Whittaker Report

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The Robots Are Coming… In Fact, They’re Already Here

Ever since reading Isaac Asimov’s iRobot, I’ve been fascinated by the idea of humanoid machines. Early portrayals often painted robots as threats—menacing figures in fiction and film. The movie iRobot, with its army of AI-controlled machines, only amplified that fear. But let’s step back from the hype and the Hollywood fear factor for a moment. Where do things stand with humanoid robots today?...

AI in Economic Development – Issue 19.0

Artificial Intelligence—Is the Emperor Really Naked? Recently, I came across an intriguing article titled, "The Emperor Has No Clothes," highlighting the outsized hype surrounding artificial intelligence—or what I prefer to call digital intelligence. This got me thinking: how much of AI is groundbreaking innovation, and how much is inflated marketing? Digital intelligence has made tremendous...

Trends in the Beverage Industry

Over the past several years, the beverage industry has seen demand shift away from alcoholic and sugary drinks towards more healthy alternatives. You may have seen a “mocktail” section on a drink menu while dining out, encountered online ads for functional coffee, or even tried a new wellness soft drink. These trends within the beverage industry are answers to the health-conscious consumer and...
The Joy of Learning: Using AI as a Teacher

The Joy of Learning: Using AI as a Teacher

For me, one of my greatest joys is learning, a trait inherited from my grandmother’s boundless curiosity. She instilled in me the habit of questioning why, how, who, what, and when. You can imagine my excitement when I discovered how AI could serve as a teacher. It...

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The Whittaker Report Podcast
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
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  • 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

    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

    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

    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

    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.

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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

Bitcoin: Threat or Opportunity?

Bitcoin: Threat or Opportunity?

By Sambridhi Shrestha The escalating value of bitcoin has brought a revolution in the US market. All the huge investors and traders are investing in bitcoin and even common people are headed towards cryptocurrency investments. Cryptocurrencies are digital or virtual...

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Stress, Anxiety, and Meditation

Stress, Anxiety, and Meditation

By Dean Whittaker My lesson this month was on the role of stress, anxiety, and mediation in my life. A day this past month, I had scheduled three major meeting events. The first was a teleconference presentation to the board of directors of an economic development...

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The Learning Zone – Overcoming Stagnation

The Learning Zone – Overcoming Stagnation

By Jami Gibson As someone who tries to continually improve, personally and professionally, in the things that matter to me, I recently was feeling discouraged when I felt stagnation in an particular area of my life. You’ve probably felt this way before. The wheels are...

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How to Quickly Find and Attract Talent

How to Quickly Find and Attract Talent

By Dean Whittaker According to a national site selection firm, available labor is the #1 site selection factor in their decision making process. In order to attract and retain businesses, communities will need to demonstrate they either have the needed labor or have a...

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Amazon’s HQ2: The Finalists

Amazon’s HQ2: The Finalists

By Jami Gibson Earlier this month, Amazon announced the 20 finalists for its HQ2 location. They are: Atlanta, Austin, Boston/Somerville, Chicago, Columbus, Dallas, Denver, Indianapolis, Los Angeles, Miami, Montgomery County, MD, Nashville, Newark, New York City,...

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My Travel Photography

Every year, I spend the month of September out West. The ability to work remotely has been a huge blessing (when the wi-fi is good!) that allows me to keep up with my tasks while adventuring to both new and well-loved places. I spend my time kayaking, hiking, and...

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The Rent-Driven Economy

We now rent almost everything.  Our entertainment is streamed to us (for a fee). We no longer own our music on CD but, for a fee, Spotify or Apple will stream it to us.  The software on our computers is rented from Microsoft or Google, and we pay for the use of it...

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