ShovelTalk: An Economic Development Podcast

Golden Shovel Agency
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At Golden Shovel, we believe thriving communities improve everyone’s lives. Everything we do connects businesses and talent with communities they’ll thrive in. We do this by empowering economic developers through groundbreaking economic development communications.

  1. Fort Worth’s Big Moment: Growth, Livability, and What’s Next • Robert Allen, President & CEO of the Fort Worth Economic Development Partnership

    4 SEP

    Fort Worth’s Big Moment: Growth, Livability, and What’s Next • Robert Allen, President & CEO of the Fort Worth Economic Development Partnership

    Fort Worth has just become the 11th largest city in the U.S.—surpassing Austin—and it’s not slowing down. In this episode, Robert Allen, President & CEO of the Fort Worth Economic Development Partnership, shares how the city is balancing big-league business attraction with strong support for small businesses, entrepreneurs, and residents. From aerospace and logistics to film, TV, and vibrant downtown corridors, Fort Worth’s privately funded, nimble approach to economic development offers a blueprint for communities everywhere. Robert also opens up about his path into the field from the Governor's office to leading statewide economic development efforts, the importance of civic collaboration, and the lessons he’s learned in making cities both competitive and livable.

    50 min
  2. Small Town, Big Stories: Behind the Scenes of My Town • Cory Hepola, Director/Host of "My Town"

    20 AGO

    Small Town, Big Stories: Behind the Scenes of My Town • Cory Hepola, Director/Host of "My Town"

    What happens when a former TV news anchor trades the bright lights of the city for the charm of rural America? In this episode, we sit down with Cory Hepola, host of the hit docuseries My Town, to explore the heart, hustle, and hidden treasures of small-town life. Cory shares his personal journey from dreaming of the big city to rediscovering the magic of small communities—and how My Town is rewriting the narrative about rural America. You’ll hear behind-the-scenes stories, powerful examples of local pride in action, and tips on how communities can catch the eye of national media. Bonus: My Town is now accepting applications for its next season—find out what it takes to get your town on the map!

    42 min
  3. Immediate Grant Opportunity: Learn About the SCALE Initiative • Cuevas Peacock, New Growth Innovation Network (NGIN)

    1 JUL

    Immediate Grant Opportunity: Learn About the SCALE Initiative • Cuevas Peacock, New Growth Innovation Network (NGIN)

    Inclusive economic development means creating opportunities for everyone in the community to build wealth. But, how do we do that as economic developers? NGIN's Senior Advisor, Cuevas Peacock shares his insights and information on a grant program that can help your community to increase capacity and bring about transformative change.

    30 min
  4. Tips on How Communities Can Use BR&E to Create a Positive Economic Impact • Christophe Trahan, Palestine, TX Economic Development

    10 JUN

    Tips on How Communities Can Use BR&E to Create a Positive Economic Impact • Christophe Trahan, Palestine, TX Economic Development

    Christophe Trahan shares his team’s approach to BR&E, why relationships matter and how deep conversations are producing economic opportunities for local businesses and the foreign companies growing in this Northeast Texas community. Listen for Christophe’s tips on how communities of any size can use BR&E to create a positive economic impact.

    29 min
  5. Meet the BR&E Experts Conducting 11% of Iowa's Business Visits • Curt Strouth, President & CEO, and Joanne Follon, Business Retention and Workforce Partnership Coordinator of the Iowa Lakes Corridor

    21 MAY

    Meet the BR&E Experts Conducting 11% of Iowa's Business Visits • Curt Strouth, President & CEO, and Joanne Follon, Business Retention and Workforce Partnership Coordinator of the Iowa Lakes Corridor

    The Iowa Lakes Corridor is conducting 11% of all BR&E visits in the state of Iowa. In this episode, Golden Shovel's Bethany Quinn is joined by Curt Strouth, President & CEO, and Joanne Follon, Business Retention and Workforce Partnership Coordinator for an engaging discussion on BR&E best practices, how to develop a good program and the joy of making an impact. Learn more about their BR&E program here. #BRE #BusinessRetentionExpansion #IowaLakesCorridor

    46 min
  6. Powering Communities: Lean Strategies and Data-Driven Growth • Erin Sparks, Great River Energy & Mid America EDC

    9 ABR

    Powering Communities: Lean Strategies and Data-Driven Growth • Erin Sparks, Great River Energy & Mid America EDC

    In advance of Mid-America EDC's Best Practices Conference we sat down with Erin Sparks, Economic Development Lead at Great River Energy and 2nd Vice President for Mid-America EDC. Erin shares a preview of what economic developers can expect to learn at the conference, along with the fun activities that are planned. She also shares invaluable insights from her journey in economic development, from her early days at CETA (Community and Economic Development Associates) to her current role supporting 26 member-owner cooperatives across Minnesota. Erin discusses the importance of adopting a consulting mindset to remain agile and responsive, even when resources are lean. We also dive into Great River Energy’s Data Center Site Assessment Program—a groundbreaking initiative that sets the standard for site readiness and has opened doors to new economic opportunities. Whether you're an economic developer, community leader, or just curious about how strategic thinking can transform rural communities, this episode has something for you.

    42 min
  7. Greensboro’s 10-Year Overnight Success: How Vision & Collaboration Transformed a Region • Marvin Price, Executive Vice President of the Greensboro (NC) Chamber of Commerce

    6 MAR

    Greensboro’s 10-Year Overnight Success: How Vision & Collaboration Transformed a Region • Marvin Price, Executive Vice President of the Greensboro (NC) Chamber of Commerce

    In this episode, Bethany Quinn, President of Golden Shovel, sits down with Marvin Price, Executive Vice President of the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce, to discuss how strategic vision, perseverance, and regional collaboration led to over $16 billion in capital investment and 10,000 new jobs in just four years. Marvin shares the behind-the-scenes story of how Greensboro secured the Toyota project to their megasite, expanded its aerospace sector, and is growing life sciences. Their story provides that economic development is a long game—but one worth playing. This conversation is a must-listen for economic developers looking for inspiration and actionable insights on securing transformative investments for their communities.

    46 min
  8. Connecting Communities: A Conversation on the Future of Rural Telecom and Economic Development • Brent Christensen, President/CEO, Minnesota Telecom Alliance

    10 FEB

    Connecting Communities: A Conversation on the Future of Rural Telecom and Economic Development • Brent Christensen, President/CEO, Minnesota Telecom Alliance

    Brent Christensen, President/CEO of the Minnesota Telecom Alliance, fondly remembers tinkering as a child in the offices of Christensen Communications Company in Madelia. Much has changed over his 30-year career, but his passion for bringing people together remains constant. Tune in to hear his vision for the future of telecommunications and the crucial role local providers can play in economic development. His inclusive approach emphasizes community involvement, developing strategic partnerships, and maintaining the industry’s collaborative spirit.

    30 min
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At Golden Shovel, we believe thriving communities improve everyone’s lives. Everything we do connects businesses and talent with communities they’ll thrive in. We do this by empowering economic developers through groundbreaking economic development communications.

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