Podcasts
The Whittaker Report Podcast Episode 29 An Interview with Dennis Pruitt, Senior Vice President of Economic Development for the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce
Dennis Pruitt, SVP, is the Senior Vice President of Economic Development at the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber. He leads the Chamber’s business recruitment and expansion efforts, economic research, industry sector development, and destination retail initiatives. He also oversees the Greater Oklahoma City Partnership, a 10-county regional economic development alliance. With more than 30 years of experience in economic and community development, Dennis brings deep insight to his role. In this episode, he shares his experience of starting a new position just one month ago, how he prepared for the transition, and offers valuable advice for anyone stepping into a new role.
The Whittaker Report Podcast Episode 28 – An Interview with Jen Wakefield, APR, President and CEO at Greater Richmond Partnership
Jennifer Wakefield. Jen is the President and CEO of the Greater Richmond Partnership, where she’s been driving strategic growth and investment in the region since 2021. With over two decades of experience in economic development, marketing, and strategic planning, she’s led transformative projects in both Richmond and Orlando, boosting business attraction and regional branding in a big way.Before taking the helm at GRP, Jennifer played a pivotal role in marketing Orlando as a top business destination, leading campaigns that increased international recognition and investment. She’s a recognized thought leader in the industry, serving on the board of the International Economic Development Council and multiple advisory councils. Beyond her impressive credentials—including degrees in communications, leadership program accolades, and a long list of awards—Jennifer is also a self-proclaimed Star Wars nerd. So, we might just have to ask her if economic development has its own version of the light side and dark side!
The Whittaker Report Podcast Episode 27 – An Interview with Barry Matherly, CEcD
In this episode, we hear from Barry Matherly, CEcD, President and CEO of Hickey Global, a full service economic development consulting firm. With over 28 years in economic development, Barry has been helping communities to prosper by creating opportunities for new investment and job growth. As a certified economic development professional and thought leader, he develops growth strategies to create vibrant, inclusive communities. He has worked at the city, county, regional, state and national level.
The Whittaker Report Podcast Episode 26 an Interview with Kate Engel, Executive Director of the Nebraska Innovation Campus
In this episode we hear from Kate Engel, Managing Director of the Nebraska Innovation Campus. Kate Engel. Kate is the interim executive director of the Nebraska Innovation Campus Development Corporation owned by the University of Nebraska Board of Regents. Kate's primary responsibility is to supervise NICDC staff, direct business operations and work to grow the roster of partners, including private businesses and university entities, at NIC. She also leads infrastructure planning and development, client services, and marketing and public relations, as well as manages relationships with commercial developers and other entities that may build or operate facilities at NIC.
The Whittaker Report Podcast Episode 25 – An Interview with Dr. Donald T. Iannone.
In this episode we hear from Dr. Donald T. Iannone, a poet, author, philosopher, and professor of theology. Don shares with us his view of the future of Economic Development and trends impacting the profession. He discusses the longterm impace of COVID on our mind, body and spirit. Do has written 20 books and had 47 year career in economic development. His perspective reflects the wisdom gained and shares with us his insight on the nature and direction of urban and rural development
The Whittaker Report Podcast Episode 24 An Interview with Mark James, CEcD, Utility Practice Lead, Hickey Global
In this episode, Mark James discusses the electric utility industry role in site selection, current trends within the industry, electrical capacity, supply chain issues and the need to dramatically invest in the expansion of the grid. Mark also shares with us the future of economic development as seen from his perspective as the former Dean of the Economic Development Institute.
The Whittaker Report Podcast Episode 23 – An Interview with Karl Dye, President/CEO of TRIDEC
In this episode, we have a conversation with Karl Dye, President/CEO of TRIDEC (Tri Cities Development Council) serving Benton and Franklin Counties in Washington State. Karl discusses the opportunities for economic development organizations in decarbonization, climate change, and the electric power shortage. He also describers where he sees the economic development profession heading in the next 3-5 years and the role for economic development in the challenges ahead.
The Whittaker Report Podcast Episode 22 – An Interview with Lee Crume, President & CEO of BE NKY
Learn about BE NKY, a regional economic development organization and hear from Lee Crume, President & CEO of the organization as he describes the success they are having and his view of the changing nature of economic development.
The Whittaker Report Podcast Episode 21 – An Interview with Alia Abbas, Founder and President of Alia Consulting
In Episode 21, Alia Abbas shares with us her experience as a first-time attendee at the Select USA Conference, an investment summit in Washington DC annually. It provides an opportunity for economic development organization to meet with potential international investors considering establishing business operations in the United States. Alia Abbas has a Master of Arts degree in Geography specializing in Economic Development from York University with TMUs certification to boost her career prospects and be credible in her industry. Alia is also the Founder and CEO of Alia Consulting - Economic Development Firm based in Toronto. Her firm focuses on business continuity and economic recovery initiatives. She worked on investment attraction for companies based in U.S. She has worked on developing supply chain strategies for economic development organizations with her certification in Supply Chain and Logistics accredited by FEMA. She is an award-winning economic developer. She is the recent recipient of the 2023 Economic Development 40 Under 40 Award, the biennial award recognizing rising stars under 40 years old in the economic development industry. In the past, Alia has won the EDCO...
Whittaker Report Podcast Episode 20 – An Interview with Nathan Ohle, President/CEO of the International Economic Development Council
Nathan Ohle has been recently appointed as the President/CEO of the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). Under his leadership, several initiatives are underway, including a comprehensive strategic plan that involves a thorough review of all IEDC membership services. Nathan emphasizes the importance of collaboration in economic development as opposed to the competitive approaches of the past. One of the key focus areas for the organization under Nathan's leadership is addressing critical social and environmental issues. IEDC is actively working on promoting inclusion, equity, and combating systemic racism within the field of economic development. By fostering diverse and inclusive communities, the organization aims to ensure that economic growth benefits everyone and that opportunities are equally accessible. Additionally, Nathan recognizes the importance of addressing climate change as an integral part of sustainable economic development. IEDC is committed to integrating environmentally responsible practices and strategies into its policies and programs. This includes promoting green initiatives, investing in clean technologies, and supporting the transition to a...
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