Whittaker Report
Blog & Podcast
The Secret Garden
When we first moved from our house in the suburbs to a condominium in town, I worried about losing easy access to nature including the beach and Lake Michigan. At our old home we lived within four blocks of the lake, a county park, and a state park. The poorer air...
Recent Podcasts
Episode 32 An Interview with Ron Kitchens - Managing Partner of Greater St. Louis, Inc.
Mar 25, 2026 • 00:30:43
In this episode, you will hear from Ron Kitchens, Managing Partner of Greater St. Louis, Inc. You will learn how Ron began his 30-year career in economic development as an entrepreneur with a passion for creating jobs, a passion that became a lifelong commitment to helping communities grow and prosper.…
The Whittaker Report Episode 31 An Interview with Vern Schultz
Dec 31, 2025 • 00:28:44
Vern Schultz, SIOR, has been active in Chicago-area commercial real estate for more than 35 years. He joined Colliers in 1977 and currently serves as an Executive Vice President in the Industrial Advisory Group, representing tenants and owners throughout the Chicago market. Since joining Colliers, Vern has completed more than…
The Whittaker Report Podcast Episode 30 - An Interview with Ashley & Eric Canada of Blane Canada AI
Sep 11, 2025 • 00:35:30
Eric has been a pioneer in applying technology to economic development for over 30 years, and together with Ashley—who brings deep expertise in sales and marketing—they’ve transformed Blane Canada into a leader in AI and automation for business development. We’re going to talk about where economic development is headed, how…
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…
Recent Posts
AI in Economic Development – Issue 25.0
AI for Seniors: A Pilot Program In the rush to educate business leaders, government officials, educators, and entrepreneurs about artificial intelligence, one important group is often overlooked: senior citizens. You know the group. We gather at senior centers not...
Theme of the Month: Being Intentional
The start of a new year is the perfect time to hit reset, choose goals, and set your intentions for the year. Being intentional is the quiet discipline of choosing how you live instead of letting life choose for you. It’s the difference between reacting on autopilot...
Every Ending is a Beginning
As 2025 comes to a close, I find myself holding both gratitude and expectation—reflecting on the year’s challenges and opportunities while looking ahead to 2026 and all its promise. For me, 2025 was largely a learning year—especially in the fast-moving world of AI. I...
AI in Economic Development – Issue 24.0
Gemini 3 vs. ChatGPT 5 (GPT-5.2): Two “Frontier” Models, Two Different Operating Philosophies If you are evaluating AI for real work—research, analysis, writing, deal support, code, marketing, or internal operations—the most useful question is not “Which model is...
November Blues
The November Blues arrive quietly each year, carried in on the gray overcast skies that settle over us at 42° north. As the sun retreats and the days shorten, I’m reminded once again of the cyclical nature of life—light giving way to darkness and then, slowly,...
AI in Economic Development – Issue 23.0
The Exponential Shift: What Will Change Fastest in 2026 2026 is shaping up to be the year when technology—especially AI—stops feeling incremental and starts feeling exponential. Several forces are converging and accelerating at once, and together they will reshape how...
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Latest
Theme of the Month: Play
It’s finally summertime! With long days and balmy nights, there’s no better time to get outside and enjoy all the season has to offer. As adults, it’s easy to convince ourselves that play is something we outgrow. We fill our calendars with work, errands, appointments,...
On Becoming a Published Author
One of the projects I set for myself this month was to learn how to publish a book on Amazon. Like most of us when we want to learn something new, I did what comes naturally, I dove into a series of YouTube videos on the subject. I also had the good fortune of talking...
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