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Developing Your Skills with MasterClass
A couple years ago, I invested in a subscription to the streaming platform MasterClass. The service offers online classes from world-renowned professionals that are considered some of the best in their field of work. An annual subscription grants you access to over...
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
What is Technology Transfer?
By Pete Julius Technology transfer is the process of transferring intellectual property designed for one particular purpose to another. For example, the Air Force developed an advanced composite called carbon fiber to construct a more durable, light-weight jet...
Achieving Economic Success With Real Estate Selection
by Deane C. Foote Marketing The Right Site Can Attract Distribution Centers To A Community When deciding to build a distribution center, companies expect to reach key markets efficiently and hire an appropriate workforce in a community that will embrace their...
Planning for 2005
by Pete Julius It is that time of year once again. And no, I am not talking about the Holiday Season. Individuals and organizations are planning ahead for the coming year. In some way, shape, or form, whether it is personal or professional, people are gearing up for...
Journey to Jobs
By Dean Whittaker What do Kate McEnroe, Audrey Taylor, Fawn McLaughlin, Lee Smith, Dean Whittaker, Maury Foreman, Eric Canada, Lindy Hoppough, Roger Brooks, David Wingate, Jim Mooney, Jack Wimer, Leslie Parks and Rick Weddle have in common? A) They are some of the...
Working Smarter
by Dean Whittaker Working Smarter… What is Intellectual Property (IP)? How is it valued and protected? Why should you care? And once you figure out what it is, what are you going to do about it? Intellectual property is the intangible know-how that resides in the...
Competing & Surviving in the New Economy
By Pete Julius We now live in a world that revolves around innovation, speed, adaptability and change. Those who snooze will lose. Gone are the days of reactive strategies of survival. In today’s economy, companies must be at the forefront and willing to take a...
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Latest
Robots in Security and Healthcare
By Saurav Rajbhandari Robots are taking over industries from security to health care and beyond. Scientists are even creating lookalike robots of famous personalities. In 2016, a person in China developed a lookalike of Scarlett Johansson. This may seem trivial...
Gardening – The Seasons of Our Lives
By Dean Whittaker There is a season for most things. Currently, it is the season of cultivating and planting. Gardening is a great metaphor for what we do in economic development and throughout life. Much of gardening requires preparing the soil, making sure it has...
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