DT #624 Beyond the Terminal: Reframing Community Airports as Economic Engines
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
Release Date: 02/25/2026
DT #642 Big Ideas, Bold Leadership with Mark C. Perna
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
In this inspiring episode of Develop This!, host sits down with to explore the power of bold thinking, visionary leadership, and rallying people around big ideas. Drawing on their shared fascination with the Apollo program, they unpack how the audacity of aiming for the moon transformed not just science—but an entire generation’s mindset. From the iconic leadership behind the Apollo 11 Moon Landing to the forward-looking ambitions of the Artemis Program, this conversation connects the dots between space exploration and the work economic developers do every day: building momentum,...
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DT #643 Leadership Traits of High-Performing Economic Developers – Barry Broome
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
What separates good economic development organizations from great ones? According to Barry Broome, it comes down to leadership, data, and the courage to adapt. In this episode of Develop This!, host sits down with , President and CEO of the and recipient of the 2025 Chairwoman’s Award from the International Economic Development Council. Barry shares hard-earned insights from decades in the field, offering a candid look at the evolving economic development landscape. From the acceleration of reshoring and the rise of secondary markets to the growing influence of AI and automation, this...
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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....
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.