web01.fireside.fm Thu, 09 Apr 2026 08:33:21 -0500 Fireside (https://fireside.fm) Econ Dev Show Podcast - Economic Development - Episodes Tagged with “Rural Economic Development” https://podcast.econdevshow.com/tags/rural%20economic%20development Mon, 23 Mar 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 213: How a Town of 30,000 Competes (and Wins) in Economic Development with Tim Hanigan https://podcast.econdevshow.com/213 9d12166c-3a7e-41c8-8840-0f7a185c688f Mon, 23 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0500 Dane Carlson 213 How a Town of 30,000 Competes (and Wins) in Economic Development with Tim Hanigan full Dane Carlson How a small, rural “hub city” builds a diverse economy, wins projects, and competes without big incentives. 23:42 no In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson talks with Tim Hanigan, CEO of the Aberdeen Development Corporation in Aberdeen, South Dakota, about how a rural community of 30,000 punches above its weight in economic development. Tim explains how Aberdeen leverages entrepreneurship, regional workforce draw, and value-added agriculture to build one of the most diverse micropolitan economies in the U.S. The conversation dives into practical tools like revolving loan funds, shovel-ready site development, and tight-knit community coordination, along with lessons learned from winning and losing projects. Tim also shares how rural economic developers must wear many hats, from childcare advocacy to housing and workforce development, and why knowing your limits and leaning into your strengths is key to long-term success. 10 Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers Build your own toolbox early - Start small with tools like a revolving loan fund. Even modest contributions compound into real leverage over time. Have product ready before the prospect shows up - Shovel-ready sites win deals. If you're waiting until an RFI arrives, you're already behind. Sell your labor shed, not just your city limits - Expand your workforce story to include the full commuting region, not just population within city boundaries. Be honest about fit upfront - Disqualify bad-fit projects early. It saves time, builds credibility, and focuses your effort on winnable deals. Use speed as a competitive advantage - Quick answers, quick coordination, and quick decisions often beat larger incentive packages. Coordinate like one team, not multiple agencies - Eliminate friction between city, county, utilities, and partners so companies feel like there's "no wrong door." Invest in local companies, not just recruitment - Expansions from existing businesses can absorb sites faster and more reliably than outside recruitment. Treat workforce, housing, and childcare as core infrastructure - These are not side issues. They directly determine whether companies can hire and grow. Lean into what you actually do well - Don't try to win every project. Focus on industries and company sizes that match your real strengths. Own the outcome, even when you lose - Some deals fall apart for reasons outside your control. Learn what you can, adjust where possible, and keep moving. Like this show? Please leave us a review here (https://econdevshow.com/rate-this-podcast/) — even one sentence helps! Special Guest: Tim Hanigan. econdev, economic development, eco devo, rural economic development, micropolitan economy, shovel ready sites, workforce development, revolving loan fund, site selection, business recruitment, value added agriculture, entrepreneurship, economic diversification In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson talks with Tim Hanigan, CEO of the Aberdeen Development Corporation in Aberdeen, South Dakota, about how a rural community of 30,000 punches above its weight in economic development.

Tim explains how Aberdeen leverages entrepreneurship, regional workforce draw, and value-added agriculture to build one of the most diverse micropolitan economies in the U.S. The conversation dives into practical tools like revolving loan funds, shovel-ready site development, and tight-knit community coordination, along with lessons learned from winning and losing projects.

Tim also shares how rural economic developers must wear many hats, from childcare advocacy to housing and workforce development, and why knowing your limits and leaning into your strengths is key to long-term success.

10 Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers

  1. Build your own toolbox early - Start small with tools like a revolving loan fund. Even modest contributions compound into real leverage over time.
  2. Have product ready before the prospect shows up - Shovel-ready sites win deals. If you're waiting until an RFI arrives, you're already behind.
  3. Sell your labor shed, not just your city limits - Expand your workforce story to include the full commuting region, not just population within city boundaries.
  4. Be honest about fit upfront - Disqualify bad-fit projects early. It saves time, builds credibility, and focuses your effort on winnable deals.
  5. Use speed as a competitive advantage - Quick answers, quick coordination, and quick decisions often beat larger incentive packages.
  6. Coordinate like one team, not multiple agencies - Eliminate friction between city, county, utilities, and partners so companies feel like there's "no wrong door."
  7. Invest in local companies, not just recruitment - Expansions from existing businesses can absorb sites faster and more reliably than outside recruitment.
  8. Treat workforce, housing, and childcare as core infrastructure - These are not side issues. They directly determine whether companies can hire and grow.
  9. Lean into what you actually do well - Don't try to win every project. Focus on industries and company sizes that match your real strengths.
  10. Own the outcome, even when you lose - Some deals fall apart for reasons outside your control. Learn what you can, adjust where possible, and keep moving.

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

Special Guest: Tim Hanigan.

Sponsored By:

Links:

]]> In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson talks with Tim Hanigan, CEO of the Aberdeen Development Corporation in Aberdeen, South Dakota, about how a rural community of 30,000 punches above its weight in economic development.

Tim explains how Aberdeen leverages entrepreneurship, regional workforce draw, and value-added agriculture to build one of the most diverse micropolitan economies in the U.S. The conversation dives into practical tools like revolving loan funds, shovel-ready site development, and tight-knit community coordination, along with lessons learned from winning and losing projects.

Tim also shares how rural economic developers must wear many hats, from childcare advocacy to housing and workforce development, and why knowing your limits and leaning into your strengths is key to long-term success.

10 Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers

  1. Build your own toolbox early - Start small with tools like a revolving loan fund. Even modest contributions compound into real leverage over time.
  2. Have product ready before the prospect shows up - Shovel-ready sites win deals. If you're waiting until an RFI arrives, you're already behind.
  3. Sell your labor shed, not just your city limits - Expand your workforce story to include the full commuting region, not just population within city boundaries.
  4. Be honest about fit upfront - Disqualify bad-fit projects early. It saves time, builds credibility, and focuses your effort on winnable deals.
  5. Use speed as a competitive advantage - Quick answers, quick coordination, and quick decisions often beat larger incentive packages.
  6. Coordinate like one team, not multiple agencies - Eliminate friction between city, county, utilities, and partners so companies feel like there's "no wrong door."
  7. Invest in local companies, not just recruitment - Expansions from existing businesses can absorb sites faster and more reliably than outside recruitment.
  8. Treat workforce, housing, and childcare as core infrastructure - These are not side issues. They directly determine whether companies can hire and grow.
  9. Lean into what you actually do well - Don't try to win every project. Focus on industries and company sizes that match your real strengths.
  10. Own the outcome, even when you lose - Some deals fall apart for reasons outside your control. Learn what you can, adjust where possible, and keep moving.

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

Special Guest: Tim Hanigan.

Sponsored By:

Links:

]]> 208: What Rural Economic Development in Nebraska Really Looks Like in 2026 with Lisa Hurley https://podcast.econdevshow.com/208 e5291dad-03e0-4560-9f44-3095aa6c3cdc Mon, 09 Feb 2026 00:15:00 -0600 Dane Carlson 208 What Rural Economic Development in Nebraska Really Looks Like in 2026 with Lisa Hurley full Dane Carlson A grounded, real-world conversation about how a rural Nebraska community is tackling talent, childcare, housing, infrastructure, and change without losing its identity. 32:01 no In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson sits down with Lisa Hurley, Executive Director of the York County Development Corporation in Nebraska, to talk about what modern rural economic development actually looks like on the ground. Lisa shares how York County leverages its logistics position, diversified employers, and growing civic pride while navigating workforce shortages, childcare capacity, housing pressure, and community resistance to change. They discuss talent attraction campaigns, podcasting as an economic development tool, and why rural EDOs must now think far beyond traditional business recruitment. The conversation also explores leadership, burnout, mentoring the next generation of economic developers, and how Lisa is using AI to save time while staying human where it matters most. Like this show? Please leave us a review here (https://econdevshow.com/rate-this-podcast/) — even one sentence helps! Ten Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers Treat childcare capacity as core economic infrastructure, not a side issue Invest in talent marketing even when results are hard to attribute directly Use layered messaging across state, local, and employer campaigns Build trust by proactively sharing progress and visuals with the community Accept that some resistance to change cannot be resolved, only managed Partner aggressively to avoid owning every initiative yourself Use podcasts and storytelling to humanize your community and organization Leverage AI for HR, editing, and admin work to protect business-facing time Mentor younger economic developers to reduce burnout and build continuity Remember that stopping a bad project can be a win, not a failure Special Guest: Lisa Hurley. econdev, economic development, eco devo, rural economic development, talent attraction, childcare workforce, housing development, logistics corridors, industrial parks, nimbyism, community branding, workforce recruitment, rural leadership In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson sits down with Lisa Hurley, Executive Director of the York County Development Corporation in Nebraska, to talk about what modern rural economic development actually looks like on the ground.

Lisa shares how York County leverages its logistics position, diversified employers, and growing civic pride while navigating workforce shortages, childcare capacity, housing pressure, and community resistance to change. They discuss talent attraction campaigns, podcasting as an economic development tool, and why rural EDOs must now think far beyond traditional business recruitment.

The conversation also explores leadership, burnout, mentoring the next generation of economic developers, and how Lisa is using AI to save time while staying human where it matters most.

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

Ten Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers

  1. Treat childcare capacity as core economic infrastructure, not a side issue
  2. Invest in talent marketing even when results are hard to attribute directly
  3. Use layered messaging across state, local, and employer campaigns
  4. Build trust by proactively sharing progress and visuals with the community
  5. Accept that some resistance to change cannot be resolved, only managed
  6. Partner aggressively to avoid owning every initiative yourself
  7. Use podcasts and storytelling to humanize your community and organization
  8. Leverage AI for HR, editing, and admin work to protect business-facing time
  9. Mentor younger economic developers to reduce burnout and build continuity
  10. Remember that stopping a bad project can be a win, not a failure

Special Guest: Lisa Hurley.

Sponsored By:

Links:

]]> In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson sits down with Lisa Hurley, Executive Director of the York County Development Corporation in Nebraska, to talk about what modern rural economic development actually looks like on the ground.

Lisa shares how York County leverages its logistics position, diversified employers, and growing civic pride while navigating workforce shortages, childcare capacity, housing pressure, and community resistance to change. They discuss talent attraction campaigns, podcasting as an economic development tool, and why rural EDOs must now think far beyond traditional business recruitment.

The conversation also explores leadership, burnout, mentoring the next generation of economic developers, and how Lisa is using AI to save time while staying human where it matters most.

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

Ten Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers

  1. Treat childcare capacity as core economic infrastructure, not a side issue
  2. Invest in talent marketing even when results are hard to attribute directly
  3. Use layered messaging across state, local, and employer campaigns
  4. Build trust by proactively sharing progress and visuals with the community
  5. Accept that some resistance to change cannot be resolved, only managed
  6. Partner aggressively to avoid owning every initiative yourself
  7. Use podcasts and storytelling to humanize your community and organization
  8. Leverage AI for HR, editing, and admin work to protect business-facing time
  9. Mentor younger economic developers to reduce burnout and build continuity
  10. Remember that stopping a bad project can be a win, not a failure

Special Guest: Lisa Hurley.

Sponsored By:

Links:

]]> 184: The Colorblind Tulip Farmer: Revolutionizing Rural Economic Development with Andrew Miller https://podcast.econdevshow.com/184 825db38d-2e9a-45c5-9c35-f3589eb1a9a9 Mon, 28 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0500 Dane Carlson 184 The Colorblind Tulip Farmer: Revolutionizing Rural Economic Development with Andrew Miller full Dane Carlson Andrew Miller discusses his journey from economic developer to entrepreneur, explaining how he transitioned from advocating for business development in Skagit County to actually purchasing and operating a tulip farm himself. 22:54 no In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, host Dane Carlson interviews Andrew Miller, a multi-faceted leader who serves as CEO of both the United Way of Skagit County and Tulip Valley Farms, as well as commissioner at Skagit PUD. Miller shares his unique journey from working at major tech companies like Amazon to returning home to Skagit County as an economic developer, only to eventually become the entrepreneur he had been encouraging others to be. The conversation explores the challenges economic developers face when advocating for entrepreneurship and innovation, the resistance to change in established systems, and Miller's decision to "walk the walk" by purchasing a farm business when others wouldn't take the leap. Ten Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers Look for gaps in existing industries where innovation can create new business models (like adding U-pick to traditional tulip festivals) Study successful elements from adjacent industries and adapt them to your community's assets Create bridges between urban and rural communities through experiential tourism Focus on finding and selling what's remarkable about your community to people willing to pay for it Combine unexpected elements (like Scottish Highland cows with tulips) to create unique attractions Make agriculture and rural life accessible to urban neighbors who lack farming connections Consider compound risks when developing agritourism ventures (weather for growing AND weather for visitors) Use personal availability and storytelling to create authentic connections with visitors Help passionate people in your community turn their interests into viable businesses Remember that credentials matter less than passion and willingness to learn in entrepreneurship Special Guest: Andrew Miller. econdev, economic development, eco devo, agritourism, rural economic development, tulip farming, U-pick, Skagit Valley, community engagement, agricultural innovation, rural tourism, small business, career transition In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, host Dane Carlson interviews Andrew Miller, a multi-faceted leader who serves as CEO of both the United Way of Skagit County and Tulip Valley Farms, as well as commissioner at Skagit PUD. Miller shares his unique journey from working at major tech companies like Amazon to returning home to Skagit County as an economic developer, only to eventually become the entrepreneur he had been encouraging others to be. The conversation explores the challenges economic developers face when advocating for entrepreneurship and innovation, the resistance to change in established systems, and Miller's decision to "walk the walk" by purchasing a farm business when others wouldn't take the leap.

Ten Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers

  1. Look for gaps in existing industries where innovation can create new business models (like adding U-pick to traditional tulip festivals)
  2. Study successful elements from adjacent industries and adapt them to your community's assets
  3. Create bridges between urban and rural communities through experiential tourism
  4. Focus on finding and selling what's remarkable about your community to people willing to pay for it
  5. Combine unexpected elements (like Scottish Highland cows with tulips) to create unique attractions
  6. Make agriculture and rural life accessible to urban neighbors who lack farming connections
  7. Consider compound risks when developing agritourism ventures (weather for growing AND weather for visitors)
  8. Use personal availability and storytelling to create authentic connections with visitors
  9. Help passionate people in your community turn their interests into viable businesses
  10. Remember that credentials matter less than passion and willingness to learn in entrepreneurship

Special Guest: Andrew Miller.

Sponsored By:

Links:

]]> In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, host Dane Carlson interviews Andrew Miller, a multi-faceted leader who serves as CEO of both the United Way of Skagit County and Tulip Valley Farms, as well as commissioner at Skagit PUD. Miller shares his unique journey from working at major tech companies like Amazon to returning home to Skagit County as an economic developer, only to eventually become the entrepreneur he had been encouraging others to be. The conversation explores the challenges economic developers face when advocating for entrepreneurship and innovation, the resistance to change in established systems, and Miller's decision to "walk the walk" by purchasing a farm business when others wouldn't take the leap.

Ten Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers

  1. Look for gaps in existing industries where innovation can create new business models (like adding U-pick to traditional tulip festivals)
  2. Study successful elements from adjacent industries and adapt them to your community's assets
  3. Create bridges between urban and rural communities through experiential tourism
  4. Focus on finding and selling what's remarkable about your community to people willing to pay for it
  5. Combine unexpected elements (like Scottish Highland cows with tulips) to create unique attractions
  6. Make agriculture and rural life accessible to urban neighbors who lack farming connections
  7. Consider compound risks when developing agritourism ventures (weather for growing AND weather for visitors)
  8. Use personal availability and storytelling to create authentic connections with visitors
  9. Help passionate people in your community turn their interests into viable businesses
  10. Remember that credentials matter less than passion and willingness to learn in entrepreneurship

Special Guest: Andrew Miller.

Sponsored By:

Links:

]]> 115: Change from Within: Deb Brown's Blueprint for Rural Prosperity https://podcast.econdevshow.com/115 e650934b-c02b-4c65-ae56-1dba440cfd53 Mon, 30 Oct 2023 00:15:00 -0500 Dane Carlson 115 Change from Within: Deb Brown's Blueprint for Rural Prosperity full Dane Carlson Deb Brown discusses strategies for community and economic development in rural areas, emphasizing inclusive community engagement and testing small ideas. 33:56 no In this episode of the Econ Dev Show podcast Deb Brown, co-founder of SaveYour.Town, talks about her work in rural community and economic development. She explains how inclusive community engagement through activities like vacant building tours and seeking input from all community members, including youth, can generate excitement and ideas. Deb also emphasizes the power of testing small ideas, gathering community involvement, and taking small steps to build momentum. Her approach focuses on positivity, storytelling, and empowering community members to create grassroots change. Like this show? Please leave us a review here (https://econdevshow.com/rate-this-podcast/) — even one sentence helps! Special Guest: Deb Brown. econdev, economic development, eco devo, Rural Economic Development, Community Engagement, Inclusivity, Storytelling, Grassroots Action, Testing Ideas, Community Assets, Youth Involvement, Bottom-Up Approach, Positive Mindset In this episode of the Econ Dev Show podcast Deb Brown, co-founder of SaveYour.Town, talks about her work in rural community and economic development. She explains how inclusive community engagement through activities like vacant building tours and seeking input from all community members, including youth, can generate excitement and ideas. Deb also emphasizes the power of testing small ideas, gathering community involvement, and taking small steps to build momentum. Her approach focuses on positivity, storytelling, and empowering community members to create grassroots change.

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

Special Guest: Deb Brown.

Sponsored By:

Links:

]]> In this episode of the Econ Dev Show podcast Deb Brown, co-founder of SaveYour.Town, talks about her work in rural community and economic development. She explains how inclusive community engagement through activities like vacant building tours and seeking input from all community members, including youth, can generate excitement and ideas. Deb also emphasizes the power of testing small ideas, gathering community involvement, and taking small steps to build momentum. Her approach focuses on positivity, storytelling, and empowering community members to create grassroots change.

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

Special Guest: Deb Brown.

Sponsored By:

Links:

]]> 103: Zen and the Art of Rural Economic Development with Sean Adkins https://podcast.econdevshow.com/103 e7c1ea32-2485-4d06-9d10-c08e191b47d5 Mon, 07 Aug 2023 00:15:00 -0500 Dane Carlson 103 Zen and the Art of Rural Economic Development with Sean Adkins full Dane Carlson Sean Adkins discusses his diverse economic development career spanning rural Virginia and Vermont, including an unexpectedly central role in launching a childcare facility. 22:45 no Sean Adkins has over a decade of economic development experience across multiple East Coast states. He currently serves as Town Manager of St. Albans, Vermont, where he uses his econ dev background to help the small town. Adkins shares insights into the differences between robust economic development support in Virginia versus the more isolated, self-reliant approach in Vermont. One of his most surprising projects was leading development of a childcare facility in rural Virginia, despite not having kids himself. The intensive childcare facility regulations and community resistance he encountered shows the breadth of challenges econ dev professionals take on. Adkins stresses public servants genuinely try to serve local needs, though projects often require compromise. He also discusses his favorite book, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, and the life philosophy behind its metaphors. Like this show? Please leave us a review here (https://econdevshow.com/rate-this-podcast/) — even one sentence helps! Special Guest: Sean Adkins. econdev, economic development, eco devo, Rural economic development, Small towns, Vermont, Virginia, Childcare facilities, Community resistance, Compromise, Public service, Perspective, Zen philosophy, Motorcycle maintenance, Regulations, Community needs, East Coast states, Local government, Town manager, Hospitality industry, Workforce challenges, Housing issues, Interview Sean Adkins has over a decade of economic development experience across multiple East Coast states. He currently serves as Town Manager of St. Albans, Vermont, where he uses his econ dev background to help the small town. Adkins shares insights into the differences between robust economic development support in Virginia versus the more isolated, self-reliant approach in Vermont.

One of his most surprising projects was leading development of a childcare facility in rural Virginia, despite not having kids himself. The intensive childcare facility regulations and community resistance he encountered shows the breadth of challenges econ dev professionals take on. Adkins stresses public servants genuinely try to serve local needs, though projects often require compromise.

He also discusses his favorite book, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, and the life philosophy behind its metaphors.

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

Special Guest: Sean Adkins.

Sponsored By:

Links:

]]> Sean Adkins has over a decade of economic development experience across multiple East Coast states. He currently serves as Town Manager of St. Albans, Vermont, where he uses his econ dev background to help the small town. Adkins shares insights into the differences between robust economic development support in Virginia versus the more isolated, self-reliant approach in Vermont.

One of his most surprising projects was leading development of a childcare facility in rural Virginia, despite not having kids himself. The intensive childcare facility regulations and community resistance he encountered shows the breadth of challenges econ dev professionals take on. Adkins stresses public servants genuinely try to serve local needs, though projects often require compromise.

He also discusses his favorite book, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, and the life philosophy behind its metaphors.

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

Special Guest: Sean Adkins.

Sponsored By:

Links:

]]>