Whittaker Report

Blog & Podcast

Seeing More Through Urban Sketching

Recently, at the urging of some friends, I attended a Saturday morning Urban Sketching class. Over the course of 90 minutes, our instructor, Marcia Schrotenboer, introduced us to the essentials of sketching, delivering a well-organized and inspiring session. Her central message was clear: "Draw what you see." It wasn’t about perfection, but rather about slowing down, becoming curious, and deeply...

AI in Economic Development – Issue 11.0

How to Use Google NotebookLM  Artificial intelligence (AI) has quietly worked its way into many industries, and economic development is no exception. One tool that’s particularly useful for professionals in this field is Google NotebookLM—a powerful AI-driven research and note-taking assistant. If you’ve ever found yourself wading through piles of documents and data, this tool might just be your...

Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef National Parks

Did you know that Utah is home to five National Parks? Only California and Alaska contain more national parks; however, the close proximity of the parks in Utah makes it easy to visit several during the same trip. Last month, I wrote about my time at Zion National Park, and from there, I traveled on to Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef at the beginning of October. Despite the three parks being...
AI in Economic Development – Issue 6.0

AI in Economic Development – Issue 6.0

AI and Your Digital Twin This week brought an enlightening perspective from a conversation between LinkedIn's Reid Hoffman and his digital twin. In his engaging Q&A, Reid urges us to dedicate 30 minutes daily to exploring various AI tools, such as ChatGPT, Pi.ai,...

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Recent Podcasts

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The Whittaker Report Podcast Episode 26 an Interview with Kate Engel, Executive Director of the Nebraska Innovation Campus
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  • The Whittaker Report Podcast Episode 26 an Interview with Kate Engel, Executive Director of the Nebraska Innovation Campus

    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.

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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

Developing Your Skills with MasterClass

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...

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Democracy or Oligarchy

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...

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A Year for the History Books

A Year for the History Books

It's hard to believe it was just over a year ago (March 10, 2020) that Michigan announced its first two confirmed cases of Coronavirus.  Fast forward a year and it is hard to remember the world as we knew it before we had ever heard of Coronavirus. I do remember...

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The Tales of Holi

The Tales of Holi

As spring wind blows and winter bids farewell, a wonderful celebration of colors can be witnessed in Hindu Nations. The joyfulness of the festival is enhanced by vibrant colors. On this day people come together with their loved ones and put colors on each other. The...

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Fostering Introversion in Today’s Connected Society

Fostering Introversion in Today’s Connected Society

Sometimes I wish I were more outgoing. I can be if necessary; however, I find it mentally draining and will retreat to my own personal space given the chance. If you’re an introvert, I’m sure you can relate. Solitude while doing the things we love, or time with small...

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The Legacy of COVID-19

The Legacy of COVID-19

The global pandemic disrupted my life in many ways. I imagine it did the same to yours.  Fortunately, I was spared the heartbreak of losing a close friend or loved one to the virus. Although, I know many people who became quite ill and others who spent the past year...

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Latest

The Booming Health Services Industry

Last month, Inc. Magazine released their annual list of the 5,000 fastest-growing, private, for-profit companies in the U.S. The companies that apply are ranked based on their percent revenue growth from the previous three-year period. Not surprisingly, the number one...

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Me and Claude 2.0

As an avid science fiction reader, I have long been intrigued by Isaac Asimov's books on robots. Many of his short stories describe how robots become integrated into society - at times resented, and at other times embraced. One robot strives to become more human,...

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