Whittaker Report
Blog & Podcast
The Adventure Continues
For those who may have missed it, last month’s article described my pending knee replacement. On April 11th, I underwent surgery to replace my right knee. What I learned in the process of this phase is that it takes an army of people to support this effort. First 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
Overcoming Phone Phobia
By Mario O'Connell Ring, ring. “Good morning, _____________ Incorporated,” he says hurriedly. “Good morning,” I respond in a cheerful tone. “I was wondering if you would be willing to verify the contact information that I have for your company?” I continue after a...
Trust – The One Thing That Changes Everything
By Dean Whittaker Can I trust you? How often do we think this thought as we go through our day? In Steven M.R. Covey’s book, The Speed for Trust, he points out the role that trust plays in our lives, especially in our relationships. He says that trust begins with...
Fostering an Innovative Company Culture
By Jami Miedema Last month, Dean wrote about the Blue Ocean Strategy and how to apply the method to create new market space instead of competing for existing market share. The key is through innovation. Especially in today's world, where information is abundant but...
With Growth in U.S. Solar Industry, International Solar Companies Target the U.S. Market
By Vidhan Rana For many years, Europe appeared to be at the forefront of the solar industry. Most of the world’s major manufacturers were located there, and most of the sales happened in Europe as well. However, many European countries are now scaling back their...
Cleantech on the Rise
By Jami Miedema The cleantech industry, which includes goods and services that reduce costs but are environmentally friendly, is growing at a rapid pace. Not too long ago, many green technologies were too costly to use and too complex to mass produce. Due to...
The Art of Raising Capital
By Dean Whittaker Access to capital has long been the key to economic success. Whether it is from savings, friends and families, venture capital firms, or borrowed from a bank, capital is a key component to economic growth. Recently, I attend a panel discussion by a...
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Latest
Making the Most Out of Every Hour
By Brittany Gebben What is work-life balance? Everyone talks about it yet everyone struggles to achieve it. How many truly have it all figured out? Is there such a thing as “work-life balance” or have we just imposed more stress upon ourselves by creating and holding...
Social Media Validation
By Sambridhi Shrestha Jumping from one social media outlet to another has become our favorite habit without realizing the mental damage it is causing. We are dangerously addicted to it; as soon as we wake until the moment we go to bed we have our phone in our hand,...
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