web02.fireside.fm Fri, 12 Jun 2026 08:16:57 -0500 Fireside (https://fireside.fm) Econ Dev Show Podcast - Economic Development - Episodes Tagged with “Talent Attraction” https://podcast.econdevshow.com/tags/talent%20attraction Mon, 01 Jun 2026 00:15:00 -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 221: Music as Economic Development with Matt Mandrella https://podcast.econdevshow.com/221 98eb169a-721c-451c-b929-cc1c5ca7661e Mon, 01 Jun 2026 00:15:00 -0500 Dane Carlson 221 Music as Economic Development with Matt Mandrella full Dane Carlson Matt Mandrella, Huntsville’s Music Officer, explains how the city treats music as economic development infrastructure, using venues, programming, artist support, tourism, and quality of life to grow both its music ecosystem and broader economy. 34:37 no <p>In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson talks with Matt Mandrella, Music Officer for the City of Huntsville, Alabama, about what it means for a city government to take music seriously as an economic development strategy.</p> <p>Matt explains how Huntsville’s music audit led to intentional investments in venues, programming, artist development, tourism, and workforce attraction, including the Orion Amphitheater, MidCity, Women in Music, tour grants, a central music calendar, and partnerships that help local artists and businesses grow.</p> <p>The conversation shows economic developers how music can strengthen quality of life, support downtown and district development, attract talent, create career pathways, and give a community a stronger identity without trying to become the next Nashville or Austin.</p> <p><a href="https://econdevshow.com/rate-this-podcast/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Like this show? Please leave a review</a>. Even one sentence helps more than you know.</p> <h2>10 Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers</h2> <ol> <li><strong>Start with an audit.</strong> Before launching programs, study the local music ecosystem, identify gaps, and use that work to create a practical roadmap.</li> <li><strong>Treat music as quality-of-life infrastructure.</strong> Think about music the same way you think about parks, trails, sports, and public spaces: as something that helps people choose to live, work, and stay in your community.</li> <li><strong>Connect music to talent attraction.</strong> If your community has hard-to-fill jobs, especially higher-skill jobs, remember that people also choose places based on what life feels like after work.</li> <li><strong>Design venues as district anchors.</strong> A major music venue can help catalyze surrounding private investment when it is tied to restaurants, hotels, housing, public spaces, and a broader district strategy.</li> <li><strong>Program public venues beyond big concerts.</strong> Use civic venues for free and low-cost community events, fitness classes, festivals, seasonal events, and local programming so taxpayers feel ownership of the space.</li> <li><strong>Support artists as small businesses.</strong> Programs like tour grants, showcases, and local performance opportunities can help musicians build momentum, gain confidence, and create professional pathways.</li> <li><strong>Create a central music calendar.</strong> If residents and visitors have to check five different websites to find live music, the community is leaving value on the table.</li> <li><strong>Use small programs in small communities.</strong> Even without a major amphitheater, communities can support live music on town squares, at restaurants, farmers markets, downtown events, and public gatherings.</li> <li><strong>Build the behind-the-scenes workforce.</strong> Music creates opportunities beyond performers, including sound, lighting, staging, trucking, security, ticketing, marketing, hospitality, and event operations.</li> <li><strong>Develop your own identity.</strong> Do not try to become Nashville, Austin, or New Orleans. Build a music strategy that fits your own community, culture, venues, talent, and long-term goals. Special Guest: Matt Mandrella.</li> </ol> econdev, economic development, eco devo, music economic development, Huntsville music, quality of life, talent attraction, music tourism, Orion Amphitheatre, artist development, downtown programming, workforce development, Women in Music In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson talks with Matt Mandrella, Music Officer for the City of Huntsville, Alabama, about what it means for a city government to take music seriously as an economic development strategy.

Matt explains how Huntsville’s music audit led to intentional investments in venues, programming, artist development, tourism, and workforce attraction, including the Orion Amphitheater, MidCity, Women in Music, tour grants, a central music calendar, and partnerships that help local artists and businesses grow.

The conversation shows economic developers how music can strengthen quality of life, support downtown and district development, attract talent, create career pathways, and give a community a stronger identity without trying to become the next Nashville or Austin.

Like this show? Please leave a review. Even one sentence helps more than you know.

10 Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers

  1. Start with an audit. Before launching programs, study the local music ecosystem, identify gaps, and use that work to create a practical roadmap.
  2. Treat music as quality-of-life infrastructure. Think about music the same way you think about parks, trails, sports, and public spaces: as something that helps people choose to live, work, and stay in your community.
  3. Connect music to talent attraction. If your community has hard-to-fill jobs, especially higher-skill jobs, remember that people also choose places based on what life feels like after work.
  4. Design venues as district anchors. A major music venue can help catalyze surrounding private investment when it is tied to restaurants, hotels, housing, public spaces, and a broader district strategy.
  5. Program public venues beyond big concerts. Use civic venues for free and low-cost community events, fitness classes, festivals, seasonal events, and local programming so taxpayers feel ownership of the space.
  6. Support artists as small businesses. Programs like tour grants, showcases, and local performance opportunities can help musicians build momentum, gain confidence, and create professional pathways.
  7. Create a central music calendar. If residents and visitors have to check five different websites to find live music, the community is leaving value on the table.
  8. Use small programs in small communities. Even without a major amphitheater, communities can support live music on town squares, at restaurants, farmers markets, downtown events, and public gatherings.
  9. Build the behind-the-scenes workforce. Music creates opportunities beyond performers, including sound, lighting, staging, trucking, security, ticketing, marketing, hospitality, and event operations.
  10. Develop your own identity. Do not try to become Nashville, Austin, or New Orleans. Build a music strategy that fits your own community, culture, venues, talent, and long-term goals.

Special Guest: Matt Mandrella.

Sponsored By:

Links:

]]> In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson talks with Matt Mandrella, Music Officer for the City of Huntsville, Alabama, about what it means for a city government to take music seriously as an economic development strategy.

Matt explains how Huntsville’s music audit led to intentional investments in venues, programming, artist development, tourism, and workforce attraction, including the Orion Amphitheater, MidCity, Women in Music, tour grants, a central music calendar, and partnerships that help local artists and businesses grow.

The conversation shows economic developers how music can strengthen quality of life, support downtown and district development, attract talent, create career pathways, and give a community a stronger identity without trying to become the next Nashville or Austin.

Like this show? Please leave a review. Even one sentence helps more than you know.

10 Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers

  1. Start with an audit. Before launching programs, study the local music ecosystem, identify gaps, and use that work to create a practical roadmap.
  2. Treat music as quality-of-life infrastructure. Think about music the same way you think about parks, trails, sports, and public spaces: as something that helps people choose to live, work, and stay in your community.
  3. Connect music to talent attraction. If your community has hard-to-fill jobs, especially higher-skill jobs, remember that people also choose places based on what life feels like after work.
  4. Design venues as district anchors. A major music venue can help catalyze surrounding private investment when it is tied to restaurants, hotels, housing, public spaces, and a broader district strategy.
  5. Program public venues beyond big concerts. Use civic venues for free and low-cost community events, fitness classes, festivals, seasonal events, and local programming so taxpayers feel ownership of the space.
  6. Support artists as small businesses. Programs like tour grants, showcases, and local performance opportunities can help musicians build momentum, gain confidence, and create professional pathways.
  7. Create a central music calendar. If residents and visitors have to check five different websites to find live music, the community is leaving value on the table.
  8. Use small programs in small communities. Even without a major amphitheater, communities can support live music on town squares, at restaurants, farmers markets, downtown events, and public gatherings.
  9. Build the behind-the-scenes workforce. Music creates opportunities beyond performers, including sound, lighting, staging, trucking, security, ticketing, marketing, hospitality, and event operations.
  10. Develop your own identity. Do not try to become Nashville, Austin, or New Orleans. Build a music strategy that fits your own community, culture, venues, talent, and long-term goals.

Special Guest: Matt Mandrella.

Sponsored By:

Links:

]]> 220: The Hidden Cost of Becoming Cool with Jon Roberts https://podcast.econdevshow.com/220 602b6173-787e-46ca-9e2a-b4c130fde4c7 Mon, 25 May 2026 00:15:00 -0500 Dane Carlson 220 The Hidden Cost of Becoming Cool with Jon Roberts full Dane Carlson John Roberts joins Dane to talk about Austin’s tech growth, the hidden costs of becoming “cool,” and what economic developers should learn before the next wave of tech-driven growth hits their communities. 29:38 no <p>In this episode Dane Carlson talks with Jon Roberts of TIP Strategies about his new book, The Cost of Cool: Austin's Tech Growth and the People Left Behind, and what Austin’s rise can teach economic developers everywhere. </p> <p>They discuss how Austin became a tech and talent magnet, why that growth created real pressure around equity, housing, and displacement, and whether tech growth inevitably widens community divides. </p> <p>Jon also explains why entrepreneurial ecosystems need more than enthusiasm, why universities and major companies matter, how communities like Green Bay and Racine County, Wisconsin are building on their own assets, and why economic developers need to think about AI, quantum computing, bioengineering, and the next wave of technology without forgetting the people who may be left behind.</p> <p><a href="https://econdevshow.com/rate-this-podcast/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Like this show? Please leave us a review here</a> — even one sentence helps! </p> <h2>10 Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers</h2> <ol> <li><strong>Treat equity as a front-end strategy, not a cleanup project.</strong> If tech growth is coming, plan for housing, displacement, affordability, and access before the growth accelerates.</li> <li><strong>Be honest about the tradeoffs of tech growth.</strong> Jon argues that more tech investment has historically been linked with greater inequity, so economic developers should discuss that risk openly instead of assuming growth automatically benefits everyone.</li> <li><strong>Do not build an entrepreneurial strategy around vibes alone.</strong> Incubators and startup events help, but the conversation emphasized the importance of real links to research, tech transfer, and major corporate activity.</li> <li><strong>Know the assets you actually have.</strong> Green Bay's example shows that communities can build from distinctive local strengths, including major institutions or brands, instead of trying to copy Austin or Silicon Valley.</li> <li><strong>Create tight relationships with universities and companies, even if they are not in your backyard.</strong> Physical proximity may help, but the more important issue is whether the connection is real, active, and tied to specific development opportunities.</li> <li><strong>Use major projects as platforms, not endpoints.</strong> A data center complex, corporate investment, or innovation park should raise the question: "What turns this into something more?"</li> <li><strong>Protect vulnerable neighborhoods before market pressure arrives.</strong> Once high-income workers begin bidding up undervalued neighborhoods, the available responses become more limited.</li> <li><strong>Understand that "cool" is hard to manufacture.</strong> Austin's music, counterculture, local institutions, and "Keep Austin Weird" identity became part of its attraction, but they were not simply chamber-of-commerce slogans.</li> <li><strong>Keep a long view on technology.</strong> AI matters, but Jon cautions economic developers not to treat it as the final technological shift. Quantum computing, bioengineering, and other changes may be next.</li> <li><strong>Make the uncomfortable conversations part of the work.</strong> Questions about displacement, inequality, tech disruption, and who benefits from growth may not have easy answers, but avoiding them makes communities less prepared. Special Guest: Jon Roberts.</li> </ol> econdev, economic development, eco devo, Austin, tech growth, The Cost of Cool, economic development, tech inequality, entrepreneurial ecosystems, talent attraction, community displacement, research universities, major employers, future technology In this episode Dane Carlson talks with Jon Roberts of TIP Strategies about his new book, The Cost of Cool: Austin's Tech Growth and the People Left Behind, and what Austin’s rise can teach economic developers everywhere.

They discuss how Austin became a tech and talent magnet, why that growth created real pressure around equity, housing, and displacement, and whether tech growth inevitably widens community divides.

Jon also explains why entrepreneurial ecosystems need more than enthusiasm, why universities and major companies matter, how communities like Green Bay and Racine County, Wisconsin are building on their own assets, and why economic developers need to think about AI, quantum computing, bioengineering, and the next wave of technology without forgetting the people who may be left behind.

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

10 Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers

  1. Treat equity as a front-end strategy, not a cleanup project. If tech growth is coming, plan for housing, displacement, affordability, and access before the growth accelerates.
  2. Be honest about the tradeoffs of tech growth. Jon argues that more tech investment has historically been linked with greater inequity, so economic developers should discuss that risk openly instead of assuming growth automatically benefits everyone.
  3. Do not build an entrepreneurial strategy around vibes alone. Incubators and startup events help, but the conversation emphasized the importance of real links to research, tech transfer, and major corporate activity.
  4. Know the assets you actually have. Green Bay's example shows that communities can build from distinctive local strengths, including major institutions or brands, instead of trying to copy Austin or Silicon Valley.
  5. Create tight relationships with universities and companies, even if they are not in your backyard. Physical proximity may help, but the more important issue is whether the connection is real, active, and tied to specific development opportunities.
  6. Use major projects as platforms, not endpoints. A data center complex, corporate investment, or innovation park should raise the question: "What turns this into something more?"
  7. Protect vulnerable neighborhoods before market pressure arrives. Once high-income workers begin bidding up undervalued neighborhoods, the available responses become more limited.
  8. Understand that "cool" is hard to manufacture. Austin's music, counterculture, local institutions, and "Keep Austin Weird" identity became part of its attraction, but they were not simply chamber-of-commerce slogans.
  9. Keep a long view on technology. AI matters, but Jon cautions economic developers not to treat it as the final technological shift. Quantum computing, bioengineering, and other changes may be next.
  10. Make the uncomfortable conversations part of the work. Questions about displacement, inequality, tech disruption, and who benefits from growth may not have easy answers, but avoiding them makes communities less prepared.

Special Guest: Jon Roberts.

Sponsored By:

Links:

]]> In this episode Dane Carlson talks with Jon Roberts of TIP Strategies about his new book, The Cost of Cool: Austin's Tech Growth and the People Left Behind, and what Austin’s rise can teach economic developers everywhere.

They discuss how Austin became a tech and talent magnet, why that growth created real pressure around equity, housing, and displacement, and whether tech growth inevitably widens community divides.

Jon also explains why entrepreneurial ecosystems need more than enthusiasm, why universities and major companies matter, how communities like Green Bay and Racine County, Wisconsin are building on their own assets, and why economic developers need to think about AI, quantum computing, bioengineering, and the next wave of technology without forgetting the people who may be left behind.

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

10 Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers

  1. Treat equity as a front-end strategy, not a cleanup project. If tech growth is coming, plan for housing, displacement, affordability, and access before the growth accelerates.
  2. Be honest about the tradeoffs of tech growth. Jon argues that more tech investment has historically been linked with greater inequity, so economic developers should discuss that risk openly instead of assuming growth automatically benefits everyone.
  3. Do not build an entrepreneurial strategy around vibes alone. Incubators and startup events help, but the conversation emphasized the importance of real links to research, tech transfer, and major corporate activity.
  4. Know the assets you actually have. Green Bay's example shows that communities can build from distinctive local strengths, including major institutions or brands, instead of trying to copy Austin or Silicon Valley.
  5. Create tight relationships with universities and companies, even if they are not in your backyard. Physical proximity may help, but the more important issue is whether the connection is real, active, and tied to specific development opportunities.
  6. Use major projects as platforms, not endpoints. A data center complex, corporate investment, or innovation park should raise the question: "What turns this into something more?"
  7. Protect vulnerable neighborhoods before market pressure arrives. Once high-income workers begin bidding up undervalued neighborhoods, the available responses become more limited.
  8. Understand that "cool" is hard to manufacture. Austin's music, counterculture, local institutions, and "Keep Austin Weird" identity became part of its attraction, but they were not simply chamber-of-commerce slogans.
  9. Keep a long view on technology. AI matters, but Jon cautions economic developers not to treat it as the final technological shift. Quantum computing, bioengineering, and other changes may be next.
  10. Make the uncomfortable conversations part of the work. Questions about displacement, inequality, tech disruption, and who benefits from growth may not have easy answers, but avoiding them makes communities less prepared.

Special Guest: Jon Roberts.

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 <p>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. </p> <p>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. </p> <p>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.</p> <p><a href="https://econdevshow.com/rate-this-podcast/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Like this show? Please leave us a review here</a> — even one sentence helps! </p> <h2>Ten Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers</h2> <ol> <li>Treat childcare capacity as core economic infrastructure, not a side issue</li> <li>Invest in talent marketing even when results are hard to attribute directly</li> <li>Use layered messaging across state, local, and employer campaigns</li> <li>Build trust by proactively sharing progress and visuals with the community</li> <li>Accept that some resistance to change cannot be resolved, only managed</li> <li>Partner aggressively to avoid owning every initiative yourself</li> <li>Use podcasts and storytelling to humanize your community and organization</li> <li>Leverage AI for HR, editing, and admin work to protect business-facing time</li> <li>Mentor younger economic developers to reduce burnout and build continuity</li> <li>Remember that stopping a bad project can be a win, not a failure Special Guest: Lisa Hurley.</li> </ol> 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:

]]> 174: Building a Regional Brand: Kansas City's Marketing Success with Jonathan Knecht https://podcast.econdevshow.com/174 e88ae6dd-54b1-4fab-96d0-738366ca6f90 Mon, 19 May 2025 00:15:00 -0500 Dane Carlson 174 Building a Regional Brand: Kansas City's Marketing Success with Jonathan Knecht full Dane Carlson Jonathan Knecht shares insights on marketing Kansas City to businesses and talent through collaborative regional branding strategies and industry-specific initiatives that highlight the region's unique advantages. 31:24 no <p>In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, host Dane Carlson interviews Jonathan Knecht, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Creative Services at the Kansas City Area Development Council, who reveals how his team markets the greater Kansas City region to attract business investment and talent. Jonathan, a self-described "refugee from advertising" who's been with the organization for 21 years, discusses their collaborative approach to regional branding centered around the iconic KC Heart logo, their focus on key industry sectors like digital health and sports architecture, and how Kansas City's central location, affordability, and quality of life create competitive advantages. He also shares insights on building consensus across state lines and how their in-house creative agency supports economic development efforts throughout the region.</p> <p><a href="https://econdevshow.com/rate-this-podcast/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Like this show? Please leave us a review here</a> — even one sentence helps! </p> <h2>Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers</h2> <ol> <li>Consider adopting organically popular community symbols rather than creating new brands from scratch to ensure authenticity and community buy-in.</li> <li>Build collaborative relationships across political boundaries to present a unified front when pursuing major projects and investments.</li> <li>Leverage your region's unique industry clusters (like KC's sports architecture) to create compelling specialization stories for targeted marketing.</li> <li>Create an in-house creative agency to support marketing needs across your region, especially for partners with limited budgets.</li> <li>Develop talent attraction initiatives like KC's "Team KC" that connect employers and equip them with shared marketing resources.</li> <li>Create specialized content for different audiences, such as belonging guides for various cultural communities, to support talent recruitment efforts.</li> <li>Focus on tracking meaningful metrics tied to actual business attraction and expansion results rather than just marketing activities.</li> <li>Identify and promote quality of life advantages such as central location, cost of living, and cultural amenities as competitive differentiators.</li> <li>Establish sector-specific initiatives (like KC's Digital Health and Animal Health Corridor) to target industries where your region has competitive advantages.</li> <li>End counter-productive incentive competitions between neighboring communities to better focus resources on attracting new businesses to the region. Special Guest: Jonathan Knecht.</li> </ol> econdev, economic development, eco devo, regional branding, economic development marketing, KC Heart logo, collaborative development, talent attraction, place marketing, industry targeting, cross-border collaboration, in-house agency, authentic storytelling In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, host Dane Carlson interviews Jonathan Knecht, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Creative Services at the Kansas City Area Development Council, who reveals how his team markets the greater Kansas City region to attract business investment and talent. Jonathan, a self-described "refugee from advertising" who's been with the organization for 21 years, discusses their collaborative approach to regional branding centered around the iconic KC Heart logo, their focus on key industry sectors like digital health and sports architecture, and how Kansas City's central location, affordability, and quality of life create competitive advantages. He also shares insights on building consensus across state lines and how their in-house creative agency supports economic development efforts throughout the region.

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

Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers

  1. Consider adopting organically popular community symbols rather than creating new brands from scratch to ensure authenticity and community buy-in.
  2. Build collaborative relationships across political boundaries to present a unified front when pursuing major projects and investments.
  3. Leverage your region's unique industry clusters (like KC's sports architecture) to create compelling specialization stories for targeted marketing.
  4. Create an in-house creative agency to support marketing needs across your region, especially for partners with limited budgets.
  5. Develop talent attraction initiatives like KC's "Team KC" that connect employers and equip them with shared marketing resources.
  6. Create specialized content for different audiences, such as belonging guides for various cultural communities, to support talent recruitment efforts.
  7. Focus on tracking meaningful metrics tied to actual business attraction and expansion results rather than just marketing activities.
  8. Identify and promote quality of life advantages such as central location, cost of living, and cultural amenities as competitive differentiators.
  9. Establish sector-specific initiatives (like KC's Digital Health and Animal Health Corridor) to target industries where your region has competitive advantages.
  10. End counter-productive incentive competitions between neighboring communities to better focus resources on attracting new businesses to the region.

Special Guest: Jonathan Knecht.

Sponsored By:

Links:

]]> In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, host Dane Carlson interviews Jonathan Knecht, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Creative Services at the Kansas City Area Development Council, who reveals how his team markets the greater Kansas City region to attract business investment and talent. Jonathan, a self-described "refugee from advertising" who's been with the organization for 21 years, discusses their collaborative approach to regional branding centered around the iconic KC Heart logo, their focus on key industry sectors like digital health and sports architecture, and how Kansas City's central location, affordability, and quality of life create competitive advantages. He also shares insights on building consensus across state lines and how their in-house creative agency supports economic development efforts throughout the region.

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

Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers

  1. Consider adopting organically popular community symbols rather than creating new brands from scratch to ensure authenticity and community buy-in.
  2. Build collaborative relationships across political boundaries to present a unified front when pursuing major projects and investments.
  3. Leverage your region's unique industry clusters (like KC's sports architecture) to create compelling specialization stories for targeted marketing.
  4. Create an in-house creative agency to support marketing needs across your region, especially for partners with limited budgets.
  5. Develop talent attraction initiatives like KC's "Team KC" that connect employers and equip them with shared marketing resources.
  6. Create specialized content for different audiences, such as belonging guides for various cultural communities, to support talent recruitment efforts.
  7. Focus on tracking meaningful metrics tied to actual business attraction and expansion results rather than just marketing activities.
  8. Identify and promote quality of life advantages such as central location, cost of living, and cultural amenities as competitive differentiators.
  9. Establish sector-specific initiatives (like KC's Digital Health and Animal Health Corridor) to target industries where your region has competitive advantages.
  10. End counter-productive incentive competitions between neighboring communities to better focus resources on attracting new businesses to the region.

Special Guest: Jonathan Knecht.

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 <p>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. </p> <p>Sadie shares insights about her region's economic landscape, including the surprising prevalence of small manufacturers and agricultural businesses that often goes unnoticed. </p> <p>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. </p> <p>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.</p> <h2>Ten Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers</h2> <ol> <li>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.</li> <li>Recognize that most economic developers face similar challenges with boards, communities, and regional impacts - you're not alone.</li> <li>Leverage the complementary strengths of chamber of commerce and economic development functions when possible.</li> <li>Address workforce issues by coordinating efforts across regions rather than trying to solve everything at the local level.</li> <li>Challenge misconceptions about your region by actively showcasing lesser-known economic assets like small manufacturers.</li> <li>Connect local economic development priorities with state-level initiatives around talent attraction, childcare, and housing development.</li> <li>Network with other economic developers to validate your experiences and gather new approaches to common challenges.</li> <li>Consider how to tailor workforce programming specifically for chamber members while making entrepreneurship services broadly available.</li> <li>Identify early in your planning process which obstacles can be overcome and which need to be circumvented.</li> <li>Use podcasts and other learning resources to continuously build your economic development knowledge, especially in areas outside your expertise.</li> </ol> <p><a href="https://econdevshow.com/rate-this-podcast/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Like this show? Please leave us a review here</a> — even one sentence helps! Special Guest: Sadie Howell.</p> 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:

]]> 146: The Coming Demographic Drought: Navigating America's Looming Labor Crisis with Josh Wright https://podcast.econdevshow.com/146 2dcdea4e-ab08-4827-b154-49f7d3d61bc9 Mon, 21 Oct 2024 00:15:00 -0500 Dane Carlson 146 The Coming Demographic Drought: Navigating America's Looming Labor Crisis with Josh Wright full Dane Carlson In this episode of the Econ Dev Show Podcast, Dane Carlson interviews Josh Wright about Lightcast's new report "The Rising Storm: Building a Future-Ready Workforce to Withstand the Looming Labor Shortage," which explores the impending demographic drought due to retiring baby boomers, declining birth rates and other factors, and exploring strategies for economic developers and communities to prepare for this unprecedented challenge. 40:22 no <p>In this episode of the Econ Dev Show Podcast, Dane Carlson interviews Josh Wright about Lightcast's new report "The Rising Storm: Building a Future-Ready Workforce to Withstand the Looming Labor Shortage." The report explores the impending demographic drought due to retiring baby boomers, declining birth rates, and other factors such as incarceration and addiction. Wright explains how these converging trends are creating an unprecedented challenge for the U.S. economy, with certain industries like healthcare, construction, and food service already feeling the impact. He discusses the potential long-term consequences of this labor shortage on economic growth, productivity, and community sustainability.</p> <p>The conversation then shifts to strategies for economic developers and communities to prepare for this challenge. Wright emphasizes the importance of skills-based hiring and training, talent attraction and retention, and partnerships between businesses and educational institutions. He advocates for a data-driven approach, urging communities to analyze their local labor markets and adapt their workforce development strategies accordingly. The episode provides valuable insights for economic development professionals, policymakers, and business leaders on how to build a future-ready workforce in the face of these demographic shifts. Wright also highlights the resources available in the report and accompanying materials to help communities navigate this looming crisis.</p> <p><a href="https://econdevshow.com/rate-this-podcast/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Like this show? Please leave us a review here</a> — even one sentence helps! Special Guest: Josh Wright.</p> econdev, economic development, eco devo, demographic drought, labor shortage, workforce development, baby boomers, birth rates, economic development, skills-based hiring, talent attraction, future-ready workforce, local economies, industry needs, education alignment, productivity, community strategies, data-driven approach In this episode of the Econ Dev Show Podcast, Dane Carlson interviews Josh Wright about Lightcast's new report "The Rising Storm: Building a Future-Ready Workforce to Withstand the Looming Labor Shortage." The report explores the impending demographic drought due to retiring baby boomers, declining birth rates, and other factors such as incarceration and addiction. Wright explains how these converging trends are creating an unprecedented challenge for the U.S. economy, with certain industries like healthcare, construction, and food service already feeling the impact. He discusses the potential long-term consequences of this labor shortage on economic growth, productivity, and community sustainability.

The conversation then shifts to strategies for economic developers and communities to prepare for this challenge. Wright emphasizes the importance of skills-based hiring and training, talent attraction and retention, and partnerships between businesses and educational institutions. He advocates for a data-driven approach, urging communities to analyze their local labor markets and adapt their workforce development strategies accordingly. The episode provides valuable insights for economic development professionals, policymakers, and business leaders on how to build a future-ready workforce in the face of these demographic shifts. Wright also highlights the resources available in the report and accompanying materials to help communities navigate this looming crisis.

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

Special Guest: Josh Wright.

Sponsored By:

Links:

]]> In this episode of the Econ Dev Show Podcast, Dane Carlson interviews Josh Wright about Lightcast's new report "The Rising Storm: Building a Future-Ready Workforce to Withstand the Looming Labor Shortage." The report explores the impending demographic drought due to retiring baby boomers, declining birth rates, and other factors such as incarceration and addiction. Wright explains how these converging trends are creating an unprecedented challenge for the U.S. economy, with certain industries like healthcare, construction, and food service already feeling the impact. He discusses the potential long-term consequences of this labor shortage on economic growth, productivity, and community sustainability.

The conversation then shifts to strategies for economic developers and communities to prepare for this challenge. Wright emphasizes the importance of skills-based hiring and training, talent attraction and retention, and partnerships between businesses and educational institutions. He advocates for a data-driven approach, urging communities to analyze their local labor markets and adapt their workforce development strategies accordingly. The episode provides valuable insights for economic development professionals, policymakers, and business leaders on how to build a future-ready workforce in the face of these demographic shifts. Wright also highlights the resources available in the report and accompanying materials to help communities navigate this looming crisis.

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

Special Guest: Josh Wright.

Sponsored By:

Links:

]]> 144: Innovative Economic Development in St. Louis with Jason Archer and Darrell Scott https://podcast.econdevshow.com/144 681d10bd-5dbe-4ba2-882e-30d4415bac21 Mon, 07 Oct 2024 07:00:00 -0500 Dane Carlson 144 Innovative Economic Development in St. Louis with Jason Archer and Darrell Scott full Dane Carlson Darrell Scott and Jason Archer from the St. Louis Economic Development Partnership discuss their roles in business finance and development respectively. The conversation covers topics like their career backgrounds, challenges facing the St. Louis region, their innovative business retention and expansion program, and how COVID-19 has impacted their work. 36:50 no <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p><a href="https://econdevshow.com/rate-this-podcast/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Like this show? Please leave us a review here</a> — even one sentence helps! Special Guests: Darrell Scott and Jason Archer.</p> econdev, economic development, eco devo, St. Louis, business finance, talent attraction, collaboration, BRE program, COVID-19 impact, small business support, incubators, workforce development 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.

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

Special Guests: Darrell Scott and Jason Archer.

Sponsored By:

Links:

]]> 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.

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

Special Guests: Darrell Scott and Jason Archer.

Sponsored By:

Links:

]]> 61: Marketing America's Most Promising Places with Amanda Ellis https://podcast.econdevshow.com/61 fd500b55-f1bc-434b-9bb1-1b2d08061acc Mon, 22 Aug 2022 00:15:00 -0500 Dane Carlson 61 Marketing America's Most Promising Places with Amanda Ellis full Dane Carlson Dane talks with Amanda Ellis, Editor in Chief of Livability.com, about marketing your community for economic development and talent attraction. 22:33 no <p>Dane talks with Amanda Ellis, Editor in Chief of Livability.com, about marketing your community for economic development and talent attraction. Amanda hosts the Inside America’s Best Cities podcast, writes the Let’s Talk Talent newsletter.</p> <p><a href="https://ratethispodcast.com/econdevshow/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Like this show? Please leave us a review here</a> — even one sentence helps! Special Guest: Amanda Ellis.</p> econdev, economic development, eco devo, talent attraction, marketing Dane talks with Amanda Ellis, Editor in Chief of Livability.com, about marketing your community for economic development and talent attraction. Amanda hosts the Inside America’s Best Cities podcast, writes the Let’s Talk Talent newsletter.

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

Special Guest: Amanda Ellis.

Sponsored By:

Links:

]]> Dane talks with Amanda Ellis, Editor in Chief of Livability.com, about marketing your community for economic development and talent attraction. Amanda hosts the Inside America’s Best Cities podcast, writes the Let’s Talk Talent newsletter.

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

Special Guest: Amanda Ellis.

Sponsored By:

Links:

]]>