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Nexus: A Brief History of Information Networks from the Stone Age to AI, by Yuval Noah Harari This book explores the powerful role that information has played throughout human history and its impact on society and politics. Harari takes readers from the earliest human...
Recent Podcasts
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.
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
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
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…
Recent Posts
My Travel Photography
Every year, I spend the month of September out West. The ability to work remotely has been a huge blessing (when the wi-fi is good!) that allows me to keep up with my tasks while adventuring to both new and well-loved places. I spend my time kayaking, hiking, and...
The Rent-Driven Economy
We now rent almost everything. Our entertainment is streamed to us (for a fee). We no longer own our music on CD but, for a fee, Spotify or Apple will stream it to us. The software on our computers is rented from Microsoft or Google, and we pay for the use of it...
Lessons from the Garden
As we move into fall, the garden is producing, in abundance, zucchini, tomatoes, beans, and cucumbers, along with squash, watermelon, and pumpkin. I thought the challenge would be finding people willing to accept the surplus produce. Turns out not to be the case. In...
Riding the Bus
Well, it has been a month now that I have been riding the MAX bus to and from work as part of Green Commute Month, a challenge put forth by our regional planning agency. It is not as much of a hardship as it first may sound. Our regional business service offers a...
Future of Trucking
I’m writing this article from Iowa 80 - The World’s Largest Truckstop. It’s always a stopping point on my trip out West every year; a 24/7 place to grab a quick bite to eat and get a few hours of sleep before continuing on my journey. With 900 spots for semi/RV...
Where Are All the Cars?
By a quirk of fate, I find myself in the used car market. I spent yesterday touring six different automobile dealerships looking for used cars, of which, there are none. The situation is that new cars are sold in advance with a significant waiting list. Therefore,...
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The Future of Technology
Entrepreneur and investor, Vinod Khosla, is known as a techno-optimist, pioneering open systems and helping shape the tech industry over several decades. As the founder of Khosla Ventures, his company has invested in numerous early-stage companies, most notably...
“Seeing” for the First Time
Recently, I had the privilege of witnessing a heartwarming moment when my 52-year-old friend, who has been blind since birth, was able to "see" his room for the first time. Using a smartphone camera and the Microsoft Seeing AI app, he received an audible description...
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