Best Convergence Partnership Podcasts (2025)

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DT #570 The Rise of the Fun Economy & AI's Role in Shaping the Future - Jared Smith and Dr. Bo Bernhard 32:21

2d ago32:21

32:21

Summary In this episode of the Develop This Podcast, host Dennis engages with Jared Smith and Dr. Bo Bernhard to discuss the concept of the fun economy, its impact on economic development, and the role of artificial intelligence in shaping future trends. They explore how the fun economy, which encompasses tourism, sports, and entertainment, is beco…

1
DBIR Deep Dive: Identity, Access, and the Expanding Attack Surface 51:41

9d ago51:41

51:41

Hello to all our Cyber Stars! Join host Selena Larson, and guest host, Sarah Sabotka, as they sit down with Alex Pinto, Associate Director of Threat Intelligence at Verizon Business and the lead author behind the industry-defining Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report (DBIR). Together, they unpack the most pressing findings from the brand new V…

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DT #568 Unlocking Funding Potential for EDOs - Brian Abernathy Convergent Non Profit Solutions 21:53

9d ago21:53

21:53

Summary In this episode of Develop This Podcast, Dennis Fraise interviews Brian Abernathy, General Manager of Convergent Nonprofit Solutions, discussing the importance of revenue benchmarking for Economic Development Organizations (EDOs). They explore how public-private partnerships have become best practices in funding, the methodology behind reve…

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DT #569 Breathing Life into Rural: Inside the IEDC Rural Retreat (with Main Street America) 38:37

9d ago38:37

38:37

Joi Cuartero Austin is joined by Erik Reader, Director of Illinois Main Street, and Jonathan Stone, Program Officer at Main Street America, for a lively discussion about the upcoming IEDC Rural Retreat in Great Falls, Montana. This first-of-its-kind event by the International Economic Development Council is designed specifically for professionals w…

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DT #567 The Future of Work: Engaging Gen Z - Mark Perna 23:12

16d ago23:12

23:12

Summary In this episode, Dennis and Mark Perna delve into the complexities of Generation Z, exploring the misconceptions surrounding their work ethic, engagement, and aspirations. They discuss the impact of technology, particularly AI, on this generation and the challenges leaders face in connecting with young people. The conversation emphasizes th…

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DT #565 Building Bridges: Education and Industry - Ron Cole, President of Allegheny College 39:07

23d ago39:07

39:07

Summary In this episode of the Develop This Podcast, Dennis Fraise interviews Ron Cole, PhD, the President of Allegheny College. They discuss the unique aspects of Allegheny College's liberal arts education, the importance of adapting to workforce needs, and the college's initiatives to engage with the local community and industry. Ron shares insig…

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DT #566 The Power of Collaboration in Economic Development - Tiffany Tauscheck President & CEO of Greater Des Moines Partnership 21:00

23d ago21:00

21:00

Summary In this episode of the Develop This Podcast, Dennis Fraise interviews Tiffany Tauscheck, the president and CEO of the Greater Des Moines Partnership. They discuss the organization's role in economic and community development across 12 counties in Iowa, highlighting the importance of collaboration among diverse stakeholders. Tiffany shares i…

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Convergence: When Networks Start Thinking 50:16

28d ago50:16

50:16

This special episode of On TRAC(k) was recorded in person in New York City during the 2025 Knowledge Graph Conference. OriginTrail founders Branimir Rakic, Žiga Drev and Tomaž Levak are joined by internet pioneer Dr. Bob Metcalfe and host Jonathan DeYoung, and together they break down AI agents, network effects, real-world use cases for OriginTrail…

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The ClickFix Convergence: How Threat Actors Blur the Lines 35:49

1M ago35:49

35:49

Hello to all our Cyber Spring Chickens! Join host Selena Larson, and guest host, Sarah Sabotka, as they chat with Saher Naumaan, Senior Threat Researcher at Proofpoint, for a deep dive into how modern espionage and cybercrime are increasingly blurring lines. At the center of the conversation is ClickFix—a fast-evolving social engineering technique …

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DT #564 Tourism Is the First Date: Falling in Love With a Place – Reflections from Main Street Now in Philadelphia 38:40

1M ago38:40

38:40

Episode Summary: In this Develop This! episode, Joi Cuartero Austin is joined by Erik Reader, Director of Illinois Main Street, to reflect on the 2025 Main Street Now Conference in Philadelphia—and explore how communities can spark connection and belonging with visitors. From bike rides through vibrant neighborhoods to high-energy welcomes from Phi…

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DT #563 Exploring Roswell Georgia: A Hidden Gem & How to Effectively Use the Whova App at Conferences 20:55

1M ago20:55

20:55

In this episode of the Develop This Podcast, Dennis Fraise interviews Steve Stroud, the president and CEO of Roswell Inc., about the economic landscape of Roswell, Georgia, and the importance of strategic economic development. Steve shares insights into the city's growth. Steve also explains the role of the Whova app in enhancing networking at conf…

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DT #561 Economic Development Leadership Insights from Jim Fram 21:34

1M ago21:34

21:34

Summary In this episode of the Develop This Podcast, host Dennis Fraise interviews Jim Fram, a seasoned economic development professional with over 30 years of experience. They discuss Jim's leadership style, the importance of listening, adapting to different community needs, and the significance of accreditation in economic development organizatio…

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DT # 562 Exploring Odessa, Texas: A Hub of Economic Development - Tom Manskey 20:11

1M ago20:11

20:11

Summary In this episode of Develop This, Dennis Fraise speaks with Tom Manskey, the Director of Economic Development for the Odessa Development Corporation. They discuss the unique economic landscape of Odessa, Texas, especially its reliance on the oil and gas industry, the importance of diversifying the economy, and the emerging focus on green ene…

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DT #560 Building a Rally Point in Your Community - Mark Perna 37:37

1M ago37:37

37:37

Summary In this Develop This! episode, Dennis and Mark Perna discuss the crucial importance of uniting communities around shared goals and achieving genuine consensus. They explore the challenges of building consensus in a polarized world, the significance of understanding younger generations, and the necessity of delivering education with purpose.…

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DT #559 Achieving AEDO Accreditation: A Journey of Excellence - Bill Cronin 19:01

1M ago19:01

19:01

Summary In this episode of the Develop This Podcast, Dennis Fraise interviews Bill Cronin, the President and CEO of the Pasco Economic Development Council. They discuss the Council’s recent achievement of becoming an Accredited Economic Development Organization (AEDO). Bill shares insights into the motivations for pursuing AEDO accreditation, the r…

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Mutual Aid, Resilience, and the Fight for Justice in Buffalo 13:00

2M ago13:00

13:00

Now we need to make sure we have sustainable aid, ongoing. So we had to not only be boots on the ground, but also put on suits and go into boardrooms to tell stakeholders: This crisis isn’t over just because the headlines moved on. - Stephanie Simeon, executive director Heart of the City Neighborhoods In this episode we hear from Heart of the City …

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Hutchinson’s Fight for Justice: How Community Advocacy Revived a Civil Rights Office 12:30

2M ago12:30

12:30

How many of my friends and kids with similar stories to mine fall through the cracks? I mean, that keeps me up at night. It puts this fire in my belly to try to address the systems that we live in. - David Sotelo, Hutchinson County resident When community members refuse to accept injustice, change becomes possible. In this episode we hear from Hutc…

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TikTok, Transit, and Transformation: How Elevated Chicago is Fighting for Transit Equity 9:53

2M ago9:53

9:53

I started the page because I was walking to the train station, and it felt like Mario—I couldn’t get around. There was construction everywhere. I said, maybe people need to know about this. So I started recording. - Janice Newton, coordinator for Elevated Chicago In this episode, Chicago-based audio production team B Posi+tive Productions, with Sar…

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Holding the Land: Indigenous Resistance and Climate Justice in the Bayou 12:03

2M ago12:03

12:03

My whole story is a story of diaspora and displacement. We lost everything but what we had on our backs. That’s why tribal communities are on the front lines of this crisis—because they were forced to the furthest ends of Louisiana, to places some thought were unlivable. — Chief Devon Parfait, chief of the Grand Caillou/Dulac band of Biloxi Chitima…

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The Art of the Innocent Ask: How Threat Actors Use Benign Conversations 58:09

2M ago58:09

58:09

Hello to all our Cyber Spring Chickens! Join host Selena Larson and guest hosts, Tim Kromphardt and Sarah Sabotka, both Senior Threat Researchers at Proofpoint. These top sleuths crack open Proofpoint’s new Human Factor series and explore one of the most deceptively dangerous tactics in a threat actor’s playbook: the benign conversation. What exact…

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DT #558 Unlocking Economic Development: The OUEDI Experience - Courtney Dunbar 15:59

2M ago15:59

15:59

Summary In this episode of the Develop This Podcast, Dennis Fraise interviews Courtney Dunbar, the Dean of the OU Economic Development Institute (OUEDI). They discuss the importance of OUEDI in promoting knowledge in economic development, the program's structure and curriculum, and the unique experiences it offers. Courtney highlights the significa…

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DT #557 Building Bridges: The St. Louis BRE Initiative 27:26

2M ago27:26

27:26

Summary In this episode of the Develop This podcast, Dennis interviews Jason Archer, the Vice President of Business Development for the St. Louis Economic Development Partnership. They discuss the importance of business retention and expansion (BRE) programs, particularly the innovative regional BRE committee established during the pandemic. Jason …

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DT #556 The “Why” Behind Downtown Revitalization Strategies: Building Community from the Ground Up 29:04

2M ago29:04

29:04

In this episode, Joi Cuartero Austin sits down with Erik Reader, director of Illinois Main Street, to explore how communities are shaping effective downtown economic development strategies—and more importantly, why these strategies work in their specific context. From humble beginnings rooted in community engagement to long-term sustainability plan…

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DT #555 Understanding Agriculture and Egg Prices in America - Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig 37:24

2M ago37:24

37:24

Summary In this episode of Develop This, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig discusses his journey to his current role, the importance of Iowa's agricultural production, and the challenges faced by farmers today. He emphasizes the balance between increasing agricultural output and sustainable land stewardship, the impact of tariffs on agricultu…

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Diving Into Cyber Journalism: FOIA, Fraud, and the Fight Against Online Threats 46:35

2M ago46:35

46:35

Hello to all our Cyber Cherry Blossoms! Join host Selena Larson and guest host, Tim Kromphardt, a Senior Threat Researcher, as they chat with Andrew Couts, Senior Editor, Security and Investigations at WIRED. Andrew shares insights into his work overseeing cybersecurity coverage and investigative reporting, collaborating with newsrooms, and uncover…

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DT #554 Navigating the Complexities of Tariffs on the North American Auto Industry - Flavio Volpe 31:43

2M ago31:43

31:43

Summary In this episode of Develop This, Dennis Fraise speaks with Flavio Volpe, president of the Automotive Parts Manufacturers Association (APMA) in Canada. They discuss the historical ties between the Canadian and US automotive industries, the integration of the North American auto supply chain, the current state of tariffs and their impact on t…

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DT #553 Explosive Growth in Pasco County, Florida: Opportunities and Challenges 21:04

2M ago21:04

21:04

Summary In this episode, Dennis Fraise speaks with Bill Cronin, the President and CEO of the Pasco Economic Development Council, about the explosive growth in Pasco County, Florida. They discuss the opportunities and challenges that come with rapid development, the evolution of the local economy, and the importance of balancing growth with communit…

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DT #552 The National Rural Economic Developers Association (NREDA) 24:06

2M ago24:06

24:06

Summary In this episode of the Develop This Podcast, host Dennis Fraise speaks with Lisa Hurley, the president of the National Rural Economic Developers Association (NREDA). They discuss the unique challenges and opportunities faced by rural economic developers, the importance of community relationships, and the benefits of NREDA membership. Lisa s…

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DT #551 Unlocking the Power of Questions - Mark Perna 28:14

2M ago28:14

28:14

Summary In this conversation, Dennis and Mark Perna explore the significance of asking better questions in various contexts, particularly in leadership and personal interactions. They discuss how effective questioning can lead to deeper understanding, stronger relationships, and improved communication. The dialogue emphasizes the importance of emot…

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Telling Our Own Stories: DocuCourse and the Power of Community Narrative 10:24

2M ago10:24

10:24

Oftentimes, what’s positive isn’t what’s promoted. And that’s been one of my biggest frustrations. They want the drama. They don’t want the uplifting story that our communities are yearning for. — Avrell Stokes, president BeGreat Together Who gets to tell the stories of Black and Brown communities? In Kansas City, Be Great Together is shifting the …

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DT #549 Understanding the Impact of Tariffs on the Can Manufacturing Industry 28:37

3M ago28:37

28:37

Summary This Develop This! episode delves into the complexities of tariffs and their impact on the can manufacturing industry in the United States. Dennis Fraise hosts Rick Huether, CEO and Chairman of the Board of the Independent Can Company, and Robert Budway, President of the Can Manufacturers Institute, to discuss the historical context of tari…

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DT #550 Preview of the 2025 IEDC Rural Retreat in Great Falls, Montana 25:10

3M ago25:10

25:10

Summary In this episode of the Develop This! Podcast, Dennis Fraise interviews Jolene Schalper and Christian Leinhauser from the Great Falls Montana Development Authority about the upcoming 2025 IEDC Rural Retreat. They discuss the unique features of the retreat, which focuses on rural economic development and offers immersive experiences. Attendee…

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RMM Tools: The New Cybercrime Trick? 37:38

3M ago37:38

37:38

Hello to all our Remote Cyber Pals! Join host Selena Larson and guest host, Tim Kromphardt, a Senior Threat Researcher, as they chat with Staff Threat Researcher, Ole Villadsen, from Proofpoint. They explore the broader shift from traditional malware to commercially available tools that fly under the radar and how cybercriminals are increasingly ab…

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DKG V8, Major Partnerships & Future of umanitek 1:21:43

3M ago1:21:43

1:21:43

Welcome to On TRAC(k) – the official OriginTrail podcast, where we go straight to the source! In this episode, we’re talking adoption milestones, new strategic partnerships, DKG V8 updates, and … a surprise guest appearance — Chris Rynning of AMYP, Porsche–Piëch family office! Get the inside scoop on how OriginTrail is scaling trust in Web3, AI, an…

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DT #547 Leadership Lessons from a Lifetime in Economic Development - Michael Langley 40:53

3M ago40:53

40:53

Summary In this episode of the Develop This Podcast, host Dennis Fraise interviews Michael Langley, a distinguished figure in economic development and recipient of the 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award from the IEDC. The conversation explores Michael's journey from military service as a naval aviator to a successful career in corporate America and, u…

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DT #548 The Impact of increased U.S. Tariffs on International Trade and the U.S. economy - David Gantz 30:32

3M ago30:32

30:32

Summary In this episode of Develop This Podcast, Dennis Fraise interviews David Gantz, a trade law expert, to discuss the current state of tariffs and international trade. They explore the chaotic nature of recent tariff threats and implementations, the historical context of trade agreements like NAFTA and USMCA, and the implications of new tariffs…

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DT #545 Empowering Rural America: The Golden Shovel Approach 35:14

3M ago35:14

35:14

Summary In this episode of the Develop This Podcast, Dennis Fraise speaks with Bethany Quinn, president of Golden Shovel Agency, about the importance of economic development in rural America. They discuss the agency's mission, the launch of the Rural America campaign, and key findings from a recent white paper on marketing strategies for rural comm…

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DT #546 Recap and Review of the 2025 IEDC Leadership Summit 25:03

3M ago25:03

25:03

Summary In this episode of the Develop This Podcast, host Dennis Fraise is joined by contributing correspondents Joy Austin, Angee Shaker, and Sean Maguire to discuss their experiences at the recent IEDC Leadership Summit held in Washington, DC. They reflect on the conference's location, programming, and the importance of networking and collaborati…

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Your Best Defense against Social Engineering: The Gray-Matter Firewall 51:06

3M ago51:06

51:06

Hello to all our Cyber Pals! Join host Selena Larson and guest hosts, Sarah Sabotka and Tim Kromphardt, both Senior Threat Researchers from Proofpoint, as they dive into the realities of current social engineering schemes —especially during high-risk times like tax season. Cybercriminals exploit fear, urgency, and excitement to manipulate victims, …

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How Semantic Tech & Graphs Are Reshaping AI 59:19

3M ago59:19

59:19

How do we build more reliable AI? Why have semantic tech and symbolic AI become even more important in the age of neural AI? How do Data Products (DPROD) and DKG paranets shape the future of decentralized knowledge? What role do GraphRAG and AI agents play in enabling a more verifiable and trustworthy AI? Join Charles Ivie, Senior Graph Architect a…

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DT #544 The Tariff Debate: Understanding Its Impact - Ryan Monarch Assistant Professor, Economics Department Syracuse University 43:37

3M ago43:37

43:37

In this episode of the Develop This Podcast, Dennis Fraise interviews Ryan Monarch Assistant Professor, Economics Department Syracuse University, an expert in international trade and economics, to discuss the complexities of tariffs and their implications on the economy. The conversation covers the definition of tariffs, their historical context, t…

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DT #543 Leadership Simplified: Enhancing Economic Development Organizations - Doug Van Dyke 32:07

4M ago32:07

32:07

In this episode of Develop This, Dennis Fraise speaks with Doug Van Dyke, CEO of Leadership Simplified, about the intricacies of economic development organizations (EDCs). They discuss the role of EDCs, the pros and cons of regionalization, the challenges of collaboration, and the relationship between EDCs and chambers of commerce. Doug shares insi…

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DT #542 Building Your Dreams: A Lifelong Journey - Mark Perna 20:56

4M ago20:56

20:56

In this episode of Develop This, Dennis Fraise and Mark Perna discuss the importance of building one's dreams at any stage of life. They explore the distinction between interest and passion, emphasizing that while interest can be easily found, passion is cultivated over time through resilience and commitment. The conversation also highlights the si…

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Hiding in Plain Sight: How Defenders Get Creative with Image Detection 45:52

4M ago45:52

45:52

Hello to all our Cyber Pals! Join host Selena Larson and guest host, Sarah Sabotka, as they speak with Kyle Eaton, Senior Security Research Engineer at Proofpoint. They explore the evolving world of image-based threat detection and the deceptive tactics cybercriminals use to evade defenses. From image lures embedded in emails, PDFs, and Office docu…

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OnTrac(k) Special — The Shift to Human-Centric AI 42:53

4M ago42:53

42:53

The AI revolution is here—but are we in control? In our latest On Track Podcast Special, we dive deep into the risks, opportunities, and the fight for a human-centric AI with top experts Fady Mansour from Ethical Capital Partners and Chris Rynning from AMYP Ventures Piëch-Porsche family office. Is AI already outpacing human content? Can we stop the…

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DT #540 These Free Programs are Changing How Cities Learn | Apply Now! 18:25

4M ago18:25

18:25

In this episode of the Develop This podcast, Dennis Fraise and Betsey Suchanic explore strategies for ensuring that economic development reaches every corner of a community. They discuss the various programs offered by the New Growth Innovation Network (NGIN), including the LEAP program, which is an all-expense paid professional development experie…

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DT #541 Dealing with the closure of a major employer – Bill Murphy 30:08

4M ago30:08

30:08

In this episode of Develop This, Dennis Fraise speaks with Bill Murphy, the president and CEO of the Ardmore Development Authority, about the significant impact of Michelin's closure of its tire manufacturing facility in Ardmore, Oklahoma. They discuss the initial shock of the announcement, the community's reaction, and the steps taken to manage th…

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DT #538 Mastering Site Preparation for Economic Development - Courtney Dunbar 31:00

4M ago31:00

31:00

In this episode of the Develop This Podcast, Dennis Fraise interviews Courtney Dunbar, who leads Burns and McDonnell's site selection consulting practice. They discuss the essential characteristics of a good industrial site, the challenges communities face in site preparation, and the importance of understanding target industries. Courtney emphasiz…

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DT #539 Innovating Economic Development in Small Cities - Betsey Suchanic from the New Growth Innovation Network 26:37

4M ago26:37

26:37

In this Develop This episode, Dennis Fraise speaks with Betsey Suchanic from New Growth Innovation Network (NGIN) about how Small and Midsized Cities (SMCs) are key players in driving economic growth. They discuss how these cities are uniquely positioned to innovate and implement effective economic strategies, the significance of cross-sector partn…

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DT # 537 The Case For Liberal Arts In Economic Development - Dennis Pruitt 30:32

4M ago30:32

30:32

Dennis Pruitt Vice President Business Development for the Missouri Partnership joins Dennis and makes the case for liberal arts in economic development. Dennis stresses the importance of reading, history, and culture. In a day and age dominated by STEM don't miss this discussion on the value and power of a liberal arts degree.…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Convergence Partnership Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen