Whittaker Report
Blog & Podcast
Exploring NOLA
This month, I visited New Orleans, and it was the first time I was in the city with no obligations or agenda - a truly relaxing getaway where I could do anything I wanted. So I asked ChatGPT to recommend the top five things to do in and around NOLA, and here is what...
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
GDPR: EU’s Solution for Data Protection
By Rojan Sthapit General Data Protection Regulation, also known as GDPR, is the new law brought about by the European Union for protecting user data and information. It is a legal framework that sets guidelines for the collection and processing of personal...
Blockchain: What is it and why should you care?
By Dean Whittaker In the book, The Truth Machine: Blockchain and the Future of Everything, Michael Casey and Paul Vigna, point out that our civilization is built on trust. The introduction of the double-entry accounting system allowed for the expansion of trade...
The Rise of Concierge Medicine
By Jami Gibson The healthcare industry has changed immensely over the past decade. The use of electronic record-keeping, skyrocketing insurance costs, and technological and pharmaceutical innovations have changed the way we experience medical care. One particular area...
All About Creating Magic
By Sambridhi Shrestha “People do not buy goods and services. They buy relations, stories and magic.” – Seth Godin As the phase speaks for itself, in today’s generation people not only buy the products and services but also seek for good relations with the brand. There...
Are You a Coach?
By Dean Whittaker We are all a coach at some point in our life, whether it is with our children, friends, or co-workers. Business leaders find themselves in this role frequently as they endeavor to encourage their team members to grow in their skills, knowledge, and...
Appreciating the Magical Moments
By Jami Gibson This past month, I flew south to Orlando, FL to escape the cold Michigan winter. There, I met up with friends to spend a few, sunny days at Disney World. It had been over 20+ years since I had visited the theme parks, and while they still held their...
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Latest
With Change Comes Opportunity!
Why is it that I resist change so much? If opportunity is found in change, you would think I would embrace it. When I asked people if they enjoy change, I found that about 25% do. What if there were no changes? Wouldn’t life become dull after a period of time? It...
Dashain: A Celebration of Victory
Dashain is a fifteen day-long festival observed in Nepal and India, along with some other parts of the world, that is a celebration of the triumph of good or truth over evil or deception. The Dashain celebration has been observed ever since Lord Ram and Goddess Durga...
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