Whittaker Report
Blog & Podcast
Taking Risks
Risk-taking is something I have always done. It must be in my genes…flying, sailing, and racing all of which require a certain risk-taking profile. However, today I am more concerned than usual about a risk I am about to take. Although vaccinated six months ago, I...
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
Food Industry Trends
By Jeff Vedders Although the food industry does not draw the same attention or press as biotechnology, nanotechnology, and even high-end electronics, it is still an important target for many communities. If you are targeting food companies, there are a few trends you...
Where Does Your Community Rank?
By Pete Julius How important are rankings? Do they really matter? Which rankings are most important? Who publishes the best, most widely used rankings? And where does your community rank? One answer to these questions can be found in Area Development’s recent...
Fear Factor
By Dean Whittaker The intention of our newsletter is to share with you what we at Whittaker Associates are learning in hopes that you may benefit from the experience. Each of us writes an article for each month’s newsletter. It benefits us by encouraging us to learn...
Commercial Aircraft Trends
by Jeff Vedders Last month I looked at trends within the food industry. Another target for a lot of communities is aerospace and defense. Often the industry is defined as commercial aircraft, the defense industry, and the space industry. This month I will look at the...
Welcome to Mars–Please Keep Your Hands Inside the Vehicle
by Leigh Ann Howe Suborbital Tourism. Touring space has been a dream of many since Apollo 11 landed on the moon in 1969. Now just 35 years later, the race to get commercial space tourism is off the ground as private enterprises are moving quickly towards launch dates....
2003 Headquarter Activity
by Pete Julius Targeting company headquarters has been a popular strategy within economic development. As a result, we recently conducted a quick analysis of headquarter relocation and expansion activity across the country last year. The information was derived from...
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Latest
GDPR: EU’s Solution for Data Protection
By Rojan Sthapit General Data Protection Regulation, also known as GDPR, is the new law brought about by the European Union for protecting user data and information. It is a legal framework that sets guidelines for the collection and processing of personal...
Blockchain: What is it and why should you care?
By Dean Whittaker In the book, The Truth Machine: Blockchain and the Future of Everything, Michael Casey and Paul Vigna, point out that our civilization is built on trust. The introduction of the double-entry accounting system allowed for the expansion of trade...
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