Econ Dev Show Podcast - Economic Development

In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson talks with David Parker of the Bermuda Business Development Agency about how a small island became a global powerhouse in reinsurance and is now strategically diversifying its economy. David explains Bermuda’s unique “triangle” of government, regulator, and private sector alignment, the role of regulatory innovation like sandboxes, and how the agency targets the right companies using data and intelligence. The conversation explores investment attraction, high-net-worth migration programs, and why Bermuda focuses less on competing broadly and more on being the obvious choice for specific industries and business models. Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! 10 Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers Focus on becoming the best location for a specific niche instead of competing broadly. Align government, regulators, and private sector around a shared vision to create a unified value proposition. Use data and intelligence to target companies that are a strong fit rather than marketing to everyone. Build strong aftercare programs so existing companies become your best ambassadors. Develop regulatory flexibility (like sandboxes) to attract innovative industries. Think of your community as a launchpad into larger markets, not just a standalone market. Prioritize certainty and stability, especially when targeting global investors and firms. Engage high-net-worth individuals as network multipliers, not just direct investors. Invest in research capacity internally to guide strategy and outreach. Continuously advocate for policy and regulatory improvements to stay competitive. Special Guest: David Parker.Links:David Parker | LinkedInHomepage | Bermuda BDA

Tim Hanigan, CEO of the Aberdeen Development Corporation and long-time rural economic developer, talks about how a town of 30,000 builds a diverse micropolitan economy. He covers shovel-ready sites, revolving loan funds, regional labor sheds, quick coordination across agencies, and practical strategies for housing, childcare, and workforce support. Short, tactical approaches that scale for small communities.

In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson talks with Taylor Stepp, Founder and President of Strategic Development Partners, about the real role incentives play in economic development deals. Drawing on experience working with corporations and communities across the country, Taylor explains how incentives influence project internal rate of return, why applicability and customization matter more than flashy packages, and how responsiveness and speed from local governments can win projects even when incentive dollars are smaller. The conversation also explores how communities can structure clearer processes, communicate timelines, and position themselves to compete more effectively for major investment. Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Special Guest: Taylor Stepp.Sponsored By:Sitehunt: If your property data is scattered or out of date, you're losing projects. Sitehunt gives economic developers an AI-powered property database and instant RFI responses. Schedule a demo today!Links:Strategic Development PartnersTaylor Stepp, CEcD | LinkedInStrategic Development Partners | LinkedInHow to Spot a Community That’s Ready for Your Investment - Area DevelopmentMidwest becomes hotspot for semiconductor manufacturing and supply industries - Area DevelopmentHeritage Drums — Taylor runs a national drum shop, Heritage Drums, where they rehabilitate and ship drums across the country.

In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson talks with Lyndsay Wisneski, Chief Marketing Officer of the Greater Yuma Economic Development Corporation, about how storytelling and modern marketing strategies can transform economic development. Lyndsay shares how Yuma built a powerful regional brand through industry-focused mini-documentaries, digital advertising campaigns, and a coordinated content strategy that turns a single video project into years of marketing assets. She explains how even small communities can market themselves effectively by highlighting local companies, repurposing content across platforms, and tracking real marketing ROI. The conversation explores why economic development should focus less on static statistics and more on authentic stories that help companies, site selectors, and residents connect emotionally with a place. Like this show? Please leave us a review here. 10 Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers Let companies tell your story. Interviews with CEOs and business leaders are more persuasive than marketing copy. Create industry-focused content that explains why companies in each sector succeed in your region. Turn one project into many assets: long videos, short clips, photos, reports, and social media content. Use short video ads to drive viewers to longer storytelling pieces on your website or YouTube. Track website visitors and identify companies researching your region. Send periodic industry-specific newsletters highlighting local expansions, infrastructure, and investment. Use LinkedIn and targeted digital ads to stay visible to site selectors and executives. Repurpose marketing content across guides, one-pagers, websites, and presentations. Hire local creative talent who can update or expand your content over time. Apply for marketing awards to boost credibility and morale inside your organization and community. Special Guest: Lyndsay Wisneski.Sponsored By:Sitehunt: If your property data is scattered or out of date, you're losing projects. Sitehunt gives economic developers an AI-powered property database and instant RFI responses. Schedule a demo today!Links:Lyndsay Wisneski | LinkedInGYEDC - YouTubeGreater Yuma Economic Development CorporationYuma Industry GuideGreater Yuma Economic Development Corporation: LinkedinContagious: Why Things Catch On by Jonah Berger — "In this book, Berger breaks down the science behind why some ideas, products, and stories spread widely while others fade into obscurity. Rather than leaving “virality” to chance or big advertising budgets, he identifies six key principles; Social Currency, Triggers, Emotion, Public, Practical Value, and Stories, that help explain why people share what they share and how marketers can intentionally craft content that spreads. What made Contagious particularly influential to me is how it reframes marketing from broadcasting messages to creating content and experiences that people want to talk about and can’t help sharing with others. It’s taught me that effective marketing isn’t just creative, it is rooted in understanding human psychology, what motivates people to share, and how to design campaigns that become part of everyday conversations, not just interruptions."

In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson talks with Eric Voyles, Executive Vice President and Chief Economic Development Officer for TexAmericas Center, about how a former 8,900-acre military installation became one of the most innovative redevelopment authorities in the country. Eric explains how eliminating public review delays, investing millions in environmental cleanup, controlling rail and logistics assets, and focusing relentlessly on speed to occupancy have allowed TexAmericas Center to compete for heavy and light manufacturing projects. From creative risk-taking with early-stage companies to clearing 250-acre rail-served sites after losing a deal, this conversation is a masterclass in how data, preparation, and governance alignment drive real economic development results. Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! 10 Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers Make time your primary incentive. If possible, remove unnecessary entitlement layers and compress approval timelines. Speed reduces perceived risk. Self-certify before paying for certification. Develop internal "qualified site" standards so prospects can complete due diligence faster. Track inventory in categories. Move-in ready, construction ready, shovel ready, rail served, etc. Clarity accelerates decisions. Invest after losing. If you lose a project for a specific reason, eliminate that weakness permanently, even if it costs real money. Treat small buildings as assets. Flexible, modular inventory can win projects creatively, even when you lack a single large structure. Control key assets when possible. Owning rail, logistics, or utilities strengthens your value proposition and revenue model. Be willing to take calculated risk on local companies. Early bets on scalable firms can create long-term anchor employers. Align your board around business realities. Populate governance with people who understand customers, not just politics. Operate like a private developer. Use CRM systems, outsourcing where efficient, and disciplined deal flow management. Let data guide strategy. Understand supply and demand curves in your region before pushing incentives or marketing narratives. Special Guest: Eric Voyles.Sponsored By:Econ Dev Pro: Upgrade your subscription and support the Econ Dev Show with a paid membership. Plus AI in Economic Development and other bonuses.Links:TexAmericas CenterEric Voyles | LinkedInFacebook

In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson sits down with Heath Vescovi-Chiordi, Director of Economic Development for Pima County, Arizona, to explore how one of the largest counties in the country balances rural biodiversity, cross-border trade with Mexico, aerospace and optics clusters, semiconductor workforce development, and even controversial data center projects. Heath shares how a four-and-a-half-person team coordinates across municipalities, tribal nations, academia, and public health to execute a regional strategy that blends quantitative results with qualitative community engagement. From a $1.2 billion battery manufacturing project to evolving policies on nondisclosure agreements and enhanced due diligence, this conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at modern county-level economic development in action Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Special Guest: Heath Vescovi-Chiordi.Sponsored By:Sitehunt: If your property data is scattered or out of date, you're losing projects. Sitehunt gives economic developers an AI-powered property database and instant RFI responses. Schedule a demo today!Links:Heath Vescovi-Chiordi, MPA, AZED Pro | LinkedIn — Heath Vescovi-Chiordi, MPA, AZED ProEconomic Development | Pima County, AZ

In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson sits down with Lisa Hurley, Executive Director of the York County Development Corporation in Nebraska, to talk about what modern rural economic development actually looks like on the ground. Lisa shares how York County leverages its logistics position, diversified employers, and growing civic pride while navigating workforce shortages, childcare capacity, housing pressure, and community resistance to change. They discuss talent attraction campaigns, podcasting as an economic development tool, and why rural EDOs must now think far beyond traditional business recruitment. The conversation also explores leadership, burnout, mentoring the next generation of economic developers, and how Lisa is using AI to save time while staying human where it matters most. Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Ten Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers Treat childcare capacity as core economic infrastructure, not a side issue Invest in talent marketing even when results are hard to attribute directly Use layered messaging across state, local, and employer campaigns Build trust by proactively sharing progress and visuals with the community Accept that some resistance to change cannot be resolved, only managed Partner aggressively to avoid owning every initiative yourself Use podcasts and storytelling to humanize your community and organization Leverage AI for HR, editing, and admin work to protect business-facing time Mentor younger economic developers to reduce burnout and build continuity Remember that stopping a bad project can be a win, not a failure Special Guest: Lisa Hurley.Sponsored By:Sitehunt: If your property data is scattered or out of date, you're losing projects. Sitehunt gives economic developers an AI-powered property database and instant RFI responses. Schedule a demo today!Links:York County Dev. Corp.: Promote & Encourage Economic GrowthLisa Hurley | LinkedInWhy York County: 30 Years Strong — Building What’s NextYCDC Debuts Talent Attraction Videos from “The Good Life Is Calling” GrantYCDC Podcast

In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson sits down with Ellie Reynolds, President and CEO of the Douglas County Economic Development Corporation, to unpack how one of Colorado’s fastest-growing counties balances quality of life, infrastructure investment, regulatory realities, and speed-to-market. Ellie shares how Douglas County positions itself along the Front Range, why shovel-ready infrastructure matters more than incentives alone, how cutting red tape became a competitive strategy, and what economic developers can do locally when state-level constraints get in the way. The conversation also dives into AI as a staff multiplier, coalition-building for regulatory reform, and why economic development is ultimately about reducing risk, not forcing growth. Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Special Guest: Ellie Reynolds.Sponsored By:Sitehunt: If your property data is scattered or out of date, you're losing projects. Sitehunt gives economic developers an AI-powered property database and instant RFI responses. Schedule a demo today!Links:Ellie Reynolds | LinkedInDouglas County - Economic Development CorporationThe Path to Power by Margaret Thatcher

In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson sits down with Juliet Abdel, President and CEO of the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance, to talk about building a regionally focused, globally minded economic development organization. Drawing on Cedar Rapids' "fifth season" advantage (time, accessibility, and quality of life) Juliet shares how the region leverages industry clusters, international relationships, and leadership discipline to compete. The conversation blends practical economic development strategy with candid insights on burnout, boundaries, and leading people well in a demanding field. Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! 10 Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers Treat quality of life as a competitive asset, not a marketing afterthought. Focus attraction efforts on industry clusters that naturally complement what already exists locally. International business development does not require a global city, only consistent relationship-building. Cast a clear vision so teams understand the "why," not just the tasks. Protect staff health by modeling boundaries, especially around after-hours communication. Build attraction strategies around regional strengths, not generic wish lists. Encourage team members to say no when capacity or clarity is missing. Leverage peer networks aggressively. Most good ideas already exist somewhere else. Recognize burnout as an organizational risk, not a personal weakness. Remember that economic development works best when personal well-being and professional performance reinforce each other. Special Guest: Juliet Abdel.Sponsored By:Sitehunt: If your property data is scattered or out of date, you're losing projects. Sitehunt gives economic developers an AI-powered property database and instant RFI responses. Schedule a demo today!Links:Juliet Abdel, CCE, IOM | LinkedInCedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance

In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, host Dane Carlson sits down with Mike Kamerlander, President and CEO of the Hays Caldwell Economic Development Partnership, to discuss what economic development looks like inside one of the fastest-growing regions in Texas. Drawing from HCEDP’s recent Economic Outlook Event, the conversation explores why Central Texas continues to attract companies, how cities, counties, and private businesses are investing through uncertainty, and what shifting project timelines signal for 2026. Mike also shares lessons from leading a two-county, ten-city partnership, why “no product, no project” still holds true, and how speed, predictability, and engagement quietly determine which regions win. FYI, "No Product, No Project" is a registered trademark of Garner Economics LLC. Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! 10 Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers Product readiness matters more than marketing language. Speed and predictability often outweigh incentive packages. Regional collaboration expands capacity without diluting local wins. Growth planning must stay ahead of infrastructure demand. Economic outlook events are tools for alignment, not just forecasting. Accurate, current site information prevents deal-killing surprises. Cities and counties should be treated as the primary customer. Engagement across private industry strengthens long-term outcomes. Development processes should be reviewed continuously, not periodically. Capital on the sidelines eventually moves. Be ready when it does. Special Guest: Mike Kamerlander.Sponsored By:Sitehunt: If your property data is scattered or out of date, you're losing projects. Sitehunt gives economic developers an AI-powered property database and instant RFI responses. Schedule a demo today!Links:Economic Development Is Not for Amateurs!: A must-read for community leaders on how to achieve economic development success by Jay Garner and Ross PattenHays Caldwell Economic Development Partnership | HomeMike Kamerlander, CEcD