Whittaker Report
Blog & Podcast
Are We Running Out of Electricity?
Each month, we strive to bring you articles on topics we are currently exploring. This month, my focus has been on power grids and solar farms and their potential to combat climate change and reduce carbon emissions. My economic development colleagues at electric...
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
WORKshift: Future Proofing Communities and Organizations
Are your companies challenged with workforce issues and inhibitors to business growth? Join us February 20th for the Professional Learning Lab and learn about the trends to seek and retain talent with flexwork. The challenge with flexwork is no longer about convincing...
Where Are We Headed in 2014?
By Dean Whittaker As the year draws to a close, I like to step back and take a look to see where I am headed. It’s a time to look forward into the New Year. For this article, I would like to share some thoughts regarding the direction in which we are going (subject to...
On-Site Health Clinics
By Jami Gibson As health care costs continue to rise under the health care reform, companies are looking for ways to monitor and keep their medical costs in check. One way they’ve been achieving that is through the use of on-site health clinics at their worksites....
Pro Learning Lab: Foreign Direct Investment Webinar
By Whittaker Associates The Pro Learning Lab will kick off it's 2014 webinar series on January 23 at 2:00pm ET. Amy Koscielak, Economic and Business Development Analyst with American Electric Power, will be discussing how to attract foreign direct investment to your...
Like Our Newsletter? Write For Us!
Whittaker Associates is looking for guest writers for our 2014 monthly newsletters. Want to participate? Please email Jami Gibson. This month, Shivani Adhikari, who works for WA Analytics in Kathmandu, Nepal explains her take on marriage, a universal institution, yet...
Creating Resiliency in Ourselves and Our Communities
By Dean Whittaker With the rapid rate of change taking place around us, it is hard to find a solid place on which to stand. Few of us are rewarded for thinking very far into the future and feel no need to do so. Planning beyond a year or two seems like a waste of...
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
The Legacy of COVID-19
The global pandemic disrupted my life in many ways. I imagine it did the same to yours. Fortunately, I was spared the heartbreak of losing a close friend or loved one to the virus. Although, I know many people who became quite ill and others who spent the past year...
Safe Travels
This past month my husband, our six year old daughter and I flew to Florida for a vacation from the cold Michigan winter and to enjoy some two-on-one time with our older child (our twelve month old stayed behind with grandparents). Our “requirements” for deciding...
Follow Us
Copyright © 2025 - Whittaker Associates Inc.
Site by Createfully.