The Economic Pulse: Insights for Success

Our hosts invited Chuck Peters, Managing Parter of Altair Real Estate to discuss the planning and process of the Millcreek Township Gateway Project here in Erie County, PA. Hosts: Tina Mengine - CEO of Erie County Redevelopment Authority Laith Wardi - President & Founder of ExecutivePulse

The Director of Economic Development for Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, Canada, Eve O'Leary was our guest, as she discussed BRE strategies in her region in Western Canada with a focus on enhancing key clusters of job creation. Hosts: Tina Mengine - CEO of Erie County Redevelopment Authority Laith Wardi - President & Founder of ExecutivePulse

Our hosts welcome back former IEDC President and the "Jimmy Page of Economic Development" Jeff Finkle to discuss federal policies and their impact on economic development across the country. Hosts: Tina Mengine - CEO of Erie County Redevelopment Authority Laith Wardi - President & Founder of ExecutivePulse

We welcomed marketing strategy consultant Christine Rambo, President and Founder of Upsize Marketing Strategies to discussed effective communications and brand building for a region. Hosts: Tina Mengine - CEO of Erie County Redevelopment Authority Laith Wardi - President & Founder of ExecutivePulse

Our guest was retired Erie County Judge Ernie DeSantis, who chaired the steering committee of the Emerge 2040 countywide strategic plan. Hosts: Tina Mengine - CEO of Erie County Redevelopment Authority Laith Wardi - President & Founder of ExecutivePulse

In this episode, Alia Abbas, CEO and Founder of Alia Consulting discussed opportunities and challenges for growing businesses and jobs in the Great Lakes region of the U.S. and Canada. Hosts: Tina Mengine - CEO of Erie County Redevelopment Authority Laith Wardi - President & Founder of ExecutivePulse

Your hosts along with show producer Joel Natalie discussed changes in trade policy coming out of Washington, and how they impact economic vitality due to the lack of workforce in the U.S. Hosts: Tina Mengine - CEO of Erie County Redevelopment Authority Laith Wardi - President & Founder of ExecutivePulse

Our hosts welcomed principals from Erie's City Revitalization & Improvement Zone Authority to discuss the major economic impact this development will mean for the community. Our guests were Erie CRIZ Executive Director Brian Polito, and Authority board member Katrina Vincent. Hosts: Tina Mengine - CEO of Erie County Redevelopment Authority Laith Wardi - President & Founder of Executive...

Kim Thomas of Infinite Erie joined our hosts to discuss the Rapid Response initiative put into play in Erie to address the funding gap for local refugee resettlement agencies greatly affected by a federal freeze on reimbursements. Hosts: Tina Mengine - CEO of Erie County Redevelopment Authority Laith Wardi - President & Founder of ExecutivePulse

Darin Hamm, Tourism and Business Development Director of the City of Castroville, TX, joined Laith and producer Joel Natalie for a conversation about growing economic opportunities in and around a culturally-sensitive and historic district. Hosts: Tina Mengine - CEO of Erie County Redevelopment Authority Laith Wardi - President & Founder of ExecutivePulse

Our hosts leaned into the experience of Carol Kilko, a veteran of economic development in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, as they discussed different initiatives in attraction, BRE, and workforce development over the years. Hosts: Tina Mengine - CEO of Erie County Redevelopment Authority Laith Wardi - President & Founder of ExecutivePulse

Our hosts discussed the broad efforts it takes to rebuild a local workforce development system with Diana Dodd, Assistant Director of the Leavenworth County (KS) Development Corporation. Hosts: Tina Mengine - CEO of Erie County Redevelopment Authority Laith Wardi - President & Founder of ExecutivePulse

Your hosts along with producer Joel discussed the latest economic development news coming out of Erie, and what's challenges and opportunities lie ahead in 2025. Hosts: Tina Mengine - CEO of Erie County Redevelopment Authority Laith Wardi - President & Founder of ExecutivePulse

The President and CEO of the Erie Community Foundation, Karen Biloweth shared the work of this 90 year old local institution, who has pivoted beyond its role as a grant funder, to an impact investor. Hosts: Tina Mengine - CEO of Erie County Redevelopment Authority Laith Wardi - President & Founder of ExecutivePulse

Our hosts welcomed Kaley Holyfield and Wendy Lopez of the Wyoming Business Council to discuss economic development and workforce strategies in the context of a state with the smallest population in the US. Hosts: Tina Mengine - CEO of Erie County Redevelopment Authority Laith Wardi - President & Founder of ExecutivePulse

Laith and Tina welcomed Jeremy Young, CEO of Federal Resources Corporation to the studio for an in-depth discussion of the triumphs and challenges of operating a cutting-edge tech company outside of the typical tech hubs. Hosts: Tina Mengine - CEO of Erie County Redevelopment Authority Laith Wardi - President & Founder of ExecutivePulse

Ohio ED expert Erik Collins, City of Centerville, OH Development Director talks priorities for business attraction, retention, and expansion. Hosts: Tina Mengine - CEO of Erie County Redevelopment Authority Laith Wardi - President & Founder of ExecutivePulse

Laith and Tina interviewed Bradford R. Ehrhart, President of the Portage (OH) Development Board, who spoke of maximizing the strategic location of the county he represents, and how regional and state partnerships enhance company attraction and retention. Hosts: Tina Mengine - CEO of Erie County Redevelopment Authority Laith Wardi - President & Founder of ExecutivePulse

Dr. Perry Wood, Executive Director of the Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority joined Laith and guest co-host Kim Thomas for a discussion of Erie community priorities, including a local child-care strategy. Hosts: Tina Mengine - CEO of Erie County Redevelopment Authority Laith Wardi - President & Founder of ExecutivePulse

Our hosts interviewed Josh Ward, VP of Industrial Development of the Clarksville-Montgomery County Economic Development Council in Tennessee, as they discussed the strategic development of a child care campus located in the Council's business park. Hosts: Tina Mengine - CEO of Erie County Redevelopment Authority Laith Wardi - President & Founder of ExecutivePulse

Laith and Tina, along with producer Joel Natalie share hopes and aspirations for themselves and for Erie's economy and quality of life. Hosts: Tina Mengine - CEO of Erie County Redevelopment Authority Laith Wardi - President & Founder of ExecutivePulse

Infinite Erie, the broad-based initiative behind moving game-changing projects in Erie forward, was the topic this week on the Economic Pulse, with Executive Director Kim Thomas our guest. Hosts: Tina Mengine - CEO of Erie County Redevelopment Authority Laith Wardi - President & Founder of ExecutivePulse

Discussing the empowerment and prosperity mission for Erie’s Black community of Erie's Black Wall Street. Kyra Taylor, Executive Director, and Dr. Rhonda Matthews, Chief Operating Officer were our guests, while Laith was joined by guest co-host Kim Thomas of Infinite Erie. Hosts: Tina Mengine - CEO of Erie County Redevelopment Authority Laith Wardi - President & Founder of ExecutivePulse

In the middle of a disaster declaration after a historic snow storm in Erie County, PA, Laith and Tina, along with producer Joel Natalie discuss recovery efforts and its impact on the local economy. Hosts: Tina Mengine - CEO of Erie County Redevelopment Authority Laith Wardi - President & Founder of ExecutivePulse

Dale Wheeldon and Colleen Bond, international economic development experts based in British Columbia, discuss training and truth-telling for elected officials in the realm of economic development. Hosts: Tina Mengine - CEO of Erie County Redevelopment Authority Laith Wardi - President & Founder of ExecutivePulse