Econ Dev Show Podcast - Economic Development

In this riveting episode of the Econ Dev Show Podcast, host Dane Carlson chats with Courtney Zaugg, an industry expert in entrepreneurship and economic development. The two kick off their conversation with an exploration into the unique mindset of entrepreneurship, particularly the necessity of adaptability and the acceptance of failure. As they delve further, the discussion uncovers the limitatio...

In this episode, Dane Carlson interviews Cameron Law, the executive director of the Carlsen Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Sacramento. Cameron delves into the center's mission to support entrepreneurs and drive economic development in the region. He provides valuable insights into the various industries thriving in Sacramento, including food and agriculture, life sciences, and clean...

Join Dane as he dives deep into the intricacies of the Jones Act with guest Colin Grabow, a research fellow at the Cato Institute’s Herbert A. Stiefel Center for Trade Policy Studies. In this episode, we discuss the requirements and implications of the Jones Act, and how it affects the cost and efficiency of shipping within the United States. Colin provides an in-depth analysis of the Act's effect...

In today's episode of the Econ Dev Show Podcast, Dane unpacks the dynamic puzzle of industrial growth and community development in the charming realm of Franklin, Virginia, known for its beautiful blend of agricultural roots and emerging industries. It's an intriguing tale that unfolds with our esteemed guest, Karl Heck, a man who knows a thing or two about economic development since he's the Pres...

In this episode, Dane sparks an engaging conversation with Lina Rugova, the founder, and president of Emerge and Rise, a nonprofit business incubator in San Antonio, Texas. Lina provides an insider's look into the role and importance of business incubators for budding entrepreneurs and the support she provides to startups to not just survive, but thrive. Following a compelling discussion on the in...

In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson discusses the book "From Relevant to Essential: Five Key Insights for Chambers of Commerce" by Casey Steinbach. It addresses the tension between serving individual businesses (the "me" members) and focusing on supporting the community as a whole (the "we" members). Carlson appreciates how the author recognizes that there are different types of mem...

In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, host Dane Carlson shares his experiences using the AI tool ChatGPT for economic development tasks. Built for interacting with OpenAI's models, the chatbot's capacity to understand and generate human-like text has made it a radically transformative tool. Dane talks about various applications for AI technology in economic development and compares it to other aut...

In this episode, Dane has an in-depth conversation with Jose Alfaro, CEO of CO.STARTERS, a dynamic entrepreneurial accelerator program designed to equip creative entrepreneurs with the necessary skills and support to turn their passion into a profitable business. Jose shared the inspiring journey of CO.STARTERS, from its beginnings in Chattanooga, Tennessee, inspired by a desire to revitalize the...

In this Econ Dev Show podcast episode, Dane Carlson interviews Alia Abbas, former Economic Development Officer for the City of Toronto, who shares her insights on business continuity, the importance of small businesses in community development, and the concept of "employment lands" in Canada. Alia emphasizes the crucial role of small and family-owned businesses as advocates and champions for their...

Welcome to the inaugural edition of Ask Dane. Every week, you ask, and I answer. Sometimes the questions only need short answers, and other-times they require tons of research or contemplation. This issue is a little of both. Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps!

Kathleen McQuaid Holdridge, Jessica Packard, and Dane Carlson delve deep into the world of Generation Z, exploring their unique characteristics, values, and preferences that are shaping today's marketing landscape. Our expert guests discuss strategies for successfully marketing to this powerful demographic, including embracing authenticity, leveraging multiple platforms, and focusing on visual sto...

In this action-packed episode of the Econ Dev Show, host Dane Carlson talks with Mark Litten, VP of Economic Development at Putnam County Chamber of Commerce, about his transition from basketball officiating to empowering small communities. Mark shares insights on local-level involvement, the importance of marketing for smaller communities, and the potential impact of eliminating Enterprise Florid...

In this episode, Dane talks with Professor Todd Gabe. He is a professor of Economics at the University of Maine , author of the textbook, The Pursuit of Economic Development: Growing Good Jobs in U.S. Cities and States . He also publishes content from his classes, book, and other research on YouTube . Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps!

In this episode, Dane talks with David Thornell, the author of Small Town Solutions: An Economic Development Guide for Small Communities with BIG Dreams , and founder of Small Town Solutions Consulting . He retired after 40+ years of service to community and economic development organizations mainly in rural environments, and now provides specialized consulting. Like this show? Please leave us a r...

Nationally, outdoor recreation is a $788 billion dollar industry, accounting for 2.1% of U.S. GDP and 5.2 million jobs in 2019. In North Carolina, the outdoor recreation economy accounted for 2 percent ($12.1 billion) of the state GDP and created 151,661 jobs in the state. Thomas Salley, the director of tourism for the City of Wilkesboro, North Carolina knows this all too well. He's an integral pa...

Dane wants to start producing video content for the Econ Dev Show Podcast, but first, he must get comfortable on camera. And the best way that he's found to get over his fear of almost anything is to just do it! Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps!

In this episode, Dane talks to Tom Wengler. In just 20 minutes, they explain how the best economic development marketing teams stay in front of site selectors and business executives who've visited their websites. Tom explains how to stay top of mind with these people to get more leads. Plus, you'll learn how advertisers target you with ads too. You can use this knowledge as part of your Business...

In this episode, Dane talks with Cody Morrison about childcare as an economic development priority. Cody is the Executive Director of the Monadnock Economic Development Corporation in Keene, New Hampshire. The MEDC has taken a leading role in working to improve the number of childcare providers in their region. Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Special Guest:...

Last week, Wendy Rosen wrote an open letter to President Biden calling on the federal government to help rebuild Made in America. Her letter "Dear President Biden, Rebuild Made in America," struck a cord with Dane, and he brought her on the show to talk about it, and her experiences and insight. Wendy Rosen is the founder of the American Made Show, the national trade show for American made product...

In this episode, Dane talks with Martin Vanags . According to Martin, climate change is the single biggest challenge we face as humans... however it can also be the single greatest opportunity for economic developers to reframe their attraction, retention and workforce strategies for a positive outcome. What will it take to change the narrative and reframe the question for ED professionals so that...

Colin Holloway is the Economic Development and Communications Officer for the town of Clarenville in the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Town of Clarenville is a regional service hub which provides government and retail services to a broader regional population of 35,000 residents. The town has a multitude of local assets which, with the right marketing and exposure, can draw v...

W Ford Graham is an expert on investment from Europe into the United States. In this episode, we pick his brain on this timely geopolitical economic development topic. Unfortunately, Ford's audio isn't great in some parts. (This was totally my fault!) But the episode is so relavent that I didn't want you to miss it. Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Special G...

Joe Sayre has only been an economic developer for about six months, but he's found the profession a marriage of all that he's done before and his love for community service. He's worked in a variety of jobs and industries... from accounting in the semi-conductor world, to recruiting in higher education, to business development for a mobile sports wagering platform provider. At the same time, he's...

In this episode, Dane talks business attraction with Lenora Fisher, the Director of Business Attraction at Greater Peoria Economic Development Council. Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Special Guest: Lenora Fisher.

In this episode, Dane talks to himself about site RFIs, and why we don't figure them out in advance? Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps!