DT #636 Jennifer Storm, IEDC 2025 Economic Developer of the Year
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
Release Date: 04/08/2026
DT #641 The War for Talent Is Over—Now What? A Global Perspective with Patsy Van Hove
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
In this episode of Develop This!, we go global with of to unpack the evolving world of site selection and economic development. From shifting workforce dynamics to the growing importance of international collaboration, Patsy shares why talent—not geography—is now the driving force behind location decisions. You’ll hear how communities can stay competitive in a world where companies are chasing skills, not just sites—and why building strong talent ecosystems is no longer optional. Whether you’re working in a rural community or a global metro, this conversation will challenge how you...
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DT #642 From Empty to Energized: Rethinking Community Revitalization
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
Vacant buildings are often treated as the problem—but what if they’re just the symptom? In this episode of Develop This!, contributing correspondent sits down with economic development expert to unpack the deeper forces behind community vacancy challenges. From market realities and ownership dynamics to infrastructure and policy barriers, Eric shares why quick fixes often fall short—and what to do instead. This conversation dives into the importance of asking better questions, taking a block-by-block approach, and building sustainable momentum that leads to long-term investment and...
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DT #639 - How Sports, Small Business, and Strategy Are Reshaping Clark County
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
Episode Summary Clark County, long known as the global epicenter of tourism and gaming, is rewriting its economic story. In this episode, sits down with , Director of Community and Economic Development, and she shares how Southern Nevada is transforming into a diversified, innovation-driven economy. From attracting new industries to leveraging the explosive growth of professional sports, Shani breaks down the strategies reshaping the region. She also highlights the critical roles of small businesses, workforce development, and bold initiatives like the Micro Business Park in building a more...
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DT #640 Winning Together: How Regional Collaboration Is Powering Chicagoland’s Economic Growth
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
What happens when competing communities decide to collaborate instead? In this episode, sits down with , Board Chair of the and CEO of , and shares how a coalition of counties around Chicago is redefining economic development through regional alignment. Kevin unpacks the origins and evolution of the Greater Chicagoland Economic Partnership (GCEP), offering a behind-the-scenes look at how trust was built across jurisdictions, how funding models are shifting, and why collaboration is delivering better outcomes for business attraction and growth. From leveraging global assets like O’Hare...
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DT #637 Ken Biberaj – Defense, AI, and Infrastructure: The New Battleground for Economic Growth
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
Episode Summary In this episode of Develop This!, host sits down with , Executive Managing Director at and host of , to explore how national defense policy, artificial intelligence, and real estate strategy are converging to reshape economic development across the United States. Ken shares insights from the front lines of site selection and federal policy, unpacking the rise of a new defense-driven innovation ecosystem, the growing importance of AI and data centers, and why communities must rethink their approach to site readiness, infrastructure, and talent. This conversation is a...
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DT #638 Alejandra Y. Castillo – From Bronx Bodega to National Leadership
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
In this inspiring episode of Develop This!, sits down with to explore her remarkable journey from helping her family run a Bronx bodega to leading economic development efforts at the highest levels of the federal government. Alejandra shares how her immigrant experience, early responsibilities, and global perspective shaped her leadership philosophy and commitment to public service. From navigating systems as a young translator to guiding national economic policy, her story offers powerful lessons on resilience, education, and building stronger, more inclusive communities. This episode...
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DT #635 The Space Coast's New Golden Age: How Florida Leads the Space Industry
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
The space economy is no longer a distant frontier—it’s a powerful engine of economic growth, innovation, and talent development right here on Earth. In this episode of Develop This!, sits down with Vice President, Business Development, , a community coalition, is the official economic development organization for , to explore the rapid rise of Florida’s Space Coast and how it’s becoming a global hub for next-generation aerospace activity. Fresh off the momentum of the mission’s successful launch, excitement is building across the industry and within communities tied to space...
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DT #636 Jennifer Storm, IEDC 2025 Economic Developer of the Year
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
What does it take to transform a fast-growing community into a regional economic powerhouse? In this episode of Develop This!, sits down with Chief Executive Officer of the and the 2025 Economic Developer of the Year, to unpack her remarkable journey from community volunteer to a driving force behind the growth of Jennifer shares how curiosity, persistence, and a willingness to “say yes to every opportunity to learn” helped shape her leadership style and career path. Her story is a powerful reminder that impactful economic development starts with community connection and trust....
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DT #633 From Capital to Community: How CDFIs Drive Inclusive Growth
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
In this episode of Develop This!, sits down with , President and CEO of the , to explore the transformative role of Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) in advancing equitable economic development. Amber shares how black-led CDFIs are uniquely positioned to build trust, expand capital access, and drive meaningful impact in underserved communities—while also addressing the persistent challenges these institutions face in scaling and sustainability. From the importance of certification and capital access to the power of culturally competent leadership, this conversation...
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DT #634 Keep What You Grow: Smarter Business Retention Strategies
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
In this episode of Develop This!, sits down with to explore one of the most overlooked—but most impactful—strategies in economic development: business retention. While recruitment often grabs headlines, Eric makes the case that real, sustainable community growth happens by supporting the businesses you already have. Through proactive relationship-building, early intervention, and consistent communication, local leaders can help small businesses not just survive—but thrive. This episode dives into practical, easy-to-implement strategies, from using simple tracking tools and AI to...
info_outlineWhat does it take to transform a fast-growing community into a regional economic powerhouse? In this episode of Develop This!, Dennis sits down with Jennifer Storm, Chief Executive Officer of the Buda Economic Development Corporation and the IEDC 2025 Economic Developer of the Year, to unpack her remarkable journey from community volunteer to a driving force behind the growth of Buda,TX.
Jennifer shares how curiosity, persistence, and a willingness to “say yes to every opportunity to learn” helped shape her leadership style and career path. Her story is a powerful reminder that impactful economic development starts with community connection and trust.
We explore how Buda has evolved from a bedroom community into a strategic destination for business investment—leveraging its proximity to Austin while carving out its own unique identity. Jennifer discusses the importance of regional collaboration, noting, “we work together really well in our region,” and explains how that cooperation drives lead generation, shared success, and long-term sustainability.
A standout moment in the conversation is the case study of Perseus Defense Technologies, a cutting-edge project that reflects Buda’s ability to attract innovative, high-impact industries. Jennifer walks through the strategy behind landing the Perseus project, from relationship-building to aligning incentives and community vision.
Beyond business attraction, Jennifer emphasizes the importance of nurturing local entrepreneurs. Initiatives like the Buda Hive Incubator and youth-focused programs such as the B Market are creating a vibrant ecosystem that supports startups, small businesses, and future innovators.
We also highlight key wins like the expansion of US Foods, ongoing downtown revitalization efforts, and the creative reuse of historic assets like the train depot—demonstrating how economic development can enhance both quality of life and economic opportunity.
From leadership lessons to actionable strategies, this episode is packed with insights for economic development professionals looking to build stronger, more resilient communities.
Key Topics
- Transition from community volunteer to economic developer
- Strategies for community growth and business attraction
- Supporting local entrepreneurs and small businesses
- Case study: Perseus defense tech project
- Building regional collaboration and trust