Dynamic Metros Rule, Part 2
The Intelligent Community
ICF has its international awards program for which it is famous. But that does it take to become one of America’s ”Most Dynamic Metro Areas?” and where are they located? Heartland Forward’s Chief Reseach Officer discusses the results of the ”think and do tank’s” long-awaited report and drops facts behind the reason that, despite the fact it has 39% of the national population, this vast American expanse of talent, resources and states, from North Dakota to Texas, only attracted 10% of investment - until recently. But things are changing, as Lou learns in part 2 of his...
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Dynamic Metros Rule
The Intelligent Community
ICF has its international awards program for which it is famous. But that does it take to become one of America’s ”Most Dynamic Metro Areas?” and where are they located? Heartland Forward’s Chief Reseach Officer discusses the results of the ”think and do tank’s” long-awaited report and drops facts behind the reason that, despite the fact it has 39% of the national population, this vast American expanse of talent, resources and states, from North Dakota to Texas, only attracted 10% of investment - until recently. But things are changing, as Lou learns. David Shideler...
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Discussing Smart21 Community Brightlands-Limburg, Netherlands with Mr. Stephan Satijn
The Intelligent Community
ICF's Lou Zacharilla speaks with Mr. Stephan Satijn, Regional Minister for Economy, Finance & Business Operations, Province of Limburg, in this sit-down interview discussing the Brightlands-Limburg Region, a Smart21 Community of 2025. Perhaps best known as the place where the Maastricht Treaty was signed to establish the European Union, the Brightlands-Limburg Region has undergone a decade of growth and transformation. Through a concentrated effort to leverage existing industries and a strong university presence, the Region has developed an "ecosystem of ecosystems" focused around...
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Two-time Top7 Community, Part 2
The Intelligent Community
Fast Company Magazine shocked a lot of people when it published its list of the most Innovative Companies for Economic Development and – whoa! – a city appeared. An Intelligent Community in the USA state of Ohio: Hilliard. The ICF network knows Hilliard as one of the leading cities and a two-time Top7 community. But this was a big-time recognition. How much of it had to do with being an Intelligent Community? The City Manager, Michelle Crandall tells us in this podcast. Michelle currently serves as the City Manager for the City of Hilliard, Ohio, USA (population 38,000). She...
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Two-time Top7 Community, Part 1
The Intelligent Community
Fast Company Magazine shocked a lot of people when it published its list of the most Innovative Companies for Economic Development and – whoa! – a city appeared. An Intelligent Community in the USA state of Ohio: Hilliard. The ICF network knows Hilliard as one of the leading cities and a two-time Top7 community. But this was a big-time recognition. How much of it had to do with being an Intelligent Community? The City Manager, Michelle Crandall tells us in this podcast.
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Looking Ahead at the Top 7 Conference
The Intelligent Community
The Top7 Communities of 2025 will be announced in Las Rozas de Madrid, Spain – a Smart21 Community and leading community in Spanish intelligent community development. Las Rozas is a city of just under 100,000 people, and is home to nearly 15,000 companies and self-employed workers. Its success has been from a combination of strong mayoral leadership, multi-level workforce development, and an innovation ecosystem largely driven by Las Rozas Innova, the Municipal Company for Innovation, Technological Development, Digital Transformation and Entrepreneurship. This event is...
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Smart and Smarter Canada, Part 2
The Intelligent Community
Canada has contributed more Intelligent Communities to the ICF global network than any other country. In 2025 Canada once again placed four of its regions and cities on the list of ICF’s Smart21, the first step in the annual Awards program. How does Canada achieve this hard-won annual goal? And what do this year’s communities have to say about sustainability, economic development… and that little dispute with their neighbor, friend and largest trading partner! A great roundtable conversation with four of Canada’s best. Our guests include: Savanna Myers, Director of Economic...
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Smart and Smarter Canada, Part 1
The Intelligent Community
Canada has contributed more Intelligent Communities to the ICF global network than any other country. In 2025 Canada once again placed four of its regions and cities on the list of ICF’s Smart21, the first step in the annual Awards program. How does Canada achieve this hard-won annual goal? And what do this year’s communities have to say about sustainability, economic development… and that little dispute with their neighbor, friend and largest trading partner! A great roundtable conversation with four of Canada’s best. Our guests include: Savanna Myers, Director of Economic...
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A New Idea for Urban Mobility: A Conversation with Doug McCollough
The Intelligent Community
Doug McCollough has been CIO of leading digital cities, including Dublin, Ohio where he helped lead that small city to multiple awards, including ICF’s Top7. He recently took over the role of Executive Director for the ICF Institute, and was recently names the first-ever Executive Director of the Beta District, which spans several cities in the most important industrial corridor of Central Ohio. And he is producing a Future of Mobility Conference in May that will bring new ideas to the life of urban movement. Known for his sharp turns toward innovation and intellectual prowess when it comes...
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What It Takes to Make a Better World - A Conversation with Andre L. Jones
The Intelligent Community
Guyana is defined by its dense rainforest. Culturally connected to the Caribbean region, it has become a richer country due to its oil production and GDP per capita. But it has high levels of poverty. Especially in the rural areas. One person with an understanding of connectivity from his years in the satellite and telecommunications industries decided to go back home to tackle this fundamental issue, which is central to ICF’s purpose. Born in one of the poorest regions of Guyana, executive Andre L. Jones started WANSAT Networks to provide connectivity and development to the rural areas...
info_outlineICF has its international awards program for which it is famous. But that does it take to become one of America’s ”Most Dynamic Metro Areas?” and where are they located? Heartland Forward’s Chief Reseach Officer discusses the results of the ”think and do tank’s” long-awaited report and drops facts behind the reason that, despite the fact it has 39% of the national population, this vast American expanse of talent, resources and states, from North Dakota to Texas, only attracted 10% of investment - until recently. But things are changing, as Lou learns.
David Shideler serves as the chief research officer for Heartland Forward’s research team which includes visiting senior fellows Richard Florida and Maryann Feldman. With a mission to help improve the economic performance in the heartland and change the narrative of the middle of the country, the original research efforts focus on four key pillars: innovation and entrepreneurship, human capital, health and wellness and regional competitiveness.
Shideler joined Heartland Forward after more than a decade at Oklahoma State University, serving as a professor and Community and Economic Development Specialist in the Department of Agricultural Economics. In these roles, he oversaw projects in community and rural development and small business development, and published peer-reviewed research articles on the economic impacts of internet access, incentive programs, and local food production.
Shideler holds a Ph.D. in Agricultural, Environmental and Development Economics and an M.A. in Economics from the Ohio State University, an M.S. in Agricultural Economics from the Pennsylvania State University, and a B.S. in Community and Rural Development from Clemson University.