DT #674 From Shipping to Economic Development: Bill Cronin’s Leadership Journey
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
Release Date: 08/19/2026
DT #701 What Companies Really Look for During Site Visits
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
What does it take for a community to make the right impression during a company site visit? In this episode of Develop This!, talks with , a principal at , about what companies and site selection consultants are really looking for when they visit a community. Nicolette explains why preparation starts long before the visit, from validating infrastructure and workforce information to making sure local leaders understand the project and can communicate effectively. The conversation also covers confidentiality, engaging local employers, managing community perceptions, and avoiding mistakes that...
info_outline
DT #702 The Future of Rural America: Turning Challenges Into Opportunities
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
What does it take for rural communities to thrive in a changing economy? In this episode of Develop This!, talks with , President of the , about the opportunities and challenges shaping rural America. Scott shares why storytelling, local leadership, and community confidence are essential to rural development. The conversation explores challenges like childcare, housing, and access to capital, along with creative approaches to entrepreneurship, philanthropy, and placemaking. They also discuss attracting and retaining young people, connecting students to career opportunities, and ensuring rural...
info_outline
DT #699 How Economic Developers Can Navigate Opposition, Trust, and Change
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
How can economic developers build trust with their communities while navigating opposition, misinformation, and increasingly complex development projects? In this episode of Develop This!, sits down with to discuss lessons from her 30-year career in economic development and how the profession is evolving. Maureen shares her experiences working with international companies and communities around the world, offering perspective on how global competition, changing expectations, and increased skepticism are shaping economic development today. A major focus of the conversation is community trust....
info_outline
DT #700 What Economic Developers Need to Know About FDI
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
What does it take for communities to compete for investment in an increasingly competitive global economy? In this episode of Develop This!, talks with foreign direct investment expert about how communities can attract and benefit from FDI. Andreas explains why not all foreign investment is equally beneficial and why communities need to understand what they actually want to attract. The conversation explores corporate site selection, investment drivers, and the growing importance of soft factors such as community support, certainty, and quality of life. The discussion also highlights why...
info_outline
DT #697 Ukraine's Economic Future: Investment, Resilience, and Opportunity
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
What does Ukraine's economy look like in the middle of war, and where are the opportunities for future growth and investment? In this episode of Develop This!, sits down with to explore the current economic landscape of Ukraine and Moldova and what economic development professionals and investors should understand about the region. Bruce shares his extensive experience working across post-Soviet countries and provides insight into the regional differences within Ukraine, the resilience of its people, and the ways communities and businesses are continuing to adapt despite the ongoing war. The...
info_outline
DT #698 Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition: Turning Small Businesses Into Opportunities
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
What if the best way to become an entrepreneur was to buy an existing business instead of starting one from scratch? In this episode of Develop This!, talks with of about entrepreneurship through acquisition and how aspiring entrepreneurs can find, purchase, and grow established businesses. Royce explains why buying a profitable business can offer a different path to ownership, the importance of due diligence, and the challenges new owners face during their first 90 days. The conversation also explores company culture, long-term holding companies, franchises, and the emotional realities of...
info_outline
DT #696 Community Quest: A Big Idea Becomes a Community Adventure
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
How do you make economic development exciting and understandable for the next generation? In this special episode of Develop This!, talks with and about Community Quest, a graphic novel designed to make economic development more accessible and engaging for young people and adults alike. They share the inspiration behind the book, how complex concepts are transformed into an adventure story, and how illustrations help bring community development to life. The conversation also covers how the graphic novel can be used in classrooms and community outreach, the development of a facilitator’s...
info_outline
DT #694 The Data Center Debate: Opportunity, Opposition, and Community Impact
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
Why does everyone hate data centers? In this episode of Develop This!, talks with of to explore the growing debate surrounding data centers and what they mean for communities. The conversation examines why public opinion around data centers has shifted, from excitement over investment and economic growth to concerns about power, water, noise, land use, and long-term community impact. Chris and Dennis discuss the economic benefits data centers can bring, including tax revenue, infrastructure investment, and new opportunities for communities. They also take a closer look at the trade-offs and...
info_outline
DT #695 How Storytelling and Career Exploration Can Transform Communities
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
How can economic development professionals better connect with their communities and create a shared vision for regional success? In this episode of Develop This!, sits down with M to discuss the importance of understanding the “why” behind economic development and creating stronger connections between communities, education, employers, and young people. Mark explains why younger generations want purpose and relevance, and how economic developers can help students understand the opportunities available to them long before they enter the workforce. The conversation explores early career...
info_outline
DT #692 Beyond the Hype: Understanding AI With Dan Chuparkoff
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
How will artificial intelligence change the way we work, lead, and build communities? In this episode of Develop This!, sits down with , AI keynote speaker and technology leader with more than 30 years of experience at Google and McKinsey, to explore the opportunities and challenges AI presents. Dan breaks down common misconceptions about AI, including why AI can sound confident while still being wrong. He explains how professionals can use AI as an assistant, coach, and productivity tool while keeping humans responsible for critical decisions. The conversation also explores how economic...
info_outlineWhat does it take to manage rapid growth while preserving the character of a community?
In this episode of Develop This!, Dennis Fraise speaks with Bill Cronin about his unique career journey from international shipping to economic development and the strategies driving growth in Pasco County, Florida.
Bill reflects on how economic development has evolved over the years, shifting from traditional business attraction efforts to a more comprehensive focus on workforce development, community engagement, quality of life, and long-term sustainability.
A major focus of the conversation is Pasco County’s rapid growth and how local leaders are working to balance new opportunities with the needs of long-time residents. Bill emphasizes the importance of smart growth, regional collaboration, and thoughtful planning to ensure communities remain attractive places to live and work.
The discussion also explores the county’s efforts to diversify its economy through industries such as food processing, life sciences, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing, while preparing for emerging opportunities tied to AI and data centers.
Throughout the episode, Bill shares leadership lessons learned from decades of experience, highlighting the importance of civic engagement, community service, and maintaining a clear vision for the future.
A key takeaway? Successful economic development requires balancing growth with community values while preparing for the industries and technologies that will shape tomorrow’s economy.
Key Takeaways
-
Economic development has evolved beyond traditional business attraction
-
Smart growth requires balancing new development with community needs
-
Industry diversification strengthens long-term economic resilience
-
Regional collaboration creates greater opportunities for growth
-
AI and data centers are reshaping future development strategies
-
Community engagement remains essential for sustainable success
-
Strong leadership is rooted in service, vision, and adaptability
Key Topics Covered
-
Bill Cronin’s career journey into economic development
-
The evolution of economic development strategies
-
Pasco County’s rapid growth and regional collaboration
-
Industry diversification and targeted sectors
-
AI, data centers, and emerging opportunities
-
Community engagement and leadership development
-
Future skills for economic development professionals
Sound Bites
-
“Very few of us actually did this on purpose.”
-
“Balance legacy residents with smart growth.”
-
“AI can do in seconds what used to take years.”