Whittaker Report
Blog & Podcast
Ethics in AI
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is at the forefront of people’s minds lately, especially with the launch of ChatGPT last fall. The chatbot has found favor amongst professionals, students, and individuals that like to use or explore the capabilities of this language...
Recent Podcasts
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…
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.
Recent Posts
Professional Development Opportunity
By Dean Whittaker As a graduate of the University of Oklahoma Economic Development Institute, and for the past 25 as an adjunct faculty member, I can attest to the strength and value of the professional training programs the Institute offers . If you or your...
On Being Disconnected
By Dean Whittaker In my haste to board Delta flight 458 at the Kansas City International Airport, I inadvertently left my iPhone on the chair next to me in the waiting area. Once on board, I realized my loss and went back to look for it, but it was gone. Suddenly, I...
LinkedIn for Generating Business
By Jami Gibson How important is social media marketing to your organization? Whether you’re marketing a community, building, or product, social media can greatly enhance your efforts and help you reach a vast audience in a minimal amount of time. In fact, according to...
Millennials: Who are they? What are they up to?
By Vidhan Rana Almost every day on my Google News feed, I see stories about the millennials. Also know as Generation Y, they were born after the 1980s and came to age during the 2000s. They are sometimes ridiculed as being lazy and not ambitious. While others say they...
Webinar: Seeing What’s Next – Trends Impacting Economic Development
While the future may not be knowable, it is certainly thinkable. As a leader, it is important for you to recognize the trends that will be impacting you and those you serve and know how you can prepare to benefit from these changes. Seeing what’s next can enable you...
Are You Solving the Right Problem?
By Dean Whittaker It has been a busy month of learning for me. I concluded my year-long course in “Innovation Methodology” at the NewNorth Center for Design in Business by submitting my thesis on the use of a future scenario process to inform and engage education,...
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Latest
Economic Development During a Pandemic – Five Ways to Keep your Pipeline Full
By Dean Whittaker As you know, because of the disruptive nature of the pandemic, your economic development organization is focused primarily on business retention. However, you also understand the importance of maintaining an aggressive business outreach strategy. For...
Which Industries will Survive… Thrive?
By Britany Ryzenga The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly disrupted the operations of almost all industries across the entire globe. However, despite a deterioration of economic conditions, a few industry sectors are growing amidst the crisis. Businesses are...
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