app03 Tue, 27 Oct 2026 16:58:08 +0000 Fireside (https://fireside.fm) Econ Dev Show Podcast - Economic Development - Episodes Tagged with “Advanced Manufacturing” https://podcast.econdevshow.com/tags/advanced%20manufacturing Mon, 26 Oct 2026 00:15:00 -0500 Dane Carlson explores the strategies, ideas, and insights that are driving economic development forward into the future. You'll hear new insights from passionate ED's about their successes and struggles, and you'll learn from attraction and retention experts about how to apply actionable strategies inside your EDO. We'll help take your organization, your community, and your career to the next level. en-us episodic Actionable economic development strategies and stories Dane Carlson Dane Carlson explores the strategies, ideas, and insights that are driving economic development forward into the future. You'll hear new insights from passionate ED's about their successes and struggles, and you'll learn from attraction and retention experts about how to apply actionable strategies inside your EDO. We'll help take your organization, your community, and your career to the next level. no econ dev, economic development, ed Dane Carlson show@econdevshow.com 240: Small Town, Big Tech with Victoria Archuleta https://podcast.econdevshow.com/240 fa47acc8-b1d0-4947-996e-68baee87a660 Mon, 26 Oct 2026 00:15:00 -0500 Dane Carlson 240 Small Town, Big Tech with Victoria Archuleta full Dane Carlson Victoria Archuleta shares how Los Lunas, New Mexico, is turning rapid population growth, major industrial investments, and a booming technology sector into long-term economic opportunity while confronting the infrastructure challenges that come with success. 27:53 no <p>In this episode of the Econ Dev Show Dane Carlson talks with Victoria Archuleta, Senior Economic Development Director for the Village of Los Lunas, New Mexico, about what happens when a small community starts attracting some very big companies. </p> <p>Located just south of Albuquerque, Los Lunas has grown from a quiet bedroom community into an industrial powerhouse, with major investments from Meta, Amazon, and companies working in advanced technology and energy. Victoria shares how the village is managing that growth, why its first economic development strategic plan was a game changer, and how infrastructure limitations, particularly electricity and transportation, can make or break major projects. </p> <p>They also discuss the importance of building on a community's existing strengths, engaging residents in economic development decisions, supporting local businesses, and balancing industrial expansion with small-town character. </p> <p>It's a conversation about punching above your weight, planning for the growth you want, and discovering that sometimes the biggest obstacle to economic development isn't attracting companies. It's having the infrastructure ready when they arrive.</p> <p><a href="https://econdevshow.com/rate-this-podcast/" rel="nofollow noopener">Like this show? Please leave us a review here</a> — even one sentence helps! </p> <h2>Ten Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers</h2> <p><strong>1. Build your strategy around what makes your community different.</strong></p> <p>Los Lunas benefits from New Mexico's longstanding strengths in scientific research, military installations, and advanced technology. Identify the assets, institutions, industries, and geographic advantages that distinguish your community, then target businesses that need those particular strengths rather than chasing every emerging industry.</p> <p><strong>2. Make infrastructure readiness part of your recruitment strategy.</strong></p> <p>Los Lunas has reached the finalist stage on major projects only to lose opportunities because electricity couldn't be delivered quickly enough. Work directly with electric, gas, water, and wastewater providers to understand current capacity, expansion costs, and realistic delivery timelines before a prospect comes calling.</p> <p><strong>3. Create a strategic plan that actually influences decisions.</strong></p> <p>Los Lunas recently adopted its first economic development strategic plan, a 119-page document developed with Better City. It identifies specific targets, including aerospace, defense technologies, health and biosciences, and logistics. Use strategic planning to prioritize industries, infrastructure investments, and economic development activities over the next five to ten years.</p> <p><strong>4. Don't underestimate how much your community wants to participate.</strong></p> <p>Los Lunas received nearly 600 responses to its strategic planning survey and held three town halls, including a community visioning workshop. Invite residents, business owners, and people living in surrounding unincorporated areas into the process. Their priorities may differ from yours, but those concerns can reveal important barriers to growth.</p> <p><strong>5. Treat transportation as an economic development issue.</strong></p> <p>Traffic emerged as one of the biggest concerns during Los Lunas's strategic planning process. The village is pursuing a major interchange and bridge project to improve connectivity. Coordinate with public works and transportation officials so that road capacity, commuting patterns, and freight access are considered alongside industrial recruitment.</p> <p><strong>6. Look for the next generation of businesses your existing employers can attract.</strong></p> <p>Meta's presence has created opportunities for Los Lunas to pursue related suppliers and supply-chain businesses. Pacific Fusion's component manufacturing operation presents another opportunity to build on the regional technology ecosystem. Map the suppliers, service providers, and complementary industries associated with your existing employers, then use those relationships to develop new recruitment targets.</p> <p><strong>7. Connect major employers with small, locally owned businesses.</strong></p> <p>Victoria describes how Meta orders dozens of donuts from a local bakery, illustrating how major employers can support smaller businesses throughout a community. Help local companies identify procurement opportunities with large employers, encourage local purchasing relationships, and make sure economic development benefits extend beyond the industrial park.</p> <p><strong>8. Educate residents about what economic development does—and doesn't—control.</strong></p> <p>Residents frequently ask Victoria to bring retailers such as Chick-fil-A and Whataburger to Los Lunas. She uses those conversations to explain the distinction between industrial economic development and retail growth driven by population and market demand. Clearly communicate your organization's responsibilities, priorities, and limitations so that residents understand what you're working to accomplish.</p> <p><strong>9. Strengthen regional partnerships and workforce pipelines.</strong></p> <p>Los Lunas works with the Albuquerque Regional Economic Alliance and benefits from proximity to institutions including the University of New Mexico, Central New Mexico Community College, and New Mexico Tech. Develop strong relationships with regional economic development partners and educational institutions to support employer recruitment, workforce preparation, and emerging industry opportunities.</p> <p><strong>10. Don't let business attraction overshadow retention and expansion.</strong></p> <p>Meta's continued expansion in Los Lunas demonstrates the value of maintaining relationships with existing employers. Victoria emphasizes that economic development isn't just about attracting companies; it's also about retaining, developing, and supporting businesses of every size. Make regular employer conversations, expansion support, and attention to existing business needs part of your economic development work.</p><p>Special Guest: Victoria Archuleta.</p> Los Lunas New Mexico, economic development strategic planning, data centers, Meta expansion, advanced manufacturing, fusion energy, infrastructure readiness, logistics and distribution, community engagement, business retention and expansion In this episode of the Econ Dev Show Dane Carlson talks with Victoria Archuleta, Senior Economic Development Director for the Village of Los Lunas, New Mexico, about what happens when a small community starts attracting some very big companies.

Located just south of Albuquerque, Los Lunas has grown from a quiet bedroom community into an industrial powerhouse, with major investments from Meta, Amazon, and companies working in advanced technology and energy. Victoria shares how the village is managing that growth, why its first economic development strategic plan was a game changer, and how infrastructure limitations, particularly electricity and transportation, can make or break major projects.

They also discuss the importance of building on a community's existing strengths, engaging residents in economic development decisions, supporting local businesses, and balancing industrial expansion with small-town character.

It's a conversation about punching above your weight, planning for the growth you want, and discovering that sometimes the biggest obstacle to economic development isn't attracting companies. It's having the infrastructure ready when they arrive.

Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps!

Ten Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers

1. Build your strategy around what makes your community different.

Los Lunas benefits from New Mexico's longstanding strengths in scientific research, military installations, and advanced technology. Identify the assets, institutions, industries, and geographic advantages that distinguish your community, then target businesses that need those particular strengths rather than chasing every emerging industry.

2. Make infrastructure readiness part of your recruitment strategy.

Los Lunas has reached the finalist stage on major projects only to lose opportunities because electricity couldn't be delivered quickly enough. Work directly with electric, gas, water, and wastewater providers to understand current capacity, expansion costs, and realistic delivery timelines before a prospect comes calling.

3. Create a strategic plan that actually influences decisions.

Los Lunas recently adopted its first economic development strategic plan, a 119-page document developed with Better City. It identifies specific targets, including aerospace, defense technologies, health and biosciences, and logistics. Use strategic planning to prioritize industries, infrastructure investments, and economic development activities over the next five to ten years.

4. Don't underestimate how much your community wants to participate.

Los Lunas received nearly 600 responses to its strategic planning survey and held three town halls, including a community visioning workshop. Invite residents, business owners, and people living in surrounding unincorporated areas into the process. Their priorities may differ from yours, but those concerns can reveal important barriers to growth.

5. Treat transportation as an economic development issue.

Traffic emerged as one of the biggest concerns during Los Lunas's strategic planning process. The village is pursuing a major interchange and bridge project to improve connectivity. Coordinate with public works and transportation officials so that road capacity, commuting patterns, and freight access are considered alongside industrial recruitment.

6. Look for the next generation of businesses your existing employers can attract.

Meta's presence has created opportunities for Los Lunas to pursue related suppliers and supply-chain businesses. Pacific Fusion's component manufacturing operation presents another opportunity to build on the regional technology ecosystem. Map the suppliers, service providers, and complementary industries associated with your existing employers, then use those relationships to develop new recruitment targets.

7. Connect major employers with small, locally owned businesses.

Victoria describes how Meta orders dozens of donuts from a local bakery, illustrating how major employers can support smaller businesses throughout a community. Help local companies identify procurement opportunities with large employers, encourage local purchasing relationships, and make sure economic development benefits extend beyond the industrial park.

8. Educate residents about what economic development does—and doesn't—control.

Residents frequently ask Victoria to bring retailers such as Chick-fil-A and Whataburger to Los Lunas. She uses those conversations to explain the distinction between industrial economic development and retail growth driven by population and market demand. Clearly communicate your organization's responsibilities, priorities, and limitations so that residents understand what you're working to accomplish.

9. Strengthen regional partnerships and workforce pipelines.

Los Lunas works with the Albuquerque Regional Economic Alliance and benefits from proximity to institutions including the University of New Mexico, Central New Mexico Community College, and New Mexico Tech. Develop strong relationships with regional economic development partners and educational institutions to support employer recruitment, workforce preparation, and emerging industry opportunities.

10. Don't let business attraction overshadow retention and expansion.

Meta's continued expansion in Los Lunas demonstrates the value of maintaining relationships with existing employers. Victoria emphasizes that economic development isn't just about attracting companies; it's also about retaining, developing, and supporting businesses of every size. Make regular employer conversations, expansion support, and attention to existing business needs part of your economic development work.

Special Guest: Victoria Archuleta.

Sponsored By:

Links:

]]> In this episode of the Econ Dev Show Dane Carlson talks with Victoria Archuleta, Senior Economic Development Director for the Village of Los Lunas, New Mexico, about what happens when a small community starts attracting some very big companies.

Located just south of Albuquerque, Los Lunas has grown from a quiet bedroom community into an industrial powerhouse, with major investments from Meta, Amazon, and companies working in advanced technology and energy. Victoria shares how the village is managing that growth, why its first economic development strategic plan was a game changer, and how infrastructure limitations, particularly electricity and transportation, can make or break major projects.

They also discuss the importance of building on a community's existing strengths, engaging residents in economic development decisions, supporting local businesses, and balancing industrial expansion with small-town character.

It's a conversation about punching above your weight, planning for the growth you want, and discovering that sometimes the biggest obstacle to economic development isn't attracting companies. It's having the infrastructure ready when they arrive.

Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps!

Ten Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers

1. Build your strategy around what makes your community different.

Los Lunas benefits from New Mexico's longstanding strengths in scientific research, military installations, and advanced technology. Identify the assets, institutions, industries, and geographic advantages that distinguish your community, then target businesses that need those particular strengths rather than chasing every emerging industry.

2. Make infrastructure readiness part of your recruitment strategy.

Los Lunas has reached the finalist stage on major projects only to lose opportunities because electricity couldn't be delivered quickly enough. Work directly with electric, gas, water, and wastewater providers to understand current capacity, expansion costs, and realistic delivery timelines before a prospect comes calling.

3. Create a strategic plan that actually influences decisions.

Los Lunas recently adopted its first economic development strategic plan, a 119-page document developed with Better City. It identifies specific targets, including aerospace, defense technologies, health and biosciences, and logistics. Use strategic planning to prioritize industries, infrastructure investments, and economic development activities over the next five to ten years.

4. Don't underestimate how much your community wants to participate.

Los Lunas received nearly 600 responses to its strategic planning survey and held three town halls, including a community visioning workshop. Invite residents, business owners, and people living in surrounding unincorporated areas into the process. Their priorities may differ from yours, but those concerns can reveal important barriers to growth.

5. Treat transportation as an economic development issue.

Traffic emerged as one of the biggest concerns during Los Lunas's strategic planning process. The village is pursuing a major interchange and bridge project to improve connectivity. Coordinate with public works and transportation officials so that road capacity, commuting patterns, and freight access are considered alongside industrial recruitment.

6. Look for the next generation of businesses your existing employers can attract.

Meta's presence has created opportunities for Los Lunas to pursue related suppliers and supply-chain businesses. Pacific Fusion's component manufacturing operation presents another opportunity to build on the regional technology ecosystem. Map the suppliers, service providers, and complementary industries associated with your existing employers, then use those relationships to develop new recruitment targets.

7. Connect major employers with small, locally owned businesses.

Victoria describes how Meta orders dozens of donuts from a local bakery, illustrating how major employers can support smaller businesses throughout a community. Help local companies identify procurement opportunities with large employers, encourage local purchasing relationships, and make sure economic development benefits extend beyond the industrial park.

8. Educate residents about what economic development does—and doesn't—control.

Residents frequently ask Victoria to bring retailers such as Chick-fil-A and Whataburger to Los Lunas. She uses those conversations to explain the distinction between industrial economic development and retail growth driven by population and market demand. Clearly communicate your organization's responsibilities, priorities, and limitations so that residents understand what you're working to accomplish.

9. Strengthen regional partnerships and workforce pipelines.

Los Lunas works with the Albuquerque Regional Economic Alliance and benefits from proximity to institutions including the University of New Mexico, Central New Mexico Community College, and New Mexico Tech. Develop strong relationships with regional economic development partners and educational institutions to support employer recruitment, workforce preparation, and emerging industry opportunities.

10. Don't let business attraction overshadow retention and expansion.

Meta's continued expansion in Los Lunas demonstrates the value of maintaining relationships with existing employers. Victoria emphasizes that economic development isn't just about attracting companies; it's also about retaining, developing, and supporting businesses of every size. Make regular employer conversations, expansion support, and attention to existing business needs part of your economic development work.

Special Guest: Victoria Archuleta.

Sponsored By:

Links:

]]> 222: How Energy Is Changing Site Selection with Anna Cardona https://podcast.econdevshow.com/222 6e98eafc-8511-42cc-8909-da54c6a7d41d Mon, 08 Jun 2026 00:15:00 -0500 Dane Carlson 222 How Energy Is Changing Site Selection with Anna Cardona full Dane Carlson Anna Cardona joins Dane to talk about energy infrastructure, data centers, private-sector economic development, and why economic developers need to think more creatively about capital, community impact, and where deals really begin. 27:44 no <p>In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane talks with Anna Cardona, an economic development consultant with Wolves Development Group, about her path from architecture and design into economic development, her move from public and public-private work into the private sector, and the growing role of energy infrastructure in getting major projects across the finish line.</p> <p>Anna explains how power availability, behind-the-meter solutions, and infrastructure capital are shaping everything from advanced manufacturing to data centers, and why communities need to rethink economic development beyond job counts and CapEx.</p> <p>The conversation also covers community backlash, board education, regenerative industrial ecosystems, family office conferences as an overlooked deal source, and how economic developers can become more empowered, proactive, and creative in building their own pipelines.</p> <p><a href="https://econdevshow.com/rate-this-podcast/" rel="nofollow noopener">Like this show? Please leave us a review here</a> — even one sentence helps! </p><p>Special Guest: Anna Cardona.</p> econdev, economic development, eco devo, energy infrastructure, data centers, advanced manufacturing, economic development, power availability, behind-the-meter solutions, community impact, family office conferences, capital deployment, regenerative industrial development In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane talks with Anna Cardona, an economic development consultant with Wolves Development Group, about her path from architecture and design into economic development, her move from public and public-private work into the private sector, and the growing role of energy infrastructure in getting major projects across the finish line.

Anna explains how power availability, behind-the-meter solutions, and infrastructure capital are shaping everything from advanced manufacturing to data centers, and why communities need to rethink economic development beyond job counts and CapEx.

The conversation also covers community backlash, board education, regenerative industrial ecosystems, family office conferences as an overlooked deal source, and how economic developers can become more empowered, proactive, and creative in building their own pipelines.

Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps!

Special Guest: Anna Cardona.

Sponsored By:

Links:

]]> In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane talks with Anna Cardona, an economic development consultant with Wolves Development Group, about her path from architecture and design into economic development, her move from public and public-private work into the private sector, and the growing role of energy infrastructure in getting major projects across the finish line.

Anna explains how power availability, behind-the-meter solutions, and infrastructure capital are shaping everything from advanced manufacturing to data centers, and why communities need to rethink economic development beyond job counts and CapEx.

The conversation also covers community backlash, board education, regenerative industrial ecosystems, family office conferences as an overlooked deal source, and how economic developers can become more empowered, proactive, and creative in building their own pipelines.

Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps!

Special Guest: Anna Cardona.

Sponsored By:

Links:

]]> 200: How Colorado Springs Competes Globally with Johnna Reeder Kleymeyer https://podcast.econdevshow.com/200 7ffa1a66-1316-4e6a-8cf8-5e1d64231eb6 Mon, 01 Dec 2025 00:15:00 -0600 Dane Carlson 200 How Colorado Springs Competes Globally with Johnna Reeder Kleymeyer full Dane Carlson Colorado Springs Chamber and EDC President & CEO Johnna Reeder Kleymeyer shares how her region is building aerospace, defense, and advanced manufacturing strength while keeping economic development rooted in real opportunity for people. 28:28 no <p>In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson talks with Johnna Reeder Kleymeyer, President and CEO of the Colorado Springs Chamber and EDC, about how Colorado Springs is uniting its region to compete globally, building on its deep aerospace, defense, and cybersecurity assets, and expanding advanced manufacturing powered by a steady military-to-civilian talent pipeline. </p> <p>She explains the origin of the Colorado Aerospace and Defense Economic Council, the importance of advocacy for small and mid-sized contractors, how site selection really plays out in a mountain market, and why economic development still matters most at the level of individual opportunity. </p> <p>From cluster strategy to workforce realities to the joy of cutting a ribbon on a transformational project, Johnna offers insight from a 30-year career building thriving communities.</p> <p><a href="https://econdevshow.com/rate-this-podcast/" rel="nofollow noopener">Like this show? Please leave us a review here</a> — even one sentence helps! </p><p>Special Guest: Johnna Reeder Kleymeyer.</p> econdev, economic development, eco devo, Colorado Springs, aerospace, defense, advanced manufacturing, site selection, military workforce, chamber of commerce, advocacy, economic development, Colorado In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson talks with Johnna Reeder Kleymeyer, President and CEO of the Colorado Springs Chamber and EDC, about how Colorado Springs is uniting its region to compete globally, building on its deep aerospace, defense, and cybersecurity assets, and expanding advanced manufacturing powered by a steady military-to-civilian talent pipeline.

She explains the origin of the Colorado Aerospace and Defense Economic Council, the importance of advocacy for small and mid-sized contractors, how site selection really plays out in a mountain market, and why economic development still matters most at the level of individual opportunity.

From cluster strategy to workforce realities to the joy of cutting a ribbon on a transformational project, Johnna offers insight from a 30-year career building thriving communities.

Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps!

Special Guest: Johnna Reeder Kleymeyer.

Sponsored By:

Links:

]]> In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson talks with Johnna Reeder Kleymeyer, President and CEO of the Colorado Springs Chamber and EDC, about how Colorado Springs is uniting its region to compete globally, building on its deep aerospace, defense, and cybersecurity assets, and expanding advanced manufacturing powered by a steady military-to-civilian talent pipeline.

She explains the origin of the Colorado Aerospace and Defense Economic Council, the importance of advocacy for small and mid-sized contractors, how site selection really plays out in a mountain market, and why economic development still matters most at the level of individual opportunity.

From cluster strategy to workforce realities to the joy of cutting a ribbon on a transformational project, Johnna offers insight from a 30-year career building thriving communities.

Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps!

Special Guest: Johnna Reeder Kleymeyer.

Sponsored By:

Links:

]]> 181: Beyond the Strip: Clark County's Economic Transformation with Shani Coleman https://podcast.econdevshow.com/181 c67fc53f-dd22-4e0b-b5e1-5aebddea01c7 Mon, 07 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0500 Dane Carlson 181 Beyond the Strip: Clark County's Economic Transformation with Shani Coleman full Dane Carlson 26:54 no <p>In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, host Dane Carlson speaks with Shani Coleman, Director of Community and Economic Development for Clark County, Nevada, about the economic transformation happening beyond the famous Las Vegas Strip. </p> <p>Coleman shares insights into how professional sports teams, including the Raiders, Golden Knights, and upcoming MLB team, are driving a new sports innovation economy. </p> <p>She discusses the county's five-year-old economic development department, their focus on small business support, the challenges of federal land ownership, and how California's regulatory environment is driving business migration to Nevada. </p> <p>The conversation covers everything from hotel rooms of the future at Harry Reid Tech Park to plans for advanced manufacturing in areas near the proposed second airport.</p> <p><a href="https://econdevshow.com/rate-this-podcast/" rel="nofollow noopener">Like this show? Please leave us a review here</a> — even one sentence helps! </p> <h2>Ten Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers</h2> <ol> <li><strong>Lean into your existing assets</strong> - Don't shy away from what makes your community unique; figure out how to leverage those assets for economic development advantage.</li> <li><strong>Build comprehensive small business support programs</strong> - Create virtual platforms and technical assistance programs that help small businesses understand public contracting opportunities and build resilience.</li> <li><strong>Develop specialized innovation districts</strong> - Designate physical locations with boots-on-the-ground support to create environments where entrepreneurs and innovative businesses can thrive.</li> <li><strong>Create business-friendly digital tools</strong> - Develop project estimators and online resources that help businesses understand licensing, permitting, and operational costs upfront.</li> <li><strong>Focus on business retention and expansion</strong> - Don't just recruit new businesses; actively support existing businesses in growing and hiring more employees.</li> <li><strong>Build venture capital ecosystems</strong> - Work with organizations that support both entrepreneurs seeking funding and individuals wanting to become venture capitalists.</li> <li><strong>Capitalize on proximity advantages</strong> - Use geographic location and transportation access as selling points for logistics and distribution opportunities.</li> <li><strong>Plan for future land development</strong> - Engage in master planning activities even when land ownership is complicated to be ready when opportunities arise.</li> <li><strong>Diversify beyond traditional industries</strong> - Look for ways emerging sectors (like sports innovation) can create new economic opportunities in your community.</li> <li><strong>Network strategically and tell your story</strong> - Use podcasts, conferences, and digital platforms to communicate your community's business opportunities to site selectors and potential investors.</li> </ol><p>Special Guest: Shani Coleman.</p> econdev, economic development, eco devo, Clark County Nevada, Las Vegas economic development, sports innovation, California business migration, small business support, Harry Reid Tech Park, professional sports teams, innovation district, advanced manufacturing, federal land challenges In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, host Dane Carlson speaks with Shani Coleman, Director of Community and Economic Development for Clark County, Nevada, about the economic transformation happening beyond the famous Las Vegas Strip.

Coleman shares insights into how professional sports teams, including the Raiders, Golden Knights, and upcoming MLB team, are driving a new sports innovation economy.

She discusses the county's five-year-old economic development department, their focus on small business support, the challenges of federal land ownership, and how California's regulatory environment is driving business migration to Nevada.

The conversation covers everything from hotel rooms of the future at Harry Reid Tech Park to plans for advanced manufacturing in areas near the proposed second airport.

Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps!

Ten Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers

  1. Lean into your existing assets - Don't shy away from what makes your community unique; figure out how to leverage those assets for economic development advantage.
  2. Build comprehensive small business support programs - Create virtual platforms and technical assistance programs that help small businesses understand public contracting opportunities and build resilience.
  3. Develop specialized innovation districts - Designate physical locations with boots-on-the-ground support to create environments where entrepreneurs and innovative businesses can thrive.
  4. Create business-friendly digital tools - Develop project estimators and online resources that help businesses understand licensing, permitting, and operational costs upfront.
  5. Focus on business retention and expansion - Don't just recruit new businesses; actively support existing businesses in growing and hiring more employees.
  6. Build venture capital ecosystems - Work with organizations that support both entrepreneurs seeking funding and individuals wanting to become venture capitalists.
  7. Capitalize on proximity advantages - Use geographic location and transportation access as selling points for logistics and distribution opportunities.
  8. Plan for future land development - Engage in master planning activities even when land ownership is complicated to be ready when opportunities arise.
  9. Diversify beyond traditional industries - Look for ways emerging sectors (like sports innovation) can create new economic opportunities in your community.
  10. Network strategically and tell your story - Use podcasts, conferences, and digital platforms to communicate your community's business opportunities to site selectors and potential investors.

Special Guest: Shani Coleman.

Sponsored By:

Links:

]]> In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, host Dane Carlson speaks with Shani Coleman, Director of Community and Economic Development for Clark County, Nevada, about the economic transformation happening beyond the famous Las Vegas Strip.

Coleman shares insights into how professional sports teams, including the Raiders, Golden Knights, and upcoming MLB team, are driving a new sports innovation economy.

She discusses the county's five-year-old economic development department, their focus on small business support, the challenges of federal land ownership, and how California's regulatory environment is driving business migration to Nevada.

The conversation covers everything from hotel rooms of the future at Harry Reid Tech Park to plans for advanced manufacturing in areas near the proposed second airport.

Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps!

Ten Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers

  1. Lean into your existing assets - Don't shy away from what makes your community unique; figure out how to leverage those assets for economic development advantage.
  2. Build comprehensive small business support programs - Create virtual platforms and technical assistance programs that help small businesses understand public contracting opportunities and build resilience.
  3. Develop specialized innovation districts - Designate physical locations with boots-on-the-ground support to create environments where entrepreneurs and innovative businesses can thrive.
  4. Create business-friendly digital tools - Develop project estimators and online resources that help businesses understand licensing, permitting, and operational costs upfront.
  5. Focus on business retention and expansion - Don't just recruit new businesses; actively support existing businesses in growing and hiring more employees.
  6. Build venture capital ecosystems - Work with organizations that support both entrepreneurs seeking funding and individuals wanting to become venture capitalists.
  7. Capitalize on proximity advantages - Use geographic location and transportation access as selling points for logistics and distribution opportunities.
  8. Plan for future land development - Engage in master planning activities even when land ownership is complicated to be ready when opportunities arise.
  9. Diversify beyond traditional industries - Look for ways emerging sectors (like sports innovation) can create new economic opportunities in your community.
  10. Network strategically and tell your story - Use podcasts, conferences, and digital platforms to communicate your community's business opportunities to site selectors and potential investors.

Special Guest: Shani Coleman.

Sponsored By:

Links:

]]>