The SEDC Podcast

Host Ray Methvin has conversations with Scott Martinez and Larkin Simpson, two influential voices in the Southern Economic Development Council. Together, they dive into the forces shaping investment decisions, regional competitiveness, and what’s next for site selection across the American South. The SEDC Podcast is Sponsored by Insyteful.

Join host Ray Methvin for a dynamic conversation from the 2025 #AmericanSouth Site Selection Summit. In this episode, Ray is joined by industry leaders David McNamara and Greg Word to explore emerging trends, strategic insights, and what’s ahead for site selection and economic development across the South. The SEDC Podcast is Sponsored by Insyteful.

Join host Ray Methvin for a dynamic opening conversation of the 2025 #AmericanSouth Site Selection Summit. In this special episode, Ray is joined by industry leaders Jana Dyke and Matt Francis to explore emerging trends, strategic insights, and what’s ahead for site selection and economic development across the South. The SEDC Podcast is Sponsored by Insyteful.

In this episode, SEDC President Matthew Tackett sits down with Lucas Witt, founding partner of MWM Consulting, to explore his unexpected path into economic development—from early startup work to a key role at the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development and the launch of his own firm. They discuss Kentucky’s momentum in site readiness, the success of the Product Development Initiative, and trends...

In this episode, Matt sits down with Mandy Mitchell, President and CEO of the Lafayette Economic Development Authority, to talk about how Louisiana made the most of the Super Bowl to attract new business and highlight its economic strengths. They discuss the state’s major developments, from significant venture capital investments to workforce development and the rebranding of the Louisiana Economi...

Join Matthew Tackett as he chats with Bruce Tackefman from Research FDI about their global impact on economic development, from FDI certification to clean tech opportunities in the American South. They dive into what’s driving international investment, the importance of partnerships, and how to market effectively. Along the way, they share laughs over New Year’s celebrations, dream jobs, and even...

In this episode, Bill Cork, Executive Director of the Mississippi Development Authority, highlights the state’s $21 billion in investments and 20,000 new jobs since 2021. He attributes this success to Mississippi’s strategic leadership, geographic advantages, and Southern hospitality, offering listeners a look at how collaboration drives transformative growth. Bill also shares his career journey,...

In this special holiday episode, the legendary Santa Claus takes center stage! Listeners will hear exclusive stories from Santa's workshop about innovation, workforce development, and global logistics strategies that make his annual operations successful. From managing a highly skilled team of elves to optimizing his distribution network for same-night delivery, Santa's approach to supply chain ma...

Join us for an engaging conversation with Clint O’Neal , Executive Director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, as he shares his insights into driving growth and innovation in the Natural State. From fostering industry partnerships to unlocking the potential of communities, Clint discusses the strategies shaping Arkansas’s economic future. Plus, don’t miss the fun as Clint takes on ou...

Join Matt Tackett and Tyler Chaffee of TVA as they dive into their journeys in economic development, sharing both personal and professional insights. In this episode, they explore their roles in driving regional growth, the rapid changes shaping the South, and the critical role of collaboration and relationship-building in their field. You'll also hear candid stories from their conference experien...

The SEDC Podcast Presented by Insyteful is live at the Council's Annual Conference in Savannah, Georgia. Scarlett Darius, Daughter of SEDC Director of Operations Matthew Darius, had fun playing with the Podcast equipment. Blooper Reel ahead!

The SEDC Podcast Presented by Insyteful is live at the Council's Annual Conference in Savannah, Georgia. Ashley Llewellyn from the St. Tammany Corp joins us to host and welcome Kelli Kedis Ogborn from the Space Foundation and Alexander MacDonald from NASA.

The SEDC Podcast Presented by Insyteful is live at the Council's Annual Conference in Savannah, Georgia. Ashley Llewellyn from the St. Tammany Corp joins us to host and welcome Myrah Johnson, daughter of SEDC Communications Committee Chair Kevin Johnson.

The SEDC Podcast Presented by Insyteful is live at the Council's Annual Conference in Savannah, Georgia. Ashley Llewellyn from the St. Tammany Corp joins us to host and welcome Shelby Zaricor and Parker Wyatt from Global Location Strategies.

The SEDC Podcast Presented by Insyteful is live at the Council's Annual Conference in Savannah, Georgia. Ashley Llewellyn from the St. Tammany Corp joins us to host and welcome Cheri Hughes from ACT, Inc.

The SEDC Podcast Presented by Insyteful is live at the Council's Annual Conference in Savannah, Georgia. Ashley Llewellyn from the St. Tammany Corp joins us to host and welcome Craig Buerstatte from the United States EDA.

The SEDC Podcast, Presented by Insyteful, welcomes North Carolina Southeast's Joe Melvin. Tune in to learn about North Carolina's advantages and opportunities and hear Joe take on a special edition of the ResearchFDI Uncensored Seat.  

Continuing our series of podcasts LIVE from the #AmericanSouth Site Selection Summit , our friend and podcast sponsor, Ray Methvin of Insyteful, interviews Tess Fay from Global Location Strategies.

Continuing our series of podcasts LIVE from the #AmericanSouth Site Selection Summit , our friend and podcast sponsor, Ray Methvin of Insyteful, interviews Michael Schmidt from Lea A Daley and Susan Donkers from Strata Platforms.

Continuing our series of podcasts LIVE from the #AmericanSouth Site Selection Summit , our friend and podcast sponsor, Ray Methvin of Insyteful, interviews Jim Byard of Byard Associates and Melody Whitten from the Alabama Community College System.

Continuing our series of podcasts LIVE from the #AmericanSouth Site Selection Summit , our friend and podcast sponsor, Ray Methvin of Insyteful, interviews Chris Johnson from Johnston County, NC Economic Development, and Jay Garner of Garner Economics.

Continuing our series of podcasts LIVE from the #AmericanSouth Site Selection Summit , our friend and podcast sponsor, Ray Methvin of Insyteful, interviews Blair Westmoreland from DuCharme, McMillen & Associates, and Cedric Colbert from Global Location Strategies.

Closing out day one LIVE from the #AmericanSouth Site Selection Summit , our friend and podcast sponsor, Ray Methvin of Insyteful, interviews SEDC President Matt Tackett to give us a recap of day one.

Continuing our series of podcasts LIVE from the #AmericanSouth Site Selection Summit , our friend and podcast sponsor, Ray Methvin of Insyteful, interviews Tim Weston and Courtland Robinson from Brasfield & Gorrie.

Continuing our series of podcasts LIVE from the #AmericanSouth Site Selection Summit , our friend and podcast sponsor, Ray Methvin of Insyteful, interviews Matt Francis from Resimplifi and Bryan Rothamel from Culpeper County, Virginia.