DT #620 The Power of Place: What U.S. Communities Can Learn from Australia’s Country University Centers
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
Release Date: 02/18/2026
DT #641 The War for Talent Is Over—Now What? A Global Perspective with Patsy Van Hove
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
In this episode of Develop This!, we go global with of to unpack the evolving world of site selection and economic development. From shifting workforce dynamics to the growing importance of international collaboration, Patsy shares why talent—not geography—is now the driving force behind location decisions. You’ll hear how communities can stay competitive in a world where companies are chasing skills, not just sites—and why building strong talent ecosystems is no longer optional. Whether you’re working in a rural community or a global metro, this conversation will challenge how you...
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DT #642 From Empty to Energized: Rethinking Community Revitalization
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
Vacant buildings are often treated as the problem—but what if they’re just the symptom? In this episode of Develop This!, contributing correspondent sits down with economic development expert to unpack the deeper forces behind community vacancy challenges. From market realities and ownership dynamics to infrastructure and policy barriers, Eric shares why quick fixes often fall short—and what to do instead. This conversation dives into the importance of asking better questions, taking a block-by-block approach, and building sustainable momentum that leads to long-term investment and...
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DT #639 - How Sports, Small Business, and Strategy Are Reshaping Clark County
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
Episode Summary Clark County, long known as the global epicenter of tourism and gaming, is rewriting its economic story. In this episode, sits down with , Director of Community and Economic Development, and she shares how Southern Nevada is transforming into a diversified, innovation-driven economy. From attracting new industries to leveraging the explosive growth of professional sports, Shani breaks down the strategies reshaping the region. She also highlights the critical roles of small businesses, workforce development, and bold initiatives like the Micro Business Park in building a more...
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DT #640 Winning Together: How Regional Collaboration Is Powering Chicagoland’s Economic Growth
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
What happens when competing communities decide to collaborate instead? In this episode, sits down with , Board Chair of the and CEO of , and shares how a coalition of counties around Chicago is redefining economic development through regional alignment. Kevin unpacks the origins and evolution of the Greater Chicagoland Economic Partnership (GCEP), offering a behind-the-scenes look at how trust was built across jurisdictions, how funding models are shifting, and why collaboration is delivering better outcomes for business attraction and growth. From leveraging global assets like O’Hare...
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DT #637 Ken Biberaj – Defense, AI, and Infrastructure: The New Battleground for Economic Growth
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
Episode Summary In this episode of Develop This!, host sits down with , Executive Managing Director at and host of , to explore how national defense policy, artificial intelligence, and real estate strategy are converging to reshape economic development across the United States. Ken shares insights from the front lines of site selection and federal policy, unpacking the rise of a new defense-driven innovation ecosystem, the growing importance of AI and data centers, and why communities must rethink their approach to site readiness, infrastructure, and talent. This conversation is a...
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DT #638 Alejandra Y. Castillo – From Bronx Bodega to National Leadership
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
In this inspiring episode of Develop This!, sits down with to explore her remarkable journey from helping her family run a Bronx bodega to leading economic development efforts at the highest levels of the federal government. Alejandra shares how her immigrant experience, early responsibilities, and global perspective shaped her leadership philosophy and commitment to public service. From navigating systems as a young translator to guiding national economic policy, her story offers powerful lessons on resilience, education, and building stronger, more inclusive communities. This episode...
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DT #635 The Space Coast's New Golden Age: How Florida Leads the Space Industry
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
The space economy is no longer a distant frontier—it’s a powerful engine of economic growth, innovation, and talent development right here on Earth. In this episode of Develop This!, sits down with Vice President, Business Development, , a community coalition, is the official economic development organization for , to explore the rapid rise of Florida’s Space Coast and how it’s becoming a global hub for next-generation aerospace activity. Fresh off the momentum of the mission’s successful launch, excitement is building across the industry and within communities tied to space...
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DT #636 Jennifer Storm, IEDC 2025 Economic Developer of the Year
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
What does it take to transform a fast-growing community into a regional economic powerhouse? In this episode of Develop This!, sits down with Chief Executive Officer of the and the 2025 Economic Developer of the Year, to unpack her remarkable journey from community volunteer to a driving force behind the growth of Jennifer shares how curiosity, persistence, and a willingness to “say yes to every opportunity to learn” helped shape her leadership style and career path. Her story is a powerful reminder that impactful economic development starts with community connection and trust....
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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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In this episode of Develop This!, Dennis Fraise sits down with Paul Cranch from Brisbane to explore one of the most innovative and community-driven education and workforce models in the world: Country University Centers (CUCs).
Designed to expand access to tertiary education in regional and rural Australia, CUCs are community-led, community-run facilities that allow students to pursue university degrees without leaving their hometowns. The result? Stronger local economies, reduced brain drain, and a new generation of homegrown talent fueling regional prosperity.
Paul shares how this model emerged, why it works, and what economic development professionals around the world can learn from its success.
Key Topics Covered
- The origins and purpose of Country University Centers, and how they were created to serve regional Australia
- Why community-led, community-run facilities matter in expanding access to higher education
- Reversing brain drain by keeping students local and attracting talent back to rural communities
- Creative funding models combining federal, state, local, and private sector investment
- Economic ripple effects: workforce development, business engagement, and entrepreneurship
- Scaling and sustaining the model while keeping communities at the center
- Lessons for other regions, including online learning partnerships, governance structures, and community engagement strategies
- Real-world success stories featuring student demographics, degree programs, and regional outcomes
About Paul Cranch
Paul Cranch is an experienced economic development professional, consultant, and thought leader dedicated to helping communities turn local potential into lasting prosperity.
Based in Queensland, Paul has worked extensively with councils, regional organizations, and state agencies to strengthen local economies, attract investment, and build professional capability. He is the founder of Local Economic Impact Advisory, an independent consultancy focused on data-driven strategy and place-based impact.
Paul is also the voice behind several influential professional newsletters—EcDev with Paul, EcDev Jobs, and EcDev Data—connecting thousands of practitioners across Australia and internationally with practical, evidence-based insights.
Before returning to Australia, Paul spent more than a decade in Japan, studying commerce in Japanese at Kansai University and building a career in brand management and international business development. This experience shaped his global perspective on cross-cultural partnerships, investment facilitation, and place branding.
He is an active contributor to Economic Development Australia and international networks such as the International Economic Development Council, where he champions professional development, community readiness, and practical leadership.
When he’s not advising communities or writing about economic development, Paul can be found training at CrossFit, volunteering in Brisbane’s Japanese community, or traveling across regional Australia discovering the stories that shape local economies.
Featured Resource
Paul is the author of:
BUILDING PLACES INVESTORS BELIEVE IN: How to attract, win, and keep businesses investing in your region