Whittaker Report
Blog & Podcast
Me and Claude 2.0
As an avid science fiction reader, I have long been intrigued by Isaac Asimov's books on robots. Many of his short stories describe how robots become integrated into society - at times resented, and at other times embraced. One robot strives to become more human,...
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
Secure Future for Cyber Security Industry
By Jami Gibson Every day, an astounding amount of sensitive data is being shared and stored digitally. We entrust that our banking and credit card accounts, health records, and personal information are being safely kept until the next time they need to be accessed....
Indian-born CEO’s in Multinational Companies
By Sharad KC On February 4, 2014, Microsoft appointed Satya Nadella as Chief Executive Officer, who previously held the position of Executive Vice President of the company’s Cloud and Enterprise group. This news reaffirmed the trend of multi-national companies hiring...
Craze for Cricket Has Grown in Himalayan Nation
By Ayush SJB Rana The craze for cricket is not really surprising. Nepal has had as ancient link to the British as Indians. It goes back to collaboration in the 18th century, the Anglo-Nepalese War, and the treaty of Sugauli in 1816. Unlike the Indians, this small...
6 Rules for Workplace Simplicity
By Jami Gibson If you have ever seen the movie “Office Space” and can relate to some of the ridiculous situations in which the characters find themselves, you may have worked at an organization like one described in the following TED talk. In his discussion, presented...
Making Wise Decisions
By Dean Whittaker Every moment, we are confronted with decisions to make. They can be simple, such as how to spend the moment, or complex, impacting you and those you care about. One of my learnings this month came from a lecture series by Andy Stanley called Just Ask...
Email Marketing Webinar
On April 22nd, Whittaker Associates will be hosting the Pro Learning Lab webinar entitled "Email Marketing Workshop." Our speaker, Timothy Haines, Social Media Specialist at TechBridge, will show you how to create an email marketing campaign to get results!...
Schedule a Consultation
Get In Touch
The Whittaker Report
Sign up to receive helpful tools and insightful posts.
Phone
616.403.5076
Address
156 West 11th Street
Suite 107
Holland, MI 49423
Latest
A Lost Companion
I never understood the true relationship between me and my dog until very recent. I have a vague memory of my mom bringing a small white fluffy puppy home in the summer of 2007. I was really not fond of the idea of owning a dog and having to stay under the same roof....
“That” Friend
The older I get, I realize it’s more difficult to find friends with which to develop meaningful relationships. Growing up, it was easy to meet new people when every day was a new experience. Our friend groups consisted of other neighbor kids, children of our parent’s...
Follow Us
Copyright © 2025 - Whittaker Associates Inc.
Site by Createfully.