DT #569 Breathing Life into Rural: Inside the IEDC Rural Retreat (with Main Street America)
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
Release Date: 06/04/2025
DT #583 Transforming Arkansas - Hugh McDonald, Arkansas Secretary of Commerce
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
Join us for an insightful conversation with Hugh McDonald, Arkansas Secretary of Commerce, as he shares his journey from the utility sector to leading state commerce. Discover the challenges, achievements, and future plans for Arkansas's economic development. Key Points: Hugh McDonald's transition from Entergy to the Secretary of Commerce The creation and impact of the Challenges and opportunities in Arkansas's economic landscape The role of the private sector and local communities in economic growth Future goals for Arkansas in steel, lithium, and workforce development
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DT #582 2025 IEDC Annual Conference Preview
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
In this episode of Develop This! Dennis is joined by President and CEO of the , and they discuss Detroit today and the upcoming in Detroit. Get ready for an exciting preview of the in Detroit! This episode offers a sneak peek into the anticipated sessions, keynote speakers, and innovative topics that will shape the future of economic development. Join us as we explore what to expect from this year's conference, including transformative projects, cutting-edge strategies, and the latest industry trends. Don't miss this opportunity to prepare for an event that promises to...
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DT #581 The New Rules of Networking with Mark Perna
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
Episode Description: Join us in this insightful episode as Dennis welcomes back a regular contributor to , to discuss the evolving landscape of networking. Discover how Gen Z is reshaping networking norms, the importance of genuine connections, and strategies to stand out in today's competitive job market. Key Takeaways: Gen Z's approach to networking: moving beyond cold calls and coffee chats. The significance of building a personal competitive advantage. Networking myths debunked: quality over quantity in connections. Practical tips for making networking fun and effective.
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DT #580 Unlocking AI: Bridging the Literacy Gap - Ashley Canada & Eric Canada
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
Summary In this episode of the Develop This Podcast, Dennis Fraise is joined by and to discuss the importance of AI literacy and its implications for economic development. They explore the origins of their AI workshops, the challenges of understanding AI, and the necessity of starting with personal applications. The conversation delves into effective prompting techniques, tools for engagement, and the ethical considerations surrounding AI usage. They also highlight the future of AI as a significant disruptor and the importance of education in navigating this landscape. Takeaways AI...
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DT #579 Navigating the Economic Development Career Landscape - Bethany Miller
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
Summary In this episode of the Develop This Podcast, Dennis Fraise interviews , a Senior Economic Development Consultant at . They discuss Bethany's unique career path, her experiences in various economic development roles, and the skills necessary for success in the field. Bethany shares insights on navigating career transitions, her time at Amazon, and the current state of economic development, including the impact of AI. She emphasizes the importance of self-care and continuous learning in a demanding profession, offering valuable advice for newcomers to the field. Takeaways Bethany's...
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DT #577 IEDC Rural Retreat Recap - Main Street at the Mountain West
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
In this special episode, of sits down with colleagues and to reflect on their experience at the Rural Retreat in Great Falls, Montana. They discuss the power of data, the importance of people-powered revitalization, and how Main Street strategies are showing up in economic development conversations like never before. From hype teams and alleyway dance parties to building inventories and rural entrepreneurship, this conversation dives deep into what it means to breathe new life into rural communities—and how Main Street can lead the way.
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DT #578 Economic Development Success in Arkansas - Clint O'Neil, the executive director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
Summary In this episode of Develop This!, Dennis Fraise interviews , the executive director of the . They discuss the importance of economic development in small towns, highlighting success stories of major companies like Walmart, Tyson Foods, and Murphy USA. Clint shares insights on the role of the timber and agriculture industries in Arkansas's economy, the state's competitive advantages, and the importance of workforce development. The conversation emphasizes the need for strong relationships and community support in fostering economic growth and attracting new businesses. Takeaways Clint...
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DT #576 Community Colleges - Leading The Entrepreneurial Shift in Workforce Development
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
Summary In this episode of Develop This, Dennis Fraise is joined by with and President of , to discuss the vital role of community colleges in workforce development. They share personal stories highlighting the transformative impact of community colleges, explore how these institutions are adopting entrepreneurial approaches to meet workforce needs, and discuss emerging trends in workforce development. The conversation also covers the importance of grants and public-private partnerships, the need for shared resources, and the challenges of collaboration among economic developers and...
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DT #575 the essential professional skills needed to thrive in an AI-driven workplace - Mark Perna
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
Summary In this episode, Dennis and discuss the essential professional skills needed to thrive in an AI-driven workplace. They explore the importance of communication, teamwork, leadership, problem-solving, and other skills that will set individuals apart in the evolving job market. Mark emphasizes that while AI is a powerful tool, it cannot replace the human touch and the unique skills that people bring to the table. The conversation highlights the need for continuous development of these skills to stay relevant and effective in the workplace. Takeaways AI is a tool that enhances human...
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DT #574 Bridging the Digital Divide in Jackson, MS - Tamika Jenkins
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
Summary In this episode of Develop This, Dennis Fraise interviews , the executive director of The , a tech nonprofit in Jackson, Mississippi. They discuss Tamika's background in economic development, the challenges and opportunities in Jackson's economy, and the mission of The Bean Path to bridge the digital gap through technology education. The conversation highlights the importance of technology in various aspects of life, the funding and sustainability of nonprofit organizations, and the impact of The Bean Path on the community. Tamika shares insights on the future of technology and...
info_outlineJoi Cuartero Austin is joined by Erik Reader, Director of Illinois Main Street, and Jonathan Stone, Program Officer at Main Street America, for a lively discussion about the upcoming IEDC Rural Retreat in Great Falls, Montana.
This first-of-its-kind event by the International Economic Development Council is designed specifically for professionals working in rural and tribal communities—and the format is anything but typical. The team dives into what makes this retreat unique, including Spark Talks and immersive, on-the-ground experiences that trade PowerPoints for people-powered stories.
Together, we explore:
- What rural really means (spoiler: it’s not just a population number)
- The challenges and opportunities unique to rural economic development
- How local Main Street communities are using tools like TIF/BID/SSA, and placemaking to transform downtowns and riverfronts
- Why entrepreneurial ecosystems, creative space use, and hybrid business models are gaining traction
- How tools like the BOOMS Tracker help communities separate myth from reality and take control of revitalization
We also preview the three immersive tours led by Main Street America staff:
- Small-Town Startups with Global Spark (Conrad, MT)
- Breathing Life into Main Street (Downtown Great Falls)
- Riverfront Revival on the Missouri (West Bank Landing)
Finally, we reflect on what participants will take home from this rural retreat, the importance of building relationships across sectors, and why people—not just policies—are the real spark behind rural revitalization.