Whittaker Report
Blog & Podcast
What’s New in Foodtech?
The foodtech industry is a rising star that attracts billions of dollars in venture capital each year. Despite a recent slowdown in investment, the industry is rapidly changing with emerging sub-sectors that are furthering the relationship between food and...
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
Webinar-on-Demand: "The Future of Economic Development: Talent Rules"
Are your existing businesses having a hard time filling positions? Accessing a talent pool is rapidly becoming the single most important site location factor. With 10,000 baby-boomers retiring every day for the next 19 years, it will only become more of a concern....
Rising Chinese Investments in the U.S.
By Vidhan Rana In April of this year, China based Yanfeng USA Automotive Trim Systems announced a $45 million investment in an auto parts manufacturing plant that will serve its clients in the U.S. This investment will result in 263 jobs for the city of Riverside,...
Industry Automation Doesn’t Have to Mean Job Loss
By Jami Gibson The robotics industry is on the rise. After taking a big hit due to the decline in manufacturing in the late 2000’s, the industry is emerging as strong as ever. In 2012, sales of robotics in North America alone were valued at $1.48 billion, a 27%...
Blow Up the Birdcage
By Patrick Cisler As I stepped up to the whiteboard to demonstrate my sub-par artistic skills, I knew the comical sneers and remarks regarding my drawing would be worth it if I could get my point across. First I draw a balloon. This represents the world of...
Recruiting Work as an Economic Development Strategy
By Dean Whittaker What if your assignment was to recruit work for the companies already in your community? How would you go about doing it? Where would you start? Hampton Road (Virginia Beach/Norfolk), Virginia, where 75% of their work is related to Department of...
Personal Care Products Industry Trends
By Jami Gibson If you want to see where the Personal Care products industry is heading, look no further than your T.V. Commercials for cosmetics, hair care, shaving creams, body products, and fragrances all show what has become important to the consumer, and is...
Schedule a Consultation
Get In Touch
The Whittaker Report
Sign up to receive helpful tools and insightful posts.
Phone
616.403.5076
Address
156 West 11th Street
Suite 107
Holland, MI 49423
Latest
Remote from Where?
By Brittany Ryzenga Just about one year ago, Dean and I had traveled to the International Economic Development Council’s Annual Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana. The four-day conference offered distinguished keynote speakers along with numerous breakout...
Ode to May 2020
By Dean Whittaker What an incredible month it's been. Webinars led, webinars attended, and an unplanned surgery. Meanwhile, stay-at-home orders remain for much of Michigan, though we are opening gradually. A webinar I gave for American Electric Power communities...
Follow Us
Copyright © 2025 - Whittaker Associates Inc.
Site by Createfully.