Whittaker Report
Blog & Podcast
Climate Crisis Control: Why is it Important to Start Now?
While the past 18 months have been mostly about the pandemic and its mounting consequences, we’ve also been presented with significantly disturbing climate crises. This might just be the beginning of a larger climate catastrophe which awaits. The destruction we’ve...
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
Defense Industry Websites
By Jeff Vedders Since the U.S. military is a key component of many communities, and with the current attention to homeland security and defense, targeting companies that supply to the military and defense industries has increasingly become a major economic strategy...
Going to India?
By Dean Whittaker This is the first of a three-part narrative of my experience of going to India to attend the Global CoreNet function to he held in Mumbai, India March 22-24. So, why would I travel half-way around the world to India to hear a keynote speaker from Ann...
If we are in a so-called recovery, then where in the world are the jobs?
By Pete Julius For about a year now, our nation has been emerging from a recession. Stock market activity has picked up, businesses are investing again and productivity is up. However, our employment rate still pretty high. If we are in recovery, why are people not...
More Views on Economic Development and Sports
By Leigh Howe It seems my last article about economic development and sports hit home with some of our readers. I have decided to share some responses that I received because I think they explore the topic well and give some terrific examples of the impact that...
Manufacturing and Rural America
By Jeff Vedders Many small towns across America have been decimated over the past few years by large, single manufacturing employers closing facilities and laying off thousands of employees. For many of these communities, the manufacturing employer is the single...
India Part II
By Dean Whittaker After the seventeen-hour plane ride over fifteen time zones, life at 40,000 feet finally landed me in the hustle and bustle of Mumbai (formerly Bombay) Airport. The 1:00 AM arrival followed by the hotel chauffeur rescue at the airport left me...
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Latest
Are You a Coach?
By Dean Whittaker We are all a coach at some point in our life, whether it is with our children, friends, or co-workers. Business leaders find themselves in this role frequently as they endeavor to encourage their team members to grow in their skills, knowledge, and...
Appreciating the Magical Moments
By Jami Gibson This past month, I flew south to Orlando, FL to escape the cold Michigan winter. There, I met up with friends to spend a few, sunny days at Disney World. It had been over 20+ years since I had visited the theme parks, and while they still held their...
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