Econ Dev Show Podcast - Economic Development - Episodes Tagged with “Business Development”

179: Why PR Beats Advertising in Economic Development Every Time with April Mason

Dane Carlson — Mon, 23 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson sits down with April Mason, president and founder of Violet PR, a boutique public relations agency specializing in economic development. April explains the difference between earned and paid media, sharing how editorial coverage can be worth five to seven times more valuable than advertising because of its inherent credibility.

The conversation covers newsjacking techniques, where PR professionals quickly tie current news events to their clients' stories, and explores how economic development PR differs from consumer-focused campaigns by focusing on business trends, tax incentives, and workforce development rather than lifestyle content.

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Ten Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers

Monitor news headlines daily and hold weekly team meetings to identify PR opportunities
Focus on earning editorial coverage rather than paying for advertisements for 5-7x better credibility
Develop a newsjacking strategy to quickly tie breaking news to your organization's strengths
Pitch thought leadership articles to trade publications in your industry
Create redundant systems or unique selling points that can become newsworthy angles
Build relationships with journalists who cover economic development and business topics
Develop spokespeople who can provide expert commentary on industry trends
Differentiate your PR approach from consumer marketing by focusing on business fundamentals
Leverage client successes and unique infrastructure as story angles
Maintain a proactive media relations strategy rather than waiting for news to happen

Special Guest: April Mason.

142: Economic Strategies in Maine with Anne Krieg

Dane Carlson — Mon, 30 Sep 2024 06:00:00 -0500

In this engaging episode of the Econ Dev Show, host Dane is joined by Anne Krieg, the Director of Community and Economic Development for Bangor, Maine. Anne provides an insightful overview of Bangor's economic landscape, emphasizing that while tourism is a major economic driver in Maine, Bangor relies more heavily on its medical centers and educational institutions, such as the Northern Light Medical Center and the University of Maine. She discusses the effective use of federal funds to revitalize underserved neighborhoods and the significant challenges that rural communities face due to limited staffing. Through her experience and perspective, Anne highlights the importance of community-focused planning and the need for systemic changes in regional development strategies to foster lasting economic growth.

10 Actionable Insights

Livability: Focus on making your community a desirable place to live with walkable neighborhoods, good parks, and quality education. This attracts both residents and businesses who want a high quality of life.
Community Engagement: Adopt a conversational, bottom-up approach to development. Involve the community in discussions to ensure that plans meet local needs and gain their support.
Long-term Planning: Develop and think in terms of 5, 10, 15, and 20-year plans. Strategic foresight ensures sustainable development and adaptability to future needs.
Promote Your City: Actively market your city to the outside world. Attend trade shows and tell your city's story to attract new investments and visitors.
Utilize Unique Assets: Leverage unique local assets like municipal airports and foreign trade zones. Highlight and make full use of distinctive infrastructure to drive economic opportunities.
Collaborate Regionally: Foster informal regional collaborations. Work with neighboring communities to address broader economic challenges and opportunities.
Support Rural Areas: Provide assistance to smaller rural communities that lack staff and resources. Offer guidance and resources to help them navigate development challenges.
Implementing Strategies: Focus on executing developed economic strategies. Turn plans into action by ensuring your team is dedicated to following through on strategies.
Holistic Approach: Employ planners who can see the bigger picture and integrate various aspects of city planning into economic development. A holistic view can create more cohesive and well-rounded development initiatives.
Sustainable Partnerships: Establish ongoing partnerships with local institutions and organizations. Collaboration with local entities ensures continuous support and resources for development projects.

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Special Guest: Anne Krieg.

102: The Intersection of Podcasting and Economic Development with Jennifer Olson

Dane Carlson — Mon, 31 Jul 2023 00:15:00 -0500

In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, host Dane Carlson sits down with Jennifer Olson, Director of Business Development for the city of Marion, Illinois, discussing the impact of her podcast "Small Town, Big Business" and delving into the economic development and revitalization efforts in her town. They discuss the challenges and rewards of running a successful podcast, the importance of small businesses in rural communities, and the significance of tourism in Marion.

The episode begins with an insightful discussion about the "Small Town, Big Business" podcast, co-hosted by Jennifer Olson. Exploring the triumphs and tribulations of small businesses in rural areas, the podcast serves as a platform to inspire others towards entrepreneurship. Jennifer talks about the importance of consistency in releasing episodes, the impact of the podcast's storytelling on weaving deeper connections between local businesses and the community, and the often underestimated potency of mentorship in entrepreneurial success.

Diving deeper, Dane and Jennifer touch on Marion's strategic position as a hub for industries like manufacturing, distribution, healthcare, and retail. Notwithstanding its relatively small population, Marion sees its size nearly doubled every day due to incoming commuters. With an upcoming jet service connecting the city to Chicago's O'Hare International Airport, they articulate on the fresh wave of opportunities this development would bring. The dialogue then traverses to the extensive tourism potential of Marion, its resilient history symbolically termed "Little Eygpt," and the enduring relevance of attractions like the Shawnee National Forest and a developed wine trail.

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Special Guest: Jennifer Olson.