The Economic Pulse: Insights for Success

Erie County Redevelopment Authority

Join hosts Tina Mengine, CEO of the Erie County Redevelopment Authority, and Laith Wardi, Founder of Gem City Growth Strategies, as they demystify economic development, highlight local and regional projects, and share best practices from around the US, Canada, and beyond. Learn more about Erie and the projects that are moving Erie forward. Our host's websites: • Erie County Redevelopment Authority: ecrda.net • Gem City Growth Strategies: gemcitygs.com

  1. 15h ago

    Alabama Community College System Drives Development: Melody

    Our hosts focused on the Alabama Community College System and its unique approach to workforce development. Melody Whitten, Chief Economic Development Officer was our guest. Hosts: Tina Mengine - CEO of Erie County Redevelopment Authority Laith Wardi - Founder of Gem City Growth Strategies

    52 min

  2. Jun 4

    Impact of National Policy on Economic Development Advancement: Chuck Peters - May 29, 2026

    On this episode Laith was joined by producer Joel Natalie to welcome Altair Real Estate's managing partner Chuck Peters to discuss current national policy news and its impact on the advancement of local economic development goals, including the new Federal Reserve Chair, AI and the workforce, and where the housing sector sits in the current context.

    52 min

  3. May 21

    Attracting Talent to Manufacturing: Jim Rutkowski, Jr. - May 15, 2026

    Laith was joined by producer Joel Natalie as they welcomed local manufacturing leader Jim Rutkowski, Jr., General Manager at Industrial Sales and Manufacturing Inc., to discuss talent attraction and proclaiming the case for manufacturing in our current economic context. Hosts: Tina Mengine - CEO of Erie County Redevelopment Authority Laith Wardi - Founder of Gem City Growth Strategies

    52 min

  4. May 14

    Engaging Elected Officials in Strategic Placemaking: Dean Pepicello - May 8, 2026

    Our hosts welcomed back Dean Pepicello, Harborcreek Township Supervisor, Erie County, PA, to talk about a personal medical emergency, and how transparency and effective communication can bring all relevant constituencies along during project development. Hosts: Tina Mengine - CEO of Erie County Redevelopment Authority Laith Wardi - Founder of Gem City Growth Strategies

    52 min

  5. May 7

    Importance of Training ED Practitioners: Jeff Finkle - May 1, 2026

    Our hosts welcomed back economic development legend Jeff Finkle to the Economic Pulse, with a focus on training and developing ED leaders in a new era. Hosts: Tina Mengine - CEO of Erie County Redevelopment Authority Laith Wardi - Founder of Gem City Growth Strategies

    52 min

  6. Apr 30

    Embracing Diverse Leadership: Corey Cook - Apr. 24, 2026

    In this episode, our hosts welcomed Corey Cook, COO of the Erie Downtown Development Corporation. Corey is a multi-talented leader in Erie, PA who is making a difference in Erie's economic turnaround, while promoting the elevation of people of color, and writing a new book for young people about making successful choices.

    52 min

  7. Apr 23

    When a Community Wants to Compete at a Higher Level: Our Hosts - Apr. 17, 2026

    Our hosts were interviewed by producer Joel Natalie to discuss Erie, their home market, and its gathering of assets to compete for economic development at a higher level, and what it takes to overcome legacy hurdles and grow toward the community's preferred future. Hosts: Tina Mengine - CEO of Erie County Redevelopment Authority Laith Wardi - Founder of Gem City Growth Strategies

    52 min

  8. Apr 16

    The Tools Industry Needs for Economic Growth: Sara Hanks - Apr. 10, 2026

    This week our hosts welcomed Sara Hanks, the President and CEO of the Northwest Industrial Resource Center in Erie, PA. NWIRC is a not-for-profit organization that serves small and mid-sized manufacturers throughout 13 counties of northwest and north central Pennsylvania. Hosts: Tina Mengine - CEO of Erie County Redevelopment Authority Laith Wardi - Founder of Gem City Growth Strategies

    52 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.7
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Join hosts Tina Mengine, CEO of the Erie County Redevelopment Authority, and Laith Wardi, Founder of Gem City Growth Strategies, as they demystify economic development, highlight local and regional projects, and share best practices from around the US, Canada, and beyond. Learn more about Erie and the projects that are moving Erie forward. Our host's websites: • Erie County Redevelopment Authority: ecrda.net • Gem City Growth Strategies: gemcitygs.com

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