Whittaker Report
Blog & Podcast
What I Learned Sailing
I’m fortunate to live in West Michigan where I can pursue my passion for sailing on Lake Michigan, a lake 118 miles wide and 307 miles long, and Lake Muskegon. The two are connected by a canal about ¼ mile away from where I keep my small daysailer, Pearl, moored....
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
Economic Recovery?
By Leigh Howe Are we seeing signs of an economic recovery? We’ve heard quiet rumblings from the analysts that are becoming stronger. Here’s a look at the latest economic indicators and some of the analysts’ comments. Real GDP growth. The economy - the output of...
Industry Output & Employment Projections
By Jeff Vedders Here’s a link to an interesting article from the November issue of the Monthly Labor Review which is published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The article is about U.S. industry output and employment projections to 2010. ...
Leadership and its role in Economic Development
By Dean Whittaker “Leader – one who possess the ability to create and communicate a clear vision that inspires others to follow. Leadership – communicate people’s worth and potential so clearly that they are inspired to see it in themselves.” In the past five months...
Regionalism: An Increasingly Popular Trend
By Pete Julius Globalization has had a positive and negative effect on economic development. From a positive standpoint, globalization has provided access to cheaper commodities, the opportunity for perfect competition, and the ability for US-based companies to...
The List of Lists
By Jeff Vedders Check out the List of Lists at www.specialissues.com/lol. This is a free listing of various lists published by specialissues.com. This site is useful if you are looking for a quick listing of top companies for a particular industry. The lists are...
Who’s your Charlie Biggs?
By Leigh Howe I grew up in a small town called Hope, Indiana, population 2,140. Last week, Hope lost one of their greatest promoters and contributors, Charles T. Biggs, 63. Charlie was an educator, publisher, school board member, musician, town historian, volunteer...
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Latest
Early Morning Gratitude
By Dean Whittaker I get up at 5:00 AM and hop on my 16-year-old Segway and head for Mt. Pisgah, a 300-foot sand dune overlooking Lake Michigan and Lake Macatawa. I climb the 239 steps up to the overlook where I meditate while waiting for sunrise. Some days, listening...
Thirteen Great Years
By Jami Gibson The past 13+ years at Whittaker Associates has been an incredible learning experience for me. I’ve had the chance to connect with bright colleagues and clients all over the world and perform fun and interesting work, which is why my decision to pursue...
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