DT #618 The Site Selectors Guild Explained: Standards, Strategy, and the Future of Site Selection
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
Release Date: 02/04/2026
DT #633 From Capital to Community: How CDFIs Drive Inclusive Growth
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
In this episode of Develop This!, sits down with , President and CEO of the , to explore the transformative role of Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) in advancing equitable economic development. Amber shares how black-led CDFIs are uniquely positioned to build trust, expand capital access, and drive meaningful impact in underserved communities—while also addressing the persistent challenges these institutions face in scaling and sustainability. From the importance of certification and capital access to the power of culturally competent leadership, this conversation...
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DT #634 Keep What You Grow: Smarter Business Retention Strategies
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
In this episode of Develop This!, sits down with to explore one of the most overlooked—but most impactful—strategies in economic development: business retention. While recruitment often grabs headlines, Eric makes the case that real, sustainable community growth happens by supporting the businesses you already have. Through proactive relationship-building, early intervention, and consistent communication, local leaders can help small businesses not just survive—but thrive. This episode dives into practical, easy-to-implement strategies, from using simple tracking tools and AI to...
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Develop This! #631 Promise Programs: A Game-Changer for Workforce Development
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
Episode Summary In this episode of Develop This!, is joined by and from to explore how Promise programs are reshaping workforce development and community growth. From nationally recognized models like the to emerging initiatives like the , these programs are creating long-term talent pipelines, expanding access to education, and driving economic competitiveness. If your community is looking for a proven strategy to attract talent, support students, and grow your economy, this episode delivers both inspiration and a roadmap. What You’ll Learn Promise Programs as an Economic Development...
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DT #632 Rally Your Region: A New Playbook for Economic Development
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
In this episode of Develop This!, sits down with to explore a powerful new initiative developed in partnership with the Designed to help communities break through silos, build consensus, and take real action, Rally Your Region provides a structured, customizable framework to align stakeholders around a shared vision for economic and workforce success. If your region struggles to align education, employers, and community leaders, this episode offers a clear path forward. What You’ll Learn The Concept Behind Rally Your Region Why regions need a central rally point to move forward How...
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DT #629 People First: Rethinking Economic Development for Stronger Communities
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
People First: Rethinking Economic Development with Maggie Strong Economic development has long focused on transactions—deals, incentives, and projects. But the communities thriving today are doing something different: they’re putting people at the center of the strategy. In this episode of the Develop This! Podcast, host sits down with , founder of , to explore how authentic community engagement can unlock stronger, more sustainable economic growth. With nearly two decades of experience in economic development strategy, marketing, and community visioning, Maggie shares practical insights...
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DT #630 The Succession Crisis No One Is Talking About in Economic Development
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
Across America, thousands of business owners are quietly approaching retirement — and many have no succession plan in place. For communities, that represents a major economic risk: lost jobs, closed storefronts, and the potential loss of locally rooted businesses. In this episode of Develop This!, host sits down with , Executive Director of the , to explore how communities can turn the coming wave of business transitions into an economic development opportunity. Mark shares insights from , an innovative program helping business owners prepare for exit while connecting them with the next...
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DT #628 Trust, Transparency, and Tough Decisions: Ethics in Economic Development
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
Ethics is the invisible foundation of successful economic development. In this episode of Develop This!, we explore why professional integrity is essential to building trust, guiding difficult decisions, and sustaining long-term community growth. interviews , a longtime educator and leader in economic development ethics, about how ethical standards have evolved in the profession—and why they matter more than ever in today’s complex environment. From navigating gray areas in deal-making to understanding the role of formal codes of ethics and professional accountability, Jim shares insights...
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DT #627 The Future of Grants: AI, Federal Changes, and New Funding Strategies for Economic Developers
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
The grant landscape is shifting quickly — and economic developers need to be ready. In this episode of Develop This!, sits down with , founder of , to explore what’s ahead for grants, funding, and economic development in 2026. Federal policy changes are reshaping funding opportunities, including a shift away from centralized systems like Grants.gov toward department-specific platforms. At the same time, economic developers are facing increased pressure to secure funding with fewer resources. Adrian shares how communities can adapt by diversifying funding sources, strengthening...
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DT #623 Proof, Not Potential: What Site Selectors Really Look For
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
In this episode of Develop This!, sits down with “America’s factory whisperer,” , President & CEO of , for a candid and strategic conversation about the realities of site selection in today’s turbulent environment. With more than two decades guiding large manufacturing and heavy industrial projects, Didi shares insider insight into how companies actually make location decisions — and where communities often fall short. From compressed project timelines to the reshoring debate, from data centers reshaping energy markets to the growing importance of investment-ready sites, this...
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DT #625 JetZero Lands in Greensboro: North Carolina’s Largest Economic Development Win
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
The largest economic development project in North Carolina history is taking flight. In this episode of Develop This!, guests and take listeners behind the scenes of JetZero’s monumental decision to build a $4.7 billion advanced manufacturing facility in Greensboro, North Carolina — a project expected to create more than 14,500 jobs. JetZero’s aerospace manufacturing campus isn’t just another announcement. It represents a transformational moment for Greensboro, the Piedmont Triad region, and the entire state. In this episode, you’ll hear: Why JetZero selected Greensboro and the...
info_outlineIn this episode of Develop This!, host Dennis Fraise sits down with Samantha Jefferson, Managing Director of the Site Selectors Guild. This episode continues the relationship between the Develop This! Podcast and the Site Selectors Guild, offering listeners direct insight into how site selectors think, lead, and shape economic development outcomes.
Samantha shares her unique career journey and how early leadership experiences helped shape her holistic approach to site selection. The conversation explores why community understanding is just as important as data, how the Guild promotes integrity and objectivity in the profession, and why member feedback is driving new initiatives—including the launch of new industry certifications.
Dennis and Samantha also discuss the realities of site readiness, the importance of speculative investment, the Guild’s international expansion, and how partnerships and conferences are strengthening engagement across the profession.
Key Takeaways
- Samantha’s diverse background shapes her holistic view of site selection
- Leadership lessons can come from early experiences, including youth organizations
- Understanding communities is critical to successful economic development
- The Site Selectors Guild promotes integrity and objectivity in site selection
- Member feedback guides the Guild’s future direction
- New certifications help define professional standards for site selectors
- International expansion reflects the realities of a global economy
- Site readiness requires careful planning and speculative investment
- Partnerships enhance learning and engagement opportunities
- Success as Managing Director means strong membership and impactful collaboration
Join us in Atlanta for the 2026 Guild Spring Conference!
Mark your calendar and prepare for an unparalleled experience at the 2026 Guild Spring Conference with 50 top site selection consultants and members of the Site Selectors Guild taking place March 23-25, 2026 in the vibrant heart of Atlanta, Georgia! With a ratio of eight EDO attendees to one Guild member, this is your exclusive opportunity to connect directly with the world’s top location strategy experts and economic developers from across the US and abroad who are all shaping the future of site selection and global investment. The 2026 Guild Spring Conference will bring together the brightest minds in the industry for dynamic panel discussions, interactive roundtables, and high-impact networking sessions—all designed to spark new ideas, foster meaningful connections, and drive real results. Whether you are looking to showcase your community, understand the latest trends, or build relationships that matter, there is no better place to do it than at the Guild Spring Conference.