Whittaker Report
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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
Research Parks Bring Benefits
By Jami Miedema Last month, I wrote about incubators and the effect their success can have on a community. This month, I want to take a look at research and technology parks and the benefits they provide to their local areas and beyond. Research parks are similar to...
Nepal: Resilience Amid Chaos
By Vidhan Rana Vidhan Rana, a research analyst at Whittaker Associates and member of our staff since January 2008, moved back to his home country, Nepal, after six years of study and work in the United States. He is going to continue his working...
Fish!
By Jami Miedema While rearranging the office this month, I came across the book Fish! by Stephen Lundin, Harry Paul, and John Christensen. I had heard positive reviews from those who had read it, so I was curious to learn what it was all about. The story is a parable...
Predicting the Future
By Dean Whittaker Where does the future come from? How can we predict what will happen next? Does history repeat itself? My quest to predict future began with a question. Why are there cycles in things? We see cycles all around us - repeating patterns of events such...
Looking for a Future?
By Dean Whittaker For the past three days, I have witnessed an amazing example of community leadership. A group of our community leaders in West Michigan determined that the business model on which our community is based is obsolete and no longer provides the future...
Mobile Computing: Why You Need to Pay Attention
By Vidhan Rana According to Nielson Company, 28% of U.S. mobile subscribers now have smartphones, cell phones with operating systems resembling those of computers. According to StatCounter, a website that tracks internet browsing habits of people around the world, the...
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Latest
Food Industry Trends
By Brittany Gebben Food industry trends are continually changing and recently, at rapid speeds. Healthy eating is transforming the food industry. According to Mintel Global New Products Database, natural product claims (which include no...
Suddenly an Adult
By Sambridhi ShresthaA sudden wave pushing you down when you are standing strong, that’s what quarter life crisis feels like. A wave that holds insecurities, anxiety, and most importantly confusion giving you a sinking feeling. Not many recognize it but it happens to...
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