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.
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DT #523 IEDC Rural Entrepreneurship 101 Online Class - Mo Collins
11/13/2024
DT #523 IEDC Rural Entrepreneurship 101 Online Class - Mo Collins
Dennis is joined by , Director of Entrepreneurship - , and they discuss the upcoming is the other instructor of the Rural Entrepreneurship class. Rural Entrepreneurship 101 - online November 20, 2024 11:00 am - 6:00 pm EST The rise of bandwidth, remote work, and local, place-based assets go hand in hand with emerging rural entrepreneurship and ecosystem building. Join this 101 Class to explore innovative strategies to overcome rural entrepreneurship's unique challenges and learn best practices to transform your rural community into a hub of growth and sustainability.
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DT #524 Leading Ladies of Economic Development Podcast - Kaycee Bunch
11/13/2024
DT #524 Leading Ladies of Economic Development Podcast - Kaycee Bunch
Dennis is joined by , an economic developer and podcast host. Dennis and Kaycee discuss the unique challenges faced by female economic development professionals. is a great podcast for all economic development professionals. Give it a listen; you won't be disappointed! The Leading Ladies of Economic Development podcast is a safe place for female economic development professionals to share stories, insights, and challenges of the economic development industry. We hear from women leaders across the country about their careers in ED and how you can apply their experiences to your own economic development career goals.
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DT #522 Moving From Burnout to Renewal Dennis Pruitt, Missouri Partnership
11/06/2024
DT #522 Moving From Burnout to Renewal Dennis Pruitt, Missouri Partnership
Moving from burnout to renewal - Dennis Pruitt, Missouri Partnership In this episode, Dennis and Dennis discuss the reality of burnout and practical next steps to help deal with the effects of burnout. Outline I. Definitions II. Causes III. Significance IV. Caveats V. Fundamentals of building personal energy VI. Practical Next Steps
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DT #520 Why We All Need a Personal Competitive Advantage - Mark Perna
10/30/2024
DT #520 Why We All Need a Personal Competitive Advantage - Mark Perna
Dennis and discuss the importance of and the three critical elements of a personal competitive advantage. Robust academic knowledge Technical competencies Professional skills Even though the is designed to talk to Gen Zers about their careers, there are lessons for all of us to learn and ponder. Competitive Advantage Track is a free, easy-to-use tool that will drive the dialogue to help young people think constructively about their future, develop crucial career and life skills, and ultimately thrive in a fast-changing world. In each module (or “Slice”), generational expert and creator Mark C. Perna delivers a short, heartfelt talk about a particular skill, why it matters, and how it connects to their personal competitive advantage for whatever they want to achieve in life.
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DT# 521 Redefining West Virginia’s Region 1's Economy; Life After Coal – With Economic Recovery Corps (ERC) Fellow Shaun Donovan
10/30/2024
DT# 521 Redefining West Virginia’s Region 1's Economy; Life After Coal – With Economic Recovery Corps (ERC) Fellow Shaun Donovan
Dennis is joined by , an Economic Recovery Corps (ERC) Fellow working in West Virginia. They discuss the what it is like to be an ERC Fellow and Shaun's work in West Virginia. ERC Project Project Title: Redefining West Virginia’s Region 1's Economy; Life After Coal Host Community or Region: West Virginia Host Organization: , in collaboration with the Town of A New Partnership for Economic Transformation - 65 Fellows, 65 Catalytic Projects, 42 States, 2 Territories The Economic Recovery Corps (ERC) program launched in 2023 through a $30 million cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA). Funded through the CARES Act, ERC aims to address long-standing economic disparities in America that surfaced during the COVID-19 pandemic, build capacity in -hard-hit communities, and cultivate the next generation of economic development leaders. The ERC program is led by the (IEDC) in partnership with six leading national organizations from across the economic development landscape. Over a 30-month Fellowship, 65 Fellows are working alongside Host Organizations in under-resourced communities, building a nationwide corps of diverse, cross-sector talent with the skills and expertise to activate regional strategies and promote innovation. The Fellowship promotes connectivity and knowledge-sharing among urban, rural, and tribal areas to elevate new practices and transform the field of economic development.
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Dt #519 Springfield Ohio, When the National Spotlight Shines You – Horton Hobbs
10/23/2024
Dt #519 Springfield Ohio, When the National Spotlight Shines You – Horton Hobbs
Springfield, Ohio, has recently been in the national spotlight after the community was mentioned in several political debates. What happens when you go from being one of 67 communities named Springfield to the one everyone is talking about? Is all publicity good publicity? How does an organization respond to the glare of the national media? , Vice President of Economic Development for The , joins Dennis, and they go behind the scenes of working and living in Springfield, OH.
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DT #518 Why Communities Get Eliminated from Projects with Chris Lloyd
10/16/2024
DT #518 Why Communities Get Eliminated from Projects with Chris Lloyd
In this episode, Dennis is joined by from the infrastructure and economic development team. Dennis and Chris discuss best practices for responding to RFPs and the intangibles that can prevent a community from being considered for a project. Chris Lloyd leads the McGuireWoods Consulting infrastructure and economic development team, where he specializes in site selection and negotiations for economic development incentives. Since 1998, Chris has worked on dozens of high-profile corporate expansions and relocations across the country. Prior to joining McGuireWoods Consulting, Chris served for nearly five years in the Office of the Secretary of Commerce and Trade under Virginia Governors Allen and Wilder. Chris is also a past chair of the . Chris has also worked closely with clients on numerous public-private partnership projects for transportation and other infrastructure, and played a leading role in the development and passage of Virginia’s public-private partnership laws, which have since become model legislation for use in other states.
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DT #517 Dealing With Things Beyond Your Control
10/09/2024
DT #517 Dealing With Things Beyond Your Control
In this episode, Dennis talks about the frustrations of dealing with issues and projects that are beyond your direct control. What do you do when quiet diplomacy fails, and entities are determined to engage in behavior detrimental to the area you live and work in?
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DT #516 The Power of the Unexpected Compliment
10/02/2024
DT #516 The Power of the Unexpected Compliment
In this episode, Dennis explores the power of the unexpected compliment. Too often, we quickly criticize and forget to tell the people in our lives how much we appreciate them. Take a deep breath and unleash the power of the unexpected compliment.
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DT #515 2024 IEDC Annual Conference Recap and Review
09/25/2024
DT #515 2024 IEDC Annual Conference Recap and Review
In this episode, Dennis shares his thoughts on the 2024 that was held in Denver.
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DT #514 Why Can't We All Get Along Election Edition
09/11/2024
DT #514 Why Can't We All Get Along Election Edition
In this episode, Dennis laments how the seeds of distrust have been sown in our election process and how that distrust affects even local elections. Why is it so hard to disagree and still respect each other's opinions?
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DT #513 The Power of Saying No With Mark Perna
09/04/2024
DT #513 The Power of Saying No With Mark Perna
Mark Perna joins Dennis to discuss the power of saying no. Sometimes, saying no is the best strategy. Dennis and Mark talk about how and why to say no.
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DT #512 Economic Development is Like Magic with Magician Dennis Watkins
08/28/2024
DT #512 Economic Development is Like Magic with Magician Dennis Watkins
Dennis is joined by third-generation magician and award-winning entertainer from the in Chicago. Dennis and his wife attended a show at the Magic Parlour, and Dennis was so impressed he asked magician Dennis Watkins to join him on an episode of Develop This! Listen in for a fascinating discussion of the behind-the-scenes world of magic and discover how economic development is like magic!
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DT #511 Basic Economic Development Course - Heartland Edition
08/21/2024
DT #511 Basic Economic Development Course - Heartland Edition
In this episode, Denis is joined by , CEcD (Course Director) for (HEDC) and the Program Manager at the . Dennis and James discuss the basic economic development courses and how they vary around the county. IEDC lists 25 basic economic development courses on its website. The Heartland Economic Development Course (HEDC) offers intensive training in the basic concepts, information, methods, and strategies of local economic development. A diverse and experienced faculty, composed of both academicians and practitioners, gives an excellent blend of theory and practice. Graduation from HEDC fulfills one of the education prerequisites for those who wish to take examinations for Certified Economic Development (CEcD) designation. Heartland 2025 is held at the Adams Pointe Conference Center in Blue Springs, MO, from April 29th through May 2nd. An evening reception is held the night prior on the 28th at the Conference Center. The format consists of interactive presentations, panels, and discussions facilitated by Heartland's expert faculty. March 29 or April 5 (must attend one) 8:00 a.m. Strategic Planning for Economic Development April 22 4-7 p.m. Optional evening reception and course check-in at the Adams Pointe Conference Center April 23 7:00 a.m. Course Registration 8 a.m. Course opening Managing an EDO Ethics in Economic Development (Part 1) Workforce Development & Talent Attraction Networking Dinner! April 24 Entrepreneurship Economic Development Financing Neighborhood/Community Development/Main Street (community tours) KC Dinner & Networking! April 25 7 a.m. Professional Development Pathways (optional) Real Estate Development Ethics (part 2) Business Retention & Expansion (tour and mock BRE interview) Dinner on your own April 26 Understanding Site Selection Responding to an RFI State Partner Association Member: $995.00 Non-Member: $1,095.00 James Hoelscher, CEcD (Course Director)
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DT #510 OUEDI - OU Economic Development Institute with Kirk Garton
08/14/2024
DT #510 OUEDI - OU Economic Development Institute with Kirk Garton
Dennis is joined by , program director of OUEDI alumnus Dennis discusses the OUEDI curriculum and the process of completing the classes, which are available online and in person. OU EDI Core Requirements OU EDI has aligned its curriculum to meet the education standards and requirements set by the Committees. These committees and OU EDI have identified three core areas considered to be the building blocks of economic development: Business Retention and Expansion (BRE), Real Estate, and Credit Analysis. Each OU EDI Participant Must Study these Three Core Areas by Completing the Following Courses: Business Retention and Expansion (16 hours) Real Estate Development and Reuse (16 hours) Economic Development Credit Analysis (24 hours) OU EDI Elective Requirements In addition to the core areas, OU EDI has developed a curriculum intended to give the participants a broad-based education and to develop the skills necessary to be successful economic developers, while simultaneously covering four of the topic areas necessary to prepare for IEDC's CEcD certification exam. Economic Development Marketing and Attraction Economic Development Strategic Planning Entrepreneurial and Small Business Development Strategies Managing Economic Development Organizations Community and Neighborhood Development Workforce Development OU EDI and IEDC have worked closely to ensure that OU EDI graduates will have fulfilled the necessary classroom contact hours in the three core areas and the elective areas of concentration to satisfy the education requirements necessary to sit for the CEcD exam.
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DT #509 Encore Episode 7 Rules for Brand New Economic Development Professionals
08/06/2024
DT #509 Encore Episode 7 Rules for Brand New Economic Development Professionals
Enjoy this classic Develop This! episode from 2021 Develop This! will be back next week with an all-new episode Are you new to the business of economic and community development and wondering how to get started? Whether you are brand new to the business or a seasoned economic developer looking to get back to basics, this episode is for you. Dennis and Jason share the 7 rules you need to follow to have early success in your career.
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DT # 508 Encore Episode The Art and Power of Persuasion
08/06/2024
DT # 508 Encore Episode The Art and Power of Persuasion
Enjoy this classic Develop! This episode from 2020. Develop This! will be back with an all-new show next week. Many projects require divergent groups to work together, so how can we reach consensus when there are very different opinions? In this episode, Dennis and Jason share tips and strategies for identifying mutual goals, navigating compromise, and utilizing clear and consistent communication.
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DT #507 How Old is Too Old? With Mark Perna
07/31/2024
DT #507 How Old is Too Old? With Mark Perna
Dennis is joined by . In light of President Biden's dropping out of the presidential race, they discuss how old is too old and the power of having multiple ages working together.
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DT #506 Preview of the 2024 IEDC Annual Conference in Denver
07/23/2024
DT #506 Preview of the 2024 IEDC Annual Conference in Denver
Dennis is joined by , the Chief Innovation Officer of the International Economic Development Council. They discuss the upcoming , which will be held in Denver from September 15-18, 2024. Discover The Mile High City Calling all changemakers, visionaries, influencers, disruptors, and developers, the 2024 IEDC Annual Conference awaits! Your community, region, country, and world need you in Denver, CO, September 15-18, to join forces with thousands of economic development practitioners and thought leaders from around the globe as we celebrate and champion the unsung heroes of economic development. This year's conference is more than just one of our standard gatherings; it's the premier platform to flip the script and transform our profession into one of the world's most recognized, understood, and attractive industries. By spotlighting the innovative work of economic development superheroes, we aim to inspire and equip you with the tools and knowledge to drive positive change and innovation in your community. This is your team's opportunity to unleash your inner economic development superheroes and elevate the economic development profession to new heights in the Mile High City. Conference Theme: Championing Economic Development Superheroes The conference will explore the following tracks: Marketing and Telling Our Stories Talent and Workforce Strategies Solving the Housing Crisis Climate Change and Sustainability Rural Prosperity Entrepreneurship and Ecosystem Building
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DT #505 Get to Know Dell Gines the Chief Innovation Officer, International Economic Development Council
07/23/2024
DT #505 Get to Know Dell Gines the Chief Innovation Officer, International Economic Development Council
In this episode, Dennis is joined by , Chief Innovation Officer, of the . Find out more about Dell's passion for economic development and his path to joining IEDC. Dr. Dell Gines is a nonprofit executive and certified economic developer with over 15 years of experience in organizational transformation and economic development. As Chief Innovation Officer at the International Economic Development Council (IEDC), he oversees the professional development, research, conferences, and program functions for the organization. This includes managing the $30 million, EDA-funded Economic Recovery Corps program, a national initiative that places 65 fellows in host organizations across the nation to promote equitable development. Before joining IEDC, Dell led economic development programs at the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City. Dell has authored six guides and one book on economic development ecosystem building, with a particular focus on equitable economic development in distressed urban and rural communities. His 2018 research report on Black women business startups has been cited by PBS, Forbes, Black Enterprise, CNN Business, and Entrepreneur magazine. He has spoken in over 26 states and 50 cities, often as a keynote speaker, advocating for equitable rural and urban economic development. He is among the 5,000 Certified Economic Developers (CEcD) and holds a Master of Business Administration, a Master of Finance, and a Ph.D. from the University of Nebraska School of Public Administration. He has received numerous awards, including the TOYO award from the Omaha Jaycees in 2011 and the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City’s President’s Award in 2014, 2019, and 2021. In 2020, he was inducted into the Kansas City Black Achievers Society.
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DT #504 Dealing With Stress and Burnout with Mark Perna
07/17/2024
DT #504 Dealing With Stress and Burnout with Mark Perna
In this episode, Dennis is joined by , who discusses how to deal with stress and burnout in your job. We've all been there, with sleepless nights and nagging insecurities. Dennis and Mark discuss their own challenges and ways to deal with the two-headed monster of stress and burnout.
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DT #503 Building Your Leadership Skills With Will Baggett
07/10/2024
DT #503 Building Your Leadership Skills With Will Baggett
Dennis is joined by , an author, motivational speaker, and authority on personal branding, body language, and soft skills leadership. A self-described "speaker snob," Dennis was blown away when he heard Will give a presentation at the Leadership Conference. Dennis and Will discuss how to find your North Star and exercise your leadership muscle. Will Baggett, former operations manager for the College Football Playoff, is an award-winning major events professional, former strength coach, and dynamic speaker. In early 2020, the White House recognized Will for outstanding communications and service to the President of the United States. Will has also helped produce events such as the Super Bowl, Final Four, and a host of college football bowl games. Over his six-year coaching career, Will helped produce 19 NFL draft picks, including two first-round picks. The Blueprint for a Successful Career, Will’s first book, was released in 2017 to widespread acclaim and has been added to the curriculum at six nationally accredited universities. He began speaking in 2017 and has since delivered over 250 keynotes, inspiring over 50,000 people across multigenerational workplaces in both the public and private sectors. Will is considered to be the undisputed authority in personal branding, body language, and soft skills leadership, resulting in a 98.13% approval rating across all his speeches. Will is highly regarded as the most interactive speaker in the country. He leverages his unique INFJ personality and quick wit to leave teams more inspired and connected than ever before. Will, also a part-time actor, has appeared in national commercials for the PGA Tour, Coors Light, Academy Sports & Outdoors, Southwest Airlines, and VistaPrint. Check out Will's new book, .
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DT #502 Economic Development in Puerto Rico with Ella Woger-Nieves
06/26/2024
DT #502 Economic Development in Puerto Rico with Ella Woger-Nieves
In this episode, Dennis is joined by , Chief Executive Officer of . Dennis and Ella discuss all things Puerto Rico, from the thriving pharmaceutical industry to the highly educated workforce and tax benefits. Ella Woger-Nieves, Chief Executive Officer of Invest Puerto Rico, leads the organization’s mission of promoting the Island as a competitive investment jurisdiction and attracting new businesses and capital to the island. Woger-Nieves was responsible for Invest PR’s start-up from an operational standpoint in 2018, playing an instrumental role in the organization’s creation by helping establish its mission, objectives, and roadmap to accomplishing them. The newly appointed CEO has a proven record of working with Fortune 500 companies throughout her 20-year marketing and management consulting career. She has vast experience leading and facilitating strategic planning, market analysis, and organizational restructuring initiatives for local and multinational corporations across various industries, including government, financial services, manufacturing, and the non-profit sector. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Pennsylvania.
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DT #501 500th Episode Celebration the Future of Economic Development
06/19/2024
DT #501 500th Episode Celebration the Future of Economic Development
It's another 500th special edition show! Dennis is joined by Develop This! contributing correspondents and . Dennis, Joi, and Sean pull out their crystal balls and discuss what the future holds for working economic development professionals.
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DT #500 500th Episode Spectacular! - Jason Returns
06/12/2024
DT #500 500th Episode Spectacular! - Jason Returns
Join and Develop This! cofounder as they reminisce about the podcast's early days and wax poetic about their personal journeys and what the future holds.
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DT #499 Building a World Class Organization with Mike Neal President & CEO, Tulsa Regional Chamber
06/05/2024
DT #499 Building a World Class Organization with Mike Neal President & CEO, Tulsa Regional Chamber
In this episode, Dennis is joined by - President and CEO of the Mike presents a master class on how to build and lead a dynamic team of professionals and how to utilize strategic partnerships to build a world-class organization. Mike Neal is in his 18th year as president and chief executive officer of the Tulsa Regional Chamber. In 2018, the Oklahoma Chamber of Commerce Executives (OCCE) inducted Mike into their Hall of Fame in recognition of his 30 years of service to the chamber industry. Tulsa People named Mike the 2011 Tulsan of the Year for his limitless energy, can-do optimism and tireless efforts toward making Tulsa a better place. Mike is heavily involved with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. He serves on its Foundation Board of Directors, its Chamber of Commerce Committee of 100, and its Transportation Infrastructure & Logistics Committee. Mike is also the current chairman of their Accrediting Board of Directors. He also serves on the boards of the International Economic Development Council and the Southern Economic Development Council. Mike leads the Chamber's staff of more than 65 full-time professionals in the areas of economic development, regional tourism, government affairs and community development. The Chamber is a partner in prosperity to more than 2,200 member organizations across an 11-county region. MISSIONWe transform the Tulsa region by attracting and retaining employers, talent, and tourism for long-term prosperity. VISIONThe Tulsa region is a global destination for individual and community prosperity. WE ARE... Positive – We exhibit positivity toward our colleagues and a passionate devotion to our community. Innovative – We seek fresh ideas and solutions to lead our region forward. Inclusive – We embrace diversity and foster collaboration. Engaged – We are fully attentive and focused in service to one another, our members and our partners. Accountable – We maintain integrity, strive for excellence, and seek continuous improvement in our work and ourselves. Representing more than 2,150 member organizations and more than 178,000 workers, the Tulsa Regional Chamber is the primary driver of regional and individual prosperity in northeast Oklahoma. The Chamber develops and delivers a wide variety of programs and services designed to bolster and benefit Tulsa-area businesses of all shapes and sizes, from large corporations to small startups. For more than 115 years, the Chamber has served as an integral part of what makes the Tulsa region a great place to live, work and play. Our strategic initiatives include: Collaborate with regional partners to position northeast Oklahoma for increased economic activity. Leverage the region's competitive identity to market Tulsa as a destination for tourism, sports, and culture. Build coalitions to achieve pro-business public policy at the local, state and federal levels. Create vibrant places that support and enrich quality of life and regional economic activity. Tulsa's Future is the Chamber's multi-county regional economic development partnership supported by public and private investors. Since 2005, Tulsa's Future has supported the creation of more than 80,000 jobs and more than $6 billion in capital investment.
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DT #498 IEDC 2024 Future Forum Preview with Suzanne Dale Estey
06/03/2024
DT #498 IEDC 2024 Future Forum Preview with Suzanne Dale Estey
In this episode, Dennis is joined by , Executive Director of the . Dennis and Suzanne preview the 2024 IEDC Future Forum and talk all things Washington State. will be held in Spokane, Washington, on June 16-18 The 2024 Future Forum will explore 'Transformational Economic Development' and celebrate the , Spokane's community-changing World Fair mega-event. Discover how Spokane's innovative businesses, events, projects, technologies, and workforce talent have revolutionized communities for the better. Unlocking Inclusive Energy Opportunities Community Buy-In, Circular Economy, and Zero Waste Strategies Putting CHIPS Act Dollars to Work Cultural Vibrancy & Creative Entrepreneurship The Community Placemaking Roundtable The Interdisciplinary Think-tank Breaking Down Creative Economy Data AI's Influence on the Modern Workforce Local Libraries as Entrepreneurship Incubators Conservation, Ecotourism, and Rural Prosperity Reactivating Art in Your Community Explore the 'Capital of the Intermountain Northwest,' with a diverse economy serving nearly 2 million people. The area boasts a thriving labor market and is a hub for healthcare, transportation, clean energy, education, and recreation. Learn how Spokane balances population growth, conservation, and innovative industries while still maintaining a flourishing downtown where more than half of the buildings are on the Historic Register. Discover how Spokane became the smallest city ever to host the World's Fair and the first to present an environmentally-themed exhibition in 1972.
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DT #497 Developing Your Leadership Style With Mark Perna
05/29/2024
DT #497 Developing Your Leadership Style With Mark Perna
In this episode, Dennis is joined by , who discusses leadership and how to develop your leadership style. Leadership - the action of leading a group of people or an organization Leadership is only evident when it’s poor Leadership is not one-size-fits-all There are many styles of leadership…Example servant leaders A servant leader shares power, puts the needs of the employees and organization first, and helps people develop and perform as highly as possible. Instead of the people working to serve the leader, the leader exists to serve the people Golden rule - one should treat others as one would like to be treated Would you want to work for you? Be intellectually curious – Read- Embrace new ideas and challenges Change your leadership style as needed Know what you don’t know – It’s okay that you don’t know everything Find a mentor - Develop a peer group Develop the strength of your convictions Delegate – Hire good people and get out of their way Personal integrity – What do you do when no one is watching? Embrace those with other opinions Be a thetic – Empathetic and Sympathetic You can be in the same place and have a totally different experience Laugh at yourself "The knowledge of how little you can do alone teaches you humility." -
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DT #496 Carolina Small Business Development Fund with Kevin Dick
05/22/2024
DT #496 Carolina Small Business Development Fund with Kevin Dick
In this episode, Dennis is joined by , President and Chief Executive Officer in the Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina area. They discuss the importance of small businesses as part of the ecosystem of a community, region, and state. The Carolina Small Business Development Fund is a not-for-profit organization of over 30 dedicated professionals with three focus areas - small business financial capital, small business technical assistance and growth, and policy research/development. Since 2020, the organization has seen a dramatic increase in loan production and has provided loans, loan modifications, deferred payments, and grants to over 1,200 businesses throughout the State of NC. We have eclipsed the $102M mark in capital deployment dating back to when we began providing loans in 2010 and growing the number from $71M to $102M in three years. We have an outstanding team that is all in on equitable economic development and helping small businesses grow. WE ARE TORCH BEARERS - Providing small business loans, training, and research to support entrepreneurs. Our Story is a 501(c)3 nonprofit guided by the belief that when small businesses succeed, everyone benefits. When we first opened our doors in 1990 as the North Carolina Minority Support Center, we were providing technical assistance to financial institutions and entrepreneurs, and in our first 20 years of service to our state, we administered millions of dollars in grants to help address the needs of unserved and underserved people and communities. When the financial crisis of 2008 threatened Main Street firms across our state and nation, our leadership knew that we were in the position to not only double down on our work serving underserved communities, but to expand our services as well. We ushered in a new era for our work in 2011, when we made our first loan to a North Carolina small business, and eventually became a certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) in 2013. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic's economic aftershocks, we doubled down once again and expanded our services to ensure that our state's small businesses could succeed, and the communities they serve would benefit. Since opening in 1990, we have met entrepreneurs at the crossroads of hardship and opportunity—and we will continue to light the way forward for whatever comes next
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DT #495 Becoming a Certified Economic Developer With Denisse Carter
05/15/2024
DT #495 Becoming a Certified Economic Developer With Denisse Carter
- Economic Development Administrator Dennis is joined by Denisse Carter - Economic Development Administrator Doña Ana County, a newly minted Certified Economic Developer. Dennis and Denisse discuss the certification process and the benefits of becoming a . T The coursework for the CEcD certification program is divided into 2 categories: Core Competency and Elective Competency You must attend all 4 Core Competency training courses listed below • Basic Economic Development Course (BEDC) • Business Retention & Expansion • Economic Development Credit Analysis • Real Estate Development & Reuse You must attend any 2 Elective Competency training courses listed below • Economic Development Finance Programs • Economic Development Marketing & Attraction • Economic Development Strategic Planning • Entrepreneurial & Small Business Development Strategies • Foreign Direct Investment & Exporting • Managing Economic Development Organizations • Neighborhood Development Strategies • Technology-Led Economic Development • Workforce Development Strategies • Introduction to Entrepreneurship-Led Economic Development or Accelerating Growth Through Entrepreneurship-Led Economic Development Attend CEcD Exam Essentials Workshop 4 Submit the CEcD Exam Application & Fee $610 T The CEcD Exam is made up of 3 sections: Multiple Choice/Short Answer - The questions come directly from the training manuals for the 4 Core Competency courses and 2 Elective Competency courses, which are chosen by the candidate. Essay - This section requires the candidate to write responses to prompts related to Business Retention & Expansion, Economic Development Credit Analysis, and Real Estate Development & Reuse. The candidate will also need to select 2 additional prompts and respond to those as they see fit. Oral Interview - The candidate must pass both the Multiple Choice/Short Answer and Essay sections in order to move on to the Oral Interview. In this section, the candidate will be interviewed by a panel of current CEcDs. If the candidate passes this section, then they will be a newly minted CEcD with IEDC!
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