Develop This: Economic and Community Development

Develop This! Podcast
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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.

  1. 2d ago

    DT #697 Ukraine's Economic Future: Investment, Resilience, and Opportunity

    What does Ukraine's economy look like in the middle of war, and where are the opportunities for future growth and investment? In this episode of Develop This!, Dennis Fraise sits down with Bruce Talley to explore the current economic landscape of Ukraine and Moldova and what economic development professionals and investors should understand about the region. Bruce shares his extensive experience working across post-Soviet countries and provides insight into the regional differences within Ukraine, the resilience of its people, and the ways communities and businesses are continuing to adapt despite the ongoing war. The conversation examines the sectors showing the greatest resilience and potential, including defense, food processing, agriculture, logistics, and infrastructure. Bruce also discusses the growth of Ukraine's defense industry and drone technology, as well as the role industrial parks can play in supporting future investment. Another major focus is the investment landscape. Bruce explains why timing matters for investors looking at Ukraine and Moldova, highlighting both the challenges created by the war and the strategic advantages available to those willing to take a longer-term view. Bruce also discusses workforce challenges, migration trends, and the potential impact of Ukraine and Moldova's movement toward greater integration with the European Union. He explains how infrastructure development, reconstruction, and investment could reshape the region's economy in the years ahead. The conversation also looks beyond immediate economic development opportunities to consider Ukraine's long-term potential for tourism, improved infrastructure, and quality of life once the country enters a new phase of recovery and growth. A key takeaway? Ukraine's economy is already demonstrating resilience, and understanding the region's challenges, industries, and strategic position could help economic developers and investors recognize opportunities before the next major wave of growth. Key Takeaways Ukraine's economy continues to show resilience despite the war Regional differences play an important role in Ukraine's economic outlook Defense and food processing are emerging as key growth industries Industrial parks and infrastructure will be critical to future investment Workforce shortages and migration remain significant challenges Moldova offers unique opportunities for investors and economic developers Early strategic investment could create advantages during reconstruction EU integration could strengthen long-term economic opportunities Tourism and quality of life could become important parts of Ukraine's future economy Key Topics Covered Ukraine's regional economic differences and resilience The impact of war on Ukraine's economy Investment opportunities in Ukraine and Moldova Defense, agriculture, and food processing Industrial parks and infrastructure development Workforce challenges and migration EU integration and regional positioning Ukraine's reconstruction and future growth Tourism and quality of life Strategic timing for investors Sound Bites "Ukraine's waiting for the war to end, but it's already growing." "Moldova is a fascinating country with a lot of potential." "Defense and food processing will be the key industries."

  2. 2d ago

    DT #698 Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition: Turning Small Businesses Into Opportunities

    What if the best way to become an entrepreneur was to buy an existing business instead of starting one from scratch? In this episode of Develop This!, Dennis Fraise talks with Royce Yudkoff of Harvard Business School about entrepreneurship through acquisition and how aspiring entrepreneurs can find, purchase, and grow established businesses. Royce explains why buying a profitable business can offer a different path to ownership, the importance of due diligence, and the challenges new owners face during their first 90 days. The conversation also explores company culture, long-term holding companies, franchises, and the emotional realities of searching for and running a business. For economic developers, this approach also offers opportunities to support business transitions, preserve local employers, and keep established businesses thriving when their owners are ready to move on. A key takeaway? Business acquisition can create a path to entrepreneurship while helping preserve and grow the small businesses communities depend on. Key Takeaways Buying an established business offers an alternative to starting from scratch. Thorough due diligence helps identify risks before acquisition. Understand whether you're buying a business or simply buying yourself a job. Company culture plays a major role in employee motivation and business growth. The first 90 days require careful planning and leadership. Long-term holding companies and franchises offer different ownership models. Business succession can help preserve local jobs and economic activity. Key Topics Covered Entrepreneurship through acquisition Buying profitable small businesses The role of MBAs in business ownership Due diligence and risk assessment Business culture and employee motivation Challenges during the first 90 days Long-term holding companies and franchises Small business succession and transitions Common reasons small businesses fail Opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs Sound Bites Suggested sound bites to confirm against the transcript: "Buying a business can be an alternative to starting one from scratch." "Are you buying a job or buying a business?" "The first 90 days can shape the future of a business."

  3. 3d ago

    DT #696 Community Quest: A Big Idea Becomes a Community Adventure

    How do you make economic development exciting and understandable for the next generation? In this special episode of Develop This!, Dennis Fraise talks with Mark Perna and Julie Curtin about Community Quest, a graphic novel designed to make economic development more accessible and engaging for young people and adults alike. They share the inspiration behind the book, how complex concepts are transformed into an adventure story, and how illustrations help bring community development to life. The conversation also covers how the graphic novel can be used in classrooms and community outreach, the development of a facilitator's guide, and the importance of involving young people in shaping their communities. A key takeaway? Engaging young people through storytelling today can help build stronger, more informed communities tomorrow. Key Takeaways Make economic development accessible through storytelling. Use illustrations to simplify complex concepts. Introduce community development to students early. Bring the book into classrooms and community events. Use a facilitator's guide to expand its educational impact. Empower young people to become future community builders. Key Topics Covered The story behind Community Quest Launching the graphic novel at the IDC annual conference Turning economic development into an adventure Illustrations and storytelling in education Youth engagement and community building Classroom and community outreach opportunities The facilitator's guide The industry's centennial and the book's release Book access and distribution plans Inspiring the next generation of community builders Sound Bites "This book makes economic development understandable and fun." "Storytelling is a powerful tool to connect dots in co

  4. Oct 21

    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

  5. Oct 21

    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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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
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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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