The SEDC Podcast

Join SEDC President Matthew Tackett as he sits down with Kristina Slattery, Commissioner of Business and Community Development at the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development, for an in-depth look at the state's economic success. Kristina shares her unique journey into public service and provides insight into the mission-driven approach of her team. They discuss Kentucky's multifaceted strategy,...

Join host Matt Tackett on the Southern Economic Development Council (SEDC) Podcast for an inspiring conversation with Dr. Pete Fullerton, one of the nation's most respected economic developers. Dr. Pete reflects on his remarkable 38-year career, from his serendipitous start in the field to his recent role leading transformative commercial development at the new Kansas City International Airpor...

Join expert economic development consultant Alysia Cook, retail strategist Tyler Sudderth, and special guest Kelly Bowers for a live conversation from the Southern Economic Development Council conference. In this insightful episode, these three professionals share their on-the-ground takeaways from #SEDC2025 in Oklahoma City. They'll discuss the critical role of community and strategic plannin...

Join us for a dynamic live broadcast from the Southern Economic Development Council conference, featuring two of the industry's most respected leaders: Joe Hines and Lacey Beasley. In this exclusive conversation, Joe Hines—a recognized expert in site selection and infrastructure—teams up with Lacey Beasley, President of Retail Strategies, to unpack the biggest themes and most actionable insigh...

Join newly-elected 2026 SEDC Chairman, Tim Weston, and Tulsa Regional Chamber's Vice President of Business Development, Stacy Smith, for an exclusive live conversation from the heart of the Southern Economic Development Council conference. In this special episode, they offer an inside look at the most impactful moments and strategic discussions at #SEDC2025 in Oklahoma City. Tim and Stacy prov...

Join retail recruitment expert Kyle Cofer and economic development professional Rue Ramsey for a special live broadcast from the Southern Economic Development Council conference in Oklahoma City. In this episode, they break down the most impactful sessions and discussions from the conference floor, offering their unique perspectives on the latest trends in retail attraction, community placemaking,...

In this special episode, we're broadcasting live from the heart of #SEDC2025 in Oklahoma City. Join hosts David Altmann and Chuck Sexton as they dive into the key takeaways, emerging trends, and most engaging discussions happening at the conference. From the latest in content strategy to groundbreaking innovations in digital marketing, David and Chuck bring you their expert analysis and unfiltered...

Join Chris Wimsatt from Coldwell Banker Commercial and Gray Swoope from VisionFirst Advisors for a live podcast from #SEDC2025 in Oklahoma City. They'll share their expert insights on the latest trends in economic development and site selection. The SEDC Podcast is Sponsored by Insyteful

Catch all the action from #SEDC2025 in Oklahoma City! In this special live episode, Rob O'Brian and Hunter Gardner sit down to discuss the latest trends and hot topics in economic development. The SEDC Podcast is Sponsored by Insyteful.

We're coming to you live from the Southern Economic Development Council's 2025 Annual Conference! In this special episode, we talk with Ben McDaniel and Edward Burch, two leading figures in the economic development community. They discuss their perspectives on the most significant trends impacting the field, the importance of community partnerships, and what it takes to drive growth in the...

In this special episode, we welcome keynote speaker Daron K. Roberts, a Harvard Law graduate, former NFL coach, and founding director of the Center for Sports Leadership and Innovation at the University of Texas. Daron's unique journey and dynamic speaking style have made him a leading voice on leadership, resilience, and the power of embracing rejection. He shares his incredible insights and a pr...

Join us for a special live recording from the Southern Economic Development Council's 2025 Annual Conference in Oklahoma City! In this episode, we sit down with industry leaders Jonathan Sanders and Victor Leotta to discuss key takeaways and insights from the conference. They share their perspectives on the latest trends in economic development, the importance of strategic planning, and what l...

We’re on the ground at #SEDC2025 in Oklahoma City with Bill Cork and Lisa Lloyd, diving into real-world strategies shaping communities, industries, and the people driving economic growth forward. The SEDC Podcast is sponsored by Insyteful.

Live from #SEDC2025 in Oklahoma City, Matt Tackett sits down with David Gaines and Ron Kitchens for a candid conversation on leadership, economic development, and the future of communities across the American South. The SEDC Podcast is sponsored by Insyteful.

Join Ray Methvin live from #SEDC2025 in Oklahoma City as he sits down with Justin Burch and Brian Thorstenberg for a fast, practical look at what's currently working in the American South. The SEDC Podcast is sponsored by Insyteful.

Live from #SEDC2025 in Oklahoma City, Ray Methvin sits down with Tim Gibbs and Gus Fontenot for a fast, practical look at what is working in the American South. They break down site readiness, workforce, and incentives that truly move projects, with lessons pulled from recent wins. You will hear how regional partners compete hard yet market the South as one powerful brand. If you want candid insig...

On this episode, Matthew welcomes Will Williams, a leader in South Carolina economic development, for a wide-ranging and engaging conversation. Will shares his personal journey, including growing up in Georgetown and leading significant economic development efforts across the state. The discussion highlights South Carolina’s economic transformation, marked by billions in new investments, strategic...

Rob Camoin joins the episode to reflect on his unconventional path into economic development, sparked by a chance encounter while bartending. He explores the rise of remote work, the evolving mission of Camoin Associates, and the South’s growing edge in foreign direct investment. The conversation touches on key industry issues—from housing and childcare challenges to workforce readiness and collab...

The Southern Economic Development Council (SEDC) podcast returns with an engaging episode previewing the upcoming SEDC annual conference in Oklahoma City, held August 10-12. Host Matt Tackett is joined by economic development leaders Jana Dyke, Andrea Anderson, and Maggie Froman, who share insights into planning this year’s event, highlight key sessions—including a groundbreaking agriculture-focus...

In the final episode from the 2025 #AmericanSouth Site Selection Summit, host Ray Methvin is joined by Susan Donkers for a thoughtful conversation on leadership, adaptability, and what’s next for economic development in the South. With insights drawn from real-world experience and a passion for place-based strategy, Susan shares lessons learned and inspiring perspectives on how practitioners can c...

Join host Ray Methvin on the SEDC Podcast as he sits down with Tim Weston and John Bozek for a candid conversation on site selection trends, regional growth strategies, and what’s next for economic development in the American South. The SEDC Podcast is Sponsored by Insyteful.

In this episode, host Ray Methvin sits down with Joe Hines and Marcus Taylor to explore how communities across the South can move from planning to execution. From site readiness and infrastructure investment to building trust with stakeholders, they discuss the nuts and bolts of preparing for growth — and the strategies that turn potential into projects. The SEDC Podcast is Sponsored by Insyteful.

What does it take to future-proof communities in a rapidly shifting economic landscape? In this episode, host Ray Methvin welcomes Tim Gibbs and Chris Lloyd for a forward-thinking conversation on innovation, infrastructure, and investment trends shaping the next chapter of the #AmericanSouth. From megaproject readiness to regional strategy, they explore how economic developers can stay ahead of th...

In this episode, host Ray Methvin is joined by Lyle Roggow and Mark Litten for a deep dive into what it takes to position communities for long-term economic success. From cultivating strong local leadership to creating shovel-ready sites and telling compelling stories to prospects, they share practical strategies and proven approaches that drive real impact across the Southern region.

In this episode of the SEDC Podcast, host Ray Methvin sits down with Lori Hughley, Valerie Gray, and Jim Byard for a candid conversation on the realities, challenges, and opportunities facing economic developers across the American South. From workforce to policy, and from rural innovation to regional collaboration, these seasoned professionals share real-world insights and lessons learned from th...