DT #632 Rally Your Region: A New Playbook for Economic Development
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
Release Date: 03/25/2026
Develop This! #631 Promise Programs: A Game-Changer for Workforce Development
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
Episode Summary In this episode of Develop This!, is joined by and from to explore how Promise programs are reshaping workforce development and community growth. From nationally recognized models like the to emerging initiatives like the , these programs are creating long-term talent pipelines, expanding access to education, and driving economic competitiveness. If your community is looking for a proven strategy to attract talent, support students, and grow your economy, this episode delivers both inspiration and a roadmap. What You’ll Learn Promise Programs as an Economic Development...
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DT #632 Rally Your Region: A New Playbook for Economic Development
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
In this episode of Develop This!, sits down with to explore a powerful new initiative developed in partnership with the Designed to help communities break through silos, build consensus, and take real action, Rally Your Region provides a structured, customizable framework to align stakeholders around a shared vision for economic and workforce success. If your region struggles to align education, employers, and community leaders, this episode offers a clear path forward. What You’ll Learn The Concept Behind Rally Your Region Why regions need a central rally point to move forward How...
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DT #629 People First: Rethinking Economic Development for Stronger Communities
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
People First: Rethinking Economic Development with Maggie Strong Economic development has long focused on transactions—deals, incentives, and projects. But the communities thriving today are doing something different: they’re putting people at the center of the strategy. In this episode of the Develop This! Podcast, host sits down with , founder of , to explore how authentic community engagement can unlock stronger, more sustainable economic growth. With nearly two decades of experience in economic development strategy, marketing, and community visioning, Maggie shares practical insights...
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DT #630 The Succession Crisis No One Is Talking About in Economic Development
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
Across America, thousands of business owners are quietly approaching retirement — and many have no succession plan in place. For communities, that represents a major economic risk: lost jobs, closed storefronts, and the potential loss of locally rooted businesses. In this episode of Develop This!, host sits down with , Executive Director of the , to explore how communities can turn the coming wave of business transitions into an economic development opportunity. Mark shares insights from , an innovative program helping business owners prepare for exit while connecting them with the next...
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DT #628 Trust, Transparency, and Tough Decisions: Ethics in Economic Development
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
Ethics is the invisible foundation of successful economic development. In this episode of Develop This!, we explore why professional integrity is essential to building trust, guiding difficult decisions, and sustaining long-term community growth. interviews , a longtime educator and leader in economic development ethics, about how ethical standards have evolved in the profession—and why they matter more than ever in today’s complex environment. From navigating gray areas in deal-making to understanding the role of formal codes of ethics and professional accountability, Jim shares insights...
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DT #627 The Future of Grants: AI, Federal Changes, and New Funding Strategies for Economic Developers
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
The grant landscape is shifting quickly — and economic developers need to be ready. In this episode of Develop This!, sits down with , founder of , to explore what’s ahead for grants, funding, and economic development in 2026. Federal policy changes are reshaping funding opportunities, including a shift away from centralized systems like Grants.gov toward department-specific platforms. At the same time, economic developers are facing increased pressure to secure funding with fewer resources. Adrian shares how communities can adapt by diversifying funding sources, strengthening...
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DT #623 Proof, Not Potential: What Site Selectors Really Look For
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
In this episode of Develop This!, sits down with “America’s factory whisperer,” , President & CEO of , for a candid and strategic conversation about the realities of site selection in today’s turbulent environment. With more than two decades guiding large manufacturing and heavy industrial projects, Didi shares insider insight into how companies actually make location decisions — and where communities often fall short. From compressed project timelines to the reshoring debate, from data centers reshaping energy markets to the growing importance of investment-ready sites, this...
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DT #625 JetZero Lands in Greensboro: North Carolina’s Largest Economic Development Win
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
The largest economic development project in North Carolina history is taking flight. In this episode of Develop This!, guests and take listeners behind the scenes of JetZero’s monumental decision to build a $4.7 billion advanced manufacturing facility in Greensboro, North Carolina — a project expected to create more than 14,500 jobs. JetZero’s aerospace manufacturing campus isn’t just another announcement. It represents a transformational moment for Greensboro, the Piedmont Triad region, and the entire state. In this episode, you’ll hear: Why JetZero selected Greensboro and the...
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DT #626 Stronger Together: The Strategic Merger Reshaping Economic Development Fundraising
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
In this episode of Develop This!, host Dennis Fraise sits down with and to discuss the strategic merger of and This isn’t a consolidation story — it’s a growth strategy. Brian shares how Convergent Nonprofit Solutions was founded during the 2008 financial crisis to bring greater efficiency and innovation to nonprofit fundraising. Clint reflects on Resource Development Group’s roots dating back to 1995, focusing exclusively on economic development fundraising and campaign strategy. Together, they unpack: Why today’s economic development organizations require increasingly...
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DT #622 Purpose, Control & Courage: Why the Next Generation Is Choosing Entrepreneurship Mark C. Perna
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
In this forward-looking episode of Develop This!, sits down with acclaimed speaker, author, and CEO to unpack one of the most important shifts facing economic and community development professionals today: the rise of the entrepreneurial generation. With 84% of Gen Z expressing interest in entrepreneurship, communities must rethink how they build talent pipelines, support startups, and cultivate opportunity. Mark shares insights from his 27+ years of building impactful businesses and explains why today’s youth view risk, safety, and control differently than previous generations. For them,...
info_outlineIn this episode of Develop This!, Dennis Fraise sits down with Mark Perna to explore “Rally Your Region,” a powerful new initiative developed in partnership with the International Economic Development Council.
Designed to help communities break through silos, build consensus, and take real action, Rally Your Region provides a structured, customizable framework to align stakeholders around a shared vision for economic and workforce success.
If your region struggles to align education, employers, and community leaders, this episode offers a clear path forward.
What You’ll Learn
The Concept Behind Rally Your Region
- Why regions need a central rally point to move forward
- How alignment drives measurable economic outcomes
- What makes this initiative different from traditional planning efforts
Why Regional Collaboration Is So Hard
- Competing priorities across organizations
- Lack of shared goals and accountability
- The challenge of moving from discussion to action
Building True Consensus
- How to create buy-in across sectors
- The importance of a shared “why”
- Turning agreement into execution
Connecting Education and Workforce
- Why the education-to-employment pipeline is often broken
- How to better align:
- K-12 systems
- Higher education
- Employers
- Why mindset matters:
“Young people are not a problem to be solved.”
The Power of a Rally Point
At the core of the initiative is a simple but powerful idea:
Create a rally point where everyone buys in
- A shared vision
- A common language
- A coordinated strategy
Without it, regions remain fragmented.
With it, they can move forward together.
Actionable Steps for Your Community
- Identify key regional stakeholders
- Establish a neutral, trusted convening space
- Define shared priorities and goals
- Customize the Rally Your Region framework to fit your community
- Focus on implementation—not just planning
Key Insights
✔ The world of work has fundamentally changed
✔ Alignment is now more important than ever
✔ Collaboration must lead to clear action steps
✔ Workforce development is a regional challenge
✔ Flexibility and customization are critical for success
Memorable Sound Bites
- “Creating a rally point where everyone buys in.”
- “The world has completely changed.”
- “Young people are not a problem to be solved.”