DT #684 Why Leadership Is the Ultimate Economic Development Strategy
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
Release Date: 09/16/2026
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...
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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...
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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....
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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 separates communities that thrive from those that struggle to attract lasting investment?
In this episode of Develop This!, Dennis Fraise sits down with Gray Swoope, President & CEO of Vision First Advisors, to discuss why leadership—not incentives—is the most important driver of economic development success.
Gray shares lessons from decades of experience helping communities navigate complex projects, explaining how trust, transparency, and a shared vision create the foundation for sustainable growth. He discusses why leadership becomes even more critical during times of uncertainty and how crises often reveal the true character of an organization.
The conversation explores the evolution of economic development leadership, the unique challenges facing rural and small communities, and the importance of aligning stakeholders around a common purpose. Gray also explains why communities should focus on long-term development rather than chasing every available project.
A major highlight is Gray's practical Four W's Framework—Who, What, Why, and Who Benefits—which helps leaders evaluate projects, build public trust, and make better strategic decisions.
Throughout the episode, Gray offers actionable advice for economic developers on managing project risks, fostering community support, and leading with integrity.
A key takeaway? Strong leadership, a clear vision, and trust are the true competitive advantages that position communities for long-term success.
Key Takeaways
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Leadership is the foundation of successful economic development
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Trust and transparency strengthen community support for projects
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Crisis reveals the effectiveness of leadership
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A clear long-term vision is more valuable than chasing every opportunity
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Rural communities can compete by leveraging strong leadership and collaboration
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The Four W's Framework helps guide smarter community decisions
Key Topics Covered
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Leadership in economic development
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Building trust and community alignment
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Leading through crisis and uncertainty
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Rural and small community strategies
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Site selection risks and project evaluation
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The Four W's Framework for decision-making
Sound Bites
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“Crisis reveals true character.”
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“Start early and build trust.”
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“Trust in the process is key.”