DT #693 How Rural Communities Can Build Stronger Futures With Mason Ainsworth
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
Release Date: 10/14/2026
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 does it take to build a stronger community from the ground up?
In this episode of Develop This!, Dennis Fraise sits down with Mason Ainsworth to explore his journey from young city councillor to passionate advocate for community development and economic growth.
Mason shares lessons from his experience in local government and explains why economic development often comes down to relationships, trust, transparency, and achieving small victories that create long-term momentum.
The conversation also explores the unique strengths and challenges of rural communities, including infrastructure, local leadership, placemaking, and creating communities where people want to live, work, and invest.
Mason also discusses the importance of education, continuous learning, and attracting young professionals to the economic development field. He shares why great economic developers need strong people skills—and, most importantly, the ability to listen.
Key Takeaways
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Strong relationships and community trust are essential to economic development.
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Small victories can create momentum for long-term community growth.
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Rural communities have unique assets and opportunities to leverage.
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Placemaking helps create communities where people want to live and invest.
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Listening and approachability are critical skills for economic developers.
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Young professionals have an important role in the future of the profession.
Key Topics Covered
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Mason Ainsworth's journey into economic development
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Local government and community leadership
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Rural economic development
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Placemaking and quality of place
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Building relationships and community trust
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Recruiting young talent into economic development
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Education and continuous learning
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Podcasting and community engagement
Sound Bites
"You gotta kick the tires."
"Most people don't wake up and say, I want to be an economic developer."
"A great economic developer listens."