Econ Dev Show Podcast - Economic Development Dane Carlson

In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson interviewed Eric Trevan, PhD, an investor, economist, and business and the President and CEO of aLocal Solutions an AI marketing and economic analytics platform.


Their conversation dives into Eric’s extensive experience and innovative approach to economic development.


Eric shares how his career evolved from being a planning director in Southeast North Carolina to his current role, emphasizing the importance of transparency and parity in economic data. He discusses the inception of his AI platform aimed at creating equitable economic opportunities by automating and providing affordable solutions for cities of all sizes.


Throughout the discussion, Eric highlights the significance of objective and comprehensive data in decision-making, especially for local governments and economic developers who often operate with limited resources compared to large developers. He illustrates how his platform, aLocal, aggregates and analyzes vast datasets to offer predictive analytics, enabling communities to make informed decisions about economic initiatives.


The conversation also covers the evolution of aLocal from its conceptualization in 2002 to its formal establishment in 2019. Eric recounts the journey, including his academic pursuits and various leadership roles that contributed to his understanding of economic dynamics. He stresses the role of AI in leveling the playing field for smaller communities and fostering data equity, sovereignty, and diplomacy.


Eric elaborates on the platform’s capabilities, such as forecasting market demand, economic impact, and financial health at granular levels, down to zip codes. He also touches on the importance of community involvement and stake


Sponsor

Sitehunt is Dane's AI-enhanced platform that helps economic developers build a comprehensive property database and respond to RFIs. Request a demo.


Actionable Insights for Economic Developers


Leverage AI for Data Equity: Use AI-driven platforms to automate and provide affordable economic data solutions, ensuring all cities, regardless of size, have access to high-quality data for informed decision-making.

Focus on Transparency and Objectivity: Ensure that all economic development decisions are based on transparent and objective data, reducing bias and building trust within the community and with stakeholders.

Utilize Predictive Analytics: Employ predictive analytics to forecast market demand, economic impact, and financial health, helping to guide investment and development decisions with greater accuracy.

Conduct Comprehensive Market Analyses: Regularly perform market analyses to identify industry demands, economic leakages, and financial health at a granular level, down to specific zip codes.

Engage in Stakeholder Meetings: Actively participate in and facilitate stakeholder meetings to gather community input and ensure that development projects align with local needs and priorities.

Support Data Sovereignty: Encourage communities to take ownership of their data, allowing for more accurate and relevant local economic models and better-informed decision-making processes.

Implement Customizable Solutions: Offer customizable economic development solutions that can be tailored to the specific needs and priorities of different communities, whether they require detailed market studies or broad economic impact assessments.

Foster Collaboration Across Jurisdictions: Promote intergovernmental and inter-jurisdictional collaboration to leverage shared resources and data, maximizing the impact of economic development initiatives.

Invest in Workforce Development: Prioritize workforce development initiatives to ensure that local populations have the skills needed to support new and existing industries, fostering sustainable economic growth.

Innovate and Adapt: Stay agile and open to new technologies and methodologies in economic development, continuously seeking out innovative solution

In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson interviews Greg Canfield, who currently serves as the Managing Director of Economic Development at Burr & Forman. Greg previously served 12 years as Secretary of Commerce for the state of Alabama. Their conversation covers Greg's career journey, and his take on the complexities of economic development.


Greg shares how he transitioned from local politics, serving as the president of a city council, to becoming the head of Alabama’s Department of Commerce. He highlights the importance of building strong relationships, understanding the needs of businesses, and fostering an environment conducive to economic growth. Greg emphasizes the significance of adapting to changing circumstances, especially in the context of the global pandemic, which has forced many economic developers to rethink their strategies and approaches.


The discussion also touches on the challenges Greg faced during his tenure, such as the global economic downturn, and how quick decision-making and consultation with influential figures helped him navigate these obstacles. Additionally, Greg provides insights into the future of economic development, stressing the need for resilience, digital infrastructure, and workforce development.


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Special Guest: Greg Canfield.
Sponsored By:
Sitehunt: Sitehunt is an AI-enhanced platform that helps economic developers build a comprehensive property database, enabling informed decisions and efficient RFI responses to accelerate site selection and project success.Links:
Burr & FormanGreg Canfield | LinkedInGreg Canfield | Burr & Forman LLPMade in Alabama: Alabama Department of CommerceThe ONE Thing: The Surprisingly Simple Truth About Extraordinary Results by Gary KellerBuffalo Hunting in Alabama: A Novel by Don Erwin

In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson interviews Amber Tarrac, CEO of Founder Fuego.


The discussion centered on the mission and activities of Founder Fuego, a company dedicated to empowering Spanish-speaking and diverse entrepreneurs with the tools, resources, and knowledge they need to succeed. Amber shared insights into her transition from nearly 20 years in the public sector in economic development and workforce development to launching Founder Fuego.


The conversation highlighted Founder Fuego's innovative approach to inclusion and empowerment, focusing on their Founder Fuel newsletter, which offers weekly content with a unique Spanglish twist. This newsletter provides valuable information on funding opportunities, diverse founder stories, and essential business updates.


Amber also discussed the importance of providing bilingual resources and workshops to better serve Spanish-speaking entrepreneurs, who often feel left out of traditional economic development ecosystems. By meeting these entrepreneurs where they are, both culturally and linguistically, Founder Fuego builds trust and credibility, fostering greater engagement and participation.


Additionally, Amber emphasized the value of community and network building, leveraging social media platforms like LinkedIn to enhance visibility and connections. She shared her vision for expanding Founder Fuego's impact, starting with key regions like Miami and Southern California, and the significance of cultural inclusion in economic development.


Amber's journey and the mission of Founder Fuego underscore the critical role of inclusive support in helping diverse entrepreneurs thrive, ultimately contributing to stronger and more resilient communities.


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Additionally: The Econ Dev Show is made possible by our Econ Dev Pro members (join now) and sponsors: join now, join now, join now, and join now. (join now.).
Special Guest: Amber Tarrac.
Sponsored By:
Sitehunt: Sitehunt is an AI-enhanced platform that helps economic developers build a comprehensive property database, enabling informed decisions and efficient RFI responses to accelerate site selection and project success.Links:
Amber Tarrac — FounderFuegoFounderFuegoAmber Tarrac, CEcD, ACE | LinkedInFounderFuego: Overview | LinkedInFounderFuego on FacebookAmber Tarrac┃FounderFuego • InstagramJoin Us — FounderFuegoBlogs — FounderFuegoArchive — FounderFuego

In this episode of the Econ Dev Show host Dane Carlson interviewed Julianna Dodson, the Deputy Executive Director at the Hannah Grimes Center for Entrepreneurship in Keene, New Hampshire, and the director of Radically Rural.


The discussion revolved around the origins and work of the Hannah Grime Center for Entrepreneurship, the national programming called Radically Rural, and their innovative approach to community development, including hosting conferences and events in unique locations to foster collaboration and innovation.


The conversation also delved into the concept of reweaving social fabric and the importance of genuine connection and communication in communities. Julianna shared her background and how she got involved in this field, highlighting the impact and opportunities for learning and engagement through the programs offered by Radically Rural.


Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps!
Special Guest: Julianna Dodson.
Sponsored By:
Sitehunt: Sitehunt is an AI-enhanced platform that helps economic developers build a comprehensive property database, enabling informed decisions and efficient RFI responses to accelerate site selection and project success.Links:
Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community by Robert PutnamBraiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants by Robin Wall KimmererPathways to Rural Prosperity: Julianna DodsonRadically Rural on FacebookTheme & Keynote - Radically RuralHannah Grimes CenterJulianna Dodson | LinkedIn

In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson interviews Rob Williams, director of SourceLink, a not-for-profit organization that collaborates with economic development agencies to promote entrepreneurial-led economic growth. Rob details SourceLink's origins in 2003 in Kansas City, Missouri, where it began as an initiative to better connect local entrepreneurs to resources, evolving into a significant player in fostering entrepreneurial ecosystems across the U.S. He discusses the early challenges of advocating for entrepreneurship in economic development, the importance of tailored community strategies, and practical steps communities can take to engage and support local entrepreneurs. Rob emphasizes the evolving understanding and importance of entrepreneurship in economic development, sharing insights from his extensive experience and the impact of SourceLink's work in various communities.


Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps!
Special Guest: Rob Williams.
Sponsored By:
Sitehunt: Sitehunt is an AI-enhanced platform that helps economic developers build a comprehensive property database, enabling informed decisions and efficient RFI responses to accelerate site selection and project success.Links:
SourceLink – Entrepreneurial Ecosystem & Community BuildingRob Williams | LinkedInEntrepreneurship Development Professional (EDP)Our Network – SourceLinkIowa Innovation, Powered by NewBoCo: #9: Building Ecosystems (ft. Rob Williams)e.Builders Forum (Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Builders Forum) InBIA

In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, host Dane Carlson engages with Ben Lamb, Vice President of Economic Development at 1Berkshire in Massachusetts, to unravel the synergistic blend of economic growth and tourism in the Berkshires. Ben illuminates the unique approach of integrating cultural and economic vibrancy within a rural context, underlining the strategic application of 'wraparound economic development.' This concept not only aims at job creation and business enhancement but also keenly addresses broader community needs, including housing and transit, thus fostering a holistic regional development.


The discussion ventures into the evolving demographics and economic shifts in the Berkshires, emphasizing post-pandemic transformations and the region's increasing diversity. Ben underscores the significance of fostering connectivity and collaborative efforts across geographic and sectoral boundaries, positioning the Berkshires as a pivotal hub for innovation and cultural richness in the Northeast. This episode is a treasure trove of insights for economic developers and community strategists alike, offering profound lessons on leveraging adaptability, collaboration, and community-centric approaches to catalyze sustainable regional prosperity.


Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps!
Special Guest: Ben Lamb.
Sponsored By:
Sitehunt: Sitehunt is an AI-enhanced platform that helps economic developers build a comprehensive property database, enabling informed decisions and efficient RFI responses to accelerate site selection and project success.Links:
1Berkshire: The Home of Business In The BerkshiresBenjamin Lamb | LinkedInGoodnight Moon | AmazonGoodnight Pothole | Amazon