The SEDC Podcast

The Southern Economic Development Council
  • 4.0 (2)
  • NON-PROFIT
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

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

  1. 4D AGO

    Season 3 Episode 2 | Spencer Hogg

    Matt Tackett and Spencer Hogg explore Georgia's top-tier business environment and the Rome Floyd Development Authority’s recent success. The conversation traces Spencer’s career shift from congressional policy to regional economic development through intentional ecosystem-building and diverse industrial strategies. They highlight Northwest Georgia’s competitive advantages in workforce development and strategic infrastructure along the Highway 411 corridor. This episode underscores the vital role of SEDC in fostering regional collaboration and driving major capital investments for the future of the #AmericanSouth. The SEDC Podcast is sponsored by Insyteful.

    56 min

  2. JAN 14

    Season 3 Episode 1 | Troy Wayman

    In this episode of the SEDC podcast, sponsored by Insyteful, Matt joins Troy Wayman of One Acadiana to discuss Louisiana’s historic economic momentum. Troy details how the state secured a record $61 billion in capital investment in 2025 through an aggressive new strategy and high-profile projects like the Meta data center and solar manufacturing expansions. The conversation highlights the success of the Fast Sites program and the expansion of certified industrial sites in Acadiana to streamline business attraction. Troy also shares insights on the region’s unique entrepreneurial culture, the importance of mentorship, and how collaborative workforce development is securing long-term prosperity for Louisiana communities.

    1h 11m
  3. 2025 SEDC Podcast Holiday Special

    12/22/2025

    2025 SEDC Podcast Holiday Special

    Join SEDC President Matt Tackett for a memorable holiday episode as he sits down with the world’s oldest CEO to discuss his latest high-tech expansion. From fueling the workshop with renewable resources to modernizing the "Naughty or Nice" archives, the North Pole Enterprise is proving that even a legendary operation needs a digital edge. This episode dives into the workshop’s bold new financial ventures and the AI-driven logistics keeping the sleigh on track. Proudly sponsored by Insyteful, it is a festive look at how the North Pole is future-proofing its global empire.

    15 min

  4. 12/17/2025

    Season 2 Episode 20 | Chris Chung

    Christopher Chung, CEO of the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, joins the podcast to discuss the state’s thriving economy. He explores North Carolina’s red-hot economic development momentum, highlights ongoing opportunities, and explains why the #AmericanSouth continues to stand out as the world’s premier destination for investment. The SEDC Podcast is sponsored by Insyteful.

    52 min

  5. 12/10/2025

    Season 2 Episode 19 - Jason El Koubi

    SEDC President Matt Tackett sits down with Jason El Koubi to discuss the Virginia Economic Development Partnership's recent success in securing major investments. El Koubi explains how the Commonwealth has positioned itself as a leader in the biopharmaceutical sector through a strategy centered on speed and talent development. The conversation highlights the importance of a holistic approach that ensures economic growth benefits every region of the state. Listen in for insights on how Virginia combines effective governance with innovative tools to drive billions in capital investment. The SEDC Podcast is Sponsored by Insyteful.

    53 min

  6. 12/03/2025

    Season 2 Episode 18 | Marcus Taylor

    This episode of the Southern Economic Development Council (SEDC) podcast offers a comprehensive discussion on the future of economic development in the American South, featuring Marcus Taylor, Senior Vice President of Business Development at Gray Construction. Taylor traces his career journey from Middle Tennessee State University, detailing his shift from hands-on construction to business development, emphasizing the foundational role of strong relationships in economic success. He provides insights into Gray Construction's transformation from a regional contractor to a global firm, attributing its expansive growth and effective engagement in the industrial market, especially in the Southeast, to a sustained, customer-focused approach and strategic early engagement with communities and major corporations. The conversation also addresses critical trends, such as the accelerating growth of data centers driven by AI and the ongoing, significant population shift favoring the South. The SEDC Podcast is sponsored by Insyteful.

    58 min

  7. 11/19/2025

    Season 2 Episode 17 | Jeff Vanhook

    Host Matt Tackett speaks with Jeff VanHook, CEO of RGL Regional Industrial Development, about Kentucky's incredible economic momentum. Jeff shares how the Kentucky Product Development Initiative (KPDI), a program that secured a $100 million expansion, has fundamentally changed the landscape, driving regional collaboration and attracting nearly $5 billion in capital investment. He highlights the successful development of the Rock Castle Mega site and the recruitment of companies like Chapin International as proof of this collaborative, site-ready approach. The discussion emphasizes the power of regional partnerships and Jeff's focus on removing development barriers, leveraging Kentucky's strategic location and workforce to create jobs. They conclude that a commitment to proactive site development is delivering generational opportunities and positioning the entire region for substantial, sustained growth. The SEDC Podcast is sponsored by Insyteful.

    1h 7m

  8. 11/05/2025

    Season 2 Episode 16 | Robert Allen

    On this episode of the SEDC Podcast, we sit down with Robert Allen, President and CEO of the Fort Worth Economic Development Partnership, to unpack the strategy behind the city’s landmark growth. Having recently surpassed Austin to become the 11th largest city in America, Fort Worth serves as a prime example of successful, strategic economic development in the American South. Robert shares insights from his career, including his time in Texas state leadership, and details the execution of transformative projects like the $600 million Bell initiative and a new UTA West Campus. He discusses Fort Worth's commitment to reliability and authenticity, stressing that honesty and follow-through are the foundations of attracting and retaining high-value investment. Economic development professionals will gain actionable strategies on fostering regional collaboration, supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses, and maintaining the aggressive focus necessary to identify and secure long-term opportunities that benefit the community for decades.The SEDC Podcast is sponsored by Insyteful.

    50 min
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About

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

Information

  • Creator
    The Southern Economic Development Council
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © The Southern Economic Development Council
  • Show Website
    The SEDC Podcast