Whittaker Report
Blog & Podcast
Plastics and Humans
For years we have known the hazardous conditions caused by plastic pollution in the oceans and on land. Time and again, our attention has been drawn towards the consequences of human action. There have been huge efforts to clean plastics from our oceans, but there is...
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
Whittaker Welcomes Vidhan S. Rana, Research Analyst
By Vidhan Rana Vidhan began working part-time at Whittaker Associates in January, 2008. His primary responsibilities include gathering and analyzing data on targeted companies to predict change and using statistical analysis to improve the lead qualification process...
Bright Rays Make Better Days
By Jami Miedema Spring is finally here! It’s time to pack away the winter coats, hang up the scarves, and head outside to enjoy the warmer temperatures. Every spring I seem to have a burst of energy that compels me to come out of hibernation and be active once...
Just Make the Call
By Todd Smithee Strong business relationships are likely the most valuable asset you manage in your professional and personal life. These relationships can take years to develop and require regular nurturing to maintain. Do yourself a favor and go the extra mile to...
The Age of Turbulence
By Dean Whittaker Alan Greenspan’s book, The Age of Turbulence, has a prophetic title for current economic times. The book provides an interesting history of monetary policy in the United States, as well as a look into the future. In it he describes the Federal...
Essar Steel, an Indian Steel Company, Invests over $3 Billion in the United States Since April 2007
By Vidhan Rana How can foreign investment make a difference in your community? Take Nashwauk, a small town in northeast Minnesota as an example. Essar Steel, a wholly owned subsidiary of Essar Global – a $50 billion Indian-owned global conglomerate – struck a deal...
Quadrant II-Not Urgent, but Important
By Jim Bruckbauer Organization gurus like to divide activities into four categories or quadrants. You’ve probably heard how they’re defined: Quadrant I activities are urgent and important; Quadrant II activities are not urgent, but important; Quadrant III activities...
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
“The Spice of Life”….
By Valorie Oonk They say “Variety is the Spice of Life”… I have always liked this idiom. It seems to suit me quite well. But have you ever wondered who said that or what its origin was? I have to admit, I have not until writing this article. The research side of me...
Is the Worst Yet to Come?
By Sambridhi Shrestha Three months back nobody would've thought that this global pandemic would last this long. It is hard to digest that it may extend for a few more months or that we are in need of a vaccine to cure this virus which has pulled down the almighty...
Follow Us
Copyright © 2025 - Whittaker Associates Inc.
Site by Createfully.