Whittaker Report
Blog & Podcast
AI in Economic Development – Issue 29.0
AI for Seniors: An Overlooked Opportunity Worth a Closer Look Economic developers spend a lot of time thinking about workforce development, business attraction, and community infrastructure. Here is a population that rarely makes it onto those agendas, even though the...
Recent Podcasts
Episode 32 An Interview with Ron Kitchens - Managing Partner of Greater St. Louis, Inc.
Mar 25, 2026 • 00:30:43
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.…
The Whittaker Report Episode 31 An Interview with Vern Schultz
Dec 31, 2025 • 00:28:44
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…
The Whittaker Report Podcast Episode 30 - An Interview with Ashley & Eric Canada of Blane Canada AI
Sep 11, 2025 • 00:35:30
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…
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
Apr 29, 2025 • 00:33:16
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…
The Whittaker Report Podcast Episode 28 - An Interview with Jen Wakefield, APR, President and CEO at Greater Richmond Partnership
Mar 12, 2025 • 00:27:24
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…
The Whittaker Report Podcast Episode 27 - An Interview with Barry Matherly, CEcD
Jan 29, 2025 • 00:20:52
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…
The Whittaker Report Podcast Episode 26 an Interview with Kate Engel, Executive Director of the Nebraska Innovation Campus
Apr 26, 2024 • 00:17:26
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…
The Whittaker Report Podcast Episode 25 - An Interview with Dr. Donald T. Iannone.
Jan 14, 2024 • 00:35:49
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…
The Whittaker Report Podcast Episode 24 An Interview with Mark James, CEcD, Utility Practice Lead, Hickey Global
Dec 14, 2023 • 00:37:11
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…
The Whittaker Report Podcast Episode 23 - An Interview with Karl Dye, President/CEO of TRIDEC
Nov 24, 2023 • 00:28:59
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…
Recent Posts
Theme of the Month: Creativity
When I was choosing a theme to focus on for this month’s newsletter, I had a bit of writer’s block that had me overthinking the need to get my creative juices flowing. For inspiration, I resorted to what I always do…research. I tend to use left-brain activities to...
The Last Chapter
During a recent meditation session on Headspace, I heard something that has stayed with me: a wise person keeps death nearby — not as a morbid fixation, but as a reminder of how thin the thread that tethers us to this place and this moment. That idea has taken on new...
AI in Economic Development – Issue 28.0
On Not Being Redundant What happens when you learn that you are redundant and that AI can do all that you have done and does it better, faster and cheaper? Time to pivot. Where, how and when does one add value? Fortunately, us humanoids still need connection. It...
Theme of the Month: Renewal
At the risk of sounding “woo-woo,” this month’s theme of renewal is an important part of restoring energy, clarity, and balance in daily life. It involves a holistic approach that addresses the physical, mental, spiritual, and social aspects that often become an...
From Jobs to Journeys: Ron Kitchens on Economic Development as a Calling
What does it look like when a career becomes a calling? For Ron Kitchens, Managing Partner and CEO of Greater St. Louis Inc., the answer has been a 30-year journey of turning economic potential into human possibility. I recently had the privilege of sitting down with...
AI in Economic Development – Issue 27.0
The World Before and After AGI: Are We Ready? Something is coming that will change nearly everything and most of us are going about our days as if it isn't. Artificial General Intelligence, or AGI, is the point at which a machine can reason, learn, and solve problems...
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Latest
On Becoming a Published Author
One of the projects I set for myself this month was to learn how to publish a book on Amazon. Like most of us when we want to learn something new, I did what comes naturally, I dove into a series of YouTube videos on the subject. I also had the good fortune of talking...
AI in Economic Development – Issue 29.0
AI for Seniors: An Overlooked Opportunity Worth a Closer Look Economic developers spend a lot of time thinking about workforce development, business attraction, and community infrastructure. Here is a population that rarely makes it onto those agendas, even though the...
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