Whittaker Report

Blog & Podcast

Seeing More Through Urban Sketching

Recently, at the urging of some friends, I attended a Saturday morning Urban Sketching class. Over the course of 90 minutes, our instructor, Marcia Schrotenboer, introduced us to the essentials of sketching, delivering a well-organized and inspiring session. Her central message was clear: "Draw what you see." It wasn’t about perfection, but rather about slowing down, becoming curious, and deeply...

AI in Economic Development – Issue 11.0

How to Use Google NotebookLM  Artificial intelligence (AI) has quietly worked its way into many industries, and economic development is no exception. One tool that’s particularly useful for professionals in this field is Google NotebookLM—a powerful AI-driven research and note-taking assistant. If you’ve ever found yourself wading through piles of documents and data, this tool might just be your...

Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef National Parks

Did you know that Utah is home to five National Parks? Only California and Alaska contain more national parks; however, the close proximity of the parks in Utah makes it easy to visit several during the same trip. Last month, I wrote about my time at Zion National Park, and from there, I traveled on to Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef at the beginning of October. Despite the three parks being...
Evaluating Generative AI Tools

Evaluating Generative AI Tools

In the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence, large language models have emerged as powerful tools for a myriad of applications. Among these, ChatGPT, GPT-3.5, Perplexity, and Claude.AI stand out due to their distinct features and capabilities. Each of...

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Recent Podcasts

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The Whittaker Report Podcast
The Whittaker Report Podcast Episode 26 an Interview with Kate Engel, Executive Director of the Nebraska Innovation Campus
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  • 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…

  • Whittaker Associates Podcast Episode 19 - An Interview with Andy Bass, CEO NetNerd Ventures

    Whittaker Associates Podcast Episode 19 - An Interview with Andy Bass, CEO NetNerd Ventures

    Jan 14, 2023 • 00:40:07

    Andy Bass is a long-time tech entrepreneur in West Michigan, having founded a variety of companies in the e-commerce and supply chain space over the past 30 years. He is the CEO of NetNerd Ventures, providing startup and technology strategy and software development services throughout Michigan. With a background in…

  • Whittaker Associates Podcast Episode 18 - An Interview with Matt McQuade, Managing Director, Business Development One Columbus

    Whittaker Associates Podcast Episode 18 - An Interview with Matt McQuade, Managing Director, Business Development One Columbus

    Oct 30, 2022 • 00:25:51

    Matt McQuade, Managing Director, Business Development One Columbus shares with us his view of the future of economic development. As a millennial (born between 1981 and 1996) Matt brings a perspective on the future of economic development from a younger generation than several of our previous guests. With 12 years…

  • Whittaker Associates Podcast Episode 17 - An Interview with Julie Curtin, President Economic Development Practice,  Development Counsellors International

    Whittaker Associates Podcast Episode 17 - An Interview with Julie Curtin, President Economic Development Practice, Development Counsellors International

    Jul 8, 2022 • 00:21:32

    Julie Curtin, President of the Economic Development Practice of Development Counsellors International (DCI) shares with us her insight into the future of economic development. In her role as a board member of the International Economic Development Council (IEDC), she worked directly with IEDC to support the launch of the Diversity…

Recent Posts

Industry Challenges for Automotive Dealers

Industry Challenges for Automotive Dealers

My three-year car lease is coming due this month, so I’ve been weighing my options of buying out the lease or turning in my vehicle and leasing a newer model. I have been a loyal customer to a particular manufacturer for the past 12 years, so there was no question...

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Takeaways from the IAMC Forum

Takeaways from the IAMC Forum

This month, I attended the Industrial Asset Management Council (IAMC) 2022 Fall Forum. The welcome reception and dinner were held at the Henry Ford Museum, hosted by the Detroit Regional Partnership (DRP) and several other sponsors. Maureen Krauss, President/CEO of...

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October Learning

October Learning

October was a fascinating month with several new initiatives underway. We began working with our first agile business development client using a process called Kanban.  The intention is to accelerate the business development process significantly by using a Kanban...

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Digital Nomad

Digital Nomad

Last month, I was on my way back from my trip out West when I made a detour to Jackson, Wyoming. The weather and scenery were too beautiful to leave, especially when faced with the thought of returning to cooling temperatures in Michigan, so what was supposed to be a...

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With Change Comes Opportunity!

With Change Comes Opportunity!

Why is it that I resist change so much? If opportunity is found in change, you would think I would embrace it.  When I asked people if they enjoy change, I found that about 25% do. What if there were no changes? Wouldn’t life become dull after a period of time?  It...

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Dashain: A Celebration of Victory

Dashain: A Celebration of Victory

Dashain is a fifteen day-long festival observed in Nepal and India, along with some other parts of the world, that is a celebration of the triumph of good or truth over evil or deception. The Dashain celebration has been observed ever since Lord Ram and Goddess Durga...

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Latest

AI in Economic Development – Issue 6.0

AI and Your Digital Twin This week brought an enlightening perspective from a conversation between LinkedIn's Reid Hoffman and his digital twin. In his engaging Q&A, Reid urges us to dedicate 30 minutes daily to exploring various AI tools, such as ChatGPT, Pi.ai,...

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Understanding Quarter Life Crisis

Sometimes, young adults in their mid-20s to early 30s are known to have “quarter-life crises,” which are marked by feelings of uncertainty, anxiety, and discontentment about a variety of elements of life, including relationships, careers, and personal identities. The...

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