Whittaker Report
Blog & Podcast
Evaluating Generative AI Tools
In the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence, large language models have emerged as powerful tools for a myriad of applications. Among these, ChatGPT, GPT-3.5, Perplexity, and Claude.AI stand out due to their distinct features and capabilities. Each of...
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
SmartLeads™ Trends 2020
Each turn of the new year we’ve taken a look back on the past year’s SmartLeads™ trends. As we wrap up 2020 (phew, what a year it’s been!), it’s no surprise to learn that we’ve had a shift in sector/subsector focus. On a side note, does anyone else feel...
2020 Takeaways and Cheers to a Healthy Mind, Body and Spirit for 2021! Making a Lifestyle Resolution, NOT just a New Year Resolution.
Coming out of 2020 alive and well in mind, body and spirit in itself is a blessing. I will touch on the three of these and what we can take away from what we learned personally or may have witnessed from others during a year that will definitely go down in history for...
Best of 2020
It is probably safe to say most of us have spent more time at home this year than we ever imagined we would. Shelter-in-place orders had us conducting daily life at home, not leaving the house for much more than purchasing essentials or getting exercise outdoors. I...
Celebration of Lights
Dashain and Tihar the first two names that surface when the festivals of Nepal are discussed. Dashain is grandly celebrated for almost 15 days in all the parts of the country. While the fact is undeniable that Dashain is the greatest festival celebrated in Nepal,...
21 Economic Development Marketing Ideas for 2021
1. Host a Webinar and/or Podcast Series Interview your target sector thought leaders – attendees apply to attend Host monthly peer-to-peer company C-level round table discussionsHost a guest lecture seriesInterview with leaders of recent location/expansion...
Emerging Industries of 2020
With 2020 being so eventful (well, I would say that’s quite an understatement!), many of our clients have recently requested targeted company leads on up and coming or trending industries. Covid19 has pushed us to explore new subsectors and bring-to-market new...
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Latest
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...
Staying Informed in the Age of AI
As technology rapidly advances, it can be challenging to stay informed without being overwhelmed. This month, I've been learning about new AI tools like ChatGPT-4, Claude, and DALL-E 3. These tools aim to make our lives easier, but also change the way we consume and...
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