DT #574 Bridging the Digital Divide in Jackson, MS - Tamika Jenkins
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
Release Date: 07/09/2025
DT #597 The Hidden Costs of Toxic Leadership
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
💡 Episode Summary In this episode of Develop This!, host sits down with , a national thought leader on workforce, education, and generational engagement, for a deep dive into one of the most damaging forces in any organization—toxic leadership. Together, Dennis and Mark unpack the growing disengagement crisis in today’s workforce and explore the concept of the “Toxaboss”—a leader who demands high performance but fails to offer recognition or connection. They discuss how toxic behaviors erode trust, destroy morale, and ripple through entire organizations, especially within...
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DT #598 Iowa’s Innovative Answer to Housing Shortages and Second Chances
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
🏠Show Notes In this episode of Develop This!, host sits down with , Executive Director of SEIRPC and President of the Homes for Iowa Board of Directors, and , Executive Director of . Together, they share how an innovative Iowa initiative is tackling two of the state’s most pressing challenges—affordable housing and workforce development—while also giving incarcerated individuals a second chance. Built on a powerful public-private partnership with , Homes for Iowa trains men at the Newton, IA Correctional Facility in construction trades while building high-quality, affordable...
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DT #595 Workforce at a Crossroads: Compete, Adapt, and Thrive — with Jay Garner, Site Selectors Guild
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
💡 Episode Summary In this episode of , host sits down with , President of and a founding member of the , to tackle one of the biggest challenges in economic development today—the workforce crisis. Jay and Dennis dig into the realities behind the “silver tsunami” as millions of baby boomers near retirement, explore the widening skills gap, and discuss how quality of place now drives business investment decisions. They also examine how immigration, technology, and regional collaboration are reshaping workforce dynamics—and what communities can do to stay competitive. ...
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DT #596 Navigating IEDC’s 2026 Course Catalog: What’s New and What’s Next
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
🎧 Episode Summary In this episode of Develop This!, host sits down with , Learning & Development Associate with the , to explore the evolving world of professional development in economic development. From IEDC’s new to the rise of virtual training and the importance of certification and continuous learning, Lynn shares a behind-the-scenes look at how IEDC equips professionals with the tools, skills, and confidence to thrive in a rapidly changing field. The conversation covers how courses are designed for immediate, real-world application, the impact of networking and peer...
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DT #593 How GrantGuru Helps Communities Compete for Funding
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
In this episode of Develop This!, host sits down with , Co-Founder and Director of , the world’s largest aggregator of grants and funding programs. Together, they explore how Grant Guru is transforming the way communities, local governments, and nonprofits access funding opportunities. Adrian shares his unlikely journey from geology to grant funding, the evolution of GrantGuru into a global grants intelligence platform, and how its technology helps simplify and democratize access to more than 163,000 active grants worth over $3.5 trillion. Listeners will learn how economic developers...
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DT #594 The Power of Place and Pride: Celebrating Filipino American History Month
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
In this inspiring episode of Develop This!, host sits down with her sister, Christine Cuartero, Co-Director of the , to explore how cultural heritage can shape stronger communities and local economies. October marks , a time to honor the resilience, creativity, and contributions of Filipino Americans across generations. Joi and Christine discuss how celebrating heritage is more than preserving tradition; it’s an act of community-building, identity, and empowerment. From the diverse neighborhood of Albany Park in Chicago, Christine shares the story of how a group of Pinay...
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DT #592 Navigating Leadership Transitions in Economic Development
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
1 In this episode of Develop This!, host Dennis Fraise sits down with , the President and CEO of the (LCEDG)—the very role Dennis once held. Together, they explore the realities of leadership transition, organizational change, and the evolution of community-focused economic development. Emily shares her non-linear career journey into the field, how a strategic overlap period helped ensure a smooth handoff, and what it’s been like stepping into leadership of a small but impactful economic development organization. From navigating board dynamics and community...
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DT #590 Next-Gen Leadership: How Young Professionals Are Shaping Small-Town Revivals
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
What does it mean to be a young leader in economic development today? In this episode, Develop This! contributing correspondent sits down with , & Economic Development Director, to explore the realities, opportunities, and challenges of leading in a small community. From his start as a city administrator to his current role championing Centerville’s revitalization, Chandler shares his insights on navigating leadership at a young age, building credibility, and turning limited resources into creative momentum. Together, they discuss how young professionals are reshaping the field, why...
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DT #591 Empowering Staff with AI: Inclusive AI Training Strategies
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
In this episode of the Develop This! Podcast, is joined by and for the third installment in a four-part series on building an AI blueprint. They dive into the essential role of workforce upskilling in successful AI adoption, explaining why AI training must extend beyond technical teams to prevent the creation of a two-tier workforce. The discussion highlights how inclusive AI training not only builds employee skills but also boosts morale, engagement, and organizational growth. Listeners will gain actionable strategies for empowering employees, leveraging AI to amplify human strengths,...
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DT #588 Key Trends from the 2025 State of Site Selection Annual Report
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
In this episode of the Develop This! podcast, host Dennis Fraise dives into the newly released 2025 State of Site Selection annual report with guests from the and from . Together, they unpack the trends shaping facility location decisions and explore their implications for economic and community development professionals. From the growing weight of risk factors such as policy shifts and tariffs to the pressing need for ready sites with robust infrastructure, the conversation explores how organizations can prepare for an increasingly complex site selection landscape. They also discuss the...
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In this episode of Develop This, Dennis Fraise interviews Tamika Jenkins, the executive director of The Bean Path, 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 economic development, emphasizing the need for continuous adaptation and learning in a rapidly changing world.
Takeaways
- Economic development is a passion for Tamika Jenkins.
- The Bean Path offers free technology classes for all ages.
- Jackson, Mississippi has a rich culture but faces economic challenges.
- The Bean Path aims to bridge the digital gap in the community.
- Technology is crucial for education, healthcare, and social connections.
- Outreach efforts include partnerships with local schools and community centers.
- Funding for The Bean Path comes from grants, donations, and memberships.
- The impact of The Bean Path has reached over 10,000 people since its inception.
- AI is becoming an essential tool in economic development.
- The future of tech will likely involve more visual and interactive elements.