Whittaker Report
Blog & Podcast
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...
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
Collaboration by Design
By Dean Whittaker Recently I was asked to facilitate a strategic planning process. However, the client was looking for a non-traditional approach. I recommended they consider a “strategic doing” approach, having, myself, participated in a local process facilitated by...
Finding Pleasure in the Little Things
By Jami Gibson Sometimes I need a reminder to slow down. I’m grateful for the busyness of work, but over the summer, I have volunteered to be part of a planning committee for a fundraising event taking place in September. It’s a cause I’m passionate about, but it’s...
Welcome to Lakeside, Pokhara! Feeling hungry?
By Sharad KC If you ever have a chance to visit Nepal, then Pokhara will probably be on your itinerary. If not, it should be. You can come here to access the mountainous trails of the Annapurna region or just relax lakeside (there are seven lakes surrounding the city)...
Big Data Trends
By Saurav Rajbhandari Big Data has come into the limelight recently, with large companies analyzing data to study customer behavior and to come up with new products. Companies have found use for it in expanding their businesses as well as strategizing their next move....
Selling The Seed Corn
By Dean Whittaker We are living in interesting times. Many may not know what it means to sell the seed corn. Basically, the farmer retains a portion of each year’s crop to plant the next year. When we sell the seed corn, we have become dependent on borrowing money to...
The Growing Pet Food Industry
By Jami Gibson Day spas, playdates, luxury beds, and the finest organic, gluten-free cuisine. This has become the norm for many pampered pets around the world. Sounds wonderful, doesn’t it? Today, more than ever before, pets are treated like humans. They are our...
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Latest
What’s Going On During February 2022
Whew, we’ve almost arrived at February already! In addition to the month-long celebration of Black History, February also kicks off with the Lunar New Year on the 1st of the month, followed immediately by Groundhog’s Day on February 2nd. Black History Month Celebrated...
A Productive Commute
Over the last several months, I’ve been a caretaker for an ill family member. It brings me joy to assist in my loved one’s time of need, but I’ve had to learn to perform a balancing act with work, life, and the 5+ hour round-trip drive I’ve been making multiple times...
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