Whittaker Report

Leadership During a Pandemic – the Elephant in the Room

by Whittaker Associates | October 29, 2020 | Whittaker Report | 0 Comments

By Dean WhittakerEarlier this month I attended and presented at the International Economic Development Annual Conference. Originally set to be held in Dallas, it was transformed into a four-day, virtual event. Among the benefits of this transformation was a record attendance of over 1,800 participants. Reduction in travel costs and registration enabled broad international participation—attendees...

Better Conversation

by Brittany Ryzenga | October 29, 2020 | Whittaker Report | 0 Comments

By Brittany Ryzenga I recently listened to a valuable TedTalk by Celeste Headlee titled, “10 ways to have a better conversation.” The topic caught my attention as improving ones’ communication skills is always beneficial. However, Headlee made a strong observation that the world we currently live in, “this world in which every conversation has the potential to devolve into an argument, where...

The Social Dilemma

by Whittaker Associates | October 28, 2020 | Whittaker Report | 0 Comments

“There are only two industries that call their customers ‘users’: illegal drugs and software.” ~ Edward Tufte

The Social Dilemma

by Whittaker Associates | Oct 28, 2020

“There are only two industries that call their customers ‘users’: illegal drugs and software.” ~ Edward Tufte

The Power of Focus and Flow

by Whittaker Associates | Jul 30, 2020

By Dean Whittaker My meditation this morning was on the power of focus and flow in daily life. My routines have been disrupted by a pandemic. I am finding that being present and focused for small moments in time is the best I can do. My daily routines of...

Economic Development During a Pandemic – Five Ways to Keep your Pipeline Full

by Whittaker Report | Jul 30, 2020

By Dean Whittaker As you know, because of the disruptive nature of the pandemic, your economic development organization is focused primarily on business retention. However, you also understand the importance of maintaining an aggressive business outreach strategy. For...

Which Industries will Survive… Thrive?

by Whittaker Report | Jul 30, 2020

By Britany Ryzenga The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly disrupted the operations of almost all industries across the entire globe. However, despite a deterioration of economic conditions, a few industry sectors are growing amidst the crisis. Businesses are...

Threat or Opportunity? A dilemma for Humankind.

by Whittaker Report | Jul 30, 2020

By Sambridhi Shrestha We live in an era when the advancement in technology is racing to create something more progressive than what has been created. The new innovation outcasts existing technology with an upgraded version. If we look back, all these innovations and...

June 2020 Wonderings

by Whittaker Report | Jun 30, 2020

By Dean Whittaker With over four decades of experience in economic development, I am hard pressed to see a clear path forward for the clients we serve. Economic development organizations are struggling to re-start their local economies after having been shut down for...

Leadership and Civil Discourse

by Whittaker Report | Aug 31, 2020

By Dean Whittaker The August 19, 2020 meeting of the Holland, Michigan city council was very dramatic. I watched the live stream of people speaking their truths with vulnerability and eloquence for nearly five hours. Ten years ago, the city council voted down the...