Podcasts
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...
Whittaker Associates Podcast Episode 19 – An Interview with Andy Bass, CEO NetNerd Ventures
Andy Bass is a long-time tech entrepreneur in West Michigan, having founded a variety of companies in the e-commerce and supply chain space over the past 30 years. He is the CEO of NetNerd Ventures, providing startup and technology strategy and software development services throughout Michigan. With a background in SaaS software engineering, internal IT, and systems integration, Andy has advised many companies throughout his career.. Andy co-founded and serves as Chief Technology Officer for Conpoto, a currency platform that connects community members with local merchants and enables millions of dollars to be kept in a community, each year. Prior to Conpoto, Andy was a co-founder of LeanLogistics (now E2Open), which developed and commercialized cloud-based transportation management software. His teams created and supported a mission-critical supply chain platform used by Fortune 500 companies to process billions of dollars in freight spend annually. Early in his career, Andy introduced thousands of users to the Internet when he founded the Grand Rapids Free-Net, the first internet Service Provider in West Michigan.
Whittaker Associates Podcast Episode 18 – An Interview with Matt McQuade, Managing Director, Business Development One Columbus
Matt McQuade, Managing Director, Business Development One Columbus shares with us his view of the future of economic development. As a millennial (born between 1981 and 1996) Matt brings a perspective on the future of economic development from a younger generation than several of our previous guests. With 12 years in the economic development profession, he has been engaged in several location projects in the Columbus, Ohio region. Matt is the point person for the Intel project. Intel is planning to invest more than $20 billion in the construction of two new leading-edge chip factories in Ohio to boost production to meet the demand for advanced semiconductors, power a new generation of innovative products from Intel, and serve the needs of foundry customers. Spanning nearly 1,000 acres in Licking County, just outside of Columbus, the “mega-site” can accommodate a total of eight chip factories as well as supporting operations and ecosystem partners.
Whittaker Associates Podcast Episode 17 – An Interview with Julie Curtin, President Economic Development Practice, Development Counsellors International
Julie Curtin, President of the Economic Development Practice of Development Counsellors International (DCI) shares with us her insight into the future of economic development. In her role as a board member of the International Economic Development Council (IEDC), she worked directly with IEDC to support the launch of the Diversity Fellowship, a 10-week intern program for young people of color to work in economic development in order to help increase diversity within the economic development profession. Julie first joined DCI as a staff member in 1994. Julie graduated with a Journalism degree from The University of Kansas and resides in Denver, Colorado with her husband and four children.
Whittaker Associates Podcast Episode 16 An Interview with Ed Sitar, Senior Manager of Economic Development at ComEd
Ed Sitar, Senior Manager of Economic Development at ComEd. Ed oversees the company’s large business customer retention and expansion strategy to grow key industries in northern Illinois. Ed is a 28-year company veteran who has worked closely with Illinois municipalities, and regional and state economic development organizations. Ed holds a bachelor's degree in urban planning and development and a bachelor’s of science in Environmental Design, with a minor in Energy and Mineral Resources Both degrees are from Ball State University.
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