DT #342: Should EDOs Purchase Land?
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
Release Date: 03/24/2021
DT #646 Dress the Part: How Personal Style Shapes Confidence and Career Success
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
How much does what you wear actually shape how you’re perceived—and how you perform? In this episode of Develop This!, is joined by , founder of , to explore his journey from a farm in Canada to becoming a leading voice in men’s fashion and personal styling. Dan breaks down the fundamentals of building a professional wardrobe, emphasizing why fit, quality, and intention matter more than trends. He also shares how personalized style can directly influence confidence, presence, and career success. The conversation explores the shift toward more casual dress codes, and why understanding...
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DT #647 From Legacy City to Regional Powerhouse: How Birmingham Is Rewriting Its Economic Future
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
What does it take for a legacy industrial city to reinvent itself into a modern growth hub? In this episode of Develop This!, is joined by to explore Birmingham’s ongoing economic transformation and the strategies shaping its future. From major wins like the Fannie Mae project to the continued rise of life sciences and metals industries, Birmingham is positioning itself as a diversified and competitive regional economy. Trevor breaks down how strategic investment, infrastructure, and workforce alignment are driving that shift. A major focus of the conversation is workforce...
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DT #644 Beyond Cost: What’s Really Driving Global Site Selection Today
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
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DT #645 The Future of Economic Development: AI, Talent, and Regional Strategy in a Changing World
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
How is economic development evolving in a world shaped by rapid technological change? In this episode of Develop This!, sits down with to explore how regional strategies, emerging technologies, and workforce development are redefining the field. From AI to quantum computing, Alejandra breaks down how innovation is influencing where and how communities grow. She emphasizes the importance of infrastructure, regional collaboration, and staying grounded in a global context that continues to shape local decisions. Workforce development is a central theme, with a focus on building skills across...
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DT #642 Big Ideas, Bold Leadership with Mark C. Perna
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
In this inspiring episode of Develop This!, host sits down with to explore the power of bold thinking, visionary leadership, and rallying people around big ideas. Drawing on their shared fascination with the Apollo program, they unpack how the audacity of aiming for the moon transformed not just science—but an entire generation’s mindset. From the iconic leadership behind the Apollo 11 Moon Landing to the forward-looking ambitions of the Artemis Program, this conversation connects the dots between space exploration and the work economic developers do every day: building momentum,...
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DT #643 Leadership Traits of High-Performing Economic Developers – Barry Broome
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
What separates good economic development organizations from great ones? According to Barry Broome, it comes down to leadership, data, and the courage to adapt. In this episode of Develop This!, host sits down with , President and CEO of the and recipient of the 2025 Chairwoman’s Award from the International Economic Development Council. Barry shares hard-earned insights from decades in the field, offering a candid look at the evolving economic development landscape. From the acceleration of reshoring and the rise of secondary markets to the growing influence of AI and automation, this...
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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
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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...
info_outlineShould private, non-profit EDOs consider purchasing land or buildings as part of the organizational work plan?
In this episode, Jason explores the pros and cons of doing so.
3 Reasons NOT to Purchase Land
- It could go badly
- It may tick off private developers in your community
- The buyer will compete with other businesses in your market
3 Reasons to Consider Purchasing Land
- It locks in the price of land for deal-making
- You can be proactive in getting the land ready for sale
- Sometimes, we have to prime the pump