Best Communitydevelopment Podcasts (2025)

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Making It Work: How Apis & Heritage Is Closing the Capital Gap in EO Transitions 58:57

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1h ago58:57

58:57

SUMMARY: In this episode of Owners at Work, we sit down with Todd Leverette and Kyle Chin-How of Apis & Heritage Capital Partners (A&H)—the 2025 recipient of the John Logue Award in Employee Ownership, which we present annually to organizations making a lasting and transformative impact in the field. A&H is a mission-driven investment firm focused …

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DT #578 Economic Development Success in Arkansas - Clint O'Neil, the executive director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission 26:15

1d ago26:15

26:15

Summary In this episode of Develop This!, Dennis Fraise interviews Clint O'Neill, the executive director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. They discuss the importance of economic development in small towns, highlighting success stories of major companies like Walmart, Tyson Foods, and Murphy USA. Clint shares insights on the role of …

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DT #577 IEDC Rural Retreat Recap - Main Street at the Mountain West 34:06

1d ago34:06

34:06

In this special episode, Joi Cuartero Austin of Main Street America sits down with colleagues Erik Reader and Jonathan Stone to reflect on their experience at the IEDC Rural Retreat in Great Falls, Montana. They discuss the power of data, the importance of people-powered revitalization, and how Main Street strategies are showing up in economic deve…

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DT #576 Community Colleges - Leading The Entrepreneurial Shift in Workforce Development 32:58

8d ago32:58

32:58

Summary In this episode of Develop This, Dennis Fraise is joined by Joe April with Convergent Nonprofit Solutions and Dr. John Rainone, President of Mountain Gateway Community College, to discuss the vital role of community colleges in workforce development. They share personal stories highlighting the transformative impact of community colleges, e…

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DT #575 the essential professional skills needed to thrive in an AI-driven workplace - Mark Perna 34:29

15d ago34:29

34:29

Summary In this episode, Dennis and Mark Perna discuss the essential professional skills needed to thrive in an AI-driven workplace. They explore the importance of communication, teamwork, leadership, problem-solving, and other skills that will set individuals apart in the evolving job market. Mark emphasizes that while AI is a powerful tool, it ca…

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DT #574 Bridging the Digital Divide in Jackson, MS - Tamika Jenkins 29:11

24d ago29:11

29:11

Summary In this episode of Develop This, Dennis Fraise interviews Tamika Jenkins, the executive director of The Bean Path, a tech nonprofit in Jackson, Mississippi. They discuss Tamika's background in economic development, the challenges and opportunities in Jackson's economy, and the mission of The Bean Path to bridge the digital gap through techn…

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DT #573 Lighter, Quicker, Cheaper: Small Steps, Big Impact in Placemaking 37:03

29d ago37:03

37:03

In this episode, Joi Cuartero Austin is joined once again by Erik Reader for a lively and insightful conversation around the concept of Lighter, Quicker, Cheaper (LQC) — a placemaking approach that emphasizes small-scale, low-cost, and fast-to-implement strategies for revitalizing public spaces and neighborhood districts. Originally popularized by …

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DT #572 Building Professional Skills for Future Success - Mark Perna 32:20

1M ago32:20

32:20

Summary In this episode of the Develop This Podcast, Mark Perna discusses the evolution of career trees into Skill Trees, emphasizing the importance of teaching professional skills to younger generations. He outlines the structure of the skill tree curriculum, which spans from kindergarten through joining the workforce, and highlights the need for …

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DT #571 The Unique Economic Development Landscape in Lowell, Massachusetts - Allison Carter 32:15

1M ago32:15

32:15

Summary In this episode of the Develop This Podcast, host Sean Maguire welcomes Allison Carter, the Director of Economic Development for Lowell, Massachusetts. They discuss the city's unique economic landscape, including its history, the Downtown Lowell Vacant Storefront Program, and the innovative Project Pop-Up retail incubator. Allison shares su…

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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

2M 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…

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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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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DT #564 Tourism Is the First Date: Falling in Love With a Place – Reflections from Main Street Now in Philadelphia 38:40

3M 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

3M 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

3M 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

3M 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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How Expanding ESOPs Plans to Unlock Trillions in Wealth for Workers 36:34

3M ago36:34

36:34

Guests: Danny Massey, Head of Strategy and Communications at Expanding ESOPs SUMMARY: In this episode of the Owners at Work podcast, we speak with Danny from Expanding ESOPs, a new national initiative focused on dramatically scaling employee ownership through policy change and public advocacy. Danny shares his journey from labor journalism and the …

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

3M 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

3M 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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DT #557 Building Bridges: The St. Louis BRE Initiative 27:26

3M 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 #558 Unlocking Economic Development: The OUEDI Experience - Courtney Dunbar 15:59

3M 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 #555 Understanding Agriculture and Egg Prices in America - Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig 37:24

4M 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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DT #556 The “Why” Behind Downtown Revitalization Strategies: Building Community from the Ground Up 29:04

4M 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 #554 Navigating the Complexities of Tariffs on the North American Auto Industry - Flavio Volpe 31:43

4M 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

4M 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

4M 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

4M 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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DT #550 Preview of the 2025 IEDC Rural Retreat in Great Falls, Montana 25:10

4M 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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DT #549 Understanding the Impact of Tariffs on the Can Manufacturing Industry 28:37

4M 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 #548 The Impact of increased U.S. Tariffs on International Trade and the U.S. economy - David Gantz 30:32

5M 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 #547 Leadership Lessons from a Lifetime in Economic Development - Michael Langley 40:53

5M 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 #545 Empowering Rural America: The Golden Shovel Approach 35:14

5M 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

5M 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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DT #544 The Tariff Debate: Understanding Its Impact - Ryan Monarch Assistant Professor, Economics Department Syracuse University 43:37

5M 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 #542 Building Your Dreams: A Lifelong Journey - Mark Perna 20:56

5M 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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DT #543 Leadership Simplified: Enhancing Economic Development Organizations - Doug Van Dyke 32:07

5M 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 #540 These Free Programs are Changing How Cities Learn | Apply Now! 18:25

5M 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

5M 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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Building Employee Ownership Collaboration 33:47

6M ago33:47

33:47

SUMMARY: In this episode Chris Cooper sits down with Jim O’Brien founder and current President of Go2Partners, a 100% ESOP Company. We talk about the interesting way in which Go2Partners was founded and funded by the employees themselves, why employee ownership was an attractive choice for him and the founders of the company, and how becoming emplo…

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

6M 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 #538 Mastering Site Preparation for Economic Development - Courtney Dunbar 31:00

6M 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 # 537 The Case For Liberal Arts In Economic Development - Dennis Pruitt 30:32

6M 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.…

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DT #536 Leadership and Giving Back to the Economic Development Profession - Barry Matherly 29:17

6M ago29:17

29:17

Barry Matherly joins Dennis, and they discuss the skills needed to be a great leader and how to become involved and give back to the economic development profession. Barry has worn a lot of hats in his economic development career. His current role is as the President and CEO of Hickey Global. Prior to joining Hickey Global, Barry was the President …

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DT #535 The State of Workforce in 2025 - Mark Perna 23:10

6M ago23:10

23:10

Mark Perna joined Dennis, and they discussed the state of workforce in 2025. What prompted you to write Answering Why? How would you compare the state of our workforce in 2018 versus today? We are at the start of 2025. Where do we stand today with job openings and the skills gap? How can economic development professionals and organizations be more …

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DT #534 Behind the scenes of state level economic Development - Debi Durham, the Director of the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) and the Iowa Finance Authority (IFA). 42:39

6M ago42:39

42:39

Debi Durham, the Director of the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) and the Iowa Finance Authority (IFA) joins Dennis to discuss the role of a state economic development director. Fifteen years ago, what was the state of economic development? Fast forward 15 years, and how has economic development changed? Through two main divisions – busin…

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DT #533 Finding Your Path in Economic Development - Danielle Casey 55:01

7M ago55:01

55:01

Danielle Casey, President & CEO of the Albuquerque Regional Economic Alliance, joins Dennis and discusses finding your path in economic development. How do you find the right fit? How do you know when to move to the next position? Is working your way up in one organization preferable, or is there value in working for multiple organizations? Is ther…

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DT #532 The Year Ahead in Economic Development With Bryan Daniels IEDC Board Chair 40:10

7M ago40:10

40:10

Bryan Daniels, the President and CEO of the Blount Partnership – Incoming IEDC Board chair, joins Dennis, and they discuss what is ahead for the economic development profession and IEDC in 2025. Bryan Daniels was born and raised in Greeneville, Tennessee, which is adjacent to Cherokee National Forest. He has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Communic…