Whittaker Report
Blog & Podcast
Visting Badlands National Park
If you ever want to feel like you’re on another planet without leaving Earth, visit Badlands National Park. Nestled in southwestern South Dakota, its sprawling prairies, geologic formations, and wildlife are a sight to behold. While visiting the park, you’ll most...
Recent Podcasts
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.
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…
Recent Posts
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...
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...
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...
Safe Travels
This past month my husband, our six year old daughter and I flew to Florida for a vacation from the cold Michigan winter and to enjoy some two-on-one time with our older child (our twelve month old stayed behind with grandparents). Our “requirements” for deciding...
Fighting with Tomorrow
We often tend to think a lot about things that haven’t even occurred yet. Yes, it is important to think about the future and have a rough blueprint or plan but do things always go according to our plan? Even the smallest things like getting somewhere on time don’t...
Sold! A Sign of the Times!
Facing a shortage of inventory across the nation, many home buyers find themselves in bidding wars. The topic of real estate is very relevant and it seems most people are aware of just how insane the real estate market is! I am speaking from my personal experience as...
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Latest
AI in Economic Development – Issue 2.0
Artificial Intelligence - Promise and Peril As we navigate through 2023, we've become acutely aware of artificial intelligence's dual nature. We marvel at the promise it holds for medical breakthroughs, innovative treatments for chronic diseases, and the prospects of...
Reverse Mentorship
Mentorship can be an essential tool for anyone seeking guidance from someone more experienced in a particular aspect of life, whether personal or professional. While there are numerous techniques to provide direction, mentorship is ultimately based on communication....
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