Econ Dev Show Podcast - Economic Development

Dane Carlson
  • 4.8 (15)
  • NON-PROFIT
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Dane Carlson explores the strategies, ideas, and insights that are driving economic development forward into the future. You'll hear new insights from passionate ED's about their successes and struggles, and you'll learn from attraction and retention experts about how to apply actionable strategies inside your EDO. We'll help take your organization, your community, and your career to the next level.

  1. Tackling Systemic Vacancy and Building Equity with Kat Guillaume-Delemar

    3D AGO

    Tackling Systemic Vacancy and Building Equity with Kat Guillaume-Delemar

    In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson talks with Kat Guillaume-Delemar, President and CEO of the Center for Community Progress, the nation’s only nonprofit dedicated to fixing the systems that lead to widespread vacant, abandoned, and deteriorated properties. Kat shares how systemic vacancy harms communities — from lowering property values and public health to blocking economic opportunity — and explains how policy reform, land banking, and innovative programs can restore vitality and equity to disinvested neighborhoods. Drawing from her deeply personal journey from poverty and trauma to leadership and advocacy, Kat offers inspiring insights and actionable strategies for economic developers seeking to build stronger, more human-centered communities. Like this show? Please leave us a review here (https://econdevshow.com/rate-this-podcast/) — even one sentence helps! 10 Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers Shift the language: Avoid stigmatizing terms like "blight" and instead focus on systemic vacancy and its root causes. Educate first: Increase awareness among policymakers, residents, and stakeholders about how vacancy impacts communities and economies. Push for policy reform: Support legislation like the Neighborhood Homes Investment Act to close appraisal gaps and incentivize redevelopment. Leverage land banks: Use land banks as strategic tools to acquire, manage, and repurpose vacant properties based on community priorities. Think beyond economics: Balance the pursuit of economic growth with improving quality of life and social well-being. Humanize your approach: Design strategies that prioritize people and communities over tax rolls and property values alone. Collaborate widely: Work with residents, local leaders, and policymakers to co-create solutions tailored to community needs. Address inequities: Recognize and combat systemic issues like redlining and inequitable appraisal practices that perpetuate vacancy. Champion creative placemaking: Transform vacant lots into community assets -- from affordable housing to green spaces -- that restore neighborhood vitality. Be strategically defiant: Don't shy away from challenging unjust systems; bold advocacy can lead to meaningful change. Special Guest: Kathleen Guillaume-Delemar.

    29 min
  2. How Mid-Sized Markets Win: The Topeka Story with Molly Howey

    OCT 6

    How Mid-Sized Markets Win: The Topeka Story with Molly Howey

    In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson sits down with Molly Howey, CEO of the Greater Topeka Partnership, to discuss how Topeka is redefining what is possible for mid-sized U.S. cities. Molly shares how uniting economic development, downtown revitalization, tourism, and the chamber under one strategic umbrella helped the city align its vision and accelerate growth. From transforming a once-quiet airfield into a future industrial hub, to building momentum in the Animal Health Corridor and nurturing homegrown startups, Molly reveals the creative thinking and community grit driving Topeka forward. Her story offers powerful lessons for any economic developer aiming to build sustainable, people-centered progress in their community. Like this show? Please leave us a review here (https://econdevshow.com/rate-this-podcast/) — even one sentence helps! Ten Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers Build coalitions that outlast personalities. Lasting economic momentum comes from strong systems, not single champions. Create structures that unite business, government, and community voices under shared priorities that continue beyond individual leaders. Treat your community as your product. Successful economic developers are storytellers and brand builders. Invest in placemaking, amenities, and perception as deliberately as you do in incentive packages and infrastructure. Leverage what already works. Identify your city's natural strengths--industry clusters, geographic advantages, or workforce skills--and double down on them. Sustainable growth often comes from amplifying existing assets, not chasing trends. Make collaboration your default setting. Align chambers, tourism groups, and EDOs so they speak with one voice. Shared data, messaging, and strategy save resources and multiply your impact. Blend local grit with global reach. Topeka's partnership with Plug and Play shows how even smaller markets can attract international innovation by thinking globally while staying true to local identity. Focus on people as much as projects. Workforce, childcare, housing, and livability are no longer "supporting factors" but central pillars of competitiveness. Put people at the center of every initiative. Tell your story relentlessly. Economic development is half execution and half narrative. Share wins, celebrate progress, and communicate constantly to reshape how residents and outsiders view your community. Simplify your strategy to amplify impact. Broad plans can dilute focus. Concentrate on a few bold goals that your team and partners can rally around, and measure success through consistent, visible progress. Encourage entrepreneurship as a civic value. Support for small businesses, startups, and innovation hubs builds resilience and broadens economic opportunity across every layer of the local economy. Keep learning, listening, and adapting. The best economic developers are curious. Study other regions, borrow ideas shamelessly, invite new perspectives, and stay flexible as industries and demographics evolve. Special Guest: Molly Howey.

    28 min

  3. SEP 29

    How North Carolina Recruits on the World Stage with Anders Victor

    In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson sits down with Anders Victor, Director of International Business Development for the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, to explore how the state positions itself as a global powerhouse for foreign direct investment. Anders shares how North Carolina leverages its international offices, partnerships, and workforce strengths to attract companies like Toyota, Siemens, and Roche, while also tackling challenges around product availability, infrastructure, and talent pipelines. From lessons learned in global competition to the importance of mentorship and cultural adaptability, Anders offers practical and inspiring advice for economic developers everywhere Like this show? Please leave us a review here (https://econdevshow.com/rate-this-podcast/) — even one sentence helps! Ten Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers Build international presence -- Overseas offices provide credibility, relationships, and cultural expertise. Don't assume awareness -- Many companies don't know your state; make introductions early. Highlight livability -- Migration, lifestyle, and culture are key decision factors alongside tax and cost advantages. Invest in product readiness -- Sites, utilities, and workforce pipelines must be shovel-ready to compete globally. Leverage co-op marketing -- Communities can pool resources to reach new markets and trade shows. Learn from losses -- Map supply chains and know how your region fits into global networks. Embrace cultural differences -- Business norms vary widely; flexibility builds trust. Prioritize mentorship -- Developing young professionals requires exposure and guidance from experienced leaders. Communicate in native languages -- Speaking a client's language strengthens partnerships and reduces friction. Stay resilient and adaptable -- Every project looks different; success comes from meeting companies where they are. Special Guest: Anders Victor.

    28 min

  4. SEP 24

    The Power of Showing Up in Communities with Jamie Beasley (Re-upload... take 2)

    (Due to technical issues, this episode has been reuploaded. My apologies to Jamie and to all our listeners. –Dane) In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson welcomes back Jamie Beasley, who shares her path from chamber leadership to her current role as a Regional Development Specialist in north central Oklahoma. Jamie discusses the joys and challenges of working with small towns, the importance of building authentic community connections, and the value of bringing fresh ideas from other places. She also introduces her new initiative, Econ Dev Ops, a virtual assistant service tailored to chambers of commerce and economic development organizations, designed to help overburdened leaders focus on strategy and growth. Like this show? Please leave us a review here (https://econdevshow.com/rate-this-podcast/) — even one sentence helps! Ten Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers Spend time in the field. Nothing replaces face-to-face conversations. Look at how other communities solve problems; good ideas travel well. Small towns often lack staff capacity; find ways to connect them to resources. Collaboration across counties and regions can amplify limited resources. Celebrate small wins to keep communities motivated for long-term goals. Don't underestimate the importance of simply listening to local leaders. Recognize that chamber directors and small-town EDs often juggle multiple roles. Consider outsourcing administrative tasks (like social media, invoicing, and newsletters) to free up strategic capacity. Include small towns in summits and regional events--they often feel overlooked. Focus on relationships and encouragement--sometimes validation is as valuable as funding. Special Guest: Jamie Beasley.

    24 min

  5. SEP 15

    New Jersey’s Bold Playbook with Kathleen Coviello

    In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson sits down with Kathleen Coviello, Chief Economic Transformation Officer at the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, to explore how New Jersey is reshaping its economic future. Kathleen discusses the state’s targeted approach to building industries where it has a competitive edge—from film and digital media to life sciences, clean energy, and AI. She shares insights into innovative initiatives like film-ready certified towns, programs that turn company losses into cash, and the ambitious Evergreen Fund designed to attract venture capital and corporate engagement. Along the way, Kathleen highlights both the opportunities and challenges facing New Jersey, including housing affordability and talent retention, while also offering a candid look at her own journey from venture banking to two decades in public service. Like this show? Please leave us a review here (https://econdevshow.com/rate-this-podcast/) — even one sentence helps! Special Guest: Kathleen Coviello.

    30 min

  6. SEP 8

    How North Dakota Gets Deals Done with Rich Garman

    In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson sits down with Rich Garman, Director of Economic Development and Finance at the North Dakota Department of Commerce, to explore how North Dakota’s unique scale and culture enable fast, collaborative economic development. Rich highlights the benefits of a close-knit network where “everybody knows everybody,” the ability to push projects forward at breakneck speed, and the importance of trust and reputation in such a small state. Listeners will come away with insights into what makes North Dakota’s approach distinctive and how lessons from the state’s nimbleness can inspire economic developers everywhere. Like this show? Please leave us a review here (https://econdevshow.com/rate-this-podcast/) — even one sentence helps! Ten Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers Build tight relationships across agencies to speed project approvals. Use small-scale networks to your advantage: connect decision-makers quickly. Develop a reputation for trustworthiness--bad actors get noticed fast. Create systems where a single text or call can move a project forward. Prioritize collaboration over silos; success requires every stakeholder. Emphasize speed to prospective investors--it's a competitive advantage. Highlight cultural strengths (community-mindedness, shared goals) in pitches. Streamline processes wherever possible; eliminate "waiting on someone's desk." Recognize the risk of reputation spread--protect your credibility at all costs. Translate small-state agility lessons into big-state or regional contexts. Special Guest: Rich Garman.

    26 min

  7. SEP 1

    Site Selectors Often Experience Your City First as Visitors with Tulsa's Renee McKenney

    In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson talks with Renee McKenney, Senior Vice President of Tourism for the Tulsa Regional Chamber and President of Tulsa Regional Tourism. Renee shares how Tulsa has leveraged its unique history, Route 66 heritage, and creative culture to attract visitors, residents, and businesses. From hosting major sporting events and revitalizing Black Wall Street to promoting film, music, and culinary scenes, Tulsa is redefining itself as a vibrant destination. Renee also explains how integrating tourism with economic development under the chamber umbrella creates a powerful synergy that fuels placemaking, business attraction, and civic pride Like this show? Please leave us a review here (https://econdevshow.com/rate-this-podcast/) — even one sentence helps! 10 Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers Integrate tourism and economic development--site selectors often experience your city first as visitors. Identify and elevate authentic community assets (history, culture, sports, etc.). Lean into storytelling; narratives like Route 66 or Black Wall Street resonate nationally. Invest in placemaking that surprises and delights both locals and visitors. Use large-scale events (sports, festivals, shows) as business attraction opportunities. Partner with creative industries (film, music, arts) to build brand identity. Capitalize on civic pride to mobilize communities around unique initiatives. Focus on accessibility and vibe because livability drives both talent and business attraction. Treat tourism as "importing money and exporting experiences." Always be ready for your "prime time": community investments build toward big moments like centennials, championships, or global events. Special Guest: Renee McKenney.

    26 min

  8. AUG 25

    Changing Perceptions of Baltimore with Lakey Boyd

    In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson sits down with Lakey Boyd, Chief Economic Officer at the Greater Baltimore Committee, to explore the unique strengths and opportunities of the Baltimore region. From its historical assets and waterfront livability to the challenges of shifting national perceptions, Lakey shares insights on regional collaboration, economic drivers, and how Greater Baltimore is positioning itself for future growth. (Sorry about my audio quality. Don't worry: Lakey's is great.) Like this show? Please leave us a review here (https://econdevshow.com/rate-this-podcast/) — even one sentence helps! 10 Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers Always frame your community as part of a region — economies rarely stop at city borders. Address negative perceptions head-on with facts, data, and compelling stories. Highlight unique local assets (e.g., universities, hospitals, waterfronts) as differentiators. Showcase livability alongside business opportunities to attract both companies and talent. Balance historical identity with forward-looking strategies. Leverage anchor institutions like universities and hospitals to drive innovation and growth. Collaborate across counties and municipalities to present a united economic front. Market regional resilience — especially in industries that thrive locally. Invest in workforce pipelines that connect local talent with growing industries. Don’t let outsiders define your community’s brand — own your narrative. Special Guest: Lakey Boyd.

    27 min
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About

Dane Carlson explores the strategies, ideas, and insights that are driving economic development forward into the future. You'll hear new insights from passionate ED's about their successes and struggles, and you'll learn from attraction and retention experts about how to apply actionable strategies inside your EDO. We'll help take your organization, your community, and your career to the next level.

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