Whittaker Report
Blog & Podcast
2022: A Look Ahead – Five Trends to Watch
Cup Half Full Wow, here we are at the end of 2021 and the beginning of 2022. My cup is more than half full; it overflows. Why would I say that during a resurging pandemic? I say it because we will get through this period together and be on to a better time. No, I am...
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
Recruiting Work
By Dean Whittaker Since the Ronald Reagan and Margret Thatcher days, we have been moving toward a shift in risk from the employer to the employee. Neo-libertarian free trade and globalization have become our mantras, with the accompanying cultural change. Free trade...
Riding the Cycle of the Biofuel Industry
By Vidhan Rana Until a few years ago, ethanol, biofuel or bio-diesel were the words that came to mind when one talked about the alternative energy industry. Today, however, solar and wind seem to be the buzzwords. While the number of new wind farms and photovoltaic...
Tech Trends (Part 2)
By Jim Bruckbauer Last month I shared some notes on Keith Brophy's Tech Trends lecture, which he gave in Grand Rapids, MI. He described innovative new technologies that are just around the corner and how we can potentially use these technologies. This month I'd like...
"What Are You Thinking?"
By Jami Miedema In a world of Facebook, MySpace, and other social networking sites, it is easy to stay in touch 24/7 with friends and family. E-mails have been replaced with "tweets," and texting has become a substitute for phone calls. Remaining in the loop is...
Be Different or Be Fired
By Todd Smithee In today's environment of downsizing (let's call it what it is:firing), it is natural to simply put your head down, keep quiet, and do your job. Unfortunately, this could be the fastest way to earn a cardboard box containing your personal items, a...
April Learning
By Dean Whittaker This month I’ve been reminded of the frailty of existing technology, the value of friendship, and the importance of saying thank you. Let’s just say it has been an interesting time to learn new things (and to remember things I learned long ago)....
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Latest
A Journey Through Thailand…
By Brittany Gebben I’m currently on an explorative trip visiting the country of Thailand, and I’ve enjoyed learning more about the Thai culture, history and the Buddhist religion. I love to travel, and Thailand has been on my husband’s and my bucket list of world...
Rebranding: Crafting the Fate of an Enterprise
By Ayush Dev Pant All the pioneering businesses today weren’t always among the elites. Had they not changed with time, there would have been different brands leading the market. One of the major reasons successful companies enjoy their market dominance today is their...
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