DT #697 Ukraine's Economic Future: Investment, Resilience, and Opportunity
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
Release Date: 10/28/2026
DT #699 How Economic Developers Can Navigate Opposition, Trust, and Change
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
How can economic developers build trust with their communities while navigating opposition, misinformation, and increasingly complex development projects? In this episode of Develop This!, sits down with to discuss lessons from her 30-year career in economic development and how the profession is evolving. Maureen shares her experiences working with international companies and communities around the world, offering perspective on how global competition, changing expectations, and increased skepticism are shaping economic development today. A major focus of the conversation is community trust....
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DT #700 What Economic Developers Need to Know About FDI
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
What does it take for communities to compete for investment in an increasingly competitive global economy? In this episode of Develop This!, talks with foreign direct investment expert about how communities can attract and benefit from FDI. Andreas explains why not all foreign investment is equally beneficial and why communities need to understand what they actually want to attract. The conversation explores corporate site selection, investment drivers, and the growing importance of soft factors such as community support, certainty, and quality of life. The discussion also highlights why...
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DT #697 Ukraine's Economic Future: Investment, Resilience, and Opportunity
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
What does Ukraine's economy look like in the middle of war, and where are the opportunities for future growth and investment? In this episode of Develop This!, sits down with to explore the current economic landscape of Ukraine and Moldova and what economic development professionals and investors should understand about the region. Bruce shares his extensive experience working across post-Soviet countries and provides insight into the regional differences within Ukraine, the resilience of its people, and the ways communities and businesses are continuing to adapt despite the ongoing war. The...
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DT #698 Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition: Turning Small Businesses Into Opportunities
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
What if the best way to become an entrepreneur was to buy an existing business instead of starting one from scratch? In this episode of Develop This!, talks with of about entrepreneurship through acquisition and how aspiring entrepreneurs can find, purchase, and grow established businesses. Royce explains why buying a profitable business can offer a different path to ownership, the importance of due diligence, and the challenges new owners face during their first 90 days. The conversation also explores company culture, long-term holding companies, franchises, and the emotional realities of...
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DT #696 Community Quest: A Big Idea Becomes a Community Adventure
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
How do you make economic development exciting and understandable for the next generation? In this special episode of Develop This!, talks with and about Community Quest, a graphic novel designed to make economic development more accessible and engaging for young people and adults alike. They share the inspiration behind the book, how complex concepts are transformed into an adventure story, and how illustrations help bring community development to life. The conversation also covers how the graphic novel can be used in classrooms and community outreach, the development of a facilitator’s...
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DT #694 The Data Center Debate: Opportunity, Opposition, and Community Impact
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
Why does everyone hate data centers? In this episode of Develop This!, talks with of to explore the growing debate surrounding data centers and what they mean for communities. The conversation examines why public opinion around data centers has shifted, from excitement over investment and economic growth to concerns about power, water, noise, land use, and long-term community impact. Chris and Dennis discuss the economic benefits data centers can bring, including tax revenue, infrastructure investment, and new opportunities for communities. They also take a closer look at the trade-offs and...
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DT #695 How Storytelling and Career Exploration Can Transform Communities
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
How can economic development professionals better connect with their communities and create a shared vision for regional success? In this episode of Develop This!, sits down with M to discuss the importance of understanding the “why” behind economic development and creating stronger connections between communities, education, employers, and young people. Mark explains why younger generations want purpose and relevance, and how economic developers can help students understand the opportunities available to them long before they enter the workforce. The conversation explores early career...
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DT #692 Beyond the Hype: Understanding AI With Dan Chuparkoff
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
How will artificial intelligence change the way we work, lead, and build communities? In this episode of Develop This!, sits down with , AI keynote speaker and technology leader with more than 30 years of experience at Google and McKinsey, to explore the opportunities and challenges AI presents. Dan breaks down common misconceptions about AI, including why AI can sound confident while still being wrong. He explains how professionals can use AI as an assistant, coach, and productivity tool while keeping humans responsible for critical decisions. The conversation also explores how economic...
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DT #693 How Rural Communities Can Build Stronger Futures With Mason Ainsworth
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
What does it take to build a stronger community from the ground up? In this episode of Develop This!, sits down with to explore his journey from young city councillor to passionate advocate for community development and economic growth. Mason shares lessons from his experience in local government and explains why economic development often comes down to relationships, trust, transparency, and achieving small victories that create long-term momentum. The conversation also explores the unique strengths and challenges of rural communities, including infrastructure, local leadership,...
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DT #689 Turning a Bold Vision Into a Game Changing Community Development Project: The Fort Madison Marina Story
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
What happens when a community stops settling for “good enough” and starts thinking bigger? In this episode of Develop This!, talks with former Fort Madison Mayor and n of about the transformation of the Fort Madison Marina. What started as an aging marina became a much larger vision for the community, incorporating hospitality, events, wellness, tourism, and placemaking. Matt explains how community leaders studied other projects, built a shared vision, and challenged Fort Madison to think beyond simply fixing the existing marina. Rick discusses how the team turned that vision into a...
info_outlineWhat does Ukraine's economy look like in the middle of war, and where are the opportunities for future growth and investment?
In this episode of Develop This!, Dennis Fraise sits down with Bruce Talley to explore the current economic landscape of Ukraine and Moldova and what economic development professionals and investors should understand about the region.
Bruce shares his extensive experience working across post-Soviet countries and provides insight into the regional differences within Ukraine, the resilience of its people, and the ways communities and businesses are continuing to adapt despite the ongoing war.
The conversation examines the sectors showing the greatest resilience and potential, including defense, food processing, agriculture, logistics, and infrastructure. Bruce also discusses the growth of Ukraine's defense industry and drone technology, as well as the role industrial parks can play in supporting future investment.
Another major focus is the investment landscape. Bruce explains why timing matters for investors looking at Ukraine and Moldova, highlighting both the challenges created by the war and the strategic advantages available to those willing to take a longer-term view.
Bruce also discusses workforce challenges, migration trends, and the potential impact of Ukraine and Moldova's movement toward greater integration with the European Union. He explains how infrastructure development, reconstruction, and investment could reshape the region's economy in the years ahead.
The conversation also looks beyond immediate economic development opportunities to consider Ukraine's long-term potential for tourism, improved infrastructure, and quality of life once the country enters a new phase of recovery and growth.
A key takeaway? Ukraine's economy is already demonstrating resilience, and understanding the region's challenges, industries, and strategic position could help economic developers and investors recognize opportunities before the next major wave of growth.
Key Takeaways
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Ukraine's economy continues to show resilience despite the war
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Regional differences play an important role in Ukraine's economic outlook
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Defense and food processing are emerging as key growth industries
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Industrial parks and infrastructure will be critical to future investment
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Workforce shortages and migration remain significant challenges
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Moldova offers unique opportunities for investors and economic developers
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Early strategic investment could create advantages during reconstruction
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EU integration could strengthen long-term economic opportunities
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Tourism and quality of life could become important parts of Ukraine's future economy
Key Topics Covered
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Ukraine's regional economic differences and resilience
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The impact of war on Ukraine's economy
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Investment opportunities in Ukraine and Moldova
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Defense, agriculture, and food processing
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Industrial parks and infrastructure development
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Workforce challenges and migration
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EU integration and regional positioning
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Ukraine's reconstruction and future growth
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Tourism and quality of life
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Strategic timing for investors
Sound Bites
“Ukraine's waiting for the war to end, but it's already growing.”
“Moldova is a fascinating country with a lot of potential.”
“Defense and food processing will be the key industries.”