Econ Dev Show Podcast - Economic Development Dane Carlson

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.


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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.


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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

In today's episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane dives into the resurgence of labor productivity growth in the US, marking an end to years of standstill. This isn't just economic jargon; it's about how these changes affect our daily lives, enhancing our overall quality of life. There's a compelling narrative unfolding, reminiscent of the productivity leaps we saw in the 1990s. Let's explore what this means for us today and uncover the parallels and lessons from that transformative era.


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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:
High-tech productivity gains in 1990s : The Economics Daily : U.S. Bureau of Labor StatisticsWhat Went Right in the 1990s? Sources of American and Prospects for World Economic Growth | Conference – 2000 | RBABeyond Numbers: The Rise in Productivity Shapes Our WorldProductivity by industry between 1990 and 2000 : The Economics Daily : U.S. Bureau of Labor StatisticsThe Real Source of the Productivity Boom

Hey there! I know it's been a while since you've heard from me — I've been deep in the trenches working on something special. Let me introduce you to Sitehunt: it's my latest creation, designed with a pinch of AI magic to revolutionize how economic developers gather property data. It's more than just a tool; it's your new partner in making well-informed decisions and speeding up the whole site selection process, all to help you nail those RFI responses and get ahead in your projects. I made it with you in mind, hoping it'll make a big difference in your work. Excited to see what you think!


Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps!
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:
Sitehunt

In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, host Dane Carlson sits down with Adam Berk, co-author of "Startup Program Design," to explore the nuances of creating successful partnerships between startups and corporates. Berk delves into the challenges and opportunities in these collaborations, providing practical advice on how to design effective startup programs. His approach emphasizes the importance of mutual understanding, strategic alignment, and fostering an environment that encourages innovation and growth for both startups and established companies.


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Special Guest: Adam Berk.
Links:
Amazon.com: Startup Program Design: A Practical Guide for Creating Accelerators and Incubators at Any OrganizationAdam Berk | LinkedInThe Team - Startup Program DesignStartup Program DesignStartup Program metrics list - Google SheetsStartup Program Models — Startup Program Design

In this encore episode from 2022, Dane talks with Emily Blaylock, Senior Vice President and Chief Lending Officer for Northwest Bank about Tax Increment Financing (TIF). Northwest Bank & Trust Company is an entrepreneurial bank that has built an Economic Development Division to help developers and municipalities get projects done around the US. They utilize Tax Increment Financing incentives designated from the municipalities to give developers funds upfront. These funds can be used to provide gap equity, expansion of existing sites, investment in other projects, working capital needs, or tenant improvements. Currently, they have completed projects in 8 states and over $400 million in funding. Their team has over 100 years of combined education in economic development and banking to help structure these loans.


Update: Since this episode originally aired, Emily is now the CEO of Untamed Equity, a company dedicated to bridging the gap between development projects and the equity needed to complete them.


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Special Guest: Emily Blaylock.
Sponsored By:
KathodeRay Media, Inc.: 

[KathodeRay](https://kathoderay.com) is a full-service marketing agency that connects government organizations to their community. This small (but mighty) woman owned and operated marketing agency can help your community thrive. They use tried and true methods that will connect your organization to your residents using social, digital and traditional media. [https://kathoderay.com](https://kathoderay.com)Links:
Emily Blaylock | LinkedIn — Untamed EquityTIF Monetization Loan Program | Untamed EquityAbout Untamed Equity and Our TIF Monetization Loan SolutionsBenefits of Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Monetization for Developers - YouTubeBenefits of Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Monetization for Municipalities - YouTubeNorthwest Bank and Trust - Serving Davenport & Quad Cities