The SEDC Podcast

The Southern Economic Development Council

The official Podcast of the Southern Economic Development Council. Tune in for fun, informative, and sometimes off-the-wall conversations with #AmericanSouth leaders.

  1. 2 DAYS AGO

    LIVE from the 2026 #AmericanSouth Site Selection Summit - Russ Myer, Gus Fontenot, and Maggie Cromeens

    On location at the 2026 American South Site Selection Summit in Arlington, Texas, host Ray Methvin of Insyteful sits down for a series of one-on-one interviews examining the mechanics of site readiness and municipal development. The first interview features Russ Meyer, Executive Director of the Jessamine County Joint Economic Development Authority, who shares strategies for competitive positioning in the Bluegrass region. Meyer discusses the importance of infrastructure preparation, pro-business local leadership, and maintaining an updated inventory of available properties to capture expanding manufacturing and commercial projects. The focus then shifts to distinct development strategies being deployed across other areas of the South. Gus Fontenot, Director of Projects and Site Development for the SWLA Economic Development Alliance, details the technical side of site certification and industrial readiness in Southwest Louisiana. Finally, Maggie Cromeens, Executive Director of the Cuero Development Corporation, explores economic diversification and small business support strategies within historic community footprints. Together, these conversations demonstrate the targeted approaches used throughout the Southern Economic Development Council network to foster resilient regional economies and secure new capital investment. The SEDC Podcast is sponsored by Insyteful.

    30 min
  2. 11 MAY

    LIVE from the 2026 #AmericanSouth Site Selection Summit - Pat Ford, Cam Huffman, Christie Goodman Duke

    Recorded live from the Loews Arlington Hotel during the 2026 American South Site Selection Summit, host Ray Methvin of Insyteful sits down with regional leaders to discuss the evolving requirements of industrial recruitment. The first interview features Patrick Ford, Vice President of the West Virginia Polymer Alliance Zone, who discusses his expertise in brownfield redevelopment and the strategic repurposing of large-scale industrial properties. Ford explains how transforming underutilized land into shovel-ready assets is a critical component for attracting major manufacturing investments and maintaining regional competitiveness. The recording continues with an interview featuring Cam Huffman, Director of External Relations for the West Virginia Polymer Alliance Zone, who details the importance of legislative coordination and utility partnerships in securing major capital projects. Huffman describes how proactive infrastructure planning ensures that energy capacity meets the technical demands of modern industry. Finally, Christie Goodman Duke, Director of Targeted Attractions and State Affairs for the Arlington Economic Development Corporation, provides her perspective on how the host city leverages infrastructure to drive growth. These interviews offer a comprehensive look at the collaborative strategies used by members of the Southern Economic Development Council to facilitate industrial expansion across the region. The SEDC Podcast is sponsored by Insyteful.

    31 min

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The official Podcast of the Southern Economic Development Council. Tune in for fun, informative, and sometimes off-the-wall conversations with #AmericanSouth leaders.

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