Podcasts about Economic development

Ethics is the invisible foundation of successful economic development. In this episode of Develop This!, we explore why professional integrity is essential to building trust, guiding difficult decisions, and sustaining long-term community growth. Dennis Fraise interviews Jim Fram, a longtime educator and leader in economic development ethics, about how ethical standards have evolved in the profession—and why they matter more than ever in today's complex environment. From navigating gray areas in deal-making to understanding the role of formal codes of ethics and professional accountability, Jim shares insights from decades of experience teaching and mentoring economic development professionals. The conversation also looks forward, examining how emerging challenges—including AI, increasing deal complexity, and growing public scrutiny—are shaping the future of ethical leadership in the field. Whether you're new to economic development or a seasoned practitioner, this episode offers practical guidance on maintaining integrity while advancing your community's goals. In This Episode Why ethics serves as the backbone of economic development The evolution of ethical standards in the profession Why a formal code of ethics and ongoing training are critical Common ethical gray areas practitioners encounter The impact of new technologies like AI on ethical decision-making Real-world consequences when ethical standards are violated How professionals and organizations can rebuild trust after mistakes Memorable Sound Bites "Do what's right, even when it's hard." "Violations can destroy community trust." "Case studies reveal the gray areas where ethics really matter."

Your Nebraska Update headlines for today, March 11, include: Lincoln Police Department is now leading investigation into $2.5 million no-bid consulting contract awarded by Nebraska Department of Economic Development after Nebraska State Patrol stepped aside due to potential conflict of interest, lawmakers cut funding from Nebraska's tobacco prevention budget, senators keep $250,000 portion of Secretary of State's budget after debate over voter information shared with Department of Justice, advocates warn plan to quickly relocate Nebraska youth correctional facilities could disrupt education and resources for children in system, Nebraska Medicine begins construction on $99 million Farnam Health Center in Omaha, Sandhill cranes return to Platte River Valley during annual migration bringing boost to local economies, Nebraska-born World War II veteran becomes nation's oldest organ donor at age 100.

From helping entrepreneurs get their first idea off the ground to supporting major employers expanding in the region, WGU graduate Brian Fleming spends his days focused on one mission: building communities where people want to live, work, and start businesses. As executive director of the Sherburne County Economic Development Authority (Minnesota), Brian works behind the scenes to strengthen local economies by connecting founders and companies with the resources, partnerships, and incentives they need to grow.In this episode, Brian shares practical insights for entrepreneurs everywhere—from tapping Small Business Development Centers and SCORE mentors to identifying real opportunities by solving pressing problems. With an MBA and a master's in cybersecurity from WGU, he also explains why protecting digital trust is now essential for every business. His perspective blends strategy, community connection, and practical action, offering a simple reminder: strong local economies are built when people invest their time, talent, and ideas where they live.To learn more about the WGU Alumni experience, including events, benefits, and ways to stay engaged, visit wgu.edu/alumni.

American universities stopped optimizing for students a long time ago. The University of Austin was built as a direct counter to that failure. Carlos Carvalho, its president, brings a statistician's precision to the diagnosis, tracing the causal chain from dropped standards to credential collapse while building an institution with no tuition and no government money, staking its survival entirely on student outcomes 20 years out. The conversation moves from the financial architecture of a university, through a curriculum that starts with Plato before it touches Python, to the deeper question of what a university owes a civilization in the age of AI and whether Austin is the right place to answer it.Agenda0:00 Intro + Three Years In 9:42 The $300M Bet 15:42 The Conglomerate Problem 21:42 Western Canon First 28:42 What AI Changes About Teaching 34:42 The Bastrop Lab 41:42 UATX in the Austin Ecosystem 48:42 Atoms vs Bits in Texas 53:42 American Exceptionalism as Mission 59:42 The Hit Pieces 1:06:42 The UCSD Math Collapse 1:11:42 Grade Inflation as Decay 1:14:42 AI and the Soul ProblemGuest BioCarlos Carvalho is the President of the University of Austin. Prior to taking on this role, he spent 15 years as a professor at the University of Texas at Austin's McCombs School of Business, where he held the La Quinta Centennial Professorship and founded the Salem Center for Policy. A native of Brazil, Dr. Carvalho earned his doctorate in statistics from Duke University and has also taught at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. His research focuses on Bayesian statistics in complex, high-dimensional problems with applications ranging from economics to genetics to public policy. At UATX, he is leading a bold effort to build a new university that stands for American principles and academic excellence.Guest LinksUniversity of Austin: Website, Substack, Instagram, X, LinkedIn -------------------Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedInEcosystem Metacognition Substack

Bio:  ​Elyse Cherry has served as the CEO of BlueHub Capital since 1997. Under Cherry's leadership, BlueHub has invested over $3.2 billion, leveraged an additional $16.1 billion, and built a national tax credit practice to: finance affordable housing, health centers, schools and other community facilities; create jobs; benchmark and drive down energy and utility costs. This episode is sponsored by the coaching company of the host, Paul Zelizer. Consider a Strategy Session if you can use support growing your impact business. Resources mentioned in this episode include: Blue Hub Capital site Elyse on LinkedIn Paul's services Pitch an Awarepreneurs episode

Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia. Today is Tuesday, March 10, 2026. 1 – From WANDER - Hidden scenic spots in West Virginia away from the crowds West Virginia is full of peaceful outdoor destinations waiting to be discovered. A recent travel story highlights lesser-known scenic spots throughout the state where visitors can enjoy quiet trails, hidden waterfalls and panoramic overlooks. From secluded forest paths to peaceful mountain ridgelines across the Appalachian Mountains, these off-the-beaten-path experiences invite travelers to slow down and experience the natural beauty of the Mountain State. Read more: https://vocal.media/wander/away-from-the-crowds-in-west-virginia  2 – From WV ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT - West Virginia positioned for advanced metals production West Virginia continues to build momentum in advanced metals manufacturing. According to the West Virginia Department of Economic Development, the state's skilled workforce, infrastructure and industrial partnerships make it an ideal location for producing high-value alloys and precision components. These capabilities support supply chains for aerospace, automotive and other advanced industries while helping diversify the state's economy and create high-skill jobs. Read more: https://westvirginia.gov/positioned-for-production-west-virginias-advantage-in-advanced-metals/  3 – From WV STATE PARKS - Cellar-to-Table Dinner Series continues in WV State Parks Food lovers can experience Appalachian cuisine through the Cellar-to-Table Dinner Series hosted at select locations across West Virginia State Parks. These special dining events feature multi-course meals prepared with locally sourced ingredients and seasonal flavors that celebrate the region's culinary traditions. Seating is limited, so guests are encouraged to reserve early. Learn more: https://wvstateparks.com/cellar-to-table-dinners/  Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304. The daily304 curated news and information is brought to you by the West Virginia Department of Commerce: Sharing the wealth, beauty and opportunity in West Virginia with the world. Follow the daily304 on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @daily304. Or find us online at wv.gov and just click the daily304 logo. That's all for now. Take care. Be safe. Get outside and enjoy all the opportunity West Virginia has to offer.

In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson talks with Lyndsay Wisneski, Chief Marketing Officer of the Greater Yuma Economic Development Corporation, about how storytelling and modern marketing strategies can transform economic development. Lyndsay shares how Yuma built a powerful regional brand through industry-focused mini-documentaries, digital advertising campaigns, and a coordinated content strategy that turns a single video project into years of marketing assets. She explains how even small communities can market themselves effectively by highlighting local companies, repurposing content across platforms, and tracking real marketing ROI. The conversation explores why economic development should focus less on static statistics and more on authentic stories that help companies, site selectors, and residents connect emotionally with a place. Like this show? Please leave us a review here. 10 Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers Let companies tell your story. Interviews with CEOs and business leaders are more persuasive than marketing copy. Create industry-focused content that explains why companies in each sector succeed in your region. Turn one project into many assets: long videos, short clips, photos, reports, and social media content. Use short video ads to drive viewers to longer storytelling pieces on your website or YouTube. Track website visitors and identify companies researching your region. Send periodic industry-specific newsletters highlighting local expansions, infrastructure, and investment. Use LinkedIn and targeted digital ads to stay visible to site selectors and executives. Repurpose marketing content across guides, one-pagers, websites, and presentations. Hire local creative talent who can update or expand your content over time. Apply for marketing awards to boost credibility and morale inside your organization and community. Special Guest: Lyndsay Wisneski.

Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia. Today is Thursday, March 5, 2026. #1 – From WV ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT - West Virginia's automotive industry continues to expand West Virginia is strengthening its automotive sector through growing manufacturing, assembly, and supply chain activity. The West Virginia Department of Economic Development highlights the state's strategic location, workforce development initiatives, and industry partnerships that are attracting new investment and creating jobs. From component production to final assembly, the Mountain State is positioning itself as a competitive force in the automotive industry. Read more: https://westvirginia.gov/industries/automotive/ #2 – From YAHOO! TRAVEL - West Virginia's Appalachian Mountains: A hidden travel gem The Appalachian Mountains in West Virginia offer scenic ridgelines, waterfalls, hiking trails, and charming small towns that make the region a standout destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can experience four-season adventure, cultural heritage, and peaceful escapes — all set against the breathtaking backdrop of Almost Heaven. Read more: https://travel.yahoo.com/articles/nestled-west-virginias-appalachian-mountains-150000185.html #3 – From WV EDA - Direct Lending Program supports local businesses The West Virginia Economic Development Authority offers flexible, competitive financing through its Direct Lending Program. Designed to foster expansion, job creation, and capital investment, the program provides below-market loans and customized financing solutions to help West Virginia businesses grow and compete. Companies across a range of sectors can leverage these incentives to support strategic development and long-term success. Read more: https://eda.wv.gov/wvedas-direct-lending-program-offers-incentives-for-west-virginia-based-businesses/ Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304. The daily304 curated news and information is brought to you by the West Virginia Department of Commerce: Sharing the wealth, beauty, and opportunity in West Virginia with the world. Follow the daily304 on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @daily304. Or find us online at wv.gov and just click the daily304 logo. That's all for now. Take care. Be safe. Get outside and enjoy all the opportunity West Virginia has to offer.

The largest economic development project in North Carolina history is taking flight. In this episode of Develop This!, guests Marvin Price and Abbie Jordan Currens take listeners behind the scenes of JetZero's monumental decision to build a $4.7 billion advanced manufacturing facility in Greensboro, North Carolina — a project expected to create more than 14,500 jobs. JetZero's aerospace manufacturing campus isn't just another announcement. It represents a transformational moment for Greensboro, the Piedmont Triad region, and the entire state. In this episode, you'll hear: Why JetZero selected Greensboro and the strategic advantages of North Carolina How site readiness and airport-adjacent infrastructure became the deciding factors The critical role of workforce training and education partnerships How state and local collaboration created a winning environment What this project means for long-term innovation and aerospace growth Lessons learned for economic developers working on large-scale projects As Marvin shares, "It was magical when we won." And as Abby explains, "The airport was a game changer." This conversation is a masterclass in preparation, partnership, and persistence — and a roadmap for communities competing for transformative projects. Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC) Greensboro Chamber of Commerce  Key Topics & Themes JetZero and aerospace manufacturing expansion Greensboro, North Carolina as a strategic location Site selection and certified site readiness Infrastructure investment and airport access Workforce training and education alignment Public-private collaboration Long-term community and economic impact Innovation ecosystem development

In this episode of Develop This!, host Dennis Fraise sits down with Brian Abernathy and Clint Nessmith to discuss the strategic merger of Convergent Nonprofit Solutions and Resource Development Group. This isn't a consolidation story — it's a growth strategy. Brian shares how Convergent Nonprofit Solutions was founded during the 2008 financial crisis to bring greater efficiency and innovation to nonprofit fundraising. Clint reflects on Resource Development Group's roots dating back to 1995, focusing exclusively on economic development fundraising and campaign strategy. Together, they unpack: Why today's economic development organizations require increasingly specialized fundraising expertise How quality of place has become central to business attraction and retention The unique fundraising realities facing rural communities Why collaboration between firms can deliver a deeper impact than competition How data analysis and shared resources will strengthen client outcomes Leadership lessons learned from navigating a major transition The conversation highlights a critical truth for today's development professionals: trust, adaptability, and cooperation are the new currency of sustainable growth. As funding models evolve and communities demand more measurable results, this merger signals a broader shift in how nonprofit solutions and economic development strategy intersect. Key Takeaways Convergent Nonprofit Solutions was launched during the 2008 financial crisis to rethink fundraising efficiency. Resource Development Group has specialized in economic development fundraising since 1995. The merger represents expansion and enhanced service capacity — not downsizing. Specialized services are increasingly necessary in economic development. Quality of place directly impacts talent attraction and business retention. Rural communities require tailored fundraising strategies. Strategic collaboration can elevate service delivery and outcomes. Trust and cooperation are foundational in business partnerships. Leadership transitions create opportunities for innovation. Data analysis will enhance strategic decision-making and client impact.

Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia. Today is Wednesday, March 4, 2026. #1 – From WV EXPLORER - West Virginia's outdoor economy shows growth and opportunity A recent analysis from WV Explorer highlights the expanding role of West Virginia's outdoor economy as a major driver of jobs and local revenue. From trail systems and state parks to adventure tourism and small outdoor businesses, communities across the Mountain State are seeing increased visitor spending and new opportunities for economic diversification. As demand for outdoor experiences continues to rise, leaders see strong potential for sustained growth and investment. Read more: https://wvexplorer.com/2026/02/17/west-virginia-outdoor-economy/ #2 – From WV ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT - STEP grants support West Virginia exporters The State Trade Expansion Program, administered by the West Virginia Department of Economic Development, is offering grants to help West Virginia companies expand into international markets. Known as STEP, the program provides reimbursement for export-related expenses such as international marketing, trade show participation, and export training. The initiative supports businesses looking to grow beyond domestic sales and strengthen the state's global presence. Read more: https://westvirginia.gov/step-grant-support/ #3 – From WV ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT - FORM Energy says yes to West Virginia Form Energy has announced plans to expand operations in West Virginia, reinforcing the state's growing role in advanced energy innovation. The company's investment supports workforce development, manufacturing growth, and next-generation energy solutions — positioning West Virginia as a key player in the evolving energy sector. Read more: https://westvirginia.gov/form-energy-says-yes-to-west-virginia/ Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304. The daily304 curated news and information is brought to you by the West Virginia Department of Commerce: Sharing the wealth, beauty, and opportunity in West Virginia with the world. Follow the daily304 on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @daily304. Or find us online at wv.gov and just click the daily304 logo. That's all for now. Take care. Be safe. Get outside and enjoy all the opportunity West Virginia has to offer.      

Have you ever considered your profession as a ministry? Come to this session and hear about the biblical roots of nursing as ministry, your sacred calling to serve, and the importance of paying attention to those divine appointments. We will also talk about finding your passion and being persistent, all while drawing on the power of the Holy Spirit.

In cities across low- and middle-income countries, traffic crawls 24 hours a day. In Dhaka during rush hour, speeds average around 15km/h. At three in the morning, when the roads are empty, they average about 20km/h. Urban transport in the developing world is not only slow because of congestion. And so congestion policy, Adam Storeygard of Tufts University argues, gets you a small fraction of the way to solving the problems of urban transport in LMICs.That counterintuitive finding is one many themes in Storeygard's wide-ranging review of what research actually tells us about how people in LMICs get from A to B. From informal minibuses to bus rapid transit, from a field experiment in Bangalore that tested congestion pricing to the long shadow of colonial railroads still shaping African trade today, the picture that emerges is more nuanced and more interesting than many policy blueprints suggest. He tells Tim Phillips what the evidence supports, where it runs out, and why fixing the roads won't fix everything.The research behind this episode:Storeygard, Adam. 2025. "Transport in Low- and Middle-Income Countries." NBER Working Paper 34354. Forthcoming in a special issue of Regional Science and Urban Economics.To cite this episode:Phillips, Tim. 2026. "Transport in Low- and Middle-Income Countries." VoxDev Talk (podcast). Assign this as extra listening: the citation above is formatted and ready for a reading list or VLE.About Adam StoreygardAdam Storeygard is Professor of Economics at Tufts University, where his research focuses on urbanisation, transportation, and the economic geography of the developing world, in particular sub-Saharan Africa. Much of his work uses geographic and satellite data to study how infrastructure shapes where people live, how they move, and how economies develop.Research cited in this episodeAkbar, Prottoy Aman, Victor Couture, Gilles Duranton, and Adam Storeygard. 2023. "The Fast, the Slow, and the Congested: Urban Transportation in Rich and Poor Countries." NBER Working Paper 31642. The paper behind the Dhaka finding: assembling travel speed data across 1,200 cities in 152 countries, the authors show that cities in poor countries are roughly half as fast as those in rich countries, and that most of the gap is not congestion but structural low speeds in the absence of traffic.Björkegren, Daniel, Alice Duhaut, Geetika Nagpal, and Nick Tsivanidis. 2025. "Public and Private Transit: Evidence from Lagos." Working paper. When Lagos introduced a major new public bus system, informal drivers on affected routes left,  so bus frequency on those routes fell on net. The big benefit accrued to other routes that informal drivers switched to, where prices and waiting times fell. Winners and losers, not a clean gain.Franklin, Simon. 2018. "Location, Search Costs and Youth Unemployment: Experimental Evidence from Transport Subsidies." Economic Journal 128 (614). A randomised trial in Addis Ababa: providing transport subsidies to unemployed young people helped them search for and find formal jobs. Effects did not persist once subsidies ended, raising questions about how much the transport constraint itself was the binding one.Borker, Girija. 2021. "Safety First: Perceived Risk of Street Harassment and Educational Choices of Women." World Bank Policy Research Working Paper 9731. Women in Delhi attend less selective colleges than male peers with identical academic credentials, not because they are not admitted, but because of perceived harassment risk during the commute. Delhi university students overwhelmingly live with their parents, and the daily journey matters as much as the institution.Kreindler, Gabriel. 2024. "Peak-Hour Road Congestion Pricing: Experimental Evidence and Equilibrium Implications." Econometrica 92 (4). A field experiment in Bangalore, paying drivers to avoid congested areas and times. The finding: congestion pricing would produce only modest benefits in Bangalore because traffic density has a relatively moderate impact on speed there, meaning you would have to charge astronomically high prices to shift behaviour significantly.Jedwab, Remi, and Adam Storeygard. 2022. "The Average and Heterogeneous Effects of Transportation Investments: Evidence from Sub-Saharan Africa 1960–2010." Journal of the European Economic Association 20 (1). Shows how transportation infrastructure investments, including the legacy of colonial railroads built primarily to connect mines to ports, continue to shape where Africans live and how countries trade, with consequences that push African economies toward overseas rather than intra-regional commerce.More VoxDev Talks on this topicMichelson, Hope, 2026, “African agriculture's underappreciated supply side.” VoxDev Talk. How transport links are one of the many impediments that stop rural farmers from making the most of the opportunities of better agricultural inputs.Related reading on VoxDev"Urban transport infrastructure in developing countries”, the VoxDevLit review of research on urban transport in LMICs, covering buses, BRT, subways, and informal transit networks."Who wins when public transit challenges private transit?”, the Lagos bus reform discussed in this episode, with further detail on how informal drivers responded to new public routes."Perceived risk of street harassment and college choice of women in Delhi”, Girija Borker's research on how commute safety shapes women's educational choices, as discussed by Storeygard in this episode."The equitable benefits of Colombia's bus rapid transit system”, complements the discussion of BRT in Bogota, one of Storeygard's three best-evidenced cases for BRT benefits.

Gavin Dew, the B.C. Conservative Party critic for AI, says the families of the Tumbler Ridge tragedy need answers. Guest: Gavin Dew - MLA for Kelowna-Mission and the Official Opposition Critic for Jobs, Economic Development, Innovation, and AI. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Innovation lately feels synonymous with the digital entrepreneurs of Silicon Valley or the high-tech corridor of Route 128 outside Boston. But when Thomas Edison opened his first research lab in the 1870s, it was in Newark, New Jersey. A few years later, in nearby Menlo Park, he invented the light bulb. Now, Newark is working to build a new, inclusive tech innovation ecosystem that goes beyond this legacy.On this episode, host Lisa Margonelli is joined by Fay Cobb Payton and Lyneir Richardson, who are both at Rutgers University. Payton directs the Institute for Data, Research, and Innovation Science (IDRIS) and Lyneir is the executive director of the Center for Urban Entrepreneurship and Economic Development. Together they have been pioneering data-led innovation and business accelerators with a diverse group of entrepreneurs.ResourcesRead Senator Andy Kim's vision for New Jersey's Einstein Corridor. Learn more about the Exit to Win accelerator by watching this video. Check out more Issues articles on regional economic development. “Cultivating Mastery in Place” by Maryann Feldman and Alaina Kayaani-George. Diné entrepreneurs entwine economic renewal with mutual obligation, providing a model of regional economic development that serves the community.“Revisiting the Connection Between Innovation, Education, and Regional Economic Growth” by Grace J. Wang. What have we learned over the past 40 years about how to generate sustained economic growth through scientific research and technological innovation?“Place-Based Economic Development” by Maryann Feldman. “Lessons from Baltimore for Participatory Research” by Alvin Hathaway Sr. A pastor and community organizer explains what a landmark Black neuroscience study needed to gain insight, influence, and credibility.

Women's Herstory Month Greetings Glocal Citizens! If it's March then it's that time again for a month of conversations centering women's stories and experiences. This week, we're also kicking off the series with the launch of our Glocal Citizens x Black Women in Real Estate collaboration--Borderless Building. Founded in 2019, Black Women in Real Estate (BWRE) is an organization that aims to bring together black women in property, creating opportunities for upcoming talent and organizing workshops for those already in the industry. Througout the year, we're teaming up with BWRE to showcase the personal and professional journeys of Black women in the real estate industry; highlight how Black women in the industry invest and structure value in/around land/property across global markets; and offer valuable insight into the business/operational functions in the real estate industry to inspire a spirit of land stewardship. All ideas you'll hear in this week's conversation. Kicking off the series is BWRE Founder, Hanna Afolabi. A few years after founding BWRE, Hanna found herself furthering her entrepreneurial journey with Mood and Space (MAS), a development company supporting clients in embedding social value in their development vision and strategy as well as efficiently managing processes delivering community focused building and urban neighborhoods. Prior to setting up MAS, Hanna was a Development Director for Balfour Beatty Investments seconded into East Wick and Sweetwater Ltd a joint venture with Places for People. She lead on the feasibility, business planning, budget, design, programming and planning of the mixed-use regeneration project of approx. 1,900 homes on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Her other notable projects in London, include Hallsville Quarter in Canning Town and Borough Triangle in Elephant and Castle. Additionally, she is Vice Chair of the University of Greenwich's Construction, Property and Surveying Practices Industry Advisory Board and is on Estates Gazette's Diversity & Inclusion Content Advisory Panel, advocating for diverse representation in property. Where to find Hanna? Black Women in Real Estate (BWRE) and get your tix to their International Women's Day Gala @ Mood and Space On LinkedIn On Instagram What's Hanna watching? All her Fault Bridgerton on Netflix His & Hers on Netflix Other topics of interest: Oke-Ila in Osun State, Nigeria About Hackney Estates GazetteSpecial Guest: Hanna Afolabi.

Live music and film are major drivers of economic development in communities across Canada. Erin Benjamin, President & CEO of the Canadian Live Music Association, and Sandrine Pechels de Saint Sardos, Film Commissioner and CEO of the Ottawa Film Office, join the podcast to discuss the positive economic and social impacts of their respective sectors. They highlight the importance of partnerships and people and explain how governments can help attract and support live music and movie productions.

Mike Switzer interviews the Post and Courier's John McDermott about the Supreme Court overturning Trump's tariffs, tourism news, and a new economic development project being negotiated in Orangeburg.

Ever wanted a lower electrical bill during the summer or winter? Look no further than your friendly geothermal heat pump, that uses the ambient temperature of the Earth to heat or cool your home, office building, school, etc. It has often been overlooked in areas with hotter climates, regions where geothermal is primarily harvested for electricity or just for lack of knowledge behind the mechanics of deploying such a system.  Well, in today's episode, I talk with Yale Carden of GeoExchange Australia, about the 20 years of developing, deploying, partnering and overall sharing of knowledge that he and team have done.  GeoExchange Australia https://www.linkedin.com/company/geoexchange-australia/posts/?feedView=all Yale Carden https://www.linkedin.com/in/yalecarden/ CORE Knowledge https://www.linkedin.com/company/core-geothermal Nick Cestari  https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-cestari-48059268/

From Steel Mills to Quantum Scale-Up: Inside Illinois's Bold Bet on the Future of ComputingWhat does it take to build the world's largest dedicated quantum technology park — on the site of a former steel mill? Harley Johnson is leading that effort, and the answer involves equal parts materials science, economic development, and a 30-year bet on quantum that's finally paying off.Why This Episode MattersIf you're following the quantum computing industry's path from lab prototypes to commercial-scale systems, this episode maps the terrain. Harley Johnson — a computational materials scientist turned CEO of the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park (IQMP) — explains how Illinois assembled a unique combination of federal research funding, state economic investment, national labs, and top-tier universities into a 128-acre technology park designed to solve the quantum industry's hardest problem: scaling up.Whether you're a researcher, a founder, a policymaker, or someone trying to understand where quantum jobs and applications are actually headed, this conversation lays out how one state is building the infrastructure — physical, institutional, and human — to make large-scale quantum computing real.What You'll LearnHow a 1994 bet on quantum mechanics in a mechanical engineering lab led to directing the largest dedicated quantum tech park in the worldWhy Illinois chose a "beyond silicon" strategy for the CHIPS and Science Act — and how landing 4 of the first 10 federal quantum centers positioned the state for what came nextHow IQMP's public-private governance model works: a university-governed LLC partnering with private developers, accountable to the public while incentivizing industryWhy the park deliberately hosts a diverse portfolio of hardware modalities — including PsiQuantum, IBM, Inflection, Dirac, and Pascal — and how that mirrors venture portfolio thinkingHow IQMP's algorithm center connects quantum hardware companies with Fortune 500 end users in finance, insurance, energy, logistics, and pharmaWhat the DARPA Quantum Benchmarking Initiative means for tenant selection and validationWhy roughly two-thirds of future quantum industry jobs may require a bachelor's degree or less — and what that means for workforce development on a former industrial siteHow the Duality Accelerator, Chicago Quantum Exchange, and Polsky Center create a pipeline from early-stage startups to scale-up tenantsWhy the convergence of physics, engineering, and computer science — all housed in one college at UIUC — is accelerating quantum's transition from science to engineeringResources & LinksGuest LinksHarley Johnson — Professor, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering and Materials Science Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park (IQMP)Organizations & ProgramsChicago Quantum Exchange (CQE) — regional hub coordinating quantum research, workforce studies, and industry engagement Duality Accelerator — quantum startup accelerator run through the Polsky Center at the University of Chicago Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, University of ChicagoDARPA Quantum Benchmarking Initiative — federal program validating progress toward useful quantum computing NSF MRSEC at UIUC — Materials Research Science and Engineering Center focused on electronic and quantum materials Policy & FundingCHIPS and Science Act — federal legislation driving investment in semiconductor and quantum technology manufacturing in the US Companies MentionedPsiQuantum — photonic quantum computing company scaling up at IQMPIBM — anchor tenant at IQMP with longstanding partnership with UIUCKey Quotes & Insights"Help me pick a problem, a topic that is not big now, but would be big in 10 years." — Harley Johnson, on the question he asked his advisor in 1994 that launched his career in quantum materials"When I heard my friends who are experimental physicists say, 'We know how to do it, now it's just an engineering problem,' I said great — now you've thrown down the gauntlet. Let the engineers at it.""Something like two-thirds of the jobs that this industry will eventually create will require a bachelor's degree or less." — On workforce projections from Chicago Quantum Exchange research"Our neighbors and community members are learning about quantum and thinking about how my grandson gets a job in quantum. Because my family, until now, we're steelworkers." — On the community impact of building a quantum park on a former US Steel site"We're seeing a convergence of the great productive academic minds from computer science, engineering, and physics working now on the same problems. I'm not sure we saw that even five years ago."Related EpisodesAlejandra Y. Castillo — Quantum as a Regional Economic Development Engine — Castillo, former Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development, discusses how quantum technologies fit into federal and state economic strategy through the CHIPS and Science Act, EDA Tech Hubs, and inclusive workforce development. Essential context for understanding the policy and economic framework that IQMP operates within.Martin Laforest — Building Quebec's Quantum Ecosystem — Laforest, partner at Quantacet and advisor to Canada's National Quantum Strategy, traces how Quebec built one of the world's strongest quantum ecosystems through decades of strategic investment — starting with a bet on condensed matter physics in the 1970s. A compelling parallel to the Illinois story and a window into how this pattern is playing out globally.Nadya Mason — Quantum Leadership — Mason, the dean of the Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering at University of Chicago, is a major force on the academic side of the Illinois quantum ecosystem, and has strong views on what's needed in terms of inclusion and education. Calls to ActionIf you're working on quantum scale-up challenges or building a quantum startup approaching the growth stage, explore what IQMP and the Illinois quantum ecosystem offer — from cryogenic facilities to algorithm partnerships to connections with Fortune 500 end users.Subscribe to the NQE Podcast to follow the people and institutions building the infrastructure for quantum computing's next chapter.Share this episode with anyone in economic development, science policy, or workforce planning who wants a concrete example of how quantum investment translate...

This week we're talking about everything happening in downtown Seattle with the President and CEO of the Downtown Seattle Association. Jon shares the latest data on downtown recovery, plus what's coming next, including a $50 million investment in parks and changes to 3rd Ave. We also dive into how Seattle is preparing for FIFA 2026 with 700,000 expected visitors, watch parties across downtown, and new flexible alcohol laws. And we dig into the controversial public safety camera debate and why Jon believes they're working. Top Stories:1a. Downtown Seattle recovery update: office workers, residents, and visitor numbers1b. FIFA 2026 preparations and economic impact on Seattle businesses2. Public safety camera expansion debate and why DSA supports it3. Benaroya Hall $20 million renovation closing July-SeptemberAbout Jon Scholes - President & CEO, Downtown Seattle Association:Jon Scholes is responsible for the operations and programs of the DSA, an 1,100 member association formed in 1958 to create a healthy, vibrant downtown for all. He was appointed President & CEO of DSA in November 2014 following six years as DSA's Vice President of Advocacy and Economic Development. Jon serves on the boards of Visit Seattle, the International Downtown Association, and Downtown Emergency Services Center. He is the host of Seattle City Makers, a podcast launched in 2022. He is a graduate of Leadership Tomorrow and attended University of Texas in Austin before graduating form the University of Washington.About host Rachel Horgan:Rachel is an independent event producer, emcee and entrepreneur. She worked for the Business Journal for 5 years as their Director of Events interviewing business leaders on stage before launching the weekly podcast. She earned her communication degree from the University of San Diego.Contact:Email: info@theweeklyseattle.comInstagram: @theweeklyseattleWebsite: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.theweeklyseattle.com

On Thursday afternoon, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz walked into a leading Chinese robotics company in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, for a tour and a robotic performance before wrapping up a two-day China visit that was both fruitful and significant.At Unitree, Merz watched the same martial arts performance by quadruped robots that was showcased during the 2026 Spring Festival Gala, which was livestreamed to hundreds of millions of viewers at home and abroad. Merz showed interest in the company's robotic hands and quadruped robots, learning about their applications and development.The one-hour tour, part of Merz's first trip to China since assuming office in May last year, demonstrated the two countries' shared desire to seize new opportunities for future development.Merz was the first foreign leader received by China in the Year of the Horse. Upon his arrival on Wednesday, he wrote in Chinese in a social media post: "Berlin and Beijing are nearly 7,500 kilometers apart. For many years, we have been very happy to bridge this distance. For me, it is very important to maintain and deepen our diplomatic and economic relations. To achieve this goal, we need open channels of dialogue."President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang met separately and held talks with Merz on Wednesday. Together with over 60 Chinese and German business leaders, Merz and Li also attended a symposium of the China-Germany economic advisory committee. The two countries inked a number of cooperative agreements in green transition, customs, sports and media. They also issued a joint media statement in which the two sides agreed to properly resolve each other's concerns through dialogue.Speaking to reporters at the end of his trip, Merz said he witnessed and supported the launch of new business partnerships during the visit."For me, it was important to gain a firsthand impression of the country, including through discussions with government leaders and business representatives," he said, noting that he was impressed by China's high level of technological development.For example, he said he was impressed by "Mercedes-Benz's advances in autonomous driving in China, Unitree's progress in robotics, and companies producing in China for the global market".Siemens CEO Roland Busch, who was among senior executives from about 30 leading German companies accompanying Merz, said Hangzhou is a highly innovative city — "perhaps the Tech Valley of China".Busch noted that China is seeking to boost productivity through automation and digitalization, areas in which Siemens holds strong global advantages — in industrial software and automation.As 2026 marks the start of China's 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30) period, the world's two major economies are expected to foster greater synergy between the plan and Germany's development strategies, in order to achieve mutually beneficial cooperation at higher standards, analysts said.Michael Schumann, chairman of the German Federal Association for Economic Development and Foreign Trade, said China's rapid progress in robotics and industrial artificial intelligence — visible during Merz's visit to Unitree — creates significant opportunities to combine German strengths in precision engineering, automation and industrial software with China's scale and speed of technological deployment."With continued dialogue and practical cooperation in future industries, Sino-German business ties can contribute meaningfully to global technological progress and sustainable industrial transformation, for the benefit of people in both our countries and beyond," Schumann said.Feng Zhongping, director of the Institute of European Studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said Merz's visit shows a return to a pragmatic and rational approach in Germany's China policy."Merz's visit sent a signal that as the world's third-largest economy, Germany sees broad space for cooperation with China, the second-largest economy, and is seeking to expand cooperation grounded in mutual benefit," Feng said.He added that German officials and business leaders are willing to better understand China's upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan, including its development priorities and strategic focus areas, in order to identify new opportunities for collaboration.Jin Ling, director of the Department for Global Governance and International Organization Studies at the China Institute of International Studies, said Merz's visit carries significance against the backdrop of debate within Europe over how to approach China.By emphasizing partnership and a cooperative tone, Merz has sent a signal aimed at filtering out "noise" and external interference, she said.Merz is the latest in a string of Western leaders to visit Beijing within just a few months, following visits by French President Emmanuel Macron, Irish Taoiseach, or prime minister, Micheal Martin, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer."These visits reflect recognition of China's global role and the opportunities presented by its market. Missing out on the Chinese market would mean missing out on opportunities," Jin said.

Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia. Today is Thursday, February 26, 2026. #1 – From WV ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT - #YesWV Export Promotion Program supports West Virginia companies selling abroad The West Virginia Division of Economic Development continues helping Mountain State businesses reach global markets through the #YesWV Export Promotion Program. The program offers guidance, financial assistance, and technical support to companies ready to expand exports and connect with international buyers. It's another way West Virginia is opening doors for local businesses on the global stage. Read more: https://westvirginia.gov/yeswvs-export-promotion-program/ #2 – From WV FORESTRY - Trees in winter: What happens during the forest life cycle Even in winter, West Virginia's forests are very much alive. The West Virginia Division of Forestry explains how trees undergo physiological changes during the colder months — protecting cells from freezing, conserving moisture, and storing energy for spring growth. Beneath the quiet landscape, bark, roots, and seasonal processes are hard at work preparing for warmer days ahead. Read more: https://wvforestry.com/trees-in-winter-what-happens-during-the-winter-forest-life-cycle/ #3 – From WCHS-TV - Wild Appalachia: renowned herpetologist on native species and conservation In the Wild Appalachia series from WCHS-TV, renowned herpetologist Thomas K. Pauley shares insights from decades of research on amphibians and reptiles across West Virginia. His fieldwork focuses on ecology, behavior, and conservation, and an updated edition of his field guide, Amphibians and Reptiles of West Virginia, is now available — offering readers a closer look at the state's remarkable biodiversity. Read more: https://wchstv.com/community/wild-appalachia/wild-appalachia-renowned-herpetologist Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304. The daily304 curated news and information is brought to you by the West Virginia Department of Commerce: Sharing the wealth, beauty, and opportunity in West Virginia with the world. Follow the daily304 on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @daily304. Or find us online at wv.gov and just click the daily304 logo. That's all for now. Take care. Be safe. Get outside and enjoy all the opportunity West Virginia has to offer.  

Three years into the conflict, the Ukraine war has evolved into a brutal war of attrition—with implications far beyond the battlefield.    The Conference Board CEO Steve Odland and Dr. Lori Esposito Murray, a global affairs consultant most recently with the Council on Foreign Relations and the Committee for Economic Development, discuss the history underpinning the conflict, the realities on the ground, and the economic and political pressures facing both Kyiv and Moscow.     From sanctions and shifting alliances to the possibility of a frozen conflict or negotiated settlement, they explore how the war is reshaping geopolitics—and what may come next.    For more from The Conference Board:   The US Critical Minerals Ministerial and Industrial Policy  Three Years of War in Ukraine – And an Extraordinary Week  US–Ukraine Negotiations and Possible Ceasefire  Global Grey Swans Tool 

Key Takeaways:The ERC program focuses on building long-term economic resilience.It funds people and capacity, not just projects.Communities gain repeatable local controllable tools for investment.Economic development is a relational function, not just technical.Local governments can be conveners and enablers of economic growth.Community capital allows residents to invest in local businesses.The ERC experience emphasizes the importance of trust and relationships.Resilience is built through alignment with community priorities. Featured Guests:Sydney DavisEntrepreneur & Funding Navigation SpecialistERC Fellow with National Coalition for Community Capital ResourcesEconomic Recovery Corps (ERC)Community Investment Fund Handbook & Toolkit: The National Coalition for Community Capital is a great resource. NC3 offers practical education, case studies, and tools that help communities understand what's possible beyond traditional grants and incentives—and how to approach these models responsibly. 

In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson talks with Eric Voyles, Executive Vice President and Chief Economic Development Officer for TexAmericas Center, about how a former 8,900-acre military installation became one of the most innovative redevelopment authorities in the country. Eric explains how eliminating public review delays, investing millions in environmental cleanup, controlling rail and logistics assets, and focusing relentlessly on speed to occupancy have allowed TexAmericas Center to compete for heavy and light manufacturing projects. From creative risk-taking with early-stage companies to clearing 250-acre rail-served sites after losing a deal, this conversation is a masterclass in how data, preparation, and governance alignment drive real economic development results. Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! 10 Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers Make time your primary incentive. If possible, remove unnecessary entitlement layers and compress approval timelines. Speed reduces perceived risk. Self-certify before paying for certification. Develop internal "qualified site" standards so prospects can complete due diligence faster. Track inventory in categories. Move-in ready, construction ready, shovel ready, rail served, etc. Clarity accelerates decisions. Invest after losing. If you lose a project for a specific reason, eliminate that weakness permanently, even if it costs real money. Treat small buildings as assets. Flexible, modular inventory can win projects creatively, even when you lack a single large structure. Control key assets when possible. Owning rail, logistics, or utilities strengthens your value proposition and revenue model. Be willing to take calculated risk on local companies. Early bets on scalable firms can create long-term anchor employers. Align your board around business realities. Populate governance with people who understand customers, not just politics. Operate like a private developer. Use CRM systems, outsourcing where efficient, and disciplined deal flow management. Let data guide strategy. Understand supply and demand curves in your region before pushing incentives or marketing narratives. Special Guest: Eric Voyles.

John Cumbers returns to the Grow Everything podcast for his fourth appearance to discuss the cutting edge of synthetic biology and the upcoming SynBioBeta 2026 conference. From a man who's been bitten by snakes over 200 times to create universal anti-venom, to the race between the US and China in bio-manufacturing, John reveals why the bioeconomy is reaching an inflection point. We explore how AI is transforming organism design, the $50 million deals being struck for AI models in pharma, and why Chinese bio-manufacturing firms are achieving profitability while Western companies struggle. John also shares his vision for cellular reprogramming and longevity, discusses the controversial rollback of US environmental policy, and explains why the "ChatGPT moment" for biology is closer than we think. Plus, learn about stem cell tissue banks that could revolutionize replacement therapy and why SynBioBeta 2030 will actually happen on the moon.Grow Everything brings the bioeconomy to life. Hosts Karl Schmieder and Erum Azeez Khan share stories and interview the leaders and influencers changing the world by growing everything. Biology is the oldest technology. And it can be engineered. What are we growing?Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.messaginglab.com/groweverything⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Chapters:(00:00:00) - Welcome Back: John Cumbers' Fourth Appearance on Grow Everything(00:01:00) - Death Becomes Her: Longevity on Broadway(00:03:00) - Listening Bars and Ambient Music Experience(00:04:00) - The Peptide Revolution: From Gray Market to Mainstream(00:07:00) - Trump Administration Revokes Clean Air Act: Impact on Biotech(00:12:00) - Biomanufacturing as Economic Development and Climate Solution(00:13:00) - AI, Space, and Solar Energy: Elon Musk at World Economic Forum(00:16:00) - Data Centers in Space: The Future of Energy(00:18:00) - Introducing John Cumbers and SynBioBeta 2026(00:19:00) - The Man Bitten by 200+ Snakes: Universal Anti-Venom Story(00:22:00) - The Schmidt Pain Index and Extreme Science(00:23:00) - History and Evolution of SynBioBeta Over 14 Years(00:25:00) - Bio 500: Big Companies Transforming with Biotech(00:27:00) - Plant-Based Sales Slowdown and Consumer Bio Trends(00:30:00) - Discovery vs. Commercialization: Why 80% of Startups Fail on Execution(00:34:00) - Default Alive Companies: Bootstrapping the Bioeconomy00:36:00) - AI Meets Biology: When's the ChatGPT Moment?(00:39:00) - Sidewinder DNA Assembly: Revolutionary Build Technology(00:42:00) - Design-Build-Test-Learn: Closing the Loop with Self-Driving Labs(00:43:00) - China's Biomanufacturing Dominance: What the West Can Learn(00:49:00) - Free Market Capitalism vs. Centralized Planning(00:52:00) - Should SynBioBeta Take Political Stands?(00:55:00) - Longevity Revolution: Cellular Programming and Stem Cell Banks(00:59:00) - Death Becomes Her and the Market for Living Forever(01:01:00) - AI and Bio: The Singularity is Here(01:03:00) - Human Genome Engineering and the Meta Simulation(01:05:00) - Quick Fire Round: Lantern Bioworks, Moon Conference, and Awards(01:07:00) - Closing: SynBioBeta Discount Code and Final ThoughtsLinks and Resources:Synbiobeta website. Join us! Use code: "Grow Everything" for a discountOneSkinReplacement theory of aging - Jean HebertTopics Covered:synbio, synthetic biology, bioengineering, conferences, networks, biotech, biology, bioliteracy, Bio500, AI and BioHave a question or comment? Message us here:Text or Call (804) 505-5553⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠Grow Everything⁠⁠Music by: Nihilore Production by: Amplafy Media

“Honey is the Knife: Or How I Learned to Stop Fixing Myself and Love My Bliss” is a hybrid self-help memoir by Hannah Eko. Chronicling Hannah's life as a Black woman navigating wellness and self-help culture, “Honey is the Knife” holds the pleasure of self discovery alongside the struggles. Tune in for a conversation about Hannah's spiritual journey as a seeker and writer, and how sweetness shows up as a superpower and a sharp truth spell. We also discuss Yoruba spirituality and working with deity to inform and support one's spiritual path. Dive into “Honey is the Knife” for more of Hannah's magic. Hannah Olabosibe Eko is a Nigerian-American writer, multimedia storyteller, and book doula. A graduate of the US Merchant Marine Academy, she holds a Master's Degree in Community and Economic Development from Penn State University, and an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Pittsburgh. She is the founder of The Lit Club, a cannabis-inspired literary salon, creative community, and event series at the intersection of art, healing, and pleasure justice. Her writing has appeared in Buzzfeed, Bust magazine, Fractured Lit, Aster(ix), and elsewhere. She currently makes her home between Los Angeles, California and the universe.

South Carolina is one of the fastest-growing states in America — so why are politicians still writing billion-dollar checks to corporations? New data from U-Haul and the United States Census Bureau consistently rank South Carolina among the top inbound move destinations — alongside Texas and Florida. Businesses are coming. People are coming. Growth is exploding. So why is Columbia considering another $200 million for Scout Motors, after already handing over massive incentives? Congressman Ralph Norman says enough is enough — calling for an end to what he labels “corporate bailouts.” Meanwhile, the real debate may be about energy. With massive untapped natural gas reserves off the Carolina coast and renewed federal support under Donald Trump, should South Carolina drill, lower energy costs, and recruit data centers instead of fighting over electricity shortages? Is Columbia behind the times? Are politicians chasing ribbon cuttings instead of taxpayers' interests? And is South Carolina missing a once-in-a-generation energy opportunity?

North Carolina has been named by CNBC as the #1 State for Business in the country in three of the last four years. The State's success is not just about its running list of economic development wins, but how those projects are boosted by our business climate, workforce pipelines, and quality of life. It takes all economic strengths and assets along with regional partnership to deliver the world-class experience that impacts business recruitment and retention.So how does North Carolina stay on top of the charts? What are the key issues that will drive the State's success in 2026? How do the State budget and the upcoming elections impact economic opportunity? This week on Mind Your Business, we pose these questions and more to Ben Kinney, Publisher of Business NC. For 45 years, North Carolina's magazine of record has kept readers informed about key trends, breaking economic development news, and how what happens in the Triad, or Raleigh, or Charlotte, could impact us in the High Country.It just so happens Business NC also has a podcast! While Ben Kinney appears on this week's Mind Your Business, David Jackson visits as a guest on this week's Chatter with BNC. Subscribe to both programs wherever you get your podcasts.Mind Your Business is written and produced weekly by the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. This podcast is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate.Catch the show each Thursday afternoon at 5PM on WATA (1450AM & 96.5FM) in Boone.Support the show

The decision to bootstrap a business or raise venture capital is not just financial. It is physics. You are choosing which system to operate within, which rules will govern your company, and whose incentives will shape your options at every inflection point. Rob Taylor has lived both realities. He spent years building venture-backed companies, raising millions in institutional capital. His brother Chris bootstrapped a company for 20 years and owned nearly 100% at exit. They sold their companies the same year and ended up in roughly the same place financially. The question is what do you optimize for, and the nature of that question is changing daily in the age of AI. Recorded live at Red Fridge Society.The Agenda0:00 Intro + Defining Bootstrap vs. VC 7:23 Is Your Business VC-Backable 11:54 The Ecosystem You Gain with Institutional Capital 15:03 The Ownership Curve 20:36 Control and Governance 26:24 Disruption in the AI Era 32:41 How Fund Size Shapes Investment Behavior 37:43 The Bootstrap-VC Overlap 40:54 Choosing Your Partner 45:14 The Incremental Approach to RaisingGuest LinksRob Taylor: LinkedIn, Silverton PartnersRed Fridge Society -------------------Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedInEcosystem Metacognition Substack

Senior executives face unprecedented challenges: AI-driven processes, multi-generational teams, and constant change can make leadership feel overwhelming.In this episode of The Executive Appeal, Alex D. Tremble sits down with Alejandra Castillo, Senior Fellow for Economic Development at Purdue University NW and former U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development. Alejandra shares her decades of leadership experience across three presidential administrations and explains how human-centered leadership drives alignment, innovation, and team performance.You'll learn:- How to quiet your mind and lead with clarity under pressure- Strategies for aligning multi-generational, AI-impacted teams- Why empathy and human connection accelerate performance- How to empower your team without over-relying on technology- When to push forward and when to allow space for others to catch upThis episode is for you if:- You're managing teams across generations or tech disruption- Your team struggles with alignment or communication- You want to maintain humanity in an AI-influenced workplace- You want to drive results while reducing burnout and frictionListen now to discover how human leadership is your most powerful strategic advantage.

In this edition of THE INTELLIGENT COMMUNITY: The Soul of the City, ICF Co-Founder Lou Zacharilla gives speaks with Dario Paixão, CEO of the Curitiba Agency for Economic Development and Innovation, Curitiba, Brazil. The ICF trilogy of conversations with the three cities that will host this year's Awards announcements and conferences begins in Brazil, where Curitiba's former City Secretary for Economic Development, Innovation, and Artificial Intelligence talks to Lou about the remarkable success and innovations (yes, they really have had fast buses for years!) in the first Brazilian location to be named Intelligent Community of the Year (2024).

Kenneth Rogoff, Maurits C. Boas Professor at Harvard University and former chief economist, IMF

In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson sits down with Heath Vescovi-Chiordi, Director of Economic Development for Pima County, Arizona, to explore how one of the largest counties in the country balances rural biodiversity, cross-border trade with Mexico, aerospace and optics clusters, semiconductor workforce development, and even controversial data center projects. Heath shares how a four-and-a-half-person team coordinates across municipalities, tribal nations, academia, and public health to execute a regional strategy that blends quantitative results with qualitative community engagement. From a $1.2 billion battery manufacturing project to evolving policies on nondisclosure agreements and enhanced due diligence, this conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at modern county-level economic development in action Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Special Guest: Heath Vescovi-Chiordi.

A Hidden Gem Takes Flight Winchester Regional Airport has quietly transformed from a modest local airfield into a major economic driver for the Shenandoah Valley. In a recent episode of The Valley Today, Executive Director Nick Sabo talks with host Janet Michael to unveil stunning new data that reveals just how significant this transformation has been. The Numbers Tell a Compelling Story The Virginia Department of Aviation recently released its 2025 economic impact study, and the results are nothing short of remarkable. Winchester Regional Airport now supports 610 jobs—a dramatic leap from the 179 jobs reported in the 2017 study. Moreover, the airport generates $28.5 million in annual wages for the local workforce and contributes an impressive $46.9 million in gross state product to the Commonwealth's economy. These figures represent more than just statistics. They reflect over $40 million in capital investment made over the past six years, including the construction of a stunning new terminal building that now serves as a community hub. As Nick jokingly noted, the project took so long that he went from having "long hair like Fabio" to his current look by the time it was completed. More Than Just Recreational Flying Many residents assume Winchester Regional Airport primarily serves hobbyist pilots storing planes in hangars. However, this perception couldn't be further from reality. In fact, recreational aviation represents only a minority of the airport's activity. Instead, the airport serves as a critical gateway for business aviation. CEOs from major retailers who regularly fly into Winchester for meetings and site visits. This capability allows executives to bypass the congestion of major commercial airports like Dulles and arrive within minutes of their actual destination. Furthermore, the airport supports essential services that many residents never consider. Medical evacuation flights, law enforcement operations, agricultural surveying, and flight training all happen regularly at the facility. These diverse operations would create significant congestion at larger airports, demonstrating the value of the nation's extensive network of regional airports. Why You Won't See Southwest Airlines Here One question Nick fields constantly is why Winchester doesn't offer commercial airline service. The answer, he explains, comes down to economics and regulation. To accommodate commercial airlines, the airport would need to meet FAR Part 139 Airport Certification standards—a regulatory hurdle requiring tens of millions of dollars in infrastructure investment. Additionally, Winchester's proximity to Dulles International Airport makes competing for airline service economically unfeasible. Rather than viewing this as a limitation, Nick emphasizes the tremendous value the airport already provides through its current operations. He also hints at exciting possibilities on the horizon, including smaller air taxis that could operate under existing regulations. A Community Asset by Design Winchester Regional Airport benefits from exceptional planning that has made it a good neighbor. Unlike many airports surrounded by residential development, Winchester's facility sits in an area with compatible land use. This thoughtful approach by Frederick County Planning ensures that noise complaints remain minimal and the airport can operate effectively without disrupting nearby communities. The new terminal building exemplifies this community-focused approach. Designed intentionally to connect with residents in meaningful ways, the facility has hosted the Apple Blossom Air Show, Wings and Wheels events, Girls in Aviation Day, and numerous business center gatherings. The building even features a public art display from the Shenandoah Arts Council on its second floor. Nick enthusiastically invites community members to visit anytime—no special reason required. Visitors can enjoy lunch while watching aircraft operations, tour the facility, or simply experience aviation up close in ways impossible at major commercial airports. Building Tomorrow's Aerospace Workforce Winchester Regional Airport plays a crucial role in developing the region's aerospace workforce. Two flight schools—Aviation Adventures and Aero Elite—operate from the main terminal, offering pathways for both professional pilots and recreational enthusiasts. However, Nick emphasizes that aviation careers extend far beyond piloting. The industry needs aircraft maintenance technicians, air traffic controllers, meteorologists, engineers, architects, and avionics specialists. Many of these careers don't require four-year degrees, making them accessible through apprenticeships, credentials, or associate degree programs. The airport partners extensively with local educational institutions, including public school CTE programs, Laurel Ridge Community College, and Shenandoah University. Notably, Laurel Ridge offers a comprehensive drone program that teaches students about commercial drone operation—a field requiring FAA licensing for any commercial use, from real estate photography to agricultural surveying. Interestingly, the pathway to becoming a commercial pilot has shifted dramatically. Twenty or thirty years ago, military service was virtually the only route. Today, private flight schools like those at Winchester have become the primary training ground for commercial airline pilots, fundamentally changing how the industry develops talent. Economic Development's Secret Weapon Patrick Barker and the Frederick County Economic Development Authority understand what many residents don't: having a capable regional airport is crucial for attracting new industry and retail development. Nearly every major company operating in the region has utilized the airport at some point. The airport's value extends beyond simply moving executives around. It opens the region to aerospace-related economic development—opportunities that can only exist where capable airport infrastructure is present. This sector diversification strengthens the local economy and creates high-quality jobs across various skill levels. Looking Toward the Future As Winchester Regional Airport approaches its centennial in 2037, Nick envisions continued smart planning and adaptation to transformational forces reshaping aviation. Advanced Air Mobility—encompassing drones, unmanned systems, and new aircraft technologies—promises to lower operating costs and create new business opportunities. While the airport monitors these emerging technologies closely, Nick emphasizes that the facility's primary responsibility remains meeting the region's current needs. The airport will continue investing strategically while positioning itself to capitalize on future opportunities like air taxis and other innovative aviation services. The role of general aviation airports in their communities is evolving rapidly. Winchester Regional Airport stands ready to embrace this evolution, continuing to serve as an economic engine, workforce development hub, and community asset for the Shenandoah Valley. An Invitation to Explore For residents who haven't visited the new terminal at 491 Airport Road, Nick extends a warm invitation. The facility stands as a testament to what thoughtful investment and community partnership can achieve. Whether you're interested in aviation careers, curious about the industry, or simply want to watch planes while enjoying lunch, Winchester Regional Airport welcomes you. As the economic impact study clearly demonstrates, this isn't just "our little airport" anymore—it's a sophisticated transportation asset driving regional prosperity and opening doors to opportunity for generations to come.

The Southwest Florida Water Management District has declared a Modified Phase II “Severe” Water Shortage, meaning one-day-per-week lawn watering restrictions are now in effect through July 1. Learn more about the schedule and requirements at NorthPortFL.gov/WaterRestrictions.Due to continued dry conditions, the Citywide Burn Ban also remains in place. North Port Fire Rescue has responded to several recent fires, many caused by illegal burns or carelessness. Find brush fire prevention tips and safety resources at NorthPortFL.gov/HazardsWeFace.As construction continues on the Price Boulevard Widening Project, the North Port Police Department reminds drivers: Don't Block the Box. If traffic is backed up, wait before entering the intersection. Learn more about the project at NorthPortFL.gov/Price.We also invite residents to attend an upcoming Town Hall on Feb. 23 at 6 p.m. at Suncoast Technical College, 4445 Career Lane. City leadership will walk through how decisions are made, how projects are funded, and how you can get involved.Looking for a new opportunity? The City's Economic Development team is hosting a Career Connect Hiring Event on Saturday, Feb. 21, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the George Mullen Activity Center, 1602 Kramer Way. Jobseekers can meet local employers including North Port Behavioral Health, the City of North Port, McKenney Home Care, Southern Technical College and more — no pre-registration required.Plus, we introduce a new recurring segment: Commission Meeting Highlights. City Manager Jerome Fletcher joins us to break down major items from the Feb. 10 Commission meeting, including the City's upcoming brand refresh, potential updates to the Unified Land Development Code regarding business delivery hours, and the presentation of a Key to the City to former Commissioner Jill Luke.Watch meeting recordings or review agenda items anytime at NorthPortFL.gov/Meetings.Stay informed, stay engaged, and stay connected with North Port Now.

Airports Company South Africa’s R22 billion plan to transform major airports into aerotropolis-style economic hubs is in focus as Thabo Phateng, Regional General Manager at ACSA, speaks to John Maytham about how the strategy aims to expand the role of airports beyond aviation, drive regional economic growth, attract investment and create jobs, while positioning South Africa’s airports as integrated centres for logistics, business and urban development. Presenter John Maytham is an actor and author-turned-talk radio veteran and seasoned journalist. His show serves a round-up of local and international news coupled with the latest in business, sport, traffic and weather. The host’s eclectic interests mean the program often surprises the audience with intriguing book reviews and inspiring interviews profiling artists. A daily highlight is Rapid Fire, just after 5:30pm. CapeTalk fans call in, to stump the presenter with their general knowledge questions. Another firm favourite is the humorous Thursday crossing with award-winning journalist Rebecca Davis, called “Plan B”. Thank you for listening to a podcast from Afternoon Drive with John Maytham Listen live on Primedia+ weekdays from 15:00 and 18:00 (SA Time) to Afternoon Drive with John Maytham broadcast on CapeTalk https://buff.ly/NnFM3Nk For more from the show go to https://buff.ly/BSFy4Cn or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/n8nWt4x Subscribe to the CapeTalk Daily and Weekly Newsletters https://buff.ly/sbvVZD5 Follow us on social media: CapeTalk on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@capetalk CapeTalk on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ CapeTalk on X: https://x.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CapeTalk567 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the Solar Maverick Podcast, Benoy Thanjan sits down with Peter Davidson, CEO of Aligned Climate Capital, to discuss how private capital is driving the deployment of solar projects and climate technologies. Aligned Climate Capital manages approximately $2.1 billion in assets and invests in companies and projects accelerating the clean energy transition. Peter explains how climate-focused investors evaluate opportunities, where capital is flowing today, and what separates bankable projects. What We Covered How Aligned Climate Capital approaches solar and climate investing • What makes a project or company fundable in today's market • The real impact of IRA incentives on capital deployment • How investors think about risk, returns, and execution • The difference between investing in operating assets versus early-stage climate tech • Where the next wave of opportunity lies in clean energy   Biographies Benoy Thanjan Benoy Thanjan is the Founder and CEO of Reneu Energy, solar developer and consulting firm, and a strategic advisor to multiple cleantech startups. Over his career, Benoy has developed over 100 MWs of solar projects across the U.S., helped launch the first residential solar tax equity funds at Tesla, and brokered $45 million in Renewable Energy Credits (“REC”) transactions. Prior to founding Reneu Energy, Benoy was the Environmental Commodities Trader in Tesla's Project Finance Group, where he managed one of the largest environmental commodities portfolios. He originated REC trades and co-developed a monetization and hedging strategy with senior leadership to enter the East Coast market. As Vice President at Vanguard Energy Partners, Benoy crafted project finance solutions for commercial-scale solar portfolios. His role at Ridgewood Renewable Power, a private equity fund with 125 MWs of U.S. renewable assets, involved evaluating investment opportunities and maximizing returns. He also played a key role in the sale of the firm's renewable portfolio. Earlier in his career, Benoy worked in Energy Structured Finance at Deloitte & Touche and Financial Advisory Services at Ernst & Young, following an internship on the trading floor at D.E. Shaw & Co., a multi billion dollar hedge fund. Benoy holds an MBA in Finance from Rutgers University and a BS in Finance and Economics from NYU Stern, where he was an Alumni Scholar.   Peter W. Davidson Peter Davidson is Chief Executive Officer at Aligned Climate Capital, an asset manager investing in companies and real assets driving the clean energy transition. He leads Aligned's overall strategy and investment direction, building on a career at the intersection of finance, infrastructure, and public policy. Previously, Peter was appointed by the Obama Administration to serve as Executive Director of the U.S. Department of Energy's Loan Programs Office (LPO), where he oversaw a $32 billion portfolio in renewable energy, energy storage, advanced automotive technologies, and other low-carbon technologies. Prior to leading the LPO, Peter was Senior Advisor for Energy and Economic Development at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and Executive Director of New York State's Empire State Development Corporation. Before his government service, Peter was an entrepreneur who founded and managed six companies and held leadership roles in the investment banking division of Morgan Stanley & Co. He serves on several boards, including Summit Ridge Energy, Nyle Water Heating Systems, and BrightNight. He is also the chairman of two nonprofit organizations, the J.M. Kaplan Fund and Green-Wood Cemetery. Additionally, he is a member of the CFTC's Climate-Related Market Risk Subcommittee. Peter holds degrees from Stanford University and Harvard Business School. He is based in the New York office.   Stay Connected: Benoy Thanjan Email: info@reneuenergy.com  LinkedIn: Benoy Thanjan Website: https://www.reneuenergy.com Website: https://www.solarmaverickpodcast.com/   Peter Davidson Website: https://alignedclimatecapital.com/ Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-davidson-4b652318/   Please provide 5 star reviews      If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review and share the Solar Maverick Podcast so more people can learn how to accelerate the clean energy transition.    Reneu Energy Reneu Energy provides expert consulting across solar and storage project development, financing, energy strategy, and environmental commodities. Our team helps clients originate, structure, and execute opportunities in community solar, C&I, utility-scale, and renewable energy credit markets. Email us at info@reneuenergy.com to learn more.   Solar Maverick Happy Hour During Intersolar San Diego on Feb 18th https://luma.com/7v50llsn

Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia. Today is Tuesday, February 10, 2026. #1 – From WCHS-TV - Wild Appalachia: The West Virginia Outdoorist explores outdoor life across the Mountain State The Wild Appalachia series — featuring The West Virginia Outdoorist — spotlights outdoor adventure, conservation leadership, and community connections in West Virginia. Episodes and features delve into places, people, and experiences that show why the Mountain State's natural settings offer a lifestyle of exploration and stewardship. Read more: https://wchstv.com/community/wild-appalachia/wild-appalachia-the-west-virginia-outdoorist   #2 – From WV ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT - YESWVS Export Promotion Program supports WV businesses selling abroad Are you looking to expand your business on a global level? The West Virginia Department of Economic Development's YESWVS Export Promotion Program provides guidance, technical assistance, and financial support to help West Virginia companies access international markets, helping grow exports and connect local products with global buyers. Learn more: https://westvirginia.gov/yeswvs-export-promotion-program/   #3 – From WV NEWS - Almost Heaven hits new heights as WV Tourism reports record impact Travel and tourism generated a record $9.1 billion in economic impact along with 77 million visitors last year, according to the West Virginia Department of Tourism. The latest numbers mark milestones in visitation, spending, and statewide economic contributions as the industry continues to grow. Read more: https://www.wvnews.com/news/wvnews/almost-heaven-hits-new-heights-wv-tourism-celebrates-record-9-1b-impact-and-77m-visitors/article_da992e4a-8bbf-4603-aa11-36ec652ad0d1.html   Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304. The daily304 curated news and information is brought to you by the West Virginia Department of Commerce: Sharing the wealth, beauty, and opportunity in West Virginia with the world. Follow the daily304 on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @daily304. Or find us online at wv.gov and just click the daily304 logo. That's all for now. Take care. Be safe. Get outside and enjoy all the opportunity West Virginia has to offer.

Most people see parking as a necessary evil—a frustrating obstacle between you and wherever you're going. Grant Murray saw an opportunity to turn it into something cities, businesses, and consumers all benefit from.In this episode, Grant joins us to share how he built Proximity Parking, a platform that transforms parking payments into an economic development tool by connecting drivers with nearby local businesses at the exact moment they're parking.Grant traces his path from UK accounting student to Connetic Ventures intern to founder, explaining how he raised $1.5 million from Connetic, KeyHorse Capital, and strategic angels to build a product he's now rolling out across Kentucky. We dig into how he validated the idea by talking to businesses before writing a line of code, why governments are harder (but not impossible) to sell to, and how being based at Covington's SparkHaus helped him land his first city customers. With Lexington, Covington, and soon Newport live—and Louisville and Cincinnati in his sights—Grant makes the case for why staying in Kentucky has been a competitive advantage, not a compromise.Hosted by Logan JonesMiddle Tech is proudly supported by: KY Innovation → kyinnovation.com Awesome Inc → awesomeinc.org

From trust and transparency to South Dakota's resilience for cyberattack, GOED Commissioner Bill Even discusses what it means to grow the economy.

You can't be a suburb of nowhere.And that means that Downtowns are important to communities, including Louisville. Jeff O'Brien, executive director at the Louisville Metro Cabinet for Economic Development, made that point during Access Louisville: Heart of the City, a live event put on by Louisville Business First on Feb. 5 at the Baird Conference Center at 500 W. Jefferson Street. The event doubled as a live recording of the Access Louisville podcast. Lee Weyland, of Core Real Estate, Hank Hillebrand, of the Poe Cos., and Rebecca Fleischaker, of the Louisville Downtown Partnership were on the show as well. Louisville Business First Senior Reporter Joel Stinnett moderated the discussion.The panel spoke about the importance of development in Louisville's urban core, not just in downtown but also NuLu, Butchertown and elsewhere. It was a particularly timely discussion considering all the recent news on new developments.On Tuesday, Feb. 3, Louisville-based Poe Cos. announced it had officially signed a letter of intent to purchase the Humana Building at 500 W. Main St. and convert it into a 1,000-room hotel. (Business First exclusively reported Poe Cos. plans on Dec. 12.) And only a few weeks ago Business First reported that Indianapolis-based Ghoman Group has secured franchise approval to bring a JW Marriott hotel to the 26-story 401 S. 4th St. Tower — formerly the Brown & Williamson Tower — at 401 S. Fourth St.So we weren't short on things to talk about. Access Louisville is a weekly podcast from Louisville Business First. You can follow it on popular podcast services including Apple Podcasts and Spotify, which are linked above.

For the third part of our Line Life Podcast series on Lineman Hall of Famers, we are featuring an interview with Bill Bosch, vice president of apprenticeship and client solutions for Northwest Lineman College (NLC). He has worked in a variety of different operations, safety, training and management roles over his more than 45 years in the line trade. He also founded the National Association of Journeymen Linemen to promote the brotherhood, sacrifice and dedication of the line trade. To further honor lineworkers, Bill introduced legislation in 2012 to establish National Lineman Appreciation Day, which is now celebrated annually on April 18. He is also working to get lineworkers officially recognized as first responders with the Linemen Legacy Act. This bill is now in the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management. To push this legislation forward, Bill encourages all lineworkers to contact their local members of Congress to support H.R. 7610, the Linemen Legacy Act.  To listen to more stories of Lineman Hall of Famers, tune in to Part 1 featuring Robert Padgett and Part 2 showcasing Brandon Wylie and his song, "Highline Heroes." You can also learn about all the Hall of Famers dating back to 2006 by visiting the website for the International Lineman's Museum and Hall of Fame. 

In this eye-opening economic deep dive on The Clay Edwards Show, host Clay Edwards spotlights Pearl's massive win: a $300 million Siemens energy facility set to create around 600 jobs with an average salary of $75,000, praising local leaders like Jake Windham and the aldermen for boosting real, sustainable growth without gobbling up huge acreage. He contrasts this with Mississippi's rush into mega data center projects—like the $6-10 billion one in Brandon near his home—calling them short-term construction booms that deliver only 100-200 long-term gigs, massive energy drains on the grid, and potential power rate hikes for everyday folks. Clay warns that we're bending over backward with incentives, possibly selling our soul for minimal returns, and plays a clip from Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis slamming data centers for consuming power equivalent to a half-million-person city, hiring mostly foreign H-1B workers, subsidizing AI that could kill jobs, and defying basic economics by spiking demand without boosting supply—leading to higher bills just to fuel chatbots. Unfiltered takes on big tech's hidden costs, Mississippi's incentives gamble, and why not all "development" is created equal—no sugar added.

Lt. Gov. Tony Venhuizen says most states put more money into economic development than South Dakota does. Here's why that matters.

Episode Summary: In this episode of the Develop This! Podcast, host Dennis Fraise sits down with Aaron Brossoit, Partner & CEO, and Bethany Quinn, President of Golden Shovel Agency, as part of the Develop This! 2026 Crystal Ball Series. Together, they explore how the economic development landscape is rapidly evolving—and what professionals must do now to prepare for 2026 and beyond. The conversation dives into the game-changing role of artificial intelligence, the growing importance of community engagement, and why economic developers must become champions of their own organizations and regions. Aaron and Bethany discuss how communities often misdiagnose their challenges due to limited perspective, and why stakeholder engagement is essential for identifying real opportunities. They also unpack how websites are no longer standalone tools but part of a much broader digital and storytelling strategy that includes technology, virtual reality, and authentic community branding. Key themes include business retention and expansion, workforce attraction, and the rising importance of energy availability as a deciding factor for economic growth. The episode emphasizes that creativity, adaptability, and embracing technology are no longer optional—they are essential for stretching limited budgets and competing in a crowded marketplace. Key Takeaways Economic development is under increasing pressure from workforce and talent challenges. Artificial intelligence is transforming how communities market themselves and make decisions. Economic developers must actively champion their organizations and their missions. Stakeholder engagement is critical for accurately identifying community needs and barriers. Many communities misdiagnose their challenges due to a lack of an outside perspective. A website is only one part of a comprehensive economic development strategy. Technology can help stretch limited budgets and increase impact. Energy availability is becoming a major factor in economic growth decisions. Storytelling and digital presence are essential for showcasing community strengths. Creative solutions are required to attract both businesses and workforce in 2026 and beyond.  

Dr. Muddassir Siddiqi, President of College of DuPage and Dr. Joe Cassidy, Founder of Innovation DuPage and the Vice President Workforce Innovation and Community Education at College of DuPage, join John Williams to talk about COD’s role in supporting workforce and economic development across the country. Dr. Cassidy and Dr. Siddiqi tell us how community […]

Is the era of manufacturing-led growth officially over? For decades, the path to a stable middle class was paved through industrialization, but today, even manufacturing giants like China are losing millions of factory jobs to automation.In this episode, Bethany McLean and Luigi Zingales sit down with Dani Rodrik, Ford Foundation Professor of International Political Economy at Harvard and author of Shared Prosperity in a Fractured World. Rodrik argues that we have "no other choice" but to look toward the service sector to anchor our future economy.But there's a problem: we still treat these essential roles as "bottom rung" jobs in terms of pay and respect. Is it possible to elevate a job's status and pay simply because society needs it to be better? As Rodrik argues, it's a future we must learn to navigate if we want to preserve a stable society. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jessica Erickson, Director of Economic Development for the City of Woodstock, joins us to discuss development news and opportunities in Woodstock, IL! Jessica starts with her backstory on moving from Denver to Chicagoland and ultimately taking a role in Economic Development for the City of Woodstock. She breaks down Woodstock's downtown redevelopment plan and also speaks to city corridors with development opportunities.  Jessica explains "infill" sites, metrics for successful developments, and strategic planning of developments to allow for future adaptive reuse. Throughout the show, Jessica demonstrates a passion for sustainable developments that enhance the quality of life for the residents of Woodstock! If you enjoy today's episode, please leave us a review and share with someone who may also find value in this content! ============= Connect with Mark and Tom: StraightUpChicagoInvestor.com Email the Show: StraightUpChicagoInvestor@gmail.com Properties for Sale on the North Side?  We want to buy them. Email: StraightUpChicagoInvestor@gmail.com Have a vacancy? We can place your next tenant and give you back 30-40 hours of your time. Learn more: GCRealtyInc.com/tenant-placement Has Property Mgmt become an opportunity cost for you? Let us lower your risk and give you your time back to grow. Learn more: GCRealtyinc.com ============= Guest: Jessica Erickson, City of Woodstock Link: Jessica's LinkedIn Link: Woodstock Comprehensive Plan Link: The Prof G Pod (Podcast Recommendation) Link: Heartland Realtor Organization (Network Referral) Guest Questions:  02:13 Housing Provider Tip - Utilize water shut off valves at vacant properties to prevent issues! 03:52 Intro to our guest, Jessica Erickson! 09:14 Jumping into Economic Development in Woodstock, IL. 16:50 Woodstock's downtown redevelopment plan. 23:44 Breaking down "infill" sites. 25:54 Measuring successful developments. 29:28 Redevelopment opportunities in Woodstock. 31:27 Future-proofing development sites. 38:41 Closing remarks on the upside of Woodstock! 43:12 Woodstock's competitive advantage? 43:39 One piece of advice for new investors. 44:33 What do you do for fun? 44:55 Good book, podcast, or self development activity that you would recommend?  45:48 Local Network Recommendation?  46:16 How can the listeners learn more about you and provide value to you? ----------------- Production House: Flint Stone Media Copyright of Straight Up Chicago Investor 2026.