DT #624 Beyond the Terminal: Reframing Community Airports as Economic Engines
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
Release Date: 02/25/2026
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 Ron Kresha, Chief Financial Officer and founding member of Golden Shovel Agency, to explore the powerful — and often overlooked — role of community airports in economic development.
Drawing from his professional expertise and personal passion for aviation, Ron makes a compelling case for why community airports must be viewed not as line-item expenses, but as anchor institutions that drive investment, healthcare access, business recruitment, and long-term growth.
From general aviation to essential air service, airport marketing to emerging aviation technology, this episode delivers actionable insights for community and economic development leaders ready to elevate their local airport strategy.
1. Community Airports: Expense or Economic Engine?
Ron challenges the common misconception that airports are financial drains. Instead, he reframes them as infrastructure investments that produce measurable ROI through:
- Business attraction and retention
- Corporate aviation access
- Site selection competitiveness
- Tourism and regional connectivity
2. The Critical Role of General Aviation
While commercial flights often dominate the conversation, general aviation is a major contributor to local economies. Corporate aircraft, medical flights, flight training, agricultural aviation, and logistics operations all rely on well-maintained community airports.
For many communities, general aviation is the real driver of economic activity.
3. Essential Air Service & Small Community Survival
Ron highlights the importance of Essential Air Service (EAS) for rural and smaller communities. Reliable air connectivity supports:
- Healthcare access
- Executive travel
- Talent recruitment
- Emergency response
4. Airport Marketing & Community Engagement
One of the strongest themes of the episode is airport awareness. Many residents — and even local leaders — don’t fully understand what their airport contributes.
Ron emphasizes proactive airport marketing, storytelling, and community engagement to bridge the knowledge gap. Airports must:
- Share economic impact data
- Highlight business users
- Showcase medical and emergency benefits
- Build pride and awareness locally
5. Avoiding the Vicious Cycle of Decline
Underinvestment leads to reduced usage. Reduced usage leads to funding challenges. Funding challenges lead to further decline.
Ron urges communities to:
- Maintain and modernize infrastructure
- Pursue airport funding opportunities
- Treat airports as strategic assets
- Align airport strategy with broader economic development plans
6. The Future of Aviation Technology
Looking ahead, the conversation explores:
- Autonomous aircraft
- Advanced air mobility
- Emerging aviation technologies
- Increased efficiency in general aviation
Communities that prepare now will be positioned to capitalize on the next evolution of aviation.
Takeaways for Economic Development Professionals
- Community airports are anchor institutions — not optional amenities.
- Investment in airport infrastructure generates long-term economic returns.
- General aviation plays a larger role in local economies than many realize.
- Essential air service can determine whether small communities thrive or struggle.
- Airport engagement and marketing are essential to sustaining funding and support.
- Education and awareness campaigns can transform public perception.
- The future of aviation presents new opportunities for proactive communities.