web01.fireside.fm Thu, 23 Apr 2026 10:52:47 -0500 Fireside (https://fireside.fm) Econ Dev Show Podcast - Economic Development - Episodes Tagged with “Sitehunt” https://podcast.econdevshow.com/tags/sitehunt Mon, 10 Nov 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 198: Dane With Joe Barker on the Rural Strong Podcast https://podcast.econdevshow.com/198 7efd108f-8276-4a9a-beba-60539a32417d Mon, 10 Nov 2025 00:15:00 -0600 Dane Carlson 198 Dane With Joe Barker on the Rural Strong Podcast full Dane Carlson Talking Sitehunt, small towns, and staying persistent 26:41 no On this special crossover episode, Dane Carlson joins Joe Barker on the Rural Strong Podcast to talk about Sitehunt, entrepreneurship, and the power of AI to help rural and small-community economic developers compete at scale. In this episode of Rural Strong, Joe and Dane explore how AI tools like Sitehunt automate site analysis, RFI responses, and data collection — giving small EDOs the same analytical firepower as their big-city counterparts. Dane shares his unlikely journey from early-2000s internet entrepreneur to chamber president in the Sierra Nevada foothills to Texas economic-development director to startup CEO. They discuss why feedback matters more than features, why execution beats ideas every time, and why even the smallest communities need a modern website, a plan, and the willingness to pivot. Dane also unpacks how child care, housing, and workforce shortages have become the new pillars of competitiveness, why AI is best thought of as a “dim-witted but persistent intern,” and how rural leaders can use technology to take back the information advantage from site selectors. 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 AI as an intern, not an oracle. Feed it data and context to get useful answers. Launch before you're ready. Iterate in public and let real feedback drive improvement. Build a website that sells your community. Clear contact info and photos matter more than fancy graphics. Use LinkedIn as your industry newspaper. Learn from and connect with other EDOs daily. Start a local podcast. It's the best modern BRE tool and a non-threatening way to engage businesses. Plan but pivot. No plan survives first contact with reality; stay nimble. Address child care and housing head-on. They're workforce issues now, not social ones. Prioritize execution over ideas. A mediocre idea well executed beats a brilliant idea untried. Save cash for the long haul. Entrepreneurs fail more often from running out of runway than from bad concepts. Ask for feedback early and often. It's how both products and communities get better. econdev, economic development, eco devo, ai,economic development,sitehunt,rural communities,entrepreneurship,child care,housing,workforce,planning,feedback,innovation,small towns,technology,execution,startups On this special crossover episode, Dane Carlson joins Joe Barker on the Rural Strong Podcast to talk about Sitehunt, entrepreneurship, and the power of AI to help rural and small-community economic developers compete at scale.

In this episode of Rural Strong, Joe and Dane explore how AI tools like Sitehunt automate site analysis, RFI responses, and data collection — giving small EDOs the same analytical firepower as their big-city counterparts. Dane shares his unlikely journey from early-2000s internet entrepreneur to chamber president in the Sierra Nevada foothills to Texas economic-development director to startup CEO. They discuss why feedback matters more than features, why execution beats ideas every time, and why even the smallest communities need a modern website, a plan, and the willingness to pivot.

Dane also unpacks how child care, housing, and workforce shortages have become the new pillars of competitiveness, why AI is best thought of as a “dim-witted but persistent intern,” and how rural leaders can use technology to take back the information advantage from site selectors.

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

Ten Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers

  1. Treat AI as an intern, not an oracle. Feed it data and context to get useful answers.
  2. Launch before you're ready. Iterate in public and let real feedback drive improvement.
  3. Build a website that sells your community. Clear contact info and photos matter more than fancy graphics.
  4. Use LinkedIn as your industry newspaper. Learn from and connect with other EDOs daily.
  5. Start a local podcast. It's the best modern BRE tool and a non-threatening way to engage businesses.
  6. Plan but pivot. No plan survives first contact with reality; stay nimble.
  7. Address child care and housing head-on. They're workforce issues now, not social ones.
  8. Prioritize execution over ideas. A mediocre idea well executed beats a brilliant idea untried.
  9. Save cash for the long haul. Entrepreneurs fail more often from running out of runway than from bad concepts.
  10. Ask for feedback early and often. It's how both products and communities get better.

Sponsored By:

Links:

]]> On this special crossover episode, Dane Carlson joins Joe Barker on the Rural Strong Podcast to talk about Sitehunt, entrepreneurship, and the power of AI to help rural and small-community economic developers compete at scale.

In this episode of Rural Strong, Joe and Dane explore how AI tools like Sitehunt automate site analysis, RFI responses, and data collection — giving small EDOs the same analytical firepower as their big-city counterparts. Dane shares his unlikely journey from early-2000s internet entrepreneur to chamber president in the Sierra Nevada foothills to Texas economic-development director to startup CEO. They discuss why feedback matters more than features, why execution beats ideas every time, and why even the smallest communities need a modern website, a plan, and the willingness to pivot.

Dane also unpacks how child care, housing, and workforce shortages have become the new pillars of competitiveness, why AI is best thought of as a “dim-witted but persistent intern,” and how rural leaders can use technology to take back the information advantage from site selectors.

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

Ten Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers

  1. Treat AI as an intern, not an oracle. Feed it data and context to get useful answers.
  2. Launch before you're ready. Iterate in public and let real feedback drive improvement.
  3. Build a website that sells your community. Clear contact info and photos matter more than fancy graphics.
  4. Use LinkedIn as your industry newspaper. Learn from and connect with other EDOs daily.
  5. Start a local podcast. It's the best modern BRE tool and a non-threatening way to engage businesses.
  6. Plan but pivot. No plan survives first contact with reality; stay nimble.
  7. Address child care and housing head-on. They're workforce issues now, not social ones.
  8. Prioritize execution over ideas. A mediocre idea well executed beats a brilliant idea untried.
  9. Save cash for the long haul. Entrepreneurs fail more often from running out of runway than from bad concepts.
  10. Ask for feedback early and often. It's how both products and communities get better.

Sponsored By:

Links:

]]> 196: AI and the Future of Economic Development with Dane Carlson https://podcast.econdevshow.com/196 5b970935-086b-4d41-8895-4906ed68fa49 Mon, 27 Oct 2025 00:15:00 -0500 Dane Carlson 196 AI and the Future of Economic Development with Dane Carlson full Dane Carlson Dane Carlson explores how utilities can use artificial intelligence not just to manage infrastructure, but to become strategic partners in shaping the future of economic development. 19:26 no In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, host Dane Carlson shares his talk from the Utility Economic Development Association’s 2025 Fall Forum in Traverse City, Michigan. He explains how artificial intelligence is transforming economic development from a guessing game into a data-driven discipline. Drawing from his work with Sitehunt, Dane reveals how utilities can turn raw infrastructure data like power, water, sewer, and fiber into actionable intelligence that accelerates projects, shortens RFI responses, and drives smarter investment decisions. He challenges listeners to stop optimizing for Google and start optimizing for AI, showing how even small steps like making one dataset machine readable can reshape how regions grow and compete. 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 Make one dataset machine readable, even if it is internal. It is the first step toward AI readiness. Think of AI as infrastructure, not a chatbot. Build systems that work continuously, not conversations. Use APIs to connect your data, automate workflows, and ensure consistency. Chain models together to combine reasoning, data retrieval, and structured writing capabilities. Capture tribal knowledge by converting what only a few people know into structured, shareable data. Automate RFI responses by integrating structured site data with AI models for instant scoring. Start vibe coding by describing outcomes and intent instead of writing brittle, rigid logic. Stop optimizing for Google. Design your data for AI systems that synthesize and act. Run small experiments monthly to test new models and internal automations. Advocate inside your organization. Utilities are the backbone of AI enabled economic development. econdev, economic development, eco devo, AI, utilities, economic development, Sitehunt, RFI automation, data infrastructure, site selection, API workflows, machine readable data, digital transformation In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, host Dane Carlson shares his talk from the Utility Economic Development Association’s 2025 Fall Forum in Traverse City, Michigan. He explains how artificial intelligence is transforming economic development from a guessing game into a data-driven discipline. Drawing from his work with Sitehunt, Dane reveals how utilities can turn raw infrastructure data like power, water, sewer, and fiber into actionable intelligence that accelerates projects, shortens RFI responses, and drives smarter investment decisions. He challenges listeners to stop optimizing for Google and start optimizing for AI, showing how even small steps like making one dataset machine readable can reshape how regions grow and compete.

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

10 Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers

  1. Make one dataset machine readable, even if it is internal. It is the first step toward AI readiness.
  2. Think of AI as infrastructure, not a chatbot. Build systems that work continuously, not conversations.
  3. Use APIs to connect your data, automate workflows, and ensure consistency.
  4. Chain models together to combine reasoning, data retrieval, and structured writing capabilities.
  5. Capture tribal knowledge by converting what only a few people know into structured, shareable data.
  6. Automate RFI responses by integrating structured site data with AI models for instant scoring.
  7. Start vibe coding by describing outcomes and intent instead of writing brittle, rigid logic.
  8. Stop optimizing for Google. Design your data for AI systems that synthesize and act.
  9. Run small experiments monthly to test new models and internal automations.
  10. Advocate inside your organization. Utilities are the backbone of AI enabled economic development.

Sponsored By:

Links:

]]> In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, host Dane Carlson shares his talk from the Utility Economic Development Association’s 2025 Fall Forum in Traverse City, Michigan. He explains how artificial intelligence is transforming economic development from a guessing game into a data-driven discipline. Drawing from his work with Sitehunt, Dane reveals how utilities can turn raw infrastructure data like power, water, sewer, and fiber into actionable intelligence that accelerates projects, shortens RFI responses, and drives smarter investment decisions. He challenges listeners to stop optimizing for Google and start optimizing for AI, showing how even small steps like making one dataset machine readable can reshape how regions grow and compete.

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

10 Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers

  1. Make one dataset machine readable, even if it is internal. It is the first step toward AI readiness.
  2. Think of AI as infrastructure, not a chatbot. Build systems that work continuously, not conversations.
  3. Use APIs to connect your data, automate workflows, and ensure consistency.
  4. Chain models together to combine reasoning, data retrieval, and structured writing capabilities.
  5. Capture tribal knowledge by converting what only a few people know into structured, shareable data.
  6. Automate RFI responses by integrating structured site data with AI models for instant scoring.
  7. Start vibe coding by describing outcomes and intent instead of writing brittle, rigid logic.
  8. Stop optimizing for Google. Design your data for AI systems that synthesize and act.
  9. Run small experiments monthly to test new models and internal automations.
  10. Advocate inside your organization. Utilities are the backbone of AI enabled economic development.

Sponsored By:

Links:

]]> 143: Dane on DMP: Why Destination Marketers Should Think Like Economic Developers https://podcast.econdevshow.com/143 afd27409-b9c5-46cf-817c-91ff6984223f Fri, 04 Oct 2024 00:15:00 -0500 Dane Carlson 143 Dane on DMP: Why Destination Marketers Should Think Like Economic Developers full Dane Carlson In this bonus episode, Dane Carlson appears on the Destination Marketing Podcast to talk about the crucial link between tourism and economic development 37:08 no About a month ago, I had the opportunity to appear on my friend Adam Stoker's Destination Marketing Podcast (https://destinationmarketingpodcast.com). Then, just a couple of weeks ago, Adam joined me right here on the Econ Dev Show (https://podcast.econdevshow.com/139). We thought it would be fun to switch things up and share our respective podcast episodes on each other's feeds. So, today’s episode is a bonus feature—you're about to hear my appearance on the Destination Marketing Podcast! If you're interested in destination marketing, or want to know more about the work I did in Mariposa County, California, sit back, relax, and enjoy this special episode of the Destination Marketing Podcast." In this episode, Adam talks with Dane Carlson, host of the Econ Dev Show and CEO of Site Hunt, about the crucial link between tourism and economic development. Dane shares his journey from blogging to economic development, including how he transformed Mariposa California by adding an escape room to the visitor center. Dane also emphasizes the importance of collaboration between economic developers and destination marketers to create meaningful visitor experiences and drive local economic growth. Like this show? Please leave us a review here (https://econdevshow.com/rate-this-podcast/) — even one sentence helps! https://econdevshow.com/content/images/2024/10/2-Escape-Room.jpg Special Guest: Adam Stoker. econdev, economic development, eco devo, destination marketing, Mariposa County, tourism, podcast collaboration, visitor experiences, Adam Stoker, Dane Carlson, Sitehunt, About a month ago, I had the opportunity to appear on my friend Adam Stoker's Destination Marketing Podcast. Then, just a couple of weeks ago, Adam joined me right here on the Econ Dev Show. We thought it would be fun to switch things up and share our respective podcast episodes on each other's feeds. So, today’s episode is a bonus feature—you're about to hear my appearance on the Destination Marketing Podcast!

If you're interested in destination marketing, or want to know more about the work I did in Mariposa County, California, sit back, relax, and enjoy this special episode of the Destination Marketing Podcast."

In this episode, Adam talks with Dane Carlson, host of the Econ Dev Show and CEO of Site Hunt, about the crucial link between tourism and economic development. Dane shares his journey from blogging to economic development, including how he transformed Mariposa California by adding an escape room to the visitor center. Dane also emphasizes the importance of collaboration between economic developers and destination marketers to create meaningful visitor experiences and drive local economic growth.

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

Special Guest: Adam Stoker.

Sponsored By:

Links:

]]> About a month ago, I had the opportunity to appear on my friend Adam Stoker's Destination Marketing Podcast. Then, just a couple of weeks ago, Adam joined me right here on the Econ Dev Show. We thought it would be fun to switch things up and share our respective podcast episodes on each other's feeds. So, today’s episode is a bonus feature—you're about to hear my appearance on the Destination Marketing Podcast!

If you're interested in destination marketing, or want to know more about the work I did in Mariposa County, California, sit back, relax, and enjoy this special episode of the Destination Marketing Podcast."

In this episode, Adam talks with Dane Carlson, host of the Econ Dev Show and CEO of Site Hunt, about the crucial link between tourism and economic development. Dane shares his journey from blogging to economic development, including how he transformed Mariposa California by adding an escape room to the visitor center. Dane also emphasizes the importance of collaboration between economic developers and destination marketers to create meaningful visitor experiences and drive local economic growth.

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

Special Guest: Adam Stoker.

Sponsored By:

Links:

]]> 135: July 2024 Update https://podcast.econdevshow.com/135 d797cbc6-b0dc-48da-8d4b-17f6605afc8e Mon, 29 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0500 Dane Carlson 135 July 2024 Update full Dane Carlson In this episode, Dane Carlson reflects on the on July 2024, while also introducing a series of exciting new features for Sitehunt, aimed at revolutionizing site analysis and RFI responses for economic developers. 19:32 no Dane Carlson had a wild July. Quiet fireworks, a hurricane, and COVID-19. But that's not the interesting part. The interesting part is what he built: Sitehunt now automatically responds to RFIs. How? It reads the RFI document, extracts questions and criteria, matches your sites, and generates a response packet. All automatically. Plus, it understands local demographics, workforce, housing, and childcare situations. It uses this to answer RFI questions more intelligently. Dane says no other tool does all this for economic developers. Like this show? Please leave us a review here (https://econdevshow.com/rate-this-podcast/) — even one sentence helps! econdev, economic development, eco devo, sitehunt Dane Carlson had a wild July. Quiet fireworks, a hurricane, and COVID-19. But that's not the interesting part.

The interesting part is what he built: Sitehunt now automatically responds to RFIs.

How? It reads the RFI document, extracts questions and criteria, matches your sites, and generates a response packet. All automatically.

Plus, it understands local demographics, workforce, housing, and childcare situations. It uses this to answer RFI questions more intelligently.

Dane says no other tool does all this for economic developers.

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

Links:

]]> Dane Carlson had a wild July. Quiet fireworks, a hurricane, and COVID-19. But that's not the interesting part.

The interesting part is what he built: Sitehunt now automatically responds to RFIs.

How? It reads the RFI document, extracts questions and criteria, matches your sites, and generates a response packet. All automatically.

Plus, it understands local demographics, workforce, housing, and childcare situations. It uses this to answer RFI questions more intelligently.

Dane says no other tool does all this for economic developers.

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

Links:

]]> 124: Talking About Sitehunt https://podcast.econdevshow.com/124 2b0484c4-f667-4bce-b805-992718a56b0d Mon, 18 Mar 2024 00:15:00 -0500 Dane Carlson 124 Talking About Sitehunt full Dane Carlson I'm my absence I've been busy developing Sitehunt. 8:49 no Hey there! I know it's been a while since you've heard from me — I've been deep in the trenches working on something special. Let me introduce you to Sitehunt: it's my latest creation, designed with a pinch of AI magic to revolutionize how economic developers gather property data. It's more than just a tool; it's your new partner in making well-informed decisions and speeding up the whole site selection process, all to help you nail those RFI responses and get ahead in your projects. I made it with you in mind, hoping it'll make a big difference in your work. Excited to see what you think! Like this show? Please leave us a review here (https://econdevshow.com/rate-this-podcast/) — even one sentence helps! econdev, economic development, eco devo, sitehunt Hey there! I know it's been a while since you've heard from me — I've been deep in the trenches working on something special. Let me introduce you to Sitehunt: it's my latest creation, designed with a pinch of AI magic to revolutionize how economic developers gather property data. It's more than just a tool; it's your new partner in making well-informed decisions and speeding up the whole site selection process, all to help you nail those RFI responses and get ahead in your projects. I made it with you in mind, hoping it'll make a big difference in your work. Excited to see what you think!

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

Sponsored By:

Links:

]]> Hey there! I know it's been a while since you've heard from me — I've been deep in the trenches working on something special. Let me introduce you to Sitehunt: it's my latest creation, designed with a pinch of AI magic to revolutionize how economic developers gather property data. It's more than just a tool; it's your new partner in making well-informed decisions and speeding up the whole site selection process, all to help you nail those RFI responses and get ahead in your projects. I made it with you in mind, hoping it'll make a big difference in your work. Excited to see what you think!

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

Sponsored By:

Links:

]]>