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. 3d ago

    LIVE from the 2026 #AmericanSouth Site Selection Summit - Susan Sankey, Amy Fesser, Ryan Egly

    On location at the 2026 American South Site Selection Summit in Arlington, Texas, host Ray Methvin of Insyteful sits down for a series of one-on-one interviews evaluating rural development strategies and community-level economic alignment. The opening interview features Susan Sankey, Executive Director of the Big Spring Economic Development Corporation, who outlines the unique landscape of industrial recruitment in West Texas. Sankey shares tactical insights on how smaller municipalities can leverage local assets and coordinate land preparation to remain highly competitive for emerging industrial projects. The focus then shifts to the regional workforce and diversification strategies being deployed across other sectors of the South. Amy Fesser, Executive Director of Borger Inc., details how specialized community marketing and targeting industrial expansions can stimulate growth in competitive manufacturing corridors. Finally, Ryan Egly, President and CEO of the Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce, breaks down the fundamentals of rural economic stability and regional infrastructure partnerships. Together, these conversations demonstrate the targeted, collaborative approaches used throughout the Southern Economic Development Council network to secure new capital investments. The SEDC Podcast is sponsored by Insyteful.

    33 min

  2. 6d ago

    LIVE from the 2026 #AmericanSouth Site Selection Summit - Paul Hoben, Chris, Lloyd, Danielle Sweat

    On location at the 2026 American South Site Selection Summit in Arlington, Texas, host Ray Methvin of Insyteful sits down for a series of one-on-one interviews exploring regional economic shifts, logistical advantages, and infrastructure strategies. The opening interview features Paul Hoben, Director of Business Development for the Aberdeen Carolina & Western Railway, who discusses the critical integration of short-line rail into industrial development. Hoben highlights how dedicated rail corridors lower shipping overhead, expand logistics capabilities for heavy industry, and make regional greenfield sites highly competitive for major manufacturing investments. The focus then shifts to macroeconomic trends and localized recruitment strategies across the South. Chris Lloyd, Senior Vice President and Director of Infrastructure and Economic Development for McGuireWoods Consulting, breaks down the current trends shaping site selection, focusing on how skyrocketing industrial power requirements and grid capacity constraints alter location shortlists. Finally, Danielle Sweat, Economic Development Director for the Wolfforth Economic Development Corporation, discusses the unique opportunities and challenges of managing suburban expansion in West Texas, emphasizing how proactive zoning and local utility partnerships keep a growing community competitive. Together, these conversations provide SEDC members with valuable insights on balancing regional growth with transport and power capacity. The SEDC Podcast is sponsored by Insyteful.

    29 min

  3. May 28

    LIVE from the 2026 #AmericanSouth Site Selection Summit - Cathleen Flournoy, Jim Moore, Jeanette Goldsmith

    On location at the 2026 American South Site Selection Summit in Arlington, Texas, host Ray Methvin of Insyteful sits down for a series of one-on-one interviews examining the regional mechanics of site readiness, consulting, and corporate attraction. The opening interview features Cathleen Flournoy, Senior Industrial Development Manager for Norfolk Southern Corporation, who explores the critical integration of rail infrastructure into modern economic development projects. Flournoy describes how rail-served sites expand shipping logistics for heavy industry and what communities must do to align logistics networks with manufacturing demands. The focus then shifts to distinct consulting and regional investment strategies across the South. Jeannette Goldsmith, President of Strategic Development Group, breaks down the current trends in site selection from a corporate consultant's point of view, focusing on how shifting labor markets and infrastructure constraints alter location shortlists. Finally, Jim Moore, Director of Business Development for Greater Paducah Economic Development, discusses how local communities leverage multi-modal assets like riverports and utility access to stay competitive. Together, these conversations demonstrate the targeted approaches used throughout the Southern Economic Development Council network to foster resilient regional economies and secure new capital investment. The SEDC Podcast is sponsored by Insyteful.

    28 min

  4. May 25

    LIVE from the 2026 #AmericanSouth Site Selection Summit - Bethany Shockney, Dennis Wiggins, Lucas Witt

    On location at the 2026 American South Site Selection Summit in Arlington, Texas, host Ray Methvin of Insyteful sits down for a series of one-on-one interviews highlighting specialized approaches to community growth and leadership. The opening segment features Bethany Shockney, President and CEO of the Limestone County Economic Development Association in Alabama, who discusses navigating rapid industrial growth and the strategic development of shovel-ready sites. Shockney emphasizes how aligning local infrastructure with workforce development allows communities to successfully support major automotive and aerospace supply chain expansions. The focus then shifts to regional retention and diversification strategies. Dennis Wiggins of the Taney County Partnership in Missouri outlines how unique, tourism-heavy economies can effectively support existing employers and build a resilient year-round workforce. Finally, Lucas Witt, Principal of MWM Consulting in Kentucky, breaks down the technical consulting side of site selection, detailing what corporate tenants prioritize regarding utility access and project timelines. Together, these conversations illustrate how diverse professionals within the Southern Economic Development Council network customize their initiatives to sustain economic health and capture new capital investments. The SEDC Podcast is sponsored by Insyteful.

    24 min

  5. May 21

    LIVE from the 2026 #AmericanSouth Site Selection Summit - Russ Myer, Gus Fontenot, and Maggie Cromeens

    On location at the 2026 American South Site Selection Summit in Arlington, Texas, host Ray Methvin of Insyteful sits down for a series of one-on-one interviews examining the mechanics of site readiness and municipal development. The first interview features Russ Meyer, Executive Director of the Jessamine County Joint Economic Development Authority, who shares strategies for competitive positioning in the Bluegrass region. Meyer discusses the importance of infrastructure preparation, pro-business local leadership, and maintaining an updated inventory of available properties to capture expanding manufacturing and commercial projects. The focus then shifts to distinct development strategies being deployed across other areas of the South. Gus Fontenot, Director of Projects and Site Development for the SWLA Economic Development Alliance, details the technical side of site certification and industrial readiness in Southwest Louisiana. Finally, Maggie Cromeens, Executive Director of the Cuero Development Corporation, explores economic diversification and small business support strategies within historic community footprints. Together, these conversations demonstrate the targeted approaches used throughout the Southern Economic Development Council network to foster resilient regional economies and secure new capital investment. The SEDC Podcast is sponsored by Insyteful.

    30 min

  6. May 18

    LIVE from the 2026 #AmericanSouth Site Selection Summit - Mark Lawson, Ashton Bellows, and Shannon Blake

    Live from the 2026 #AmericanSouth Site Selection Summit in Arlington, Texas, host Ray Methvin of Insyteful sits down for individual interviews with regional leaders to discuss localized strategies for industrial and commercial growth. The first segment features Mark Lawson, President of Cary Economic Development, who shares insights on managing rapid community expansion and high-tech sector recruitment. Lawson emphasizes how workforce development, infrastructure preparation, and community assets play a vital role in sustaining long-term regional competitiveness for corporate relocations. The focus then shifts to key leadership from the Sherman Economic Development Corporation. Ashton Bellows, Chief Financial Officer, details the financial mechanics of modern economic development, explaining how strategic funding, capital incentives, and industrial park development effectively scale local infrastructure. Following Bellows, Shannon Blake, Vice President of Business Development, explores primary employment growth and the targeted marketing strategies necessary to attract global employers. Together, these interviews highlight the exact operational and financial alignment required across the Southern Economic Development Council footprint to secure major capital projects. The SEDC Podcast is sponsored by Insyteful

    21 min

  7. May 14

    LIVE from the 2026 #AmericanSouth Site Selection Summit - Chuck Sexton & Robert Long

    Recorded live at the 2026 American South Site Selection Summit in Arlington, Texas, host Ray Methvin of Insyteful sits down for individual interviews with industry experts to discuss the mechanics of regional growth. The first segment features Chuck Sexton, Principal and CEO of Strategic Location Advisors, who provides a detailed look into the modern site selection process. Sexton analyzes the specific criteria that consultants use to narrow down location shortlists, emphasizing why digital transparency and proactive community data are essential for moving from a request for information to a successful site visit. The recording continues with an interview featuring Robert Long, Director of Chester County Economic Development. Long shares his perspective on managing industrial recruitment at the local level, specifically focusing on the recent influx of manufacturing investment in South Carolina. He discusses the importance of maintaining a shovel-ready inventory of sites and the collaborative role that local economic development offices play in coordinating with state partners and utility providers. These interviews offer practical insights into the high-stakes environment of site selection and the strategies used by Southern Economic Development Council members to secure major capital projects. The SEDC Podcast is sponsored by Insyteful.

    25 min

  8. May 11

    LIVE from the 2026 #AmericanSouth Site Selection Summit - Pat Ford, Cam Huffman, Christie Goodman Duke

    Recorded live from the Loews Arlington Hotel during the 2026 American South Site Selection Summit, host Ray Methvin of Insyteful sits down with regional leaders to discuss the evolving requirements of industrial recruitment. The first interview features Patrick Ford, Vice President of the West Virginia Polymer Alliance Zone, who discusses his expertise in brownfield redevelopment and the strategic repurposing of large-scale industrial properties. Ford explains how transforming underutilized land into shovel-ready assets is a critical component for attracting major manufacturing investments and maintaining regional competitiveness. The recording continues with an interview featuring Cam Huffman, Director of External Relations for the West Virginia Polymer Alliance Zone, who details the importance of legislative coordination and utility partnerships in securing major capital projects. Huffman describes how proactive infrastructure planning ensures that energy capacity meets the technical demands of modern industry. Finally, Christie Goodman Duke, Director of Targeted Attractions and State Affairs for the Arlington Economic Development Corporation, provides her perspective on how the host city leverages infrastructure to drive growth. These interviews offer a comprehensive look at the collaborative strategies used by members of the Southern Economic Development Council to facilitate industrial expansion across the region. The SEDC Podcast is sponsored by Insyteful.

    31 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4
out of 5
2 Ratings

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
    113
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © The Southern Economic Development Council
  • Show Website
    The SEDC Podcast

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