ShovelTalk: An Economic Development Podcast

The future of workforce development looks bright in east-central Nebraska, where the York County Development Corporation recently completed efforts to raise more than $10 million for a new Regional Workforce Development Center. We'll learn more about that project from YCDC Executive Director Lisa Hurley and discover the unique opportunities this project will create for employers, existing emp...

Newberry, FL has a proud agricultural heritage, but what's happening there today could help shape the future of farming while boosting the city's economy. The city's developing AgFood Tech Innovation Park recently announced plans for a 325,000-square-foot hydroponic greenhouse that will produce up to four tons of leafy greens daily while creating more than 50 jobs paying an average...

As a smaller city situated near a larger metropolitan area, Sherwood, AR sometimes has trouble standing out. In this episode of ShovelTalk, Sherwood Mayor Mary Jo Heye-Townsell talks about how she has emphasized placemaking and quality of life enhancements to draw residents and businesses to the city. Hear what Heye-Townsell has to say to Golden Shovel Agency President Bethany Quinn about efforts...

Wyandotte County, Kansas has seen a remarkable $3 billion in investment over the past three years, and they expect even more in the years ahead. In our latest Shovel Talk episode, Wyandotte Economic Development Council President Greg Kindle talks about how his organization attracted that investment plus an estimated $10 billion over the next five years by focusing on what his community does well,...

The future of aviation is coming, whether or not you're ready for it.  In this fascinating episode, we sit down with Golden Shovel Agency co-founder and aviation enthusiast Ron Kresha to talk about how developments including autonomous aircraft and electric VTOLs will make air travel more personal and more accessible. Critically, Ron also explains why communities with airports of any size ris...

What's the secret to success? In Roswell-Chaves County, it's all about going the extra mile to make sure everyone feels supported.  On the latest ShovelTalk episode, host Bethany Quinn sits down with Michael Espiritu, President & CEO of the Roswell–Chaves County Economic Development Corporation to talk about managing expectations in a rural community and how a commitment to exceeding...

What if the future of America’s small towns isn’t decline—but possibility? In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Jerry Foster, Small Town Champion at Resource Bank, to explore how communities of all sizes are turning vision into reality. Born and raised in rural Illinois, Jerry has spent years helping small towns rediscover their strengths, connect to resources, and take meaningful action to...

Hugh McDonald, Arkansas Secretary of Commerce, joins ShovelTalk to unpack how a “small but mighty” state has become home to global giants like Walmart, Tyson Foods, J.B. Hunt—and now a $4 billion Google data center. In this conversation with Golden Shovel’s Bethany Quinn, McDonald shares the strategy behind Arkansas’ recent wins and what other states and regions can learn from their approach. You’...

In this episode, we sit down with Shirar O’Connor, Vice President of Marketing at AdvanceCT, to explore how clarity, creativity, and strategy come together in one of the nation’s most successful economic development websites—recently honored with a Gold Award from IEDC. With nearly three decades of experience spanning the U.S., U.K., Netherlands, and beyond, Shirar offers a rare, global perspectiv...

Fort Worth has just become the 11th largest city in the U.S.—surpassing Austin—and it’s not slowing down. In this episode, Robert Allen, President & CEO of the Fort Worth Economic Development Partnership, shares how the city is balancing big-league business attraction with strong support for small businesses, entrepreneurs, and residents. From aerospace and logistics to film, TV, and vibrant d...

What happens when a former TV news anchor trades the bright lights of the city for the charm of rural America? In this episode, we sit down with Cory Hepola, host of the hit docuseries My Town, to explore the heart, hustle, and hidden treasures of small-town life. Cory shares his personal journey from dreaming of the big city to rediscovering the magic of small communities—and how My Town is rewri...

Inclusive economic development means creating opportunities for everyone in the community to build wealth. But, how do we do that as economic developers? NGIN's Senior Advisor, Cuevas Peacock shares his insights and information on a grant program that can help your community to increase capacity and bring about transformative change.

Christophe Trahan shares his team’s approach to BR&E, why relationships matter and how deep conversations are producing economic opportunities for local businesses and the foreign companies growing in this Northeast Texas community. Listen for Christophe’s tips on how communities of any size can use BR&E to create a positive economic impact.  

The Iowa Lakes Corridor is conducting 11% of all BR&E visits in the state of Iowa. In this episode, Golden Shovel's Bethany Quinn is joined by Curt Strouth, President & CEO, and Joanne Follon, Business Retention and Workforce Partnership Coordinator for an engaging discussion on BR&E best practices, how to develop a good program and the joy of making an impact. Learn more about th...

In advance of Mid-America EDC's Best Practices Conference we sat down with Erin Sparks, Economic Development Lead at Great River Energy and 2nd Vice President for Mid-America EDC. Erin shares a preview of what economic developers can expect to learn at the conference, along with the fun activities that are planned. She also shares invaluable insights from her journey in economic development,...

In this episode, Bethany Quinn, President of Golden Shovel, sits down with Marvin Price, Executive Vice President of the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce, to discuss how strategic vision, perseverance, and regional collaboration led to over $16 billion in capital investment and 10,000 new jobs in just four years. Marvin shares the behind-the-scenes story of how Greensboro secured the Toyota project...

Brent Christensen, President/CEO of the Minnesota Telecom Alliance, fondly remembers tinkering as a child in the offices of Christensen Communications Company in Madelia. Much has changed over his 30-year career, but his passion for bringing people together remains constant. Tune in to hear his vision for the future of telecommunications and the crucial role local providers can play in economic de...

Join Chris Suozzi, aka Coach Swazz, Executive Vice President of Business and Workforce Development at the Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC), as he shares his innovative approach to engaging youth in high-demand careers. From the successful "GLOW With Your Hands" event to youth apprenticeship programs, Chris offers practical strategies for economic developers to partner w...

A 500-acre mixed-use master plan takes years of planning and partnering with diverse organizations and stakeholders. Brian Rademacher, Director of Economic Development at the City of Ormond Beach, was the right person to shepherd Ormond Crossings through this process. A strong advocate for strategic planning and regional partnerships, with a background in transportation, Brian shares his unique pe...

Michael Darger has spent the last 25 years at the University of Minnesota, the last 21 of which has been focused on Business Retention & Expansion, and lately Business Succession and Transition (BST). In this episode of ShovelTalk, Michael shares insights from their original research on what business owners care about when making a transition and who they are having transition conversations wi...

In this episode of ShovelTalk, Aaron Brossoit, CEO of Golden Shovel Agency has an in-depth conversation with Eric Canada, a well known thought leader in the economic development field and author of Economic Development for the Team. Eric shares key insights from his book, emphasizing how teamwork and collaboration are critical to driving community success. Whether you're an economic developer...

Donald Iannone is a professor who has created economic development strategies for over forty communities. His latest book explores what it means to achieve the American Dream for diverse generations and people, how economic developers can help them to achieve it, and the foundational importance of democracy and freedom. Then ask yourself - how do you define the American Dream?

How do you become a pilot? How can a local airport become a tourist destination? Join us for a conversation with Kyle Wensmann as he presents strategies community leaders can implement to create general aviation opportunities. 

Lindsay Rubeniuk is passionate about growing rural communities. Her work in the Canadian Prairies has been transformative. Listen to discover how you can implement an immigration talent attraction strategy.

Suzie Kenner is the Executive Director of the Tourism Division of the Devils Lake Area Chamber of Commerce (and of the Chamber). Since 2009, she has been promoting the City of Devils Lake, mostly in the leisure market, as a top hunting and fishing destination, growing tourism to become the #2 economic driver for the community.  She joined us on Shovel Talk to share actionable tips and strategies t...