Whittaker Report
Blog & Podcast
Five Key Business Trends to Watch in 2024
As we approach 2024, several key business trends are emerging, shaped by technological advancements, evolving consumer behavior, and global economic shifts. Here's an in-depth look at five trends that are set to influence the business landscape in 2024: Sustainable...
Recent Podcasts
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…
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.
Recent Posts
Focus on Commuting Stress
By Saurav Rajbhandari The everyday commute varies among individuals due to differences in the time required to reach the workplace, the means of transportation, and the condition of the physical infrastructure. All of these factors play a major role in determining the...
Don’t Read. Listen. Podcasts – Radio for Millenials
By Sharad KC As I was planning for my year-end trip to see my Grandmother in her village, my brother-in-law, who lives in the U.S., suggested I download Serial on podcast. Although I knew what podcast was, I had never listened to one and was quick to reply that I...
Top 6 Workplace Distractions That Affect Productivity
By Jami Gibson If I had to guess what employees said was the biggest workplace distraction, I’d place my bet on chatty colleagues. While that is a common diversion in an office setting, Inc.com compiled a list of the top 6 office distractions, and surprisingly, most...
Economic Development Stays Relevant with Zero Unemployment
By Dean Whittaker The U.S. has a middle-skill gap. Though the economy is improving, employers still struggle to find skilled workers to fill their open positions, particularly for middle-skill jobs requiring more than a high school diploma but not a four-year degree....
Economic & Workforce Development: Meeting the Needs of Employers
If you missed our live webinar on March 26th, we have the recording available! Sara Dunnigan leads our panel of economic and workforce development experts as they teach us about WIOA, the federal regulation impacting these two sectors, and what states are at the...
A Look Ahead…steps you can take now
By Dean Whittaker Most of our time is spent engaged in the NOW (0-3 years) doing tactical things for which we are compensated. A small part of our time is spent thinking strategically wondering if what we are doing is the right thing. Our time horizon is 3-5 years....
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Latest
Convenience
One of the ongoing effects of the pandemic, to me, is a desire for convenience. The curbside pickup of groceries reflects this trend. However, on Thanksgiving morning, I found myself shopping in two major grocery stores to pick up the essential heavy whipping cream...
Remote Work: Here to Stay?
There’s no doubt that, unless you were considered an essential worker, you spent much of your days working from home during 2020. Yet, even with vaccine availability and better safety measures in place, many offices are still opting for remote work as we’re nearing...
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