Whittaker Report
Blog & Podcast
The Gift of Life
Recently I experienced the death of an 89-year-old friend. He was a truly remarkable person as was made apparent in the eulogies given by his family members and friends at his service. He left behind a beautiful legacy. Reflecting on his impact and the way he quietly...
Recent Podcasts
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.
The Whittaker Report Podcast Episode 21 - An Interview with Alia Abbas, Founder and President of Alia Consulting
May 20, 2023 • 01:13:15
In Episode 21, Alia Abbas shares with us her experience as a first-time attendee at the Select USA Conference, an investment summit in Washington DC annually. It provides an opportunity for economic development organization to meet with potential international investors considering establishing business operations in the United States. Alia Abbas…
Whittaker Report Podcast Episode 20 - An Interview with Nathan Ohle, President/CEO of the International Economic Development Council
Mar 24, 2023 • 00:30:13
Nathan Ohle has been recently appointed as the President/CEO of the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). Under his leadership, several initiatives are underway, including a comprehensive strategic plan that involves a thorough review of all IEDC membership services. Nathan emphasizes the importance of collaboration in economic development as opposed to…
Whittaker Associates Podcast Episode 19 - An Interview with Andy Bass, CEO NetNerd Ventures
Jan 14, 2023 • 00:40:07
Andy Bass is a long-time tech entrepreneur in West Michigan, having founded a variety of companies in the e-commerce and supply chain space over the past 30 years. He is the CEO of NetNerd Ventures, providing startup and technology strategy and software development services throughout Michigan. With a background in…
Whittaker Associates Podcast Episode 18 - An Interview with Matt McQuade, Managing Director, Business Development One Columbus
Oct 30, 2022 • 00:25:51
Matt McQuade, Managing Director, Business Development One Columbus shares with us his view of the future of economic development. As a millennial (born between 1981 and 1996) Matt brings a perspective on the future of economic development from a younger generation than several of our previous guests. With 12 years…
Whittaker Associates Podcast Episode 17 - An Interview with Julie Curtin, President Economic Development Practice, Development Counsellors International
Jul 8, 2022 • 00:21:32
Julie Curtin, President of the Economic Development Practice of Development Counsellors International (DCI) shares with us her insight into the future of economic development. In her role as a board member of the International Economic Development Council (IEDC), she worked directly with IEDC to support the launch of the Diversity…
Recent Posts
Traveling while waiting on the world to change
I recently took two weekend trips for the first time in almost a year and a half. The first trip was to what we Michiganders refer to as “up north.” The second one was to Chicago. Since I have not traveled or done much of anything for so long, I have to say it made me...
A Lost Companion
I never understood the true relationship between me and my dog until very recent. I have a vague memory of my mom bringing a small white fluffy puppy home in the summer of 2007. I was really not fond of the idea of owning a dog and having to stay under the same roof....
“That” Friend
The older I get, I realize it’s more difficult to find friends with which to develop meaningful relationships. Growing up, it was easy to meet new people when every day was a new experience. Our friend groups consisted of other neighbor kids, children of our parent’s...
Concern, Gratitude, and Joy
Spring's sprung here in Holland MI. It is a delight to see the tulips blooming, the green leaves emerging on the trees, and the brown grass turn green again as I experience the last vestiges of winter followed by a cool spring. The Tulip Festival here is spectacular...
Teamwork Makes the Dream Work, Now More Than Ever!
“Teamwork makes the dream work.” It is such a simple statement, yet it evokes ambition, hope and positivity. It is such a wonderful feeling to work in an environment that promotes teamwork. From the outside, it is easy to spot a workplace where employees are happy and...
This Planet Deserves Better
There is no doubt that pollution is a key triggering factor for climate change. We, in the past decade, have seen a change in climate and the destruction we have created in the environment. Global warming, a major cause behind the climate crisis faced by the world...
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Latest
TEDx Comes to Town
This month my hometown of Holland, Michigan hosted the TEDx Macatawa 2023 event. The event was attended in-person by many thought leaders from our community who are engaged in making Holland a better place. It was also livestreamed to reach a broader audience. TEDx...
How Meditation and Yoga Changed My Life
After trying numerous ways to fix a long-term problem of insomnia and anxiety, I crossed paths with yoga and meditation. After practicing over a year, there is no turning back. Being a business owner and handling two businesses simultaneously with an underlining...
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