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

189: How North Dakota Gets Deals Done with Rich Garman

Dane Carlson — Mon, 08 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson sits down with Rich Garman, Director of Economic Development and Finance at the North Dakota Department of Commerce, to explore how North Dakota’s unique scale and culture enable fast, collaborative economic development. Rich highlights the benefits of a close-knit network where “everybody knows everybody,” the ability to push projects forward at breakneck speed, and the importance of trust and reputation in such a small state. Listeners will come away with insights into what makes North Dakota’s approach distinctive and how lessons from the state’s nimbleness can inspire economic developers everywhere.

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Ten Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers

Build tight relationships across agencies to speed project approvals.
Use small-scale networks to your advantage: connect decision-makers quickly.
Develop a reputation for trustworthiness--bad actors get noticed fast.
Create systems where a single text or call can move a project forward.
Prioritize collaboration over silos; success requires every stakeholder.
Emphasize speed to prospective investors--it's a competitive advantage.
Highlight cultural strengths (community-mindedness, shared goals) in pitches.
Streamline processes wherever possible; eliminate "waiting on someone's desk."
Recognize the risk of reputation spread--protect your credibility at all costs.
Translate small-state agility lessons into big-state or regional contexts.

Special Guest: Rich Garman.

186: The Power of Collaboration in Economic Development with Stacie LoVan of the Greater Des Moines Partnership

Dane Carlson — Mon, 18 Aug 2025 00:15:00 -0500

In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, host Dane Carlson talks with Stacie LoVan, Senior Vice President of Economic Development at the Greater Des Moines Partnership, about the transformative power of collaboration in economic development. Stacie shares how Greater Des Moines has built a culture of regional cooperation, implemented workforce and quality-of-life initiatives, and set bold goals for 2025. Their conversation highlights best practices that other communities can adopt, from aligning diverse stakeholders to creating momentum through shared vision. Whether you’re a veteran practitioner or new to the field, this episode offers actionable strategies for strengthening your own community through collaboration.

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10 Actionable Takeaways For Economic Developers

Prioritize collaboration over competition: regional growth accelerates when communities work together instead of against one another.
Define a clear, shared vision: goals like Greater Des Moines' 2025 plan keep stakeholders aligned and motivated.
Leverage workforce initiatives as anchors: workforce preparedness is often the deciding factor for business attraction and retention.
Balance quality-of-life improvements with economic strategies: housing, amenities, and placemaking are as critical as incentives.
Build a culture of trust among partners: successful collaboration depends on consistent communication and reliability.
Celebrate small wins: incremental progress builds credibility and keeps stakeholders engaged in long-term efforts.
Engage the private sector early: businesses can provide funding, advocacy, and momentum for regional initiatives.
Invest in regional branding: a unified message makes a region more competitive nationally and globally.
Be adaptable to change: collaboration requires flexibility when balancing the needs of multiple stakeholders.
Apply DSM's model to your community: while every region is unique, the principles of shared vision, trust, and collaboration can be replicated anywhere.

Special Guest: Stacie Lovan.

144: Innovative Economic Development in St. Louis with Jason Archer and Darrell Scott

Dane Carlson — Mon, 07 Oct 2024 07:00:00 -0500

In this episode of the Econ Dev Show Podcast, Dane talks with Darrell Scott and Jason Archer from the St. Louis Economic Development Partnership. Scott, the Vice President of Business Finance, and Archer, the Vice President of Business Development, share insights into their organization's unique role in promoting economic growth across both St. Louis City and County. They discuss their career paths, the challenges of attracting talent to the region, and highlight some of their successful projects and initiatives.

A key focus of the conversation is the Partnership's innovative Business Retention and Expansion program, which has won awards for its collaborative approach involving multiple economic development entities. The guests also touch on how COVID-19 has impacted their work, leading to more efficient virtual meetings and expanded outreach. Throughout the interview, Scott and Archer emphasize their commitment to supporting businesses of all sizes and fostering economic development in the St. Louis area.

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Special Guests: Darrell Scott and Jason Archer.