DT #532 The Year Ahead in Economic Development With Bryan Daniels IEDC Board Chair
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
Release Date: 01/08/2025
DT #549 Understanding the Impact of Tariffs on the Can Manufacturing Industry
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
Summary This Develop This! episode delves into the complexities of tariffs and their impact on the can manufacturing industry in the United States. Dennis Fraise hosts R, CEO and Chairman of the Board of the , and , President of the , to discuss the historical context of tariffs, the current state of the industry, and the challenges faced by manufacturers. The discussion highlights the importance of understanding how tariffs affect not only businesses but also consumers and the potential for reshoring manufacturing in the U.S. amidst ongoing economic challenges. Takeaways Tariffs...
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DT #550 Preview of the 2025 IEDC Rural Retreat in Great Falls, Montana
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
Summary In this episode of the Develop This! Podcast, Dennis Fraise interviews and from the about the upcoming 2025 IEDC Rural Retreat. They discuss the unique features of the retreat, which focuses on rural economic development and offers immersive experiences. Attendees will have the chance to engage with local entrepreneurs and communities. The conversation emphasizes the importance of addressing the specific needs of rural areas and outlines various planned activities for the retreat, including tours, networking opportunities, and visits to local attractions. Takeaways The Great Falls...
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DT #547 Leadership Lessons from a Lifetime in Economic Development - Michael Langley
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
Summary In this episode of the Develop This Podcast, host interviews , a distinguished figure in economic development and recipient of the 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award from the . The conversation explores Michael's journey from military service as a naval aviator to a successful career in corporate America and, ultimately, to his impactful role in economic development. Michael shares valuable insights on leadership, the importance of community engagement, and the evolving landscape of economic development, particularly in light of technological advancements and current political...
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DT #548 The Impact of increased U.S. Tariffs on International Trade and the U.S. economy - David Gantz
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
Summary In this episode of Develop This Podcast, interviews , a trade law expert, to discuss the current state of tariffs and international trade. They explore the chaotic nature of recent tariff threats and implementations, the historical context of trade agreements like and , and the implications of new tariffs on trade relationships with Canada, Mexico, and China. The conversation delves into the impact on consumers, manufacturing, and the long-term effects on US relations with Canada, Mexico, and China, as well as the greatly diminished role of the in global trade. Takeaways The...
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DT #545 Empowering Rural America: The Golden Shovel Approach
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
Summary In this episode of the Develop This Podcast, Dennis Fraise speaks with , president of , about the importance of economic development in rural America. They discuss the agency's mission, the launch of the Rural America campaign, and key findings from a recent white paper on marketing strategies for rural communities. Bethany emphasizes the need for effective marketing strategies, social media's role, and storytelling's importance in economic development. They also touch on the significance of adequate funding and introduce the new website product designed for rural communities. ...
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DT #546 Recap and Review of the 2025 IEDC Leadership Summit
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
Summary In this episode of the Develop This Podcast, host Dennis Fraise is joined by contributing correspondents , , and to discuss their experiences at the recent held in Washington, DC. They reflect on the conference's location, programming, and the importance of networking and collaboration among economic developers. The group shares insights on various sessions, including data utilization, personal branding, and the impact of plenary speakers. They conclude with thoughts on the overall experience and future conferences. Takeaways The conference location in DC allowed for advocacy...
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DT #544 The Tariff Debate: Understanding Its Impact - Ryan Monarch Assistant Professor, Economics Department Syracuse University
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
In this episode of the Develop This Podcast, Dennis Fraise interviews Assistant Professor, Economics Department , an expert in international trade and economics, to discuss the complexities of tariffs and their implications on the economy. The conversation covers the definition of tariffs, their historical context, their role in modern trade, and the economic and consumer impacts. Ryan explains how tariffs can affect supply chains, consumer choices, and the overall market dynamics while also addressing the political motivations behind tariff implementation. The discussion highlights the...
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DT #542 Building Your Dreams: A Lifelong Journey - Mark Perna
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
In this episode of Develop This, Dennis Fraise and discuss the importance of building one's dreams at any stage of life. They explore the distinction between interest and passion, emphasizing that while interest can be easily found, passion is cultivated over time through resilience and commitment. The conversation also highlights the significance of engagement and self-motivation in creating a competitive advantage in both personal and professional realms. Mark shares his philosophy of embracing discomfort and daring to dream, encouraging listeners to take actionable steps toward their...
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DT #543 Leadership Simplified: Enhancing Economic Development Organizations - Doug Van Dyke
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
In this episode of Develop This, Dennis Fraise speaks with , CEO of , about the intricacies of economic development organizations (EDCs). They discuss the role of EDCs, the pros and cons of regionalization, the challenges of collaboration, and the relationship between EDCs and chambers of commerce. Doug shares insights on strategic planning, executive coaching, and the importance of having a neutral party in discussions about regionalism. The conversation highlights the need for collaboration and the potential benefits of working together to enhance economic development efforts. Takeaways ...
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DT #540 These Free Programs are Changing How Cities Learn | Apply Now!
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
In this episode of the Develop This podcast, Dennis Fraise and explore strategies for ensuring that economic development reaches every corner of a community. They discuss the various programs offered by the , including the , which is an all-expense paid professional development experience for economic and community leaders from smaller cities (up to 500,000) to learn from other small and midsized cities that are paving the way through collaboration and innovation. Applications for LEAP are open now and close March 10, 2025. Apply now at ! They also talk about , which...
info_outlineBryan Daniels, the President and CEO of the Blount Partnership – Incoming IEDC Board chair, joins Dennis, and they discuss what is ahead for the economic development profession and IEDC in 2025.
Bryan Daniels was born and raised in Greeneville, Tennessee, which is adjacent to Cherokee National Forest. He has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Communications & Computer Science and a Master of Science degree in Manufacturing Engineering Technology from East Tennessee State University.
Bryan began his career with the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development based in Nashville, Tennessee. Mr. Daniels left the State of Tennessee in 1997 and begun work as an Economic Development Planner for the firm of Barge Waggoner, Sumner and Cannon based in Nashville, Tennessee. During this time Bryan worked with several communities within East Tennessee and Southwest Virginia. His clients were municipalities trying to develop their local economies and seeking state and federal support for their goals.
From 2001 thru 2010, Bryan accepted the role of Executive Vice President under the Blount Partnership. He was directly responsible for the Economic Development offices and staff located in Maryville, Tennessee; Munich, Germany; and Yokohama, Japan. Bryan managed the operations of the community's four industrial parks, two science/technology parks, and the Economic Development Programs for Blount County, City of Maryville, and City of Alcoa, Tennessee. The Economic Development Board is one of the four partner agencies of the Blount Partnership.
In 2010, Bryan was named President and CEO of the Blount Partnership. The Partnership is comprised of The Blount County Chamber of Commerce, Blount County Economic Development Board, the Smoky Mountain Tourism Development Authority, and the Blount Chamber Foundation. The 24-person staff is responsible for all economic development activities within the jurisdictional boarders of Blount County and the cities of Alcoa, Maryville, Townsend, Rockford, Friendsville, and Louisville.
During Bryan's tenure, Blount County has recruited over 75 new and expanding companies in the areas of research & development, corporate headquarters, manufacturing, and back-office support centers. The total capital investment of these companies has exceeded $4 billion dollars and created more than 12,000 direct new jobs with average wages above Tennessee's average. The Blount County local governments adopted the new tourism authority structure which was written by Bryan and former Senator Doug Overbey. The authority was unanimously adopted by the 107th Tennessee general assembly.
Bryan has continued his professional education by graduating from the Economic Development Institute located at the University of Oklahoma and is a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) from the International Economic Development Council. Bryan is also a graduate from the US Chamber's Institute of Non-Profit Management and attained the designation of IOM. He has also attained the status of Certified Chamber Executive (CCE) from the American Chamber of Commerce Executives.
The Blount Partnership is a five-star accredited Chamber of Commerce by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and is the only Accredited Economic Development Organization (AEDO) by the International Economic Development Council in the state of Tennessee. Bryan is very active in the community and has held the following leadership roles: