DT #691 Data Centers, AI, and the Future of Economic Growth With Gene Marks
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
Release Date: 09/09/2026
DT #681 How Introverts Can Master Networking and Public Speaking
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
Do you have to be an extrovert to be a great networker or public speaker? In this episode of Develop This!, sits down with to explore how introverts—and anyone who feels uncomfortable in networking situations—can build authentic connections, gain confidence, and thrive in professional settings. Mark explains why successful networking isn't about collecting business cards or dominating conversations. Instead, it's about showing genuine curiosity, asking thoughtful questions, and focusing on the other person. He shares practical strategies for "working the room," creating meaningful...
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DT #682 Inside Site Selection: What Communities Must Do to Win Projects
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
What really happens before a company announces a major investment—and how do communities make the shortlist? In this episode of Develop This!, sits down with , Vice Chairman at , to explore the behind-the-scenes world of site selection and what it takes for communities to compete for major economic development projects. Seth explains the extensive analysis that happens long before a project becomes public, from evaluating infrastructure and workforce availability to assessing risk, political stability, and long-term business viability. He also shares how AI and advanced data tools are...
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DT #691 Data Centers, AI, and the Future of Economic Growth With Gene Marks
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
Are data centers the next essential piece of America's economic infrastructure? In this episode of Develop This!, sits down with to explore the growing debate around data centers, AI, and the infrastructure needed to support the digital economy. Gene compares today's data center expansion to the development of America's railroads, arguing that major technological advances often face resistance before becoming essential parts of everyday life. The conversation also examines concerns surrounding electricity, water usage, environmental impact, incentives, and local opposition. Gene discusses...
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DT #678 Why Authentic Branding Matters in Economic Development
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
What role does marketing play in shaping a region’s economic future? In this episode of Develop This!, speaks with about her unique path into economic development and how her background in communications and marketing has influenced her approach to regional growth and leadership. Jennifer shares how authentic branding, strategic messaging, and stakeholder engagement have become essential tools for attracting investment and strengthening regional identity. She explains why communities that clearly communicate who they are—and what makes them unique—are better positioned to compete in...
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DT #679 Demystifying the Fed: Economics, Financial Literacy, and Community Impact
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
What does the Federal Reserve actually do—and why should local communities care? In this episode of Develop This!, speaks with , Senior Vice President of the Louisville Branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, to demystify the Federal Reserve and explore its role in shaping the U.S. economy. Seema explains how the Federal Reserve System operates, the unique role regional Reserve Banks play in monetary policy, and why local economic insights are essential to national decision-making. She also addresses some of the most common misconceptions about the Fed and its independence from...
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DT #680 Inside America's Largest Data Center Project With New York Times Reporter Eli Tan
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
What happens when a massive data center project moves forward at unprecedented speed? In this episode of Develop This!, sits down with , New York Times reporter, to explore the scale, speed, and controversy surrounding Meta's massive data center project in Louisiana. Eli discusses how quickly the project moved from site selection to construction, why Louisiana was chosen, and the role of secrecy and NDAs in the development process. The conversation also examines community reactions, economic benefits, environmental concerns, and the growing tension between attracting major investments and...
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DT #676 Why Lifelong Learning Matters in Economic Development
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
What happens when an unconventional career path leads to economic development? In this episode of Develop This!, speaks with about his journey from code enforcement and cybersecurity into the world of economic development—and the unique perspective that transition has given him. Brian shares how collaboration, continuous learning, and a willingness to embrace new challenges helped shape his career. Along the way, he offers practical insights on building confidence, overcoming imposter syndrome, and developing strong professional networks. A major focus of the conversation is neurodiversity...
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DT #675 How Surprise, Arizona Became a Retail and Growth Success Story
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
What happens when creativity, community engagement, and data-driven strategy come together in economic development? In this episode of Develop This!, speaks with , Economic Development Director for Surprise, Arizona, about the city's rapid growth and the innovative approaches helping shape its future. Jeanine shares how Surprise has successfully attracted major retail investments, including projects like Costco and The Village at Prasada, while maintaining a strong focus on community needs and quality of life. A major theme throughout the conversation is the importance of listening. Jeanine...
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DT #677 Inside America's Largest Data Center Project With Rob Cleveland
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
What happens when a $50 billion data center investment comes to a rural region? In this episode of Develop This!, sits down with to explore the economic and community impact of Meta's massive data center project in northeast Louisiana. Rob discusses how the project is creating jobs, expanding infrastructure, supporting local businesses, and creating new opportunities throughout the region. He also explains the site selection process and how communities can prepare to attract transformative investments. The conversation also addresses common concerns and misconceptions surrounding data...
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DT #673 Navigating Uncertainty in Site Selection and Facility Investment
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
What does the future hold for facility investment in an increasingly uncertain economy? In this episode of Develop This!, speaks with , a veteran site selection consultant with more than 35 years of experience, about the challenges and opportunities shaping investment decisions today. Jerry shares why many companies are taking a more cautious approach to expansion, navigating economic uncertainty, shifting market conditions, and evolving business priorities before committing to major projects. A major focus of the conversation is artificial intelligence and its growing role in site selection....
info_outlineAre data centers the next essential piece of America's economic infrastructure?
In this episode of Develop This!, Dennis Fraise sits down with Gene Marks to explore the growing debate around data centers, AI, and the infrastructure needed to support the digital economy.
Gene compares today's data center expansion to the development of America's railroads, arguing that major technological advances often face resistance before becoming essential parts of everyday life.
The conversation also examines concerns surrounding electricity, water usage, environmental impact, incentives, and local opposition. Gene discusses the challenge of balancing community interests with the broader need for infrastructure and technological investment.
The episode also looks at AI's impact on jobs, the accelerating race to build AI infrastructure, and the potential constraints that electricity and water could place on future growth.
Key Takeaways
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Data centers are becoming essential infrastructure for the digital economy.
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Communities must weigh economic benefits against environmental and infrastructure concerns.
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Electricity and water availability could become major constraints on AI growth.
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AI is likely to transform jobs while also creating new opportunities.
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Local communities will continue to play an important role in infrastructure decisions.
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Technological progress has historically faced resistance before becoming widely accepted.
Key Topics Covered
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Data centers as critical infrastructure
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The railroad comparison and technological progress
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Environmental and community concerns
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Incentives and local decision-making
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AI, jobs, and automation
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The future of data center development
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America's AI infrastructure race