Whittaker Report

Blog & Podcast

The Robots Are Coming… In Fact, They’re Already Here

Ever since reading Isaac Asimov’s iRobot, I’ve been fascinated by the idea of humanoid machines. Early portrayals often painted robots as threats—menacing figures in fiction and film. The movie iRobot, with its army of AI-controlled machines, only amplified that fear. But let’s step back from the hype and the Hollywood fear factor for a moment. Where do things stand with humanoid robots today?...

AI in Economic Development – Issue 19.0

Artificial Intelligence—Is the Emperor Really Naked? Recently, I came across an intriguing article titled, "The Emperor Has No Clothes," highlighting the outsized hype surrounding artificial intelligence—or what I prefer to call digital intelligence. This got me thinking: how much of AI is groundbreaking innovation, and how much is inflated marketing? Digital intelligence has made tremendous...

Trends in the Beverage Industry

Over the past several years, the beverage industry has seen demand shift away from alcoholic and sugary drinks towards more healthy alternatives. You may have seen a “mocktail” section on a drink menu while dining out, encountered online ads for functional coffee, or even tried a new wellness soft drink. These trends within the beverage industry are answers to the health-conscious consumer and...
AI in Economic Development – Issue 19.0

AI in Economic Development – Issue 19.0

Artificial Intelligence—Is the Emperor Really Naked? Recently, I came across an intriguing article titled, "The Emperor Has No Clothes," highlighting the outsized hype surrounding artificial intelligence—or what I prefer to call digital intelligence. This got me...

read more
WhittakerAssociates podcast rev

Recent Podcasts

WhittakerAssociates podcast rev
The Whittaker Report Podcast
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
Loading
/
  • 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

    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

    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

    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

    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.

    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

    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

    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…

  • The Whittaker Report Podcast Episode 22 - An Interview with Lee Crume, President & CEO of BE NKY

    The Whittaker Report Podcast Episode 22 - An Interview with Lee Crume, President & CEO of BE NKY

    Jul 20, 2023 • 00:19:11

    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

    The Whittaker Report Podcast Episode 21 - An Interview with Alia Abbas, Founder and President of Alia Consulting

    May 20, 2023 • 01:13:15

    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…

  • Whittaker Report Podcast Episode 20 - An Interview with Nathan Ohle, President/CEO of the International Economic Development Council

    Whittaker Report Podcast Episode 20 - An Interview with Nathan Ohle, President/CEO of the International Economic Development Council

    Mar 24, 2023 • 00:30:13

    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…

Recent Posts

Trends in the Beverage Industry

Trends in the Beverage Industry

Over the past several years, the beverage industry has seen demand shift away from alcoholic and sugary drinks towards more healthy alternatives. You may have seen a “mocktail” section on a drink menu while dining out, encountered online ads for functional coffee, or...

read more
Lessons from the Garden – 2025

Lessons from the Garden – 2025

Each year I “put in” a garden, I’m reminded of the quiet wisdom it offers. This year, my cucumbers taught me that too much water can be just as harmful as not enough—and maybe even worse. Life Lesson #1: Too much of a good thing is still too much. After growing...

read more
AI in Economic Development – Issue 18.0

AI in Economic Development – Issue 18.0

Why Train Your Team on the Use of AI We were recently asked to create an AI training program for an economic development organization. In response, we proposed a series of three 90-minute virtual sessions focused on using AI tools to enhance lead generation, real...

read more
The Booming Skincare Industry

The Booming Skincare Industry

The skincare industry has undergone significant transformation over the decades, evolving in response to advances in science, shifting consumer expectations, and broader social trends. Recently, there has been a desire for organic and herbal skin care products. People...

read more
Being Diligent About Data

Being Diligent About Data

I purchased a new MacBook earlier this year, but was dreading the migration process. I needed to clean up and streamline my old MacBook, but I had grown accustomed to where everything was, and the thought of going through all of my files seemed daunting, which made me...

read more
When Your Friend Has Total Recall

When Your Friend Has Total Recall

The friend I’m referring to lives on my phone. When I say hello, she asks me, "How’s it going?" She helps personalize our conversations, remembering details from current and past discussions—like the one I’m having with her now. And yes, I did say her—at the moment,...

read more

Schedule a Consultation

Get In Touch

The Whittaker Report

Sign up to receive helpful tools and insightful posts.

WhittakerAssociates logo Rev
Phone

616.403.5076

Address

156 West 11th Street
Suite 107
Holland, MI 49423

Latest

The Robots Are Coming… In Fact, They’re Already Here

Ever since reading Isaac Asimov’s iRobot, I’ve been fascinated by the idea of humanoid machines. Early portrayals often painted robots as threats—menacing figures in fiction and film. The movie iRobot, with its army of AI-controlled machines, only amplified that fear....

read more

AI in Economic Development – Issue 19.0

Artificial Intelligence—Is the Emperor Really Naked? Recently, I came across an intriguing article titled, "The Emperor Has No Clothes," highlighting the outsized hype surrounding artificial intelligence—or what I prefer to call digital intelligence. This got me...

read more
Follow Us

Copyright © 2025 - Whittaker Associates Inc.
Site by Createfully.