46: Using Plain Language in Economic Development with Melissa Meschke

April 18th, 2022  |  26 mins 58 secs

eco devo, econdev, economic development, plainlanguage

Do you find it difficult to explain your job to your family, friends and even your professional contacts? Use plain language.

45: How to Merge an EDO with a Chamber with Andy Sokolovich

April 11th, 2022  |  23 mins 44 secs

chamber of commerce, eco devo, econdev, economic development

How do you merge a Chamber of Commerce and an Economic Development Organization? Today we talk to Andy Sokolovich about his experience doing just this in Clinton, Iowa.

44: Podcasting 101

April 4th, 2022  |  8 mins 3 secs

eco devo, econdev, economic development, podcasting

In this episode, we get geeky, and Dane quickly explains his podcasting setup.

43: Talking Downtown Strategies with Jenn Gregory and Elliott Cook

March 28th, 2022  |  36 mins 46 secs

eco devo, econdev, economic development

In this episode, Dane talks downtowns with Jenn Gregory and Elliott Cook, both on the Downtown Strategies team at Retail Strategies. Every community in America, of any size or population, can revitalize or create a downtown. According to the Jenn and Elliott, placemaking comes in all shapes and sizes. They encourage you to start small and build on that success!

42: Rural Revitalization with Sarah Thompson

March 21st, 2022  |  26 mins 37 secs

econdev, economic development, rural

Dane talks to Sarah Thompson about rolling up your sleeves and figuring out a new path if your rural community needs help. According to Sarah, there is nothing that can stop those who truly want a better future for their downtown and community. It takes hard work and committed volunteers.

41: Economic Development in Alabama With Jim Searcy

March 14th, 2022  |  29 mins 14 secs

alabama, econdev, economic development

In this episode, Dane talks with Jim Searcy, executive director of the Economic Development Association of Alabama.

40: With Alejandra Castillo, US Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development

March 6th, 2022  |  37 mins 28 secs

econdev, economic development, eda

Dane talks with Alejandra Castillo about her leadership of the US Economic Development Administration.

39: Economic Development is Still Not for Amateurs with Jay Garner

February 27th, 2022  |  31 mins 46 secs

book, econdev, economic development

Dane talks to Jay Garner, president and founder of Garner Economics, and the former chair of both the IEDC and Site Selectors Guild, about his new book "Economic Development is Still Not for Amateurs".

38: Crafting Your City's Elevator Pitch With Matthew Tate

February 21st, 2022  |  37 mins 43 secs

In this episode, Matthew Tate explains to host Dane Carlson how to craft your community's elevator pitch. Matthew Tate has spent the past 10 years at Retail Strategies working directly with cities in order to help them perfect their elevator speeches. Through data and analytics, he helps cities understand their unique story in order to make a more impactful pitch to potential businesses that may locate in their market.

37: Tax Increment Financing with Emily Blaylock

February 7th, 2022  |  19 mins 26 secs

Dane talks with Emily Blaylock, Senior Vice President and Chief Lending Officer for Northwest Bank about Tax Increment Financing (TIF). Northwest Bank & Trust Company is an entrepreneurial bank that has built an Economic Development Division to help developers and municipalities get projects done around the US. They utilize Tax Increment Financing (TIF) incentives designated from the municipalities to give developers funds upfront. These funds can be used to provide gap equity, expansion of existing sites, investment in other projects, working capital needs, or tenant improvements. Currently, they have completed projects in 8 states and over $400 million in funding. Their team has over 100 years of combined education in economic development and banking to help structure these loans.

36: Mind the T's with Chris Johnson in Johnston County

January 31st, 2022  |  28 mins 30 secs

econ dev, economic development, entrepreneurship, north carolina, retail

Chris Johnson is the Director of Johnston County North Carolina Economic Development. Imagine how difficult it would be to give out his email address. Dane and Chris talk about Chris's background in retail and what new perspectives he's brought to economic development including thinking of a spec building as a loss leader.

35: Professional Economic Development with Rob Sitterley

January 24th, 2022  |  23 mins 58 secs

arkansas, econ dev, economic development, florida, texas

Rob Sitterley is a real pro. He's worked in a local community, statewide and now works in regional economic development. In this episode, the President & CEO of AR-TX Regional Economic Development Inc. shares his tactics to make you better economic developer. He also gives us some insight into Texarkana, and doing economic development for two different states.