Develop This: Economic and Community Development

Explore topics related to transformational community leadership including economic development, non-profit engagement, organizational management, and policy development. It's a candid conversation with veterans of the economic development profession along with inspiring interviews of today's thought leaders.

DT #492 Why We Are Wrong About Today's Generation With Mark C. Perna 04/17/2024

DT #491 Economic Development in the Navajo Nation with Henry Silentman 04/10/2024

DT #489 Finding Your Path in Economic Development 04/03/2024

DT #490 A Conversation with Dr. Eloisa Klementich, CEcD, PhD 03/27/2024

DT #488 Becoming an Accredited EDO with Chris Masingill and Ashley Llewellyn with the St. Tammany Corp., Mandeville, LA 03/20/2024

DT #487 A Conversation with Jonas Peterson, Southwest Michigan First CEO and IEDC Immediate Past Chair 03/20/2024

DT #486 Ten Habits That Keep Us From Reaching Our Full Potential 03/13/2024

DT #486 Ten Habits That Keep Us From Reaching Our Full Potential Dennis is joined by , who discusses ten habits that can keep us from reaching our full potential. Be Proactive Begin With the End in Mind Put First Things First Think Win-Win Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood Synergize Sharpen the Saw What are the habits that keep us from success and achieving our full potential? 1. Procrastination a. Set goals b. Prioritize tasks c. Start with the most challenging task d. Build in some rewards 2. Perfectionism a. Do not let perfect be the enemy of good b. Whose standards? c. Cannot let go of something i. Missed deadlines 3. Impulsiveness a. Instant reward i. Hooked on the adrenaline and feelings b. Shopping c. Not considering long-term consequences 4. Not listening a. Two ears, one mouth b. Are you really interested in what others have to say or just promoting your opinion? c. Listening is an underrated skill 5. Not Being Able to See the Other Side a. There is usually more than one path b. The need to be in control c. Everyone makes decisions differently d. Not thinking Win-Win 6. Not Being Able to Succinctly Articulate Your Position a. Droning on and on b. Respectful of people’s time c. Learning to effectively communicate i. Volume talkers 7. Working on the Wrong Things a. What is the most important thing you should be working on right now? b. Doing only the things you want to do c. Confusing busy with effective 8. Being Easily Distracted a. Distractions are everywhere i. Phones ii. Social media iii. Texting iv. Drop-in visits 9. Failing to Take Risk and Think Big – Or Too Many Risks a. Accepting the status quo b. Whopper or stretch goals c. Having a shiny object to chase d. Sometimes, you just have to go to the moon 10. Lack of Self-care a. Unplugging from work b. Personal care i. Health ii. Exercise iii. Wellness c. Managing stress /episode/index/show/developthis/id/30348378

DT #485 Surviving Tough Budget Times 03/06/2024

DT #484 Becoming an AEDO - Accredited Economic Development Organization 02/28/2024

DT #484 Becoming an AEDO - Accredited Economic Development Organization Dennis's organization, , recently became an - Accredited Economic Development Organization through . Dennis is joined by - President & CEO of , and - Consultant and Economic Development Leader - of , and they discuss the process of becoming an Accredited Economic Development Organization. What is AEDO, and why is it important? How many AEDOs are there? Why does good governance and organizational excellence matter? When an organization decides to pursue the AEDO designation, what is the first step? Is there an area of the AEDO process that seems to be particularly challenging for ED organizations? Is the AEDO process pass or fail, or does the AEDO committee provide guidance during the process? The two parts of the AEDO process 1. The documentation The site visit Advice for organizations that are considering becoming an AEDO William “Bill” Murphy is the President & CEO of the Ardmore Chamber of Commerce, Ardmore Development Authority, Ardmore Tourism Authority, and the Ardmore Chamber of Commerce Foundation where he leads a team of professionals to execute the community’s business, economic and tourism development efforts. He has over 20 years of experience leading economic development efforts in communities and regions in Ohio, Georgia, Kansas, and Oklahoma. Prior to coming to Ardmore, Murphy served as the Deputy Secretary for the Kansas Department of Commerce where he led the state’s business development efforts through the department’s business attraction, in-state business development, international and community development divisions. He has also led the economic development efforts in Tulsa, Columbus, GA and in communities throughout Southwest Ohio. Through this work, he has helped facilitate projects with companies that have resulted in more than $3 billion in announced new capital investment and more than 3,000 jobs. Murphy is a graduate of Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio earning his bachelor’s degree in Political Science and his Master’s in Public Administration. He is a Certified Economic Developer through the International Economic Development Council. Murphy has also earned his designation as an Economic Development Finance Professional through the National Development Council. Finally, he has earned his Master Economic Development Practitioner designation from the Advanced Economic Development Leadership Program from Clemson, Southern Miss, Texas Christian Universities and the University of New Mexico. Jim Fram is a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) through the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) and a Certified Chamber Executive (CCE) through the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) with 30+ years of successful economic development and senior-level chamber of commerce management experience in Arkansas, Texas, Oklahoma, Nebraska, and Missouri. Jim led two economic development organizations to accreditation by the International Economic Development Council (Tulsa, OK, and Hot Springs, AR). He also led three Chambers of Commerce to Five Star Accreditation by the U. S. Chamber of Commerce (Lincoln, NE, Tulsa, OK, Hot Springs, AR). He has served on the faculty at the Heartland Basic Economic Development Course and the Mid-South Basic Economic Development Course. He is a past Chairman of the Oklahoma Governor’s Economic Development Team (2007). He is an Honorary Life Member of the Southern Economic Development Council (SEDC) and a Fellow Member (FM) of the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). He is also a frequent instructor, moderator, and guest speaker at numerous economic development and Chamber of Commerce organizations, conferences, and events across the country. In January of 2018, he fulfilled a longtime dream and founded Community Growth Strategies, LLC., a consulting firm that focuses on assisting communities as well as regional economic development efforts and chambers of commerce. His office is in his home in Columbia, MO, where his wife, Kelli, is a consultant, project manager, and instructor at Westminster College. /episode/index/show/developthis/id/30122318

DT #483 Working on the Other Side: From Elected Official to Economic Development 02/21/2024

DT #482 The Three Biggest Workforce Mistakes with Dennis Fraise and Mark Perna 02/07/2024

DT #481 Get Things Done With A Coalition Of The Willing 01/17/2024

DT #480 Fearless 2024 Predictions IEDC Edition With Nathan Ohle IEDC President and CEO 01/10/2024

DT #479 Fearless Predictions for 2024 Workforce Edition With Mark Perna 01/03/2024

DT #478 Leadership and Board Burnout with Joi Cuartero Austin 12/27/2023

DT #477 How To Be More Effective and Get More Done With Mark Perna 12/17/2023

DT #476 Mid America EDC Competitiveness Conference Recap and Review with Horton Hobbs 12/17/2023

DT #475 Affordable Housing and Economic Development with Stephane Frijia, President & CEO Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership 12/06/2023

DT #474 The 2023 Mid America EDC Competitiveness Conference Preview 11/10/2023

DT #473 Everyone Needs a Mentor 11/02/2023

DT #472 Generational and Workforce Trends with Mark C. Perna 10/25/2023

DT #471 Winning Ugly - Success is Knowing Who You Are 10/18/2023

DT #471 Winning Ugly - Success is Knowing Who You Are Winning Ugly In this episode Dennis talks about how we measure success and why being flashy may not always yield the best results. Iowa's offense is currently ranked 133 of 133 in the FBS. Through 7 games, they have 13 total offensive TDs and have punted the ball 47 times. They average less than 250 total yards per game. Despite this, they have a top 10 scoring defense and are sitting comfortably atop the Big 10 West at 6-1. To have his contract extended beyond June 30, 2024, Ferentz, the son of Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz, needs his offense to average 25 points over 13 games this season, and the team must win seven games. And the "Drive to 325" was born. Six of the top 10 highest-scoring teams (USC, Oregon, Washington, Oklahoma, LSU, Florida State) are averaging double what Iowa scores on average. The Trojans' offense, which has the highest points-per-game average in college football at 51.8 Iowa ranks 118th or lower, out of 133 FBS teams, in the following eight categories: Red zone touchdown rate: 118 Points per drive: 119 Three-and-out rate: 127 Yards-per-play: 128 Yards-per-game: 130 Yards-per-game: 132 Yards-per-drive: 132 Success rate average: 132 128th in rushing, 131st in passing) The Hawkeyes rank dead last in yards per game, averaging 249.2. He's been called the best in the world at the mental game of tennis. Brad Gilbert's strokes may not be pretty, but looks aren't everything. He has beaten the tour's biggest names - all by playing his "ugly" game. Now, in Winning Ugly, Gilbert teaches recreational players how to win more often without necessarily even changing their strokes. The key to success, he says, is to become a better thinking player - to recognize, analyze, and capitalize. That means out-thinking opponents before, during, and after a match - forcing him or her to play your game. Gilbert's unconventional advice includes: Solid Economic Development Fundamentals Build relationships Create action Action even if not successful, beats inaction Workforce program Know your employers Understand their needs Be a catalyst BRE Check-ins Early warning signs for problems Appreciate what you have Attraction Maps Utility information Up to date data Solid fundamentals will take you a long way Add a mix of creativity and relationships and you have a winning formula was one of the smallest players ever in major league baseball at 5-foot-4, 140 pounds. But he had one of the biggest bats in the game, both figuratively and literally, weighing up to 46 ounces. His motto was, “Keep your eye on the ball and hit ‘em where they ain’t,” and it certainly worked for the third baseman-turned-outfielder. Keeler had 13 straight seasons in which he batted over .300 and he reached the mark in 16 of the 19 years he played. He had a lifetime average of .345 and for seven straight seasons he also had an on-base percentage that was above .400. /episode/index/show/developthis/id/28349786

DT #470 Review and Recap of the 2023 IEDC Annual Conference in Dallas, TX 09/28/2023

DT# 469 Proven Strategies for Solving Housing Shortages in Communities - Bethany Quinn Golden Shovel 09/13/2023

DT# 469 Proven Strategies for Solving Housing Shortages in Communities - Bethany Quinn Golden Shovel - Vice President of Strategy and Content Development for Dennis is joined by from Golden Shovel, and they discuss For economic developers housing is one of the major topics we deal with, especially workforce housing. The data behind the Golden Shovel white paper and the role the pandemic played Pre-pandemic communities were facing housing shortages that negatively impacted their ability to grow. Compnaies needed more housing for their employees. People couldn’t move for employment opportunities because there wasn’t affordable housing Housing shortages are now at the forefront of public consciousness and the existing housing costs exponentially more. Case-Shiller Index Report showed an 18.8% annual home price increase. Zumper’s National Rent Report showed that rent for a one-bedroom apartment hit an all-time high of $1,400 in 2022, for the national average– this is a 12 percent year-over-year increase. The United States alone has a housing shortfall of 3.8 million units. According to Freddie Mac researchers, “The main driver of the housing shortfall has been the long-term decline in the construction of single-family homes. T Information Contained in a Housing Study The structure of a housing study varies from consultant to consultant and is based on community priorities. Some of the common features are as follows: • Analysis of current housing supply, broken down by owner-occupied vs. rental, and type of housing. • Report on the condition of current housing stock, including identifying the number of homes that should be torn down or need serious renovations to be livable. • Analysis of the affordability of housing for the existing workforce. • Estimate how many housing units will be needed, per category, over the next five years. • Location breakdown for housing demand (necessary for a regional report). • Determination of how many housing units need to be built as “workforce housing.” • Determination of how much senior housing will be needed. • A projection of how the housing needs could change if the EDO’s work results in job growth. • Analysis of the community’s current development capabilities and if outside developers will be needed to meet housing targets. Best Practices Pattern Zoning & Pre-Approvals As a Strategy in Claremore, OK EMPOWER INDIVIDUAL HOMEOWNERS TO BUILD INCENTIVES & POLICY TO SPUR WORKFORCE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT TAKE AN ACTIVE ROLE IN THE DEVELOPMENT PROCESS Spurring Housing Development Without Significant Capital in Clinton, Iowa REZONE TO INCREASE DENSITY REPURPOSE LAND & BUILDINGS TURN BLIGHT INTO OPPORTUNITIES /episode/index/show/developthis/id/28014798

DT #468 Ron Kresha of Golden Shovel - Creating a Marketing Plan 09/05/2023

DT #468 Ron Kresha of Golden Shovel - Creating a Marketing Plan - COO & CFO Creating a Marketing Plan , Chief Operating Officer, is a founding member who helped start Golden Shovel Agency on the premise that every community deserves to be recognized and to have the tools needed to compete for businesses and jobs. He is committed to providing services that improve communities and people’s lives. Ron refers to himself as a serial entrepreneur who has been told he’s “too stupid to know how to fail”. He wears that as a badge of honor as a person who never quits on people, companies, or communities. How has marketing for economic development groups changed? How have websites changed and how we access information changed? The percentage of global web traffic on mobile phones has surged over the past decade. In May 2023, 51.52% of all web traffic came through mobile phones, with the average for 2023 so far coming in at 56.86%. The importance of a Strategic Marketing Plan Strategic marketing is creating a comprehensive plan that aligns with an organization’s overall strategy to achieve specific objectives. It involves: 1. Identifying the target audience & understanding the competition. 2. Developing a unique value proposition (UVP). 3. Creating a marketing mix that effectively communicates your message. This long-term process requires a deep understanding of the market and the organization’s goals. CRAFTING & EXECUTING A STRATEGIC MARKETING PLAN To achieve success, economic developers must effectively execute their plans, measure the effectiveness of their marketing efforts, and adjust their approach as needed to ensure the desired results are achieved. 1. Determine your marketing mix. Decide which marketing channels (such as advertising, PR, social media, email marketing, etc.) will most effectively reach your target audience and achieve your goals. 2. Create a budget. Allocate resources to each of your marketing channels and tactics. Be sure to consider both the cost of creating and executing the marketing plan and the potential return on investment. 3. Develop a timeline. Create a timeline for executing your marketing plan. Assign specific tasks and deadlines to team members responsible for each tactic. 4. Implement the plan. Begin running your marketing tactics according to your timeline. 5. Measure and analyze results. Continuously monitor your marketing efforts and analyze your results. Use data to identify what’s working and what’s not, and adjust your plan accordingly. GET SMART SMART goals are a popular framework for setting and achieving goals. SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. 1. Specific: Be clear and specific about the results. Instead of setting a vague goal like “post more content,” set a specific goal like “post relevant community events every week for ten weeks.” 2. Measurable: Ensure your goal is measurable. This means setting criteria for success, such as tracking your social media interactions and increasing economic development conversations. 3. Achievable: Set goals that are realistic and achievable. Don’t set yourself up for failure by setting an unrealistic goal. Instead, ensure your goals can realistically be accomplished with your current resources and abilities. 4. Relevant: Make your goals relevant to your larger objectives and values. Ask yourself if the goal will help you achieve something meaningful. 5. Time-bound: Set a deadline for your goal. Stay focused and motivated. For example, set a deadline of three months to aggressively Using SMART goals will make your goals clear, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound, setting you up for success. TOP REASONS STRATEGIC MARKETING PLANS FAIL There are several reasons why strategic marketing plans can fail. #1 Poor planning – successful strategic marketing requires a well-defined plan with clear objectives, target audience, and tactics. If an EDO fails to plan correctly, it can result in inadequate or ineffective marketing efforts. #2 Not understanding your target audience – an EDO’s marketing strategy depends on how well it understands its audience. Failure to understand can lead to marketing campaigns that are irrelevant, uninteresting, or unappealing. #3 Insufficient resources – implementing a strategic marketing plan can be costly, and a lack of resources can result in an inability to execute the plan effectively. This can include lacking financial resources, human resources, or time. #4 Poor execution – even the best marketing plan can fail if the execution is poor. Poor execution can result from a lack of attention to detail, ineffective communication, or insufficient training and support. #5 Inability to adapt – the marketplace is constantly changing, and a successful marketing strategy requires adapting to these changes. Failure to adapt can result in a marketing strategy that is no longer effective or relevant. #6 Lack of differentiation – in today’s highly competitive market, it’s crucial for companies to differentiate themselves from their competitors. Failure to differentiate can make it difficult to attract and retain businesses and workforce. Pulling together the components for a website or marketing effort derails most people. Copy Photos Data Graphics Golden Shovel has a four step process Schedule a call Develop a strategy Engage Measure success /episode/index/show/developthis/id/27951123

DT #467 The Highs and Lows of Economic Development 08/23/2023

DT #465 Aaron Brossoit – Golden Shovel CEO 08/16/2023

DT #466 Preview IEDC 2023 Annual Conference, September 17 – 20th, 2023 – in Dallas, Texas 08/16/2023

DT #464 Joseph Stefko, ROC2025 President and CEO, joins Develop This! 07/31/2023

DT #463 Dealing With Controversial Projects 07/19/2023

Develop This: Economic and Community Development

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