web01.fireside.fm Wed, 08 Apr 2026 17:08:28 -0500 Fireside (https://fireside.fm) Econ Dev Show Podcast - Economic Development - Episodes Tagged with “Regional Collaboration” https://podcast.econdevshow.com/tags/regional%20collaboration Mon, 15 Dec 2025 00:15:00 -0600 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 202: How Community Colleges Power Statewide Economic Development with John Loyack https://podcast.econdevshow.com/202 8fc930b9-4dd9-4904-9206-8651a0b5dc43 Mon, 15 Dec 2025 00:15:00 -0600 Dane Carlson 202 How Community Colleges Power Statewide Economic Development with John Loyack full Dane Carlson A deep dive into how North Carolina’s community college system quietly powers workforce development, customized training, and apprenticeship at scale, with lessons every economic developer can steal.In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, host Dane Carlson sits down with John Loyack of the North Carolina Community College System to unpack what “workforce development” looks like when you’re the person who gets the call the day after the ribbon cutting asking where the next 500–5,000 workers will come from—and how North Carolina answers that question through four major tools: NC Edge customized training, ApprenticeshipNC, the Bio Network (now stretching from life sciences into food/beverage and natural products), and a small business center network embedded across 58 community colleges, all while pushing for tighter collaboration so employers experience one connected system instead of disconnected silos. 26:19 no In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, host Dane Carlson sits down with John Loyack of the North Carolina Community College System to unpack what “workforce development” looks like when you’re the person who gets the call the day after the ribbon cutting asking where the next 500–5,000 workers will come from—and how North Carolina answers that question through four major tools: NC Edge customized training, ApprenticeshipNC, the Bio Network (now stretching from life sciences into food/beverage and natural products), and a small business center network embedded across 58 community colleges, all while pushing for tighter collaboration so employers experience one connected system instead of disconnected silos. Like this show? Please leave us a review here (https://econdevshow.com/rate-this-podcast/) — even one sentence helps! 10 Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers Treat workforce development as core infrastructure, not a support function. Engage community colleges early, not after a project announcement. Promote customized training programs aggressively to prospects and existing employers. Use pre-hire assessments to reduce employer risk on major projects. Encourage employers, even competitors, to collaborate on shared talent needs. Leverage apprenticeship programs beyond manufacturing into healthcare, construction, and trades. Think regionally, not jurisdiction by jurisdiction, when building talent pipelines. Repurpose successful training models across industries where skills overlap. Break down silos between workforce, small business, and economic development teams. Communicate these resources constantly because most businesses do not know they exist. Special Guest: John Loyack. econdev, economic development, eco devo, workforce development, community colleges, customized training, apprenticeship, NC Edge, BioNetwork, economic development, talent pipelines, manufacturing workforce, regional collaboration In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, host Dane Carlson sits down with John Loyack of the North Carolina Community College System to unpack what “workforce development” looks like when you’re the person who gets the call the day after the ribbon cutting asking where the next 500–5,000 workers will come from—and how North Carolina answers that question through four major tools: NC Edge customized training, ApprenticeshipNC, the Bio Network (now stretching from life sciences into food/beverage and natural products), and a small business center network embedded across 58 community colleges, all while pushing for tighter collaboration so employers experience one connected system instead of disconnected silos.

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

10 Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers

  1. Treat workforce development as core infrastructure, not a support function.
  2. Engage community colleges early, not after a project announcement.
  3. Promote customized training programs aggressively to prospects and existing employers.
  4. Use pre-hire assessments to reduce employer risk on major projects.
  5. Encourage employers, even competitors, to collaborate on shared talent needs.
  6. Leverage apprenticeship programs beyond manufacturing into healthcare, construction, and trades.
  7. Think regionally, not jurisdiction by jurisdiction, when building talent pipelines.
  8. Repurpose successful training models across industries where skills overlap.
  9. Break down silos between workforce, small business, and economic development teams.
  10. Communicate these resources constantly because most businesses do not know they exist.

Special Guest: John Loyack.

Sponsored By:

Links:

]]> In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, host Dane Carlson sits down with John Loyack of the North Carolina Community College System to unpack what “workforce development” looks like when you’re the person who gets the call the day after the ribbon cutting asking where the next 500–5,000 workers will come from—and how North Carolina answers that question through four major tools: NC Edge customized training, ApprenticeshipNC, the Bio Network (now stretching from life sciences into food/beverage and natural products), and a small business center network embedded across 58 community colleges, all while pushing for tighter collaboration so employers experience one connected system instead of disconnected silos.

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

10 Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers

  1. Treat workforce development as core infrastructure, not a support function.
  2. Engage community colleges early, not after a project announcement.
  3. Promote customized training programs aggressively to prospects and existing employers.
  4. Use pre-hire assessments to reduce employer risk on major projects.
  5. Encourage employers, even competitors, to collaborate on shared talent needs.
  6. Leverage apprenticeship programs beyond manufacturing into healthcare, construction, and trades.
  7. Think regionally, not jurisdiction by jurisdiction, when building talent pipelines.
  8. Repurpose successful training models across industries where skills overlap.
  9. Break down silos between workforce, small business, and economic development teams.
  10. Communicate these resources constantly because most businesses do not know they exist.

Special Guest: John Loyack.

Sponsored By:

Links:

]]> 187: Changing Perceptions of Baltimore with Lakey Boyd https://podcast.econdevshow.com/187 69d5cb90-7ec2-495a-9942-33ca306071cd Mon, 25 Aug 2025 00:15:00 -0500 Dane Carlson 187 Changing Perceptions of Baltimore with Lakey Boyd full Dane Carlson A candid conversation with Lakey Boyd about reshaping perceptions of Baltimore and driving regional economic growth. 26:46 no In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson sits down with Lakey Boyd, Chief Economic Officer at the Greater Baltimore Committee, to explore the unique strengths and opportunities of the Baltimore region. From its historical assets and waterfront livability to the challenges of shifting national perceptions, Lakey shares insights on regional collaboration, economic drivers, and how Greater Baltimore is positioning itself for future growth. (Sorry about my audio quality. Don't worry: Lakey's is great.) Like this show? Please leave us a review here (https://econdevshow.com/rate-this-podcast/) — even one sentence helps! 10 Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers Always frame your community as part of a region — economies rarely stop at city borders. Address negative perceptions head-on with facts, data, and compelling stories. Highlight unique local assets (e.g., universities, hospitals, waterfronts) as differentiators. Showcase livability alongside business opportunities to attract both companies and talent. Balance historical identity with forward-looking strategies. Leverage anchor institutions like universities and hospitals to drive innovation and growth. Collaborate across counties and municipalities to present a united economic front. Market regional resilience — especially in industries that thrive locally. Invest in workforce pipelines that connect local talent with growing industries. Don’t let outsiders define your community’s brand — own your narrative. Special Guest: Lakey Boyd. econdev, economic development, eco devo, Baltimore, Greater Baltimore Committee, economic development, regional collaboration, Johns Hopkins, inner harbor, livability, perception, workforce, Maryland In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson sits down with Lakey Boyd, Chief Economic Officer at the Greater Baltimore Committee, to explore the unique strengths and opportunities of the Baltimore region. From its historical assets and waterfront livability to the challenges of shifting national perceptions, Lakey shares insights on regional collaboration, economic drivers, and how Greater Baltimore is positioning itself for future growth.

(Sorry about my audio quality. Don't worry: Lakey's is great.)

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

10 Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers

  1. Always frame your community as part of a region — economies rarely stop at city borders.
  2. Address negative perceptions head-on with facts, data, and compelling stories.
  3. Highlight unique local assets (e.g., universities, hospitals, waterfronts) as differentiators.
  4. Showcase livability alongside business opportunities to attract both companies and talent.
  5. Balance historical identity with forward-looking strategies.
  6. Leverage anchor institutions like universities and hospitals to drive innovation and growth.
  7. Collaborate across counties and municipalities to present a united economic front.
  8. Market regional resilience — especially in industries that thrive locally.
  9. Invest in workforce pipelines that connect local talent with growing industries.
  10. Don’t let outsiders define your community’s brand — own your narrative.

Special Guest: Lakey Boyd.

Sponsored By:

Links:

]]> In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson sits down with Lakey Boyd, Chief Economic Officer at the Greater Baltimore Committee, to explore the unique strengths and opportunities of the Baltimore region. From its historical assets and waterfront livability to the challenges of shifting national perceptions, Lakey shares insights on regional collaboration, economic drivers, and how Greater Baltimore is positioning itself for future growth.

(Sorry about my audio quality. Don't worry: Lakey's is great.)

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

10 Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers

  1. Always frame your community as part of a region — economies rarely stop at city borders.
  2. Address negative perceptions head-on with facts, data, and compelling stories.
  3. Highlight unique local assets (e.g., universities, hospitals, waterfronts) as differentiators.
  4. Showcase livability alongside business opportunities to attract both companies and talent.
  5. Balance historical identity with forward-looking strategies.
  6. Leverage anchor institutions like universities and hospitals to drive innovation and growth.
  7. Collaborate across counties and municipalities to present a united economic front.
  8. Market regional resilience — especially in industries that thrive locally.
  9. Invest in workforce pipelines that connect local talent with growing industries.
  10. Don’t let outsiders define your community’s brand — own your narrative.

Special Guest: Lakey Boyd.

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:

]]> 140: Transforming Southern Illinois' Economic Development with Deb Barnett https://podcast.econdevshow.com/140 a6d4dca2-6d70-4c8d-8807-57b244b34d57 Mon, 16 Sep 2024 00:15:00 -0500 Dane Carlson 140 Transforming Southern Illinois' Economic Development with Deb Barnett full Dane Carlson Deb Barnett, executive director of SI Now, discusses the organization's regional approach to economic development in Southern Illinois on the Econ Dev Show with host Dane Carlson. 29:42 no In this episode, Dane talks with Deb Barnett, the executive director of SI Now. SI Now is a relatively new regional economic development organization founded in the fall of 2022, serving 17 counties in Southern Illinois. She explains that the organization was created to address the need for a more strategic and collaborative approach to economic development in the region, moving away from the previous model where communities and counties worked in isolation. During the conversation, Barnett highlights SI Now's focus on long-term economic growth and shares insights about their current projects and future plans. She also discusses her involvement in a podcast called "Small Town Big Business," which features interviews with small business owners in Southern Illinois. Barnett emphasizes the importance of storytelling in economic development and expresses optimism about the increasing number of opportunities and projects in the pipeline for the region. Like this show? Please leave us a review here (https://econdevshow.com/rate-this-podcast/) — even one sentence helps! Special Guest: Deb Barnett. Economic development, Southern Illinois, regional collaboration, SI Now, Deb Barnett, rural economy, small business, storytelling, innovation, community partnerships, workforce development, business incubation, strategic growth, local assets, regional marketing, Field Trip Fridays, podcasting, rural revitalization, entrepreneurship, cross-county cooperation In this episode, Dane talks with Deb Barnett, the executive director of SI Now.

SI Now is a relatively new regional economic development organization founded in the fall of 2022, serving 17 counties in Southern Illinois. She explains that the organization was created to address the need for a more strategic and collaborative approach to economic development in the region, moving away from the previous model where communities and counties worked in isolation.

During the conversation, Barnett highlights SI Now's focus on long-term economic growth and shares insights about their current projects and future plans. She also discusses her involvement in a podcast called "Small Town Big Business," which features interviews with small business owners in Southern Illinois. Barnett emphasizes the importance of storytelling in economic development and expresses optimism about the increasing number of opportunities and projects in the pipeline for the region.

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

Special Guest: Deb Barnett.

Sponsored By:

Links:

]]> In this episode, Dane talks with Deb Barnett, the executive director of SI Now.

SI Now is a relatively new regional economic development organization founded in the fall of 2022, serving 17 counties in Southern Illinois. She explains that the organization was created to address the need for a more strategic and collaborative approach to economic development in the region, moving away from the previous model where communities and counties worked in isolation.

During the conversation, Barnett highlights SI Now's focus on long-term economic growth and shares insights about their current projects and future plans. She also discusses her involvement in a podcast called "Small Town Big Business," which features interviews with small business owners in Southern Illinois. Barnett emphasizes the importance of storytelling in economic development and expresses optimism about the increasing number of opportunities and projects in the pipeline for the region.

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

Special Guest: Deb Barnett.

Sponsored By:

Links:

]]>