Whittaker Report
Blog & Podcast
Trends in the Pet Industry
Pets probably thought they hit the jackpot when the pandemic hit. The hours pets spent alone while owners were away at work or school were now filled with activity having their humans home during the day. It also seemed that many people I know adopted a furry friend...
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
A Thankful Heart
By Maria O'Connell The day has come and gone. It’s a holiday that is singular to the US. It is a time to stop. It is a time to gather with family around a food-filled table. It is a time to reflect. It is a time to give thanks. It is Thanksgiving. Last year, about...
A World-Changing Tool
By Jami Miedema Imagine trying to function in today’s world with only a fifth-grade education. That’s the reality for one-third of the children in developing countries. While thousands of dollars are allocated per student per year in the United States, approximately...
Hooray for Trains! A Better Way to Travel
By Joel Burgess America spent about 3.7 billion hours stuck in traffic last year, burning extremely expensive gasoline. At the airports, delays are common. One recent study found that between January and August 2007, one in four flights arrived late. In August alone,...
Building Relationships: The Importance of Process Definition and Development
By Todd Smithee Generating qualified leads is a constant concern for sales teams in nearly all organizations. How many times have your sales executives asked for more “qualified” leads from marketing? If your organization is like most, it is a very common request. ...
Competing Through Innovation
By Dean Whittaker As our communities become more global in their perspective, we find that competing through innovation becomes the key to survival of many of our companies. “The Rise of the Creative Class” and “Live first, Work Second” are two books that tout the...
QQS Rating
By Jim Bruckbauer As the newest member of Whittaker Associates, I feel very privileged and blessed to have an opportunity to use my talents and abilities. In Michigan’s tough economic climate, some employees are now tightening their grips on their career plans. As I...
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Latest
Time to Reflect
By Joe Sigler This past month, my dad and I, along with another father-son combination, took a week-long hiking trip up to Isle Royale National Park. Isle Royale is known for two things, its beauty and its seclusion. It took a full day of travel plus a four-hour ferry...
The End of a Summer Internship but the Start to a Great Beginning…
By Yang Fu It has been almost three months since I started my work at Whittaker Associates and it has been an unforgettable experience and fortune in my life. I have learned way more than I expected in many ways. I am so grateful for the opportunity offered by my...
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