Whittaker Report
Blog & Podcast
Don’t Fall for Fake News
Fake news is everywhere, yet social media seems to take the cake when it comes to fabricating and disseminating false information. And now with AI and other tools, it’s become quite easy to make images and videos look real and attribute quotes and actions to people in...
Recent Podcasts
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…
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…
Recent Posts
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...
The Power of a Person to Make a Difference in the World
The January 6th events in Washington taught me that I value a democratic form of government because of the freedom it offers me. It also taught me that one person can make a difference in the world. The courage of one person, Eugene Goodman, a Capitol Police Officer,...
Combatting Negative Thinking
Happy New Year! Has yours started off happy? Many people across the country (world!) were looking forward to 2021 bringing a fresh start; however the first couple weeks of the new year left the nation with a lot on their minds. As the unfathomable...
Social Media: Mindful or Madness?
As we welcome 2021 and what the first couple weeks have brought, I wanted to share a meme circulating around social media. It goes like this, “I’d like to cancel my subscription to 2021, I've experienced the 7 day trial and I'm not interested.” That about sums it...
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Latest
AI in Economic Development – Issue 1.0
This marks the beginning of a series of articles exploring the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in economic development. My aim is to provide you with regular updates on the latest advancements in the field of AI, particularly as they pertain to economic...
Unveiling the Potential of Hydrogen Energy in the Global Economy
In the pursuit of sustainable energy sources to mitigate climate change and reduce dependence on fossil fuels, hydrogen energy has emerged as a promising contender. This clean and versatile energy carrier has garnered significant attention due to its potential to...
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