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.

34: Rural California Business Retention and Attraction With Cole Przybyla

January 17th, 2022  |  23 mins 26 secs

attraction, california, econdev, economic development, retention

Dane and Cole Przybyla talk about Cole's unique business retention and attraction tactics in rural California.

33: Economic Development in New Mexico with Kristen Gamboa

January 10th, 2022  |  33 mins 53 secs

econdev, economic development, new-mexico, newmexico, workforce

In this episode, Dane talks to Kristen Gamboa. She is the Senior Economic Developer for the Village of Los Lunas. She has been instrumental in helping existing businesses expand and grow, as well actively market and bring in new economic-base businesses to the second fastest growing community in New Mexico. Prior to this, she was the Director of Business Development for the New Mexico Partnership where she actively engaged with companies, C-suite executives, and site consultants looking for expansion, relocation, or new project opportunities across the Land of Enchantment.

According to Kristen, "New Mexico is a hidden gem that is still a little rough around the edges but with more regionalized economic development strategies you're going to hear and see more companies expanding to our 'Land of Enchantment'."

32: Talking Econ Dev Marketing and Hubspot with Tom Wengler

January 4th, 2022  |  28 mins 2 secs

econdv, economic development, hubspot, marketing

Tom Wengler and Dane talk Hubspot and economic development marketing.

31: Incentivizing Your Community with Michael Mazur

December 29th, 2021  |  31 mins 10 secs

behavioral economics, econdev, economic development, gamification

During the pandemic, cities were able to use elements of gamification and behavioral economics to boost consumption at their local businesses and create a sense of civic pride. Colu VP Michael Mazur explains the process to host Dane.