EDO Breakthrough

Clarence Hulse is one of the few individuals in the industry who actively sought out a career in economic development. In this episode, we discuss lifelong learning, reverse mentorship, and the programs Michigan City is implementing to attract and develop its workforce. Key Takeaways: How being in the private sector of real estate has made him a better economic developer Why “inclusive” economic d...

Sandy Castor shares her perspective on how transportation and economic development work together, professional development opportunities, and the power of mentorship. We also discuss “soft” skills, saying yes more, and her accidental path to economic development. Key Takeaways: Why access to transportation *is* economic development The difference between mentors, advisors, and sponsors How “soft s...

This week’s episode is all about Economic Development Week, and how you can leverage it to share your EDO’s story with your local community. Economic Developers rarely promote their efforts or teams, and this is the perfect opportunity to do that!  Key Takeaways: Best practices and tips for a successful event, including using Earned and Owned media Utilizing and training volunteers How MEDA has be...

Ebonie Atkins, Managing Director of Henrico Economic Development Authority, shares tips for networking and creating relationships. We also discuss business retention tactics, regionalism, partnerships, and teaching economic geography. Key Takeaways: Tips for creating relationships in a people-focused industry  How to work with local partners for business retention efforts Balancing data and storyt...

Amanda Ellis, Editor-in-Chief for Livability.com, shares how EDOs can leverage storytelling when marketing their communities. In this episode, we discuss workforce trends like hybrid working and relocating, how AI will affect search engine optimization for prospects, and why professional development opportunities are so important for retaining employees. Key Takeaways: How communities can leverage...

Now working as a partner of an EDO, Zach Gilmore shares what it’s like to transition from a typical economic development role to supporting businesses more directly, his perspective on challenges that businesses are facing today, and how economic developers can leverage their local SBDC offices. Key Takeaways: How to get your stakeholders to understand and support your EDO How (and why) economic d...

Maria Satira, Director of Marketing and Communications for the Greeneville ENC Alliance, shares tips for knowing your audience, being the first person in a role, and staying in the know about PR. In this episode, we dive deep into all things marketing, and p.s., if you’re an economic developer – that means we’re talking to you too!  Key Takeaways: Transferable skills from news anchoring to economi...

Andy Donahue, State Director of the Minnesota SBDC, shares how entrepreneurship is central to the nuanced, blended relationship between SBDCs, higher education institutions, and economic development organizations. We also discuss regionalism, talent retention efforts, and involvement with IEDC. For anyone aiming for a significant promotion, he also shares insights into working at the center level...

Welcome to EDO Breakthrough - the podcast where we tackle economic development challenges head on!  From small towns to bustling cities, every place has its own hurdles to overcome. The EDO Breakthrough podcast creates an environment of collaboration, innovation, and understanding where we can share our real-life challenges and brainstorm solutions.  I’m your host, Sandy Dubay, a certified economi...