Develop This: Economic and Community Development

Develop This! Podcast

Explore topics related to transformational community leadership including economic development, non-profit engagement, organizational management, and policy development. It's a candid conversation with veterans of the economic development profession along with inspiring interviews of today's thought leaders.

  1. 2d ago

    DT #694 The Data Center Debate: Opportunity, Opposition, and Community Impact

    Why does everyone hate data centers? In this episode of Develop This!, Dennis Fraise talks with Chris Lloyd of McGuireWoods Consulting LLC to explore the growing debate surrounding data centers and what they mean for communities. The conversation examines why public opinion around data centers has shifted, from excitement over investment and economic growth to concerns about power, water, noise, land use, and long-term community impact. Chris and Dennis discuss the economic benefits data centers can bring, including tax revenue, infrastructure investment, and new opportunities for communities. They also take a closer look at the trade-offs and why not every data center project is the right fit for every community. The episode explores the role of incentives, community engagement, and thoughtful planning in evaluating these projects, as well as how the rapid growth of AI could continue driving demand for data center infrastructure. A key takeaway? Communities don't have to be simply for or against data centers. The better approach is asking the right questions, understanding the trade-offs, and determining whether a project aligns with the community's long-term goals. Key Takeaways Data centers can create significant economic opportunities for communities Community concerns around power, water, noise, and land use must be addressed Not every data center project is the right fit for every community Incentives should be evaluated against long-term community benefits Public opinion toward data centers has changed dramatically AI is likely to continue driving demand for data center infrastructure Thoughtful planning and community engagement are critical to successful projects Key Topics Covered The growing opposition to data centers Economic benefits and community trade-offs Power and water requirements Land use and noise concerns Tax incentives and community benefits AI and the future of data center growth How communities can evaluate potential projects Sound Bites "Why does everyone hate data centers?" "Public opinion turned radically on data centers." "Not every project is a right fit for every community."

    DT #694 The Data Center Debate: Opportunity, Opposition, and Community Impact

  2. 2d ago

    DT #695 How Storytelling and Career Exploration Can Transform Communities

    How can economic development professionals better connect with their communities and create a shared vision for regional success? In this episode of Develop This!, Dennis Fraise sits down with Mark Perna to discuss the importance of understanding the "why" behind economic development and creating stronger connections between communities, education, employers, and young people. Mark explains why younger generations want purpose and relevance, and how economic developers can help students understand the opportunities available to them long before they enter the workforce. The conversation explores early career exploration, career trees, and the importance of balancing academic achievement with technical and life skills. Another major focus is breaking down the silos that often exist between education, employers, economic development organizations, and community groups. Mark shares why bringing these stakeholders together is essential to building a workforce strategy that reflects the needs of the entire region. The conversation also highlights the power of storytelling. Mark explains how communities can use compelling stories to communicate their vision, attract talent and investment, and help residents understand why economic development matters. Throughout the episode, Dennis and Mark emphasize the importance of community engagement, experiential learning, and creating a shared rallying point that brings people together around a common vision. Key Takeaways Explaining the "why" creates stronger community engagement Early career exploration can help young people understand future opportunities Breaking down silos strengthens regional workforce development Storytelling can help communities attract talent and investment Education, employers, and economic developers must work together Experiential learning helps connect young people with real-world opportunities A shared community vision can create momentum for regional growth Taking action early is critical to building community buy-in Key Topics Covered The importance of explaining the "why" in economic development Career exploration and workforce development Connecting education, employers, and communities Breaking down silos between regional stakeholders Storytelling and community engagement Building a shared vision for regional success Engaging younger generations Strategies for bringing diverse stakeholders together Sound Bites "Are we good at explaining the 'why'?" "Young people refuse to waste their time." "You can be successful with a 2.5 GPA."

    DT #695 How Storytelling and Career Exploration Can Transform Communities

  3. Oct 14

    DT #692 Beyond the Hype: Understanding AI With Dan Chuparkoff

    How will artificial intelligence change the way we work, lead, and build communities? In this episode of Develop This!, Dennis Fraise sits down with Dan Chuparkoff, AI keynote speaker and technology leader with more than 30 years of experience at Google and McKinsey, to explore the opportunities and challenges AI presents. Dan breaks down common misconceptions about AI, including why AI can sound confident while still being wrong. He explains how professionals can use AI as an assistant, coach, and productivity tool while keeping humans responsible for critical decisions. The conversation also explores how economic developers can use AI to improve research, communication, decision-making, and everyday tasks. Dan emphasizes that the skills that matter most in the AI era—problem solving, creativity, imagination, and good judgment—are uniquely human. The episode also looks ahead at AI's impact on jobs, robotics, leadership, and the future of work. Key Takeaways AI can dramatically improve productivity and reduce time spent on mundane tasks. AI-generated information should always be verified and vetted. Humans need to remain responsible for important decisions. Economic developers can use AI to improve research, communication, and problem solving. Creativity, imagination, and judgment will become increasingly valuable. AI and robotics will continue transforming the workplace. Key Topics Covered AI misconceptions and reliability Using AI as an assistant and coach AI in economic development Vetting AI-generated information The future of work and jobs Problem solving and creativity in the AI era Robotics and the next wave of AI innovation Sound Bites "AI is a B minus assistant." "Where humans should remain in charge of AI." "AI's impact on jobs and sectors."

    DT #692 Beyond the Hype: Understanding AI With Dan Chuparkoff

  4. Oct 14

    DT #693 How Rural Communities Can Build Stronger Futures With Mason Ainsworth

    What does it take to build a stronger community from the ground up? In this episode of Develop This!, Dennis Fraise sits down with Mason Ainsworth to explore his journey from young city councillor to passionate advocate for community development and economic growth. Mason shares lessons from his experience in local government and explains why economic development often comes down to relationships, trust, transparency, and achieving small victories that create long-term momentum. The conversation also explores the unique strengths and challenges of rural communities, including infrastructure, local leadership, placemaking, and creating communities where people want to live, work, and invest. Mason also discusses the importance of education, continuous learning, and attracting young professionals to the economic development field. He shares why great economic developers need strong people skills—and, most importantly, the ability to listen. Key Takeaways Strong relationships and community trust are essential to economic development. Small victories can create momentum for long-term community growth. Rural communities have unique assets and opportunities to leverage. Placemaking helps create communities where people want to live and invest. Listening and approachability are critical skills for economic developers. Young professionals have an important role in the future of the profession. Key Topics Covered Mason Ainsworth's journey into economic development Local government and community leadership Rural economic development Placemaking and quality of place Building relationships and community trust Recruiting young talent into economic development Education and continuous learning Podcasting and community engagement Sound Bites "You gotta kick the tires." "Most people don't wake up and say, I want to be an economic developer." "A great economic developer listens."

    DT #693 How Rural Communities Can Build Stronger Futures With Mason Ainsworth

  5. Oct 7

    DT #689 Turning a Bold Vision Into a Game Changing Community Development Project: The Fort Madison Marina Story

    What happens when a community stops settling for "good enough" and starts thinking bigger? In this episode of Develop This!, Dennis Fraise talks with former Fort Madison Mayor Matt Mohrfeld and Rick Kiernan of Convergent Nonprofit Solutions about the transformation of the Fort Madison Marina. What started as an aging marina became a much larger vision for the community, incorporating hospitality, events, wellness, tourism, and placemaking. Matt explains how community leaders studied other projects, built a shared vision, and challenged Fort Madison to think beyond simply fixing the existing marina. Rick discusses how the team turned that vision into a $12.7 million project through feasibility studies, community leadership, and a diverse capital stack that included public, private, and philanthropic support. The conversation also explores the importance of strong leadership, community ownership, and telling a compelling story when pursuing transformational projects. A key takeaway? Big community projects start with a bold vision and become reality when people come together to believe in it. Key Takeaways Think bigger than the original problem Build a shared community vision Strong leadership drives transformational projects Feasibility studies can strengthen fundraising Community ownership creates lasting impact Placemaking can support economic development Key Topics Covered Fort Madison Marina transformation Community vision and leadership Fundraising and capital stacks Placemaking and tourism Community engagement Economic and social impact Sound Bites "Swing for a home run, not a single." "People follow people." "You think bigger than you think you should think."

    DT #689 Turning a Bold Vision Into a Game Changing Community Development Project: The Fort Madison Marina Story

  6. Oct 7

    DT #690 How Relationships Drive Economic Development: Lessons From Kirk Elmquist

    What can a career spanning sports, hospitality, tourism, and business development teach us about economic development? In this episode of Develop This!, Dennis Fraise sits down with Kirk Elmquist to explore his unconventional career journey and the leadership lessons he's learned along the way. Kirk shares why relationships are often more valuable than technical skills and how listening, trust, mentorship, and community involvement have shaped his approach to business and economic development. The conversation also explores the transformation of Branson and the Ozarks into a major tourism and golf destination, including the influence of Johnny Morris, Bass Pro Shops, and Big Cedar Lodge. Kirk also reflects on career setbacks, reinvention, and the importance of maintaining balance while continuing to grow personally and professionally. Key Takeaways Relationships and trust are foundational to economic development. Diverse career experiences can create valuable leadership perspectives. Branson's growth demonstrates the power of tourism and destination development. Career setbacks can become opportunities for reinvention. Mentorship and community involvement create lasting impact. Listening is one of the most important leadership skills. Key Topics Covered Kirk Elmquist's unconventional career journey Leadership and relationship building Branson's tourism and economic growth Golf and destination development Johnny Morris and Big Cedar Lodge Career setbacks, resilience, and reinvention Mentorship and community involvement Sound Bites "Listen twice as much as you speak." "Relationships are more important than skills." "Balance your physical, mental, spiritual, and financial tires."

    DT #690 How Relationships Drive Economic Development: Lessons From Kirk Elmquist

  7. Sep 30

    DT #687 How Los Angeles Stays a Global Economic Powerhouse

    What does it take to lead one of the world's most dynamic regional economies? In this episode of Develop This!, Dennis Fraise sits down with Stephen Cheung, CEO of the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC), to discuss his unconventional journey from social work to leading one of the nation's largest economic development organizations. Stephen shares how his diverse career shaped his leadership style and explains why listening, collaboration, and long-term thinking are essential to building resilient communities. He also discusses how Los Angeles has leveraged its diversity, innovation, and global connections to remain one of the world's leading economic hubs. The conversation explores LA's competitive advantages, including its strength in international trade, aerospace, entertainment, life sciences, and emerging industries. Stephen also highlights the importance of infrastructure, foreign direct investment, and regional partnerships in supporting long-term economic growth. Another major focus is resilience. From natural disasters to economic disruptions, Stephen explains how communities can prepare for uncertainty while continuing to attract investment and create opportunities. He also shares how Los Angeles is preparing for the 2028 Olympic Games and other global events that will shape the region's future. Throughout the episode, Stephen reflects on the importance of relationship-building, global collaboration, and embracing new technologies like AI to stay competitive in a rapidly changing economy. A key takeaway? Strong regional economies are built through collaboration, resilience, and leaders who can unite diverse stakeholders around a shared vision. Key Takeaways Diverse industry clusters strengthen long-term economic resilience International trade and global partnerships remain critical to regional growth Infrastructure and collaboration drive sustainable economic development Preparing for major global events creates lasting economic opportunities AI and emerging technologies are reshaping economic development strategies Effective leadership begins with listening and building strong relationships Key Topics Covered Stephen Cheung's journey into economic development Los Angeles' diverse economy and industry clusters International trade and foreign direct investment Regional resilience and disaster recovery Preparing for the 2028 Olympic Games Leadership, collaboration, and future economic trends Sound Bites "Stephen Cheung's career path was not linear." "LA hosts multiple major sporting events and teams." "AI is a key trend for economic developers."

    DT #687 How Los Angeles Stays a Global Economic Powerhouse

  8. Sep 30

    DT #688 How Australia Is Elevating the Economic Development Profession

    How do you build a stronger profession while helping communities thrive? In this episode of Develop This!, Dennis Fraise sits down with Jacqueline Brinkman, CEO of Economic Development Australia (EDA), to discuss the evolution of economic development in Australia and why collaboration, professional standards, and continuous learning are shaping the future of the industry. Jacqueline shares her career journey into economic development and reflects on the lessons she's learned leading Australia's national professional association. She explains how Economic Development Australia has expanded education, certification, and networking opportunities while strengthening the profession across the country. The conversation explores why collaboration—not competition—is one of the most important drivers of community success. Jacqueline discusses how building trust among stakeholders, encouraging knowledge sharing, and creating strong professional networks lead to better outcomes for communities and organizations alike. Dennis and Jacqueline also examine how crises such as the Australian bushfires and the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated innovation, reinforced the importance of leadership, and highlighted the value of adaptable, resilient economic development organizations. Looking ahead, Jacqueline shares her perspective on the future of economic development, including the growing importance of international collaboration, professional certification, and developing the next generation of leaders equipped to solve increasingly complex economic challenges. A key takeaway? Economic development is strongest when professionals invest in collaboration, embrace lifelong learning, and build trusted relationships that create lasting community impact. Key Takeaways Collaboration consistently delivers stronger outcomes than competition. Professional standards and certification elevate the economic development profession. Trust and authentic relationships are the foundation of effective leadership. Crises can become opportunities for innovation and organizational growth. International collaboration accelerates learning and improves community outcomes. Saying "yes" to new opportunities often leads to unexpected career growth. Key Topics Covered Jacqueline Brinkman's journey into economic development The growth and mission of Economic Development Australia Professional certification and industry standards Building trust through collaboration Leading through crises and organizational change International partnerships and the future of economic development Sound Bites "Collaborate or die." "Say yes to opportunities." "Build a career by saying yes."

    DT #688 How Australia Is Elevating the Economic Development Profession
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Explore topics related to transformational community leadership including economic development, non-profit engagement, organizational management, and policy development. It's a candid conversation with veterans of the economic development profession along with inspiring interviews of today's thought leaders.

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