and how to develop your leadership style.  Leadership - the action of leading a group of people or an organization            Leadership is only evident when it’s poor Leadership is not one-size-fits-all There are many styles of leadership…Example servant leaders A servant leader shares power, puts the needs of the employees and organization first, and helps people develop and perform as highly as possible. Instead of the people working to serve the leader, the leader exists to serve the people Golden rule - one should treat others as one would like to be treated Would you want to work for you? Be intellectually curious – Read-  Embrace new ideas and challenges Change your leadership style as needed Know what you don’t know – It’s okay that you don’t know everything Find a mentor - Develop a peer group Develop the strength of your convictions  Delegate – Hire good people and get out of their way Personal integrity – What do you do when no one is watching?  Embrace those with other opinions Team of Rivals Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln by Doris Kearns Goodwin Be a thetic – Empathetic and Sympathetic  You can be in the same place and have a totally different experience  Laugh at yourself "The knowledge of how little you can do alone teaches you humility." -Eleanor Roosevelt  

In this episode, Dennis is joined by Kevin Dick, President and Chief Executive Officer Carolina Small Business Development Fund in the Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina area. They discuss the importance of small businesses as part of the ecosystem of a community, region, and state.  The Carolina Small Business Development Fund is a not-for-profit organization of over 30 dedicated professionals with three focus areas - small business financial capital, small business technical assistance and growth, and policy research/development. Since 2020, the organization has seen a dramatic increase in loan production and has provided loans, loan modifications, deferred payments, and grants to over 1,200 businesses throughout the State of NC. We have eclipsed the $102M mark in capital deployment dating back to when we began providing loans in 2010 and growing the number from $71M to $102M in three years. We have an outstanding team that is all in on equitable economic development and helping small businesses grow. WE ARE TORCH BEARERS - Providing small business loans, training, and research to support entrepreneurs. Our Story Carolina Small Business Development Fund (CSBDF) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit guided by the belief that when small businesses succeed, everyone benefits. When we first opened our doors in 1990 as the North Carolina Minority Support Center, we were providing technical assistance to financial institutions and entrepreneurs, and in our first 20 years of service to our state, we administered millions of dollars in grants to help address the needs of unserved and underserved people and communities. When the financial crisis of 2008 threatened Main Street firms across our state and nation, our leadership knew that we were in the position to not only double down on our work serving underserved communities, but to expand our services as well. We ushered in a new era for our work in 2011, when we made our first loan to a North Carolina small business, and eventually became a certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) in 2013. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic's economic aftershocks, we doubled down once again and expanded our services to ensure that our state's small businesses could succeed, and the communities they serve would benefit.  Since opening in 1990, we have met entrepreneurs at the crossroads of hardship and opportunity—and we will continue to light the way forward for whatever comes next  

Denisse Carter - Economic Development Administrator Doña Ana County Dennis is joined by Denisse Carter - Economic Development Administrator Doña Ana County, a newly minted Certified Economic Developer. Dennis and Denisse discuss the certification process and the benefits of becoming a Certified Economic Developer.  T The coursework for the CEcD certification program is divided into 2 categories: Core Competency and Elective Competency You must attend all 4 Core Competency training courses listed below • Basic Economic Development Course (BEDC) • Business Retention & Expansion • Economic Development Credit Analysis • Real Estate Development & Reuse You must attend any 2 Elective Competency training courses listed below • Economic Development Finance Programs • Economic Development Marketing & Attraction • Economic Development Strategic Planning • Entrepreneurial & Small Business Development Strategies • Foreign Direct Investment & Exporting • Managing Economic Development Organizations • Neighborhood Development Strategies • Technology-Led Economic Development • Workforce Development Strategies • Introduction to Entrepreneurship-Led Economic Development or Accelerating Growth Through Entrepreneurship-Led Economic Development    Attend CEcD Exam Essentials Workshop 4 Submit the CEcD Exam Application & Fee $610 T The CEcD Exam is made up of 3 sections: Multiple Choice/Short Answer - The questions come directly from the training manuals for the 4 Core Competency courses and 2 Elective Competency courses, which are chosen by the candidate. Essay - This section requires the candidate to write responses to prompts related to Business Retention & Expansion, Economic Development Credit Analysis, and Real Estate Development & Reuse. The candidate will also need to select 2 additional prompts and respond to those as they see fit. Oral Interview - The candidate must pass both the Multiple Choice/Short Answer and Essay sections in order to move on to the Oral Interview. In this section, the candidate will be interviewed by a panel of current CEcDs. If the candidate passes this section, then they will be a newly minted CEcD with IEDC!  

In this episode, Dennis is joined by Trish Heidenreich, Founder/CEO of EDI Group -Economic Development Initiatives Group. Trish recently underwent a career change. Previously, she was the Director of Economic Development for the Town of Bel Air, MD. and now is a self-employed consultant and founder of the EDI Group. Trish and Dennis discuss career paths in economic development and finding your road to success. They also dive into Trish's time working in the world of Rock and Roll.   

Dennis is joined by Mignonne Hollis, the executive director of the Arizona Regional Economic Development Foundation and founder of Aerospace Arizona Dennis and Mignonne discuss the opportunities and challenges of economic development work in rural America and rural Arizona. Just because you live in a rural area does not mean you can't do cool things. Mignonne discusses her work helping create Aerospace Arizona.  Mignonne Hollis Sierra Vista, Arizona  Arizona Regional Economic Development Foundation (AREDF) Aerospace Arizona            

Dennis is joined by generational expert Mark C. Perna. Dennis and Mark discuss the inherent bias older generations have against younger generations. Mark Perna is the author of Answering Why: Unleashing Passion, Purpose, and Performance in Younger Generations

In this episode, Dennis is joined by Henry Silentman, the program manager at the Shiprock Regional Business Development office in Northwest New Mexico. Dennis and Henry discuss the opportunities and challenges of working in economic development in the Navajo Nation

Finding Your Path in Economic Development  Dennis is joined by Develop This! contributing correspondents Joi Cuartero Austin CEcd, Senior Program Officer, Economic Vitality with Main Street America, and Sean M. Maguire, AICP CEcD Economic Development and Planning Executive. Together, they discuss finding Your Path in Economic Development. Economic development is a broad career track. How do you find your niche? A career in economic development can take you in so many different directions, and many people do not start out to be an economic development professional. How can you best prepare for the ever-changing landscape of the economic development world? Is it better to be a generalist or a specialist? Should you follow your passion? What are some considerations you would look for in a position?  

Dennis is joined by Eloisa Klementich, CEcd, PhD, President and CEO of Invest Atlanta and IEDC board chair. They discuss Eloisa's career path in economic development and her plans and goals for IEDC. 

What does it take to become an Accredited Economic Development Organization? The St. Tammany Corp in Mandeville, LA, recently completed the process. There are over 5,000 economic development organizations, and fewer than 80 have achieved this prestigious designation.  In this episode, Dennis is joined by Chris Masingill, CEO, and Ashley Llewellyn, Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives with the St. Tammany Corp. They discuss the AEDO process from the organizations perspective. 

Dennis is joined by Jonas Peterson, the CEO of Southwest Michigan First and IEDC's Immediate Past Chair. Jonas also talks about his economic development career journey and his current role as the CEO of Southwest Michigan First, his time as the chair of IEDC, and the growth and future of IEDC. 

Dennis is joined by Mark Perna, who discusses ten habits that can keep us from reaching our full potential.  Seven Habits of Highly Effective People – Stephen Covey Be Proactive Begin With the End in Mind Put First Things First Think Win-Win Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood Synergize Sharpen the Saw What are the habits that keep us from success and achieving our full potential? 1.      Procrastination a.      Set goals b.      Prioritize tasks c.      Start with the most challenging task d.      Build in some rewards 2.      Perfectionism a.      Do not let perfect be the enemy of good b.      Whose standards? c.      Cannot let go of something                                                                i.      Missed deadlines 3.      Impulsiveness a.      Instant reward                                                                i.      Hooked on the adrenaline and feelings b.      Shopping c.      Not considering long-term consequences 4.      Not listening a.      Two ears, one mouth b.      Are you really interested in what others have to say or just promoting your opinion? c.      Listening is an underrated skill 5.      Not Being Able to See the Other Side a.      There is usually more than one path b.      The need to be in control c.      Everyone makes decisions differently d.      Not thinking Win-Win 6.      Not Being Able to Succinctly Articulate Your Position a.      Droning on and on b.      Respectful of people’s time c.      Learning to effectively communicate                                                                i.      Volume talkers 7.      Working on the Wrong Things a.      What is the most important thing you should be working on right now? b.      Doing only the things you want to do c.      Confusing busy with effective 8.      Being Easily Distracted a.      Distractions are everywhere                                                                i.      Phones                                                              ii.      Social media                                                            iii.      Texting                                                            iv.      Drop-in visits 9.      Failing to Take Risk and Think Big – Or Too Many Risks a.      Accepting the status quo b.      Whopper or stretch goals c.      Having a shiny object to chase d.      Sometimes, you just have to go to the moon 10.  Lack of Self-care a.      Unplugging from work b.      Personal care                                                                i.      Health                                                              ii.      Exercise                                                            iii.      Wellness c.      Managing stress

In this episode, Dennis offers up some common sense strategies to help deal with tough budget times. Do great work Communicate Measure Build coalitions Measure your organization against your peers Build relationships Be transparent Engage your board

Dennis's organization, Lee County Economic Development Group, recently became an AEDO - Accredited Economic Development Organization through IEDC. Dennis is joined by Bill Murphy - President & CEO of Ardmore Development Authority in Ardmore, OK, and Jim Fram - Consultant and Economic Development Leader - of Community Growth Strategies, and they discuss the process of becoming an Accredited Economic Development Organization.  What is AEDO, and why is it important? How many AEDOs are there? Why does good governance and organizational excellence matter?  When an organization decides to pursue the AEDO designation, what is the first step? Is there an area of the AEDO process that seems to be particularly challenging for ED organizations? Is the AEDO process pass or fail, or does the AEDO committee provide guidance during the process? The two parts of the AEDO process  1. The documentation The site visit Advice for organizations that are considering becoming an AEDO William “Bill” Murphy is the President & CEO of the Ardmore Chamber of Commerce, Ardmore Development Authority, Ardmore Tourism Authority, and the Ardmore Chamber of Commerce Foundation where he leads a team of professionals to execute the community’s business, economic and tourism development efforts. He has over 20 years of experience leading economic development efforts in communities and regions in Ohio, Georgia, Kansas, and Oklahoma. Prior to coming to Ardmore, Murphy served as the Deputy Secretary for the Kansas Department of Commerce where he led the state’s business development efforts through the department’s business attraction, in-state business development, international and community development divisions. He has also led the economic development efforts in Tulsa, Columbus, GA and in communities throughout Southwest Ohio. Through this work, he has helped facilitate projects with companies that have resulted in more than $3 billion in announced new capital investment and more than 3,000 jobs. Murphy is a graduate of Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio earning his bachelor’s degree in Political Science and his Master’s in Public Administration. He is a Certified Economic Developer through the International Economic Development Council. Murphy has also earned his designation as an Economic Development Finance Professional through the National Development Council. Finally, he has earned his Master Economic Development Practitioner designation from the Advanced Economic Development Leadership Program from Clemson, Southern Miss, Texas Christian Universities and the University of New Mexico.   Jim Fram is a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) through the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) and a Certified Chamber Executive (CCE) through the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) with 30+ years of successful economic development and senior-level chamber of commerce management experience in Arkansas, Texas, Oklahoma, Nebraska, and Missouri. Jim led two economic development organizations to accreditation by the International Economic Development Council (Tulsa, OK, and Hot Springs, AR). He also led three Chambers of Commerce to Five Star Accreditation by the U. S. Chamber of Commerce (Lincoln, NE, Tulsa, OK, Hot Springs, AR). He has served on the faculty at the Heartland Basic Economic Development Course and the Mid-South Basic Economic Development Course. He is a past Chairman of the Oklahoma Governor’s Economic Development Team (2007). He is an Honorary Life Member of the Southern Economic Development Council (SEDC) and a Fellow Member (FM) of the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). He is also a frequent instructor, moderator, and guest speaker at numerous economic development and Chamber of Commerce organizations, conferences, and events across the country. In January of 2018, he fulfilled a longtime dream and founded Community Growth Strategies, LLC., a consulting firm that focuses on assisting communities as well as regional economic development efforts and chambers of commerce. His office is in his home in Columbia, MO, where his wife, Kelli, is a consultant, project manager, and instructor at Westminster College.    

Working on the Other Side: From Elected Official to Economic Development  In this episode, contributing correspondent Joi Cuartero Austin is joined by Kyle Moore, President of the Great River Economic Development Foundation in Quincy and Adams County, Illinois. Kyle discusses his journey from elected official to economic development professional.  Going from the private sector, to elected official, to economic development. Stakeholders working together in a big, small town on a community strategic plan. Perspective on working on the public and private side of economic development. Advice for economic developers working from elected officials as representatives of the business community. Helping elected officials understand the role of their local economic development organization. Methods of sharing economic development successes.

In this episode, Dennis opens up about what he believes are the three biggest mistakes he has made in workforce programming. Dennis and Mark discuss the realities and difficulties of developing workforce programming. 

In this short episode, Dennis reflects on his day and how assembling a like-minded group of people can make or break a project. 

Dennis is joined by IEDC President and CEO Nathan Ohle, and they discuss the growth and changes at IEDC over the past year. They also discuss the future of IEDC and the economic development profession.  New IEDC Strategic Plan Economic Recovery Corps Fellowship $1 million research initiative Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

Dennis and Mark Perna make bold predictions on the future of our workforce and what lies ahead for our employers.  Mark's book - Answering Why

In this episode, contributing correspondent Joi Cuartero Austin is joined by Jackie Swihart, Program Officer with Main Street America. Joi and Jackie discuss Leadership and board burnout  Economic development is challenging, with a lot of responsibility in building community prosperity, which is why you need a strong vision, good planning, and even better leadership at the helm of economic development and other partner organizations. Furthermore, if we weren’t already having trouble keeping good staff and board members, the pandemic really highlighted challenges with recruitment and retention. So, what can organizations do to help with leadership burnout and cultivate a strong pipeline? Staff: Great Resignation or Turnover Tsunami: Do you think it’s slowing down? What do you think expectations are now when hiring for leadership staff roles? Board: Difficulty in recruiting and retaining volunteers. What has changed in volunteerism in general? General: Our work usually takes us into disinvested communities, whether rural or neighborhood commercial districts, where nonprofit/community organizations often operate with limited resources. How do you navigate resource constraints while still striving for meaningful impact? With the communities you have worked with, are there any trends you have been seeing with staff and board members as it pertains to burnout? Economic development work can be demanding. How do you balance the need for ambitious goals with the well-being of your team members to prevent burnout? How important is collaboration with local partners, businesses, and government entities in the success of economic development initiatives in these communities in avoiding burnout? How do you recognize and address signs of burnout among your team members? What should organizations be prioritizing to help keep staff and build better boards?