Whittaker Report
Blog & Podcast
Gratitude – Thank You
Thanksgiving is a time of year that reminds me to take a moment to consider and be grateful for all that I have been given. With all that has been happening in the world over the last nearly two years, it seems especially important to find gratitude in daily life....
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
Google Advanced Search
By Jami MiedemaEarlier this month, Whittaker Associates put on another successful webinar that focused on online search tips and useful websites that reduce your research time and give you the results you want. We’ve been delighted with the feedback we’ve...
Economic Development Marketing Master's Webinar: Rick Weddle
What is the surest way to advance your career? Simple, learn from the best. Not everyone has access, until now. The Marketing Master's Webinar Series will bring you three of the very best economic development marketer, beginning with Rick Weddle. Rick Weddle, CEO of...
Unfinished Business
By Dean Whittaker As I sat beside the hospital bed of a friend who had suffered a heart attack this week, I reflected on our friendship and what it has meant to me. Although we haven't known each other a very long time, I felt a brotherly connection to him. We had...
Social Media is Important, but Don't Forget to Call
By Todd Smithee It seems like everything we read today emphasizes the importance of social media. We constantly read and hear about Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and other forms of this new media. We are told about the importance of social media and how critical it is...
The Sun is Shining on the Solar Industry Despite the Economic Slowdown
By Vidhan RanaIf you ask any real estate broker or a site selection consultant today where some of the green shoots in the economy are located, renewable energy sectors will be at the top of the list. As the economy comes out of the recession, many brokers are...
Diversity and Stability The Key to a Fast Recovery
By Jami Miedema As the country slowly emerges from our economic meltdown, many are wondering where we’ll find the first signs of economic recovery. Which cities will begin to feel the return to prosperity first? And what factors will play a role? Only time will...
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Latest
Communicating Effectively in a Workplace
By Brittany Gebben What is your workplace communication style? Are you aware of how you deliver information to coworkers and also how you wish to receive information given to you? Studies have shows for years that the leading cause of misunderstandings in the...
Corporate Social Responsibility – The Optional-to-Mandatory Journey
By Ayush Dev Pant A corporation operates in an environment that is highly influenced by its diverse stakeholders of various forms. All the stakeholders from customers to suppliers are an integral part of business where that business is an integral part of the society....
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