Whittaker Report
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AI in Economic Development – Issue 4.0
Creating and Implementing an Impactful AI Strategy: Steps for Economic Development Leaders Artificial intelligence has become a crucial driver of innovation, competitiveness, and transformation across sectors. As a result, economic development organizations have a...
Recent Podcasts
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…
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
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…
Whittaker Associates Podcast Episode 16 An Interview with Ed Sitar, Senior Manager of Economic Development at ComEd
May 11, 2022 • 00:32:47
Ed Sitar, Senior Manager of Economic Development at ComEd. Ed oversees the company’s large business customer retention and expansion strategy to grow key industries in northern Illinois. Ed is a 28-year company veteran who has worked closely with Illinois municipalities, and regional and state economic development organizations. Ed holds…
Recent Posts
Fossil Fuel Crisis
Fossil fuels are made from the remains of living things like plants and animals that were trapped under deposits and buried deep in the earth millions of years ago. These ruins were compacted and fossilized over time, yielding carbon-rich fuels like coal, oil, and...
Disaster Capitalism: Not Right, Not Illegal
The recent wildfire that swept through Lahaina, Maui has been front and center on the news as recovery efforts have been ongoing. What is less reported is the fact that, within days after this disaster, real estate agents, developers, and others have been contacting...
Lessons in Compassion: A Journey in Volunteering
This month, I was given an extraordinary lesson in compassion when I had the opportunity to participate in a Rotary volunteer service project. The club provides volunteers each month to an organization known as Community Action House Food Club. Although I was aware of...
Prioritize Time for Hobbies
I was organizing my desk when I came across a piece of paper lodged between some file folders. When I turned it over, I realized it was a “summer bucket list” I had written containing all of the activities I wanted to do during the season. However, this list was from...
Are We Running Out of Electricity?
Each month, we strive to bring you articles on topics we are currently exploring. This month, my focus has been on power grids and solar farms and their potential to combat climate change and reduce carbon emissions. My economic development colleagues at electric...
Reducing Food Waste
Food is wasted at every stage of production, from farming to distribution to retail to consumption. Among the causes are cooking losses, intentional food waste, losses from pests, mold, or insufficient climate management. Food waste is a significant global issue....
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Mistakes & Learning
Have you ever made a mistake? What did you learn? Yes, making mistakes is one way to learn. I am in the process of learning Spanish using the Duolingo application. This gamified app makes learning a language fun and addictive by using the same tools as video games to...
AI in Economic Development – Issue 3.0
AI Continues to Infiltrate Our Lives Below are three book recommendations about AI. Each of these books offers a unique perspective on the intersection of AI, economics, and society, providing valuable insights for understanding the role of technology in shaping our...
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