DT #538 Mastering Site Preparation for Economic Development - Courtney Dunbar
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
Release Date: 02/12/2025
DT #540 These Free Programs are Changing How Cities Learn | Apply Now!
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
In this episode of the Develop This podcast, Dennis Fraise and explore strategies for ensuring that economic development reaches every corner of a community. They discuss the various programs offered by the , including the , which is an all-expense paid professional development experience for economic and community leaders from smaller cities (up to 500,000) to learn from other small and midsized cities that are paving the way through collaboration and innovation. Applications for LEAP are open now and close March 10, 2025. Apply now at ! They also talk about , which...
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DT #541 Dealing with the closure of a major employer – Bill Murphy
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
In this episode of Develop This, Dennis Fraise speaks with , the president and CEO of the , 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 the transition for the affected workforce. Bill shares insights on the importance of maintaining strong relationships with local businesses, the need for economic diversification, and the lessons learned from navigating such a challenging situation. Takeaways The Ardmore Development...
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DT #538 Mastering Site Preparation for Economic Development - Courtney Dunbar
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
In this episode of the Develop This Podcast, Dennis Fraise interviews , who leads 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 emphasizes the need for diligence in site preparation, the value of certified sites, and the role of master planning in optimizing site functionality. The conversation also touches on effective marketing strategies for sites, the significance of building relationships within the site selection...
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DT #539 Innovating Economic Development in Small Cities - Betsey Suchanic from the New Growth Innovation Network
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
In this Develop This episode, Dennis Fraise speaks with from (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 partnerships, the need for new metrics in economic development, and the role of procurement and access to capital in fostering economic opportunity for all. Betsey shares insights on NGIN’s various programs and initiatives, including the — an immersive learning trip for economic and...
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DT # 537 The Case For Liberal Arts In Economic Development - Dennis Pruitt
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
Vice President Business Development for the 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
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
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 . Prior to joining Hickey Global, Barry was the President and CEO of the and the . You have led large organizations in very different communities. How were those positions and communities different? How were you able to adapt your skills to lead large teams and provide economic development leadership for the community? Along...
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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).
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
, the Director of the and the 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 – business development and community development the IEDA administers almost 50 state and federal programs to assist individuals, communities, and businesses. That is a lot of plates to spin at one time. How big is the IEDA team? As a state, does Iowa target specific sectors for projects? Every state has advantages and...
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DT #535 The State of Workforce in 2025 - Mark Perna
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
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 proactive in dealing with workforce issues? Do you see more collaboration between education, economic development and others? Who is leading workforce development in most communities? If you woke up in a community tomorrow as an economic development...
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DT #533 Finding Your Path in Economic Development - Danielle Casey
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
, President & CEO of the , 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 there a tipping point when it makes more sense to stay with an organization? Are there red flags when looking at joining an organization? Are there some dos and don’ts people should be aware of when interviewing? Ms. Casey brings extensive and diverse experience in leadership, public...
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DT #532 The Year Ahead in Economic Development With Bryan Daniels IEDC Board Chair
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
, the President and CEO of the – Incoming 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 Communications & Computer Science and a Master of Science degree in Manufacturing Engineering Technology from East Tennessee State University. Bryan began his career with the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development based in Nashville, Tennessee. Mr. Daniels left the...
info_outlineIn 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 emphasizes the need for diligence in site preparation, the value of certified sites, and the role of master planning in optimizing site functionality. The conversation also touches on effective marketing strategies for sites, the significance of building relationships within the site selection community, and the impact of FAM tours. Courtney concludes with advice for economic developers on sharpening their business cases to attract suitable industries.
Takeaways
- A good industrial site must optimize operations.
- Communities often seek a model of perfection in site preparation.
- Diligence in understanding site attributes is crucial.
- Smaller communities can compete with larger ones based on specific advantages.
- Identifying target industries is essential for effective economic development.
- Certified sites can streamline the site selection process.
- Master planning focuses on functional optimization rather than aesthetic layout.
- Building relationships in the site selection community is vital.
- FAM tours should prioritize meaningful interactions over packed schedules.
- Economic developers must create a strong business case for attracting industries.