DT #674 From Shipping to Economic Development: Bill Cronin’s Leadership Journey
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
Release Date: 08/19/2026
DT #673 Navigating Uncertainty in Site Selection and Facility Investment
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
What does the future hold for facility investment in an increasingly uncertain economy? In this episode of Develop This!, speaks with , a veteran site selection consultant with more than 35 years of experience, about the challenges and opportunities shaping investment decisions today. Jerry shares why many companies are taking a more cautious approach to expansion, navigating economic uncertainty, shifting market conditions, and evolving business priorities before committing to major projects. A major focus of the conversation is artificial intelligence and its growing role in site selection....
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DT #674 From Shipping to Economic Development: Bill Cronin’s Leadership Journey
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
What does it take to manage rapid growth while preserving the character of a community? In this episode of Develop This!, speaks with about his unique career journey from international shipping to economic development and the strategies driving growth in Pasco County, Florida. Bill reflects on how economic development has evolved over the years, shifting from traditional business attraction efforts to a more comprehensive focus on workforce development, community engagement, quality of life, and long-term sustainability. A major focus of the conversation is Pasco County’s rapid growth and...
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DT #671 Why Does Everyone Hate Data Centers? A Balanced Look at the Debate
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
Why are data centers generating so much debate in communities across the country? In this episode of Develop This!, sits down with to kick off a brand-new series exploring one of the most controversial topics in economic development: Why Does Everyone Hate Data Centers? Rather than taking sides, Dan encourages communities to ask better questions before making decisions. He explains why the conversation shouldn't simply be about saying "yes" or "no" to data centers, but about understanding their long-term impacts, evaluating tradeoffs, and ensuring projects create meaningful value for local...
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DT #672 Inside the 2026 IEDC Annual Conference: What to Expect in New Orleans
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
What can attendees expect from the 2026 IEDC Annual Conference in New Orleans? In this episode of Develop This!, sits down with , President and CEO of the , for an exclusive preview of the 2026 IEDC Annual Conference in New Orleans. As IEDC celebrates 100 years of economic development, Nathan shares how this milestone event will honor the profession's rich history while focusing on the innovations shaping its future. The conversation explores why New Orleans was selected to host the centennial conference and how the city's resilience, culture, and economic transformation make it the perfect...
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DT #668 AI Literacy: Small Business Capacity and the Return of Human Experience
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
Artificial intelligence is no longer just a big tech conversation. For small businesses, microbusinesses, makers, solopreneurs, and entrepreneurs, AI literacy is quickly becoming a practical economic development issue. In this episode of Develop This!, talks with , Director of Education at , about what AI literacy really means for local businesses and why it matters for Main Street communities. The conversation explores how AI can help entrepreneurs build capacity, save time, strengthen marketing, improve operations, and make more informed decisions, especially for business owners who...
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DT #670 How Communities Create Opportunity Through Leadership and Collaboration
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
How can communities create lasting economic mobility in a rapidly changing world? In this episode of Develop This!, speaks with about her remarkable career journey—from the White House and the Olympic movement to leading national initiatives focused on economic and community development. Drawing on decades of experience, Anne shares lessons on leadership, collaboration, and the importance of building authentic relationships around a clear mission. She explains how successful communities create momentum by aligning people, resources, and long-term goals around shared outcomes. A major focus...
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DT #666 The Cincinnati Growth Story: Collaboration, Talent, and Industry Leadership
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
What’s driving Cincinnati’s rise as one of the Midwest’s most dynamic economic engines? In this episode of Develop This!, speaks with , CEO of , about the region’s rapid growth and the strategies positioning it as a national leader in innovation, investment, and industry. Kimm shares how Cincinnati has built momentum through a combination of regional collaboration, strong industry clusters, and a commitment to workforce development. The conversation highlights how partnerships across state lines are helping the region compete more effectively for investment and talent. A major focus...
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DT #667 Mastering Public-Private Partnerships and Business Growth Strategies
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
What can economic developers learn from a career that spans the public sector, entrepreneurship, and consulting? In this episode of Develop This!, speaks with , founder of , about her journey through economic development and the lessons that led her to launch her own consulting firm. Drawing on experience across multiple sectors, Ruth shares insights on navigating complex development projects, building trust among stakeholders, and helping communities move ambitious initiatives from concept to reality. A major theme throughout the conversation is continuous learning. Ruth discusses the...
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DT #664 30 Years of Site Selection Lessons from Matt Szuhaj
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
How is technology changing the way communities compete for investment and talent? In this episode of Develop This!, speaks with , EVP of , to explore more than three decades of change in site selection and economic development. Drawing on 30 years of experience, Matt shares how location strategy has evolved from a focus on cost and infrastructure to a more complex evaluation of talent, quality of life, community identity, and long-term competitiveness. A major focus of the conversation is artificial intelligence and its growing influence on economic development. Matt explains how AI is...
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DT #665 How Great Leaders Unite a Multi-Generational Workforce
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
How can leaders build stronger teams in a workplace shaped by multiple generations? In this episode of Develop This!, speaks with to explore how generational differences, economic realities, and rapid technological change are reshaping today's workforce. Mark shares insights into the strengths and challenges of working across generations—from Baby Boomers to Gen Z—and explains why understanding different perspectives is essential for building collaborative, high-performing teams. A major focus of the conversation is the changing economic landscape facing younger workers. Rising housing...
info_outlineWhat does it take to manage rapid growth while preserving the character of a community?
In this episode of Develop This!, Dennis Fraise speaks with Bill Cronin about his unique career journey from international shipping to economic development and the strategies driving growth in Pasco County, Florida.
Bill reflects on how economic development has evolved over the years, shifting from traditional business attraction efforts to a more comprehensive focus on workforce development, community engagement, quality of life, and long-term sustainability.
A major focus of the conversation is Pasco County’s rapid growth and how local leaders are working to balance new opportunities with the needs of long-time residents. Bill emphasizes the importance of smart growth, regional collaboration, and thoughtful planning to ensure communities remain attractive places to live and work.
The discussion also explores the county’s efforts to diversify its economy through industries such as food processing, life sciences, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing, while preparing for emerging opportunities tied to AI and data centers.
Throughout the episode, Bill shares leadership lessons learned from decades of experience, highlighting the importance of civic engagement, community service, and maintaining a clear vision for the future.
A key takeaway? Successful economic development requires balancing growth with community values while preparing for the industries and technologies that will shape tomorrow’s economy.
Key Takeaways
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Economic development has evolved beyond traditional business attraction
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Smart growth requires balancing new development with community needs
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Industry diversification strengthens long-term economic resilience
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Regional collaboration creates greater opportunities for growth
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AI and data centers are reshaping future development strategies
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Community engagement remains essential for sustainable success
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Strong leadership is rooted in service, vision, and adaptability
Key Topics Covered
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Bill Cronin’s career journey into economic development
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The evolution of economic development strategies
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Pasco County’s rapid growth and regional collaboration
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Industry diversification and targeted sectors
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AI, data centers, and emerging opportunities
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Community engagement and leadership development
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Future skills for economic development professionals
Sound Bites
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“Very few of us actually did this on purpose.”
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“Balance legacy residents with smart growth.”
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“AI can do in seconds what used to take years.”