Whittaker Report

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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...
Sounding the Alarm About Skin Cancer

Sounding the Alarm About Skin Cancer

A recent Rotary meeting featured an enlightening presentation on skin cancer, highlighting the three main types: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. The primary culprit behind these cancers is ultraviolet (UV) light, which we're exposed to...

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Recent Podcasts

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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

Yoga for the Body and Mind

Yoga for the Body and Mind

The benefits of yoga have made it increasingly popular worldwide. While the practice is ancient, it is still used as a source of exercise and relaxation in our modern world. Yoga is considered a healing process for the body and mind. Yoga for the Body Physical health...

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The Last Tourist

The Last Tourist

This month, I watched the documentary, The Last Tourist, on Hulu. The film offers a look into the global tourism industry, especially in developing countries, and the positive and negative effects it can have on a host community. One of the statistics presented in the...

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Lessons from the Dirt

Lessons from the Dirt

Well, more accurately, lessons from the dirt in my garden. The soil is the foundation of the garden, containing both the nutrition the plants need and the moisture to move the nutrition from the soil up through the roots and out the leaves where carbon dioxide is...

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Trends in the Pet Industry

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...

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Lessons from the World of Politics

Lessons from the World of Politics

What is politics and why should I care? For me, it all started a few weeks ago when I became interested in supporting a tax referendum. On August 2, Holland residents will vote on a millage for Holland City Fiber to install city-wide fiber optic infrastructure for the...

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The New World of Recruiting Talent

The New World of Recruiting Talent

We hear repeatedly that attracting and retaining talent is a major issue for economic development organizations today. Often, the HR department is looked to as being the responsible entity for carrying out this task. However, it is more of a marketing assignment to...

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Exploring NOLA

This month, I visited New Orleans, and it was the first time I was in the city with no obligations or agenda - a truly relaxing getaway where I could do anything I wanted. So I asked ChatGPT to recommend the top five things to do in and around NOLA, and here is what...

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The Joy of Learning: Using AI as a Teacher

For me, one of my greatest joys is learning, a trait inherited from my grandmother’s boundless curiosity. She instilled in me the habit of questioning why, how, who, what, and when. You can imagine my excitement when I discovered how AI could serve as a teacher. It...

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