Whittaker Report
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Reducing Food Waste
Food is wasted at every stage of production, from farming to distribution to retail to consumption. Among the causes are cooking losses, intentional food waste, losses from pests, mold, or insufficient climate management. Food waste is a significant global issue....
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
Actively Pursuing BRE
By Jami Gibson Of all the services Whittaker Associates offers, one of my favorites on which to collaborate is BRE services. We’ve partnered with many EDOs and chambers of commerce over the years to provide assistance for communities’ retention and expansion efforts....
How Well Does Your Organization Realize CSR?
By Anu Tandukar Many people know that CSR stands for Corporate Social Responsibility, but not everyone understands what it really means and how important it is in the long-run for businesses. CSR is based on the premise of good business for a good society. It takes...
A Practical Experience of a Democratic Election of Nepal
By Sharad KC The idea of democracy, for me, only remained as a text book subject until the recent constituent assembly election of Nepal. During this election, I not only exercised my voting rights but also actively campaigned for an independent candidate in my...
A Moment for Gratitude
By Dean Whittaker Thanksgiving is perhaps one of my favorite times of the year. It is a time to reflect on all that we have been given and to express our appreciation. At the end of our team meeting each week, we ask each person to say what they are feeling grateful...
Why What You Do Matters!
By Dean Whittaker While visiting the small (1,500 pop) Illinois farm town in which I spent the first 18 years of my life, I was reminded the importance of economic development. Earlville was a thriving Midwest farm town in the 1950-60’s. Located 75 miles west of...
The Entrepreneur's Dilemma
By Jashmin Tandukar Starting your own entrepreneurial venture can lead to unlimited successes followed by freedom and flexibility. The journey can be extremely exciting and adoring. You can be the boss of your own rules and regulations without any supervisory...
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Latest
Fighting with Tomorrow
We often tend to think a lot about things that haven’t even occurred yet. Yes, it is important to think about the future and have a rough blueprint or plan but do things always go according to our plan? Even the smallest things like getting somewhere on time don’t...
Sold! A Sign of the Times!
Facing a shortage of inventory across the nation, many home buyers find themselves in bidding wars. The topic of real estate is very relevant and it seems most people are aware of just how insane the real estate market is! I am speaking from my personal experience as...
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