Whittaker Report
Blog & Podcast
Democracy or Oligarchy
The trends that I monitor to predict the future are driven by: 1. competition for resources, 2. technology, 3. demographics, and 4. governance. This article will focus on governance because that's what's been on my mind this...
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
PDA Technology on the Go…
by Cory Koch Who out there has heard that the PDA is dead? The polls are in, and the traditional PDA market is moving to smartphones. The PDA's reign is over. Or is it? Smarter cell phones do a fine job of handling calendar and contact information. Some of these...
Somebody’s Watching Me
By Leigh Howe Big Brother. Webcams, tracking devices, home security networks – and these are only the beginning. In highly monitored London, England, criminologist Clive Norris of Hull University estimates that the average person is captured on film by 300 cameras...
The Plummeting Dollar
by Pete Julius The U.S dollar has been deflating in value for over three years. Many economists and analysts expect that the dollar will continue to fall. At best, many expect the dollar to become stagnant, mostly due to the U.S. trade and budget deficits. However,...
The Effects of Operation Iraqi Freedom on the Defense Industry and the U.S. Economy
By Jeff Vedders When you talk to most people, the common consensus is that the current war in Iraq may help boost the U.S. economy. It definitely appears to be a factor in boosting defense spending. In fact, the Bush administration announced in early February it was...
Trends for 2003 and Beyond
By Leigh Howe Which trends will be influencing our lives, our communities, and our businesses in the coming years? Boom, Baby, Boom. Nothing new here. We’ve all heard about the changes that are coming as the Baby Boomers age, and the first Baby Boomers turned 55 in...
Acquiring the Trend for 2005
by Megan Jewell As the New Year commences, individuals make resolutions for themselves to improve their health, well being, and attitudes. Similarly, companies look for ways to improve their reach, growth and economic standing in the competitive field. Mergers and...
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Latest
Trends in Aging Care
By Jami Gibson Each day, more and more baby boomers age and retire. Many communities are focused on developing and recruiting the necessary workforce to replace these retirees, but what about attracting and retaining the retirees themselves? This is an entire sector...
The Travel Bug
By Saurav Rajbhandari I have not traveled much. I’ve covered a few districts in Nepal, some bordering towns in India, and the Nepal-Tibet Border. The Far Western part of Nepal is the farthest I’ve been away from home. During my school years we had field visits to...
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