Podcasts
Episode 32 An Interview with Ron Kitchens – Managing Partner of Greater St. Louis, Inc.
In this episode, you will hear from Ron Kitchens, Managing Partner of Greater St. Louis, Inc. You will learn how Ron began his 30-year career in economic development as an entrepreneur with a passion for creating jobs, a passion that became a lifelong commitment to helping communities grow and prosper. Ron shares the story behind the Kalamazoo Promise, a community scholarship program that guarantees Kalamazoo public high school graduates access to college funding. He also reflects on his work in Wichita Falls, Texas, where he helped secure three of the largest projects in the city’s history, investments expected to increase the local tax base fivefold and eliminate the need for a local property tax. Raised in Ozark, Missouri, and married to a St. Louis native, Ron brings both heart and purpose to his work. Throughout the conversation, he shares his deep commitment to improving people’s lives through economic development.
The Whittaker Report Episode 31 An Interview with Vern Schultz
Vern Schultz, SIOR, has been active in Chicago-area commercial real estate for more than 35 years. He joined Colliers in 1977 and currently serves as an Executive Vice President in the Industrial Advisory Group, representing tenants and owners throughout the Chicago market. Since joining Colliers, Vern has completed more than 1,000 transactions with a total value exceeding $2 billion. Vern lives in Chicago with his wife, Bobbie. Outside of work, he is a highly rated table tennis player, an avid reader and travels frequently to Colorado to visit his daughter and two grandsons.
The Whittaker Report Podcast Episode 30 – An Interview with Ashley & Eric Canada of Blane Canada AI
Eric has been a pioneer in applying technology to economic development for over 30 years, and together with Ashley—who brings deep expertise in sales and marketing—they’ve transformed Blane Canada into a leader in AI and automation for business development.
We’re going to talk about where economic development is headed, how AI is shaping the field, and what it all means for communities.
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.
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