Develop This! #631 Promise Programs: A Game-Changer for Workforce Development
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
Release Date: 03/25/2026
DT #646 Dress the Part: How Personal Style Shapes Confidence and Career Success
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
How much does what you wear actually shape how you’re perceived—and how you perform? In this episode of Develop This!, is joined by , founder of , to explore his journey from a farm in Canada to becoming a leading voice in men’s fashion and personal styling. Dan breaks down the fundamentals of building a professional wardrobe, emphasizing why fit, quality, and intention matter more than trends. He also shares how personalized style can directly influence confidence, presence, and career success. The conversation explores the shift toward more casual dress codes, and why understanding...
info_outline
DT #647 From Legacy City to Regional Powerhouse: How Birmingham Is Rewriting Its Economic Future
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
What does it take for a legacy industrial city to reinvent itself into a modern growth hub? In this episode of Develop This!, is joined by to explore Birmingham’s ongoing economic transformation and the strategies shaping its future. From major wins like the Fannie Mae project to the continued rise of life sciences and metals industries, Birmingham is positioning itself as a diversified and competitive regional economy. Trevor breaks down how strategic investment, infrastructure, and workforce alignment are driving that shift. A major focus of the conversation is workforce...
info_outline
DT #644 Beyond Cost: What’s Really Driving Global Site Selection Today
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
What’s really driving global location decisions today? In this episode of Develop This!, sits down with of to unpack the shifting landscape of site selection and investment strategy. From AI and data centers to supply chain resilience, Johan explains how companies are rethinking where they invest—and why. As decentralization accelerates, talent and strong ecosystems are becoming just as important as cost. The conversation also highlights a key shift: “soft factors” like workforce quality, innovation networks, and livability are now critical differentiators in competitive markets. A...
info_outline
DT #645 The Future of Economic Development: AI, Talent, and Regional Strategy in a Changing World
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
How is economic development evolving in a world shaped by rapid technological change? In this episode of Develop This!, sits down with to explore how regional strategies, emerging technologies, and workforce development are redefining the field. From AI to quantum computing, Alejandra breaks down how innovation is influencing where and how communities grow. She emphasizes the importance of infrastructure, regional collaboration, and staying grounded in a global context that continues to shape local decisions. Workforce development is a central theme, with a focus on building skills across...
info_outline
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,...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outlineEpisode Summary
In this episode of Develop This!, Dennis Fraise is joined by Katie Davenport and Rick Kiernan from Convergent Nonprofit Solutions to explore how Promise programs are reshaping workforce development and community growth.
From nationally recognized models like the Kalamazoo Promise to emerging initiatives like the Greenwood Promise, 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 Strategy
- Why investing in students is investing in your workforce
- How Promise programs help attract and retain talent
- The connection between education access and economic growth
Real-World Impact
- How the Kalamazoo Promise transformed a community
- The emotional and economic impact of the Greenwood Promise
- Why do these programs create multi-generational change
How Promise Programs Work
- Scholarship structures and eligibility models
- Public-private funding strategies
- The role of philanthropy and community leadership
Key insight:
“Impact is proven and benefits are clear.”
The Role of Economic Development Organizations
- Convening partners across sectors
- Aligning education with workforce needs
- Leading long-term, sustainable initiatives
Building a Successful Program
Key ingredients:
- Strong community buy-in
- Clear, simple messaging
- Cross-sector partnerships
- Long-term funding strategy
“There’s no sense in recreating the wheel.”
Beyond Tuition: What Students Really Need
Promise programs succeed when they go beyond funding:
- Transportation
- Social skills
- Mentorship and support systems
“Transportation and social skills are critical.”
Getting Started in Your Community
- Learn from existing models like Kalamazoo Promise
- Engage key stakeholders early
- Build a coalition of funders and champions
- Focus on sustainability from day one