DT #603 Mentors, Milestones & Momentum: How Marsellas Williams Built His ED Career
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
Release Date: 12/03/2025
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...
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DT #602 From Talent to Sites: Virginia’s Blueprint for Economic Success
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
Show Notes In this episode of , host sits down with , President and CEO of the , to explore how Virginia has earned — and maintained — its reputation as one of the best states for business. Jason shares how Virginia’s nonpartisan approach to economic development ensures continuity, focus, and accountability. He dives deep into the Virginia Talent Accelerator Program, a national model for workforce training that has helped attract global leaders like AstraZeneca and Eli Lilly. From site readiness to speed-to-market, Virginia’s economic playbook emphasizes agility,...
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DT #603 Mentors, Milestones & Momentum: How Marsellas Williams Built His ED Career
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
Episode Overview In this inspiring episode of the Podcast, host Dennis Fraise reconnects with newly certified economic developer for a candid and energetic conversation about what it truly takes to grow in the economic development profession. Marsellas reflects on his personal journey—from entering the field in 2018 to overcoming the rigorous path toward earning his . He highlights the powerful role of mentorship, the importance of leaning into professional values and faith, and the real-life challenges that come with stepping into the world of community and economic development. ...
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DT #601 Inside the Site Selectors Guild Partner Program: Jay Garner on Building Powerful EDO–Consultant Connections
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
Episode Overview In this episode of the Develop This! Podcast, host Dennis Fraise sits down with one of the most respected voices in economic development— of and a long-standing S member. Jay brings decades of experience in corporate location advisory work and economic strategy, offering listeners a deep dive into today’s site selection environment and the most pressing trends shaping business investment. A centerpiece of the conversation is the , an innovative initiative designed to strengthen connections between site selection consultants and economic development organizations. As...
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DT #599 How Research FDI is Transforming Investment Attraction for EDOs
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
In this episode of Develop This!, host sits down with , Founder and CEO of , to explore how technology, AI, and global trends are reshaping the future of investment attraction. Bruce shares his personal journey and lessons learned from years of helping communities and economic development organizations (EDOs) compete in a rapidly evolving global marketplace. From AI-powered tools like FDI 365 to training programs that strengthen EDO outreach, Bruce highlights the strategies that separate high-performing organizations from the rest. Listeners will gain insights into: Why a clear...
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DT #600 Building Trust in AI: Why Guardrails and Human Oversight Matter
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
💡 Episode Summary In the final installment of the Develop This! AI series, host is joined by and for an in-depth conversation on developing a comprehensive AI strategy framework for organizations of all sizes. Together, they unpack the critical need for guardrails that ensure ethical and effective AI use, the importance of human oversight, and the dangers of shadow AI—when employees use unapproved tools without governance. The discussion highlights data privacy, ethical AI boundaries, and organizational alignment, providing leaders with a practical blueprint for implementing...
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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...
info_outlineEpisode Overview
In this inspiring episode of the Develop This! Podcast, host Dennis Fraise reconnects with newly certified economic developer Marsellas Williams for a candid and energetic conversation about what it truly takes to grow in the economic development profession.
Marsellas reflects on his personal journey—from entering the field in 2018 to overcoming the rigorous path toward earning his CEcD certification. He highlights the powerful role of mentorship, the importance of leaning into professional values and faith, and the real-life challenges that come with stepping into the world of community and economic development.
Listeners will hear firsthand how Marsellas has become a catalyst for business retention and expansion in Powder Springs, Georgia, where his work is fueling job creation and community vitality. He shares lessons learned, practical career advice, and the strategies that helped him thrive—both in the field and in life.
Whether you're new to the profession or a seasoned practitioner, this episode delivers the guidance, encouragement, and insights you need to continue growing and leading in your community.
Key Takeaways
- Marsellas launched his economic development career in 2018, fueled by curiosity and a desire to serve communities.
- Mentorship has been central to his development and success.
- The road to CEcD certification is challenging—but deeply rewarding.
- Faith and personal values shape Marcellus’s leadership style and decision-making.
- Strong business retention efforts remain one of the most effective paths to community job creation.
- Powder Springs, GA is experiencing dynamic growth driven by strategy and collaboration.
- Networking is essential for building credibility and opening doors in the profession.
- Relationships—not just projects—define long-term success in economic development.
- Preparing for certification requires discipline, planning, and intentional study.
- Looking ahead, Marsellas envisions leading a larger organization or leveraging his talents in the private sector.