DT #324: Pivoting Your Programs in a COVID World with Dana Millard
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
Release Date: 12/09/2020
DT #613 Community Banks and Economic Development: Why Local Relationships Still Matter
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
Community banks play a critical—yet often underappreciated—role in economic development. In this episode of Develop This!, the #1 podcast for economic development professionals, host sits down with , President and CEO of in Fort Madison, Iowa, to explore how community banking fuels local economies, supports small businesses, and strengthens rural communities. Matt shares his career journey from working at large financial institutions to leading a community bank and explains why relationship-based banking remains essential to sustainable economic development. Together, Dennis and Matt...
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DT #615 The Future of Funding: How EDOs Can Thrive in an Uncertain 2026
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
Show Notes As part of the 2026 Crystal Ball Series, host sits down with , Principal at , to explore what lies ahead for economic development organization (EDO) funding as communities head toward 2026. With public funding under pressure and competition for private dollars increasing, this episode delivers a candid, practical conversation about risk management, revenue diversification, and leadership strategy. Andy draws on his national experience working alongside EDOs, chambers, and nonprofit organizations to explain why some communities will struggle—and why others will emerge stronger...
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DT #610 Looking Ahead to 2026: Chris Lloyd - Economic Development Trends You Can’t Ignore
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
As Develop This! kicks off its Crystal Ball series for 2026, host is joined by , Senior Vice President and Director of Infrastructure and Economic Development at , for a forward-looking conversation on the forces shaping the future of economic development in partnrship with the Chris brings a national perspective on how federal tax policy, state conformity, executive orders, and the growing affordability agenda are influencing site selection and investment decisions. The discussion explores why tools like immediate expensing of capital matter more than ever, how executive actions can...
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DT #609 Crystal Ball 2026: Leadership, Talent, and the Future of Economic Development with Danielle Casey
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
As part of the Develop This! Crystal Ball Series kicking off 2026, host sits down with , President & CEO of the and incoming Board Chair, for a candid and forward-looking conversation on leadership, career evolution, and the future of economic development. Danielle shares insights from her career transition from Albuquerque to Las Vegas and reflects on how unplanned opportunities often shape meaningful leadership journeys. Together, Dennis and Danielle explore the evolving demands placed on economic development professionals—from rapid technological change and demographic shifts...
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DT #607 Crystal Ball 2026: Nathan Ohle on the Future of Economic Development, Leadership & IEDC at 100
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
As part of the Develop This! Crystal Ball Series kicking off 2026, host sits down with , President & CEO of the , for a wide-ranging conversation on where the profession is headed—and how leaders can prepare for what’s next. Nathan shares insights from his extensive travels and conversations with economic developers across the country, highlighting how the role of the practitioner is evolving. From deeper engagement with rural communities to increased cross-sector collaboration, economic development is becoming more complex—and more impactful—than ever. The discussion also...
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Dt #608 Crystal Ball 2026: Mark Perna on the Future of Workforce, Youth & Leadership
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
As Develop This! kicks off 2026, host Dennis Fraise continues the Crystal Ball series with a timely and thought-provoking conversation with —generational expert, author of , speaker, and contributor. Together, Dennis and Mark explore how the workforce and education landscape has (and hasn’t) changed since Answering Why was published in 2018. They examine generational shifts, the widening skills and readiness gap, and the urgent need for visionary leadership across economic development, education, and workforce systems. Mark shares powerful insights on what young people are really asking...
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DT #615 Advocacy That Gets Projects Done: Working With Elected Officials
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
In this episode of Develop This! host interviews President & CEO, former Mayor & IL State Representative, who shares hard-earned insights on how local leaders can advocate effectively with elected officials to get economic development projects across the finish line. Drawing on his experience as a city council member, mayor, and state representative, Kyle explains the practical realities that shape project outcomes, including timing, coalitions, data, and political context. They discuss: Why advocacy often comes too late—and how to avoid this pitfall. How elected officials...
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DT #606 Leading So People Want to Follow: Board Leadership That Works
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
What truly makes an effective board chair in economic development? In this episode of Develop This!, the #1 economic development podcast, host sits down with , President of ., and , to explore the role of the board chair—and why influence matters more than authority. Drawing from decades of leading multi-generational, community-rooted businesses and serving as board chair for two economic development organizations, Bob shares hard-earned insights on leadership that earns trust, not compliance. He explains why the loudest voice in the room rarely leads to the best outcomes—and how...
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DT #604 So Good They Can’t Ignore You: Building a Career That Matters - Mark Perna
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
In this episode of host welcomes nationally recognized speaker and thought leader for a powerful conversation on career growth, motivation, and personal development. From the earliest stages of a career to seasoned leadership, Mark and Dennis explore what truly drives long-term success. The discussion dives into the importance of intentionally stepping outside your comfort zone, seeking meaningful mentorship, and committing to continuous self-improvement. Mark shares his personal journey as a public speaker—highlighting the setbacks, failures, and self-reflection that shaped his...
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DT #605 From Tariffs to Talent: What’s Shaping Corporate Location Decisions Today
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
In this episode of — Host sits down with , Managing Director at and a leading expert in location economics and site selection, for a timely conversation about how tariffs, policy volatility, and global uncertainty are reshaping corporate investment decisions. This episode is presented in partnership with the , highlighting how collaboration between economic developers and professional site selectors leads to better outcomes for communities and companies alike. Tracey shares insights from her work at BLS & Company, explaining why successful projects must create value on both sides of...
info_outlineThis week's guest knows co-host Dennis way too well because she works with him on a daily basis.
Dana Millard is the Economic Development Project Director for Lee County Economic Development Group.
Dana’s responsibilities include being the lead on Workforce Development and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) programs, organizing events, generating communications and heads the business retention and expansion campaign throughout Lee County region. She currently sits on the Governor’s STEM Advisory Council for SE Iowa and connects education with industry to build a talent pipeline.
In today's episode Dennis and Dana will discuss the ways in which the organization has adjusted its delivery of programs during the pandemic. Tune in for lots of ideas and tips.
More about Lee County Economic Development Group
Connect with Dana Millard