web01.fireside.fm Wed, 29 Apr 2026 01:32:44 -0500 Fireside (https://fireside.fm) Econ Dev Show Podcast - Economic Development - Episodes Tagged with “Chamber Of Commerce” https://podcast.econdevshow.com/tags/chamber%20of%20commerce Mon, 13 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -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 215: How Oklahoma City Turned Voter Investment Into Real Growth with Christy Gillenwater https://podcast.econdevshow.com/215 0743b3a0-13a5-416c-bf60-326ab2f88eec Mon, 13 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0500 Dane Carlson 215 How Oklahoma City Turned Voter Investment Into Real Growth with Christy Gillenwater full Dane Carlson How Oklahoma City used decades of voter-backed investments and business leadership alignment to transform its economy and quality of place. 30:56 no In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson talks with Christy Gillenwater, President and CEO of the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber, about how Oklahoma City has built sustained economic momentum through its unique MAPS program, a voter-approved, pay-as-you-go funding model for transformational community investments. Christy explains how decades of strategic spending on quality of place, infrastructure, and people have reshaped the city’s trajectory, enabled major wins like hosting Olympic events, and strengthened key industries such as aerospace, energy, and life sciences. The conversation also explores the power of business leadership engagement, the growing role of data and AI in economic development, and practical advice for communities looking to unlock their own growth. Like this show? Please leave us a review here (https://econdevshow.com/rate-this-podcast/). 10 Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers Bundle major projects into a single, clear vision and take it to voters as one package. Avoid debt when possible and tie project execution directly to collected revenue. Invest consistently in quality of place, not just incentives or recruitment. Engage top CEOs as active partners, not just passive supporters. Build long-term strategies that evolve with community needs over decades. Use data continuously to reassess competitive positioning and refine strategy. Align economic development, tourism, and community development under one structure when possible. Focus on expanding existing industries and assets, not just chasing new ones. Leverage anchor institutions to guide sector strategy and investment. Treat community engagement as part of both planning and execution, not just a checkbox. Special Guest: Christy Gillenwater. econdev, economic development, eco devo, Oklahoma City, MAPS program, quality of place, site selection, chamber of commerce, public-private partnership, infrastructure investment, workforce development, regional growth In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson talks with Christy Gillenwater, President and CEO of the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber, about how Oklahoma City has built sustained economic momentum through its unique MAPS program, a voter-approved, pay-as-you-go funding model for transformational community investments.

Christy explains how decades of strategic spending on quality of place, infrastructure, and people have reshaped the city’s trajectory, enabled major wins like hosting Olympic events, and strengthened key industries such as aerospace, energy, and life sciences.

The conversation also explores the power of business leadership engagement, the growing role of data and AI in economic development, and practical advice for communities looking to unlock their own growth.

Like this show? Please leave us a review here.

10 Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers

  1. Bundle major projects into a single, clear vision and take it to voters as one package.
  2. Avoid debt when possible and tie project execution directly to collected revenue.
  3. Invest consistently in quality of place, not just incentives or recruitment.
  4. Engage top CEOs as active partners, not just passive supporters.
  5. Build long-term strategies that evolve with community needs over decades.
  6. Use data continuously to reassess competitive positioning and refine strategy.
  7. Align economic development, tourism, and community development under one structure when possible.
  8. Focus on expanding existing industries and assets, not just chasing new ones.
  9. Leverage anchor institutions to guide sector strategy and investment.
  10. Treat community engagement as part of both planning and execution, not just a checkbox.

Special Guest: Christy Gillenwater.

Sponsored By:

Links:

]]> In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson talks with Christy Gillenwater, President and CEO of the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber, about how Oklahoma City has built sustained economic momentum through its unique MAPS program, a voter-approved, pay-as-you-go funding model for transformational community investments.

Christy explains how decades of strategic spending on quality of place, infrastructure, and people have reshaped the city’s trajectory, enabled major wins like hosting Olympic events, and strengthened key industries such as aerospace, energy, and life sciences.

The conversation also explores the power of business leadership engagement, the growing role of data and AI in economic development, and practical advice for communities looking to unlock their own growth.

Like this show? Please leave us a review here.

10 Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers

  1. Bundle major projects into a single, clear vision and take it to voters as one package.
  2. Avoid debt when possible and tie project execution directly to collected revenue.
  3. Invest consistently in quality of place, not just incentives or recruitment.
  4. Engage top CEOs as active partners, not just passive supporters.
  5. Build long-term strategies that evolve with community needs over decades.
  6. Use data continuously to reassess competitive positioning and refine strategy.
  7. Align economic development, tourism, and community development under one structure when possible.
  8. Focus on expanding existing industries and assets, not just chasing new ones.
  9. Leverage anchor institutions to guide sector strategy and investment.
  10. Treat community engagement as part of both planning and execution, not just a checkbox.

Special Guest: Christy Gillenwater.

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 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 (https://econdevshow.com/rate-this-podcast/) — even one sentence helps! Special Guest: Johnna Reeder Kleymeyer. 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:

]]> 164: Confronting Workforce Challenges in Wisconsin with Sadie Howell https://podcast.econdevshow.com/164 d6b244d4-cc80-4077-a9e4-d48e553e8e00 Mon, 10 Mar 2025 00:15:00 -0500 Dane Carlson 164 Confronting Workforce Challenges in Wisconsin with Sadie Howell full Dane Carlson Dane Carlson speaks with Sadie Howell about economic development in Fond du Lac County, Wisconsin, addressing regional misconceptions, workforce challenges, and practical advice for navigating local economic development landscapes. 31:38 no In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, host Dane Carlson talks with Sadie Howell with Envision Greater Fond du Lac, a combined Chamber of Commerce and economic development organization in Wisconsin. Sadie shares insights about her region's economic landscape, including the surprising prevalence of small manufacturers and agricultural businesses that often goes unnoticed. They discuss the challenges of workforce development, the advantages of a combined chamber-economic development approach, and the importance of understanding local politics and stakeholder dynamics. As a long-time listener of the podcast before becoming a guest, Sadie offers valuable perspective on regional economic development strategies and the shared challenges that unite economic developers across different communities. Ten Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers Study the layout of your community's stakeholders, including their biases and politics, to identify which challenges you can overcome and which you should work around. Recognize that most economic developers face similar challenges with boards, communities, and regional impacts - you're not alone. Leverage the complementary strengths of chamber of commerce and economic development functions when possible. Address workforce issues by coordinating efforts across regions rather than trying to solve everything at the local level. Challenge misconceptions about your region by actively showcasing lesser-known economic assets like small manufacturers. Connect local economic development priorities with state-level initiatives around talent attraction, childcare, and housing development. Network with other economic developers to validate your experiences and gather new approaches to common challenges. Consider how to tailor workforce programming specifically for chamber members while making entrepreneurship services broadly available. Identify early in your planning process which obstacles can be overcome and which need to be circumvented. Use podcasts and other learning resources to continuously build your economic development knowledge, especially in areas outside your expertise. Like this show? Please leave us a review here (https://econdevshow.com/rate-this-podcast/) — even one sentence helps! Special Guest: Sadie Howell. econdev, economic development, eco devo, Economic development, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, chamber of commerce, workforce development, small manufacturers, regional collaboration, local politics, talent attraction, housing In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, host Dane Carlson talks with Sadie Howell with Envision Greater Fond du Lac, a combined Chamber of Commerce and economic development organization in Wisconsin.

Sadie shares insights about her region's economic landscape, including the surprising prevalence of small manufacturers and agricultural businesses that often goes unnoticed.

They discuss the challenges of workforce development, the advantages of a combined chamber-economic development approach, and the importance of understanding local politics and stakeholder dynamics.

As a long-time listener of the podcast before becoming a guest, Sadie offers valuable perspective on regional economic development strategies and the shared challenges that unite economic developers across different communities.

Ten Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers

  1. Study the layout of your community's stakeholders, including their biases and politics, to identify which challenges you can overcome and which you should work around.
  2. Recognize that most economic developers face similar challenges with boards, communities, and regional impacts - you're not alone.
  3. Leverage the complementary strengths of chamber of commerce and economic development functions when possible.
  4. Address workforce issues by coordinating efforts across regions rather than trying to solve everything at the local level.
  5. Challenge misconceptions about your region by actively showcasing lesser-known economic assets like small manufacturers.
  6. Connect local economic development priorities with state-level initiatives around talent attraction, childcare, and housing development.
  7. Network with other economic developers to validate your experiences and gather new approaches to common challenges.
  8. Consider how to tailor workforce programming specifically for chamber members while making entrepreneurship services broadly available.
  9. Identify early in your planning process which obstacles can be overcome and which need to be circumvented.
  10. Use podcasts and other learning resources to continuously build your economic development knowledge, especially in areas outside your expertise.

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

Special Guest: Sadie Howell.

Sponsored By:

Links:

]]> In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, host Dane Carlson talks with Sadie Howell with Envision Greater Fond du Lac, a combined Chamber of Commerce and economic development organization in Wisconsin.

Sadie shares insights about her region's economic landscape, including the surprising prevalence of small manufacturers and agricultural businesses that often goes unnoticed.

They discuss the challenges of workforce development, the advantages of a combined chamber-economic development approach, and the importance of understanding local politics and stakeholder dynamics.

As a long-time listener of the podcast before becoming a guest, Sadie offers valuable perspective on regional economic development strategies and the shared challenges that unite economic developers across different communities.

Ten Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers

  1. Study the layout of your community's stakeholders, including their biases and politics, to identify which challenges you can overcome and which you should work around.
  2. Recognize that most economic developers face similar challenges with boards, communities, and regional impacts - you're not alone.
  3. Leverage the complementary strengths of chamber of commerce and economic development functions when possible.
  4. Address workforce issues by coordinating efforts across regions rather than trying to solve everything at the local level.
  5. Challenge misconceptions about your region by actively showcasing lesser-known economic assets like small manufacturers.
  6. Connect local economic development priorities with state-level initiatives around talent attraction, childcare, and housing development.
  7. Network with other economic developers to validate your experiences and gather new approaches to common challenges.
  8. Consider how to tailor workforce programming specifically for chamber members while making entrepreneurship services broadly available.
  9. Identify early in your planning process which obstacles can be overcome and which need to be circumvented.
  10. Use podcasts and other learning resources to continuously build your economic development knowledge, especially in areas outside your expertise.

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

Special Guest: Sadie Howell.

Sponsored By:

Links:

]]> 96: Chambers of Commerce: From Relevant to Essential https://podcast.econdevshow.com/96 cd99b1c2-19c7-406d-96d6-9ec0d28607fc Mon, 12 Jun 2023 17:30:00 -0500 Dane Carlson 96 Chambers of Commerce: From Relevant to Essential full Dane Carlson In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson discusses the book "From Relevant to Essential: Five Key Insights for Chambers of Commerce" by Casey Steinbach. 12:46 no In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson discusses the book "From Relevant to Essential: Five Key Insights for Chambers of Commerce" by Casey Steinbach. It addresses the tension between serving individual businesses (the "me" members) and focusing on supporting the community as a whole (the "we" members). Carlson appreciates how the author recognizes that there are different types of members in a chamber of commerce: those who join for direct benefits and those who support the community's overall development. He appreciates Steinbach's call for a more community-oriented focus among chambers, as well as her insight into the conflicts that arise from trying to provide services to both types of members. He highly recommends the book for individuals who work within chambers of commerce or who seek to understand their evolving roles and challenges. Like this show? Please leave us a review here (https://econdevshow.com/rate-this-podcast/) — even one sentence helps! econdev, economic development, eco devo, chamber of commerce, books In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson discusses the book "From Relevant to Essential: Five Key Insights for Chambers of Commerce" by Casey Steinbach.

It addresses the tension between serving individual businesses (the "me" members) and focusing on supporting the community as a whole (the "we" members).

Carlson appreciates how the author recognizes that there are different types of members in a chamber of commerce: those who join for direct benefits and those who support the community's overall development.

He appreciates Steinbach's call for a more community-oriented focus among chambers, as well as her insight into the conflicts that arise from trying to provide services to both types of members. He highly recommends the book for individuals who work within chambers of commerce or who seek to understand their evolving roles and challenges.

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

Sponsored By:

Links:

]]> In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson discusses the book "From Relevant to Essential: Five Key Insights for Chambers of Commerce" by Casey Steinbach.

It addresses the tension between serving individual businesses (the "me" members) and focusing on supporting the community as a whole (the "we" members).

Carlson appreciates how the author recognizes that there are different types of members in a chamber of commerce: those who join for direct benefits and those who support the community's overall development.

He appreciates Steinbach's call for a more community-oriented focus among chambers, as well as her insight into the conflicts that arise from trying to provide services to both types of members. He highly recommends the book for individuals who work within chambers of commerce or who seek to understand their evolving roles and challenges.

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

Sponsored By:

Links:

]]> 69: Tackling Workforce Development from a Unique Angle With Clint Knight and Sandy Messner https://podcast.econdevshow.com/69 49595e47-3682-4b88-901c-562d5342a8fa Mon, 17 Oct 2022 00:15:00 -0500 Dane Carlson 69 Tackling Workforce Development from a Unique Angle With Clint Knight and Sandy Messner full Dane Carlson In this episode, Dane talks with talks with Clint Knight and Sandy Messner. In 2022, the Richland Area Chamber tackled Workforce Development from a unique angle. They'd spent years working to integrate upskilling opportunities and education in the effort, and realized that there was a gap in the process. They identified that gap - in their community - as "awareness". 32:53 no In this episode, Dane talks with talks with Clint Knight and Sandy Messner. In 2022, the Richland Area Chamber tackled Workforce Development from a unique angle. They'd spent years working to integrate upskilling opportunities and education in the effort, and realized that there was a gap in the process. They identified that gap - in their community - as "awareness". They've taken on a large scale marketing strategy to attack that challenge head on. By utilizing opportunities for project based learning, multimedia content, and targeted social media strategies - they are backing the truck up, and working to make sure that stakeholders and active players are aware of the resources and opportunities that are available to them. Like this show? Please leave us a review here (https://econdevshow.com/rate-this-podcast/) — even one sentence helps! Special Guests: Clint Knight and Sandy Messner. econdev, economic development, eco devo, chamber of commerce, chamber, workforce In this episode, Dane talks with talks with Clint Knight and Sandy Messner.

In 2022, the Richland Area Chamber tackled Workforce Development from a unique angle. They'd spent years working to integrate upskilling opportunities and education in the effort, and realized that there was a gap in the process. They identified that gap - in their community - as "awareness".

They've taken on a large scale marketing strategy to attack that challenge head on. By utilizing opportunities for project based learning, multimedia content, and targeted social media strategies - they are backing the truck up, and working to make sure that stakeholders and active players are aware of the resources and opportunities that are available to them.

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

Special Guests: Clint Knight and Sandy Messner.

Sponsored By:

Links:

]]> In this episode, Dane talks with talks with Clint Knight and Sandy Messner.

In 2022, the Richland Area Chamber tackled Workforce Development from a unique angle. They'd spent years working to integrate upskilling opportunities and education in the effort, and realized that there was a gap in the process. They identified that gap - in their community - as "awareness".

They've taken on a large scale marketing strategy to attack that challenge head on. By utilizing opportunities for project based learning, multimedia content, and targeted social media strategies - they are backing the truck up, and working to make sure that stakeholders and active players are aware of the resources and opportunities that are available to them.

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

Special Guests: Clint Knight and Sandy Messner.

Sponsored By:

Links:

]]> 45: How to Merge an EDO with a Chamber with Andy Sokolovich https://podcast.econdevshow.com/45 9a267308-2d44-48c0-ba63-f3f924a73918 Mon, 11 Apr 2022 00:15:00 -0500 Dane Carlson 45 How to Merge an EDO with a Chamber with Andy Sokolovich full Dane Carlson 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. 23:44 no 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. With the overwhelming support of the membership, investors, and Board of Directors, the Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce and Clinton Regional Development Corporation have approved a merger — creating a single entity known as Grow Clinton. The combined organization will focus on tourism, economic and community development. How did the merger come about? How did it work? What about the staff? In this episode, we talk through all this, and more. Like this show? Please leave us a review here (https://ratethispodcast.com/econdevshow/) — even one sentence helps! Consider including your name or Twitter handle so we can thank you personally! Special Guest: Andy Sokolovich. econdev, economic development, eco devo, chamber of commerce 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.

With the overwhelming support of the membership, investors, and Board of Directors, the Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce and Clinton Regional Development Corporation have approved a merger — creating a single entity known as Grow Clinton. The combined organization will focus on tourism, economic and community development.

How did the merger come about? How did it work? What about the staff? In this episode, we talk through all this, and more.

Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your name or Twitter handle so we can thank you personally!

Special Guest: Andy Sokolovich.

Sponsored By:

Links:

]]> 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.

With the overwhelming support of the membership, investors, and Board of Directors, the Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce and Clinton Regional Development Corporation have approved a merger — creating a single entity known as Grow Clinton. The combined organization will focus on tourism, economic and community development.

How did the merger come about? How did it work? What about the staff? In this episode, we talk through all this, and more.

Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your name or Twitter handle so we can thank you personally!

Special Guest: Andy Sokolovich.

Sponsored By:

Links:

]]>