Whittaker Report
Blog & Podcast
AI: Friend or Foe?
Friend Artificial intelligence (AI), a term that has caught our attention for its transformative potential, is already being deployed in myriad ways, improving our lives and boosting productivity. Notable among these AI implementations is ChatGPT, a large language...
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
Innovate of Die!
By Dean Whittaker “Innovate or die” seems to be the common mantra in business today. In the Internet age, products and services become commoditized at an astounding pace. Unless we continuously innovate our product or service we quickly find ourselves competing to be...
Data Center Resource
By Jami Gibson Over the past several years, the data center industry has continued its rapid expansion and is in high demand. As a research analyst, I’ve become very familiar with this sector and the companies within it. One of my favorite sources for information...
When Will We Sacrifice Today for Tomorrow?
By Patrick Cisler Recently, I found myself in a conversation with a friend from college who works for a company that develops, operates, and owns wind farms. When I asked how they are managing in this economy, I received two responses; first, that the decrease (or...
Imagine – How Creativity Works
By Dean Whittaker One of the most powerful tools each of us posseses is our imagination. "Imagine" by Johan Lehrer explores "How Creativity Works." He reports on the brain research that is allowing us to understand the creative process and where our "aha" moments come...
Cities of the Future
By Jami Gibson I recently watched another inspiring TED talk given by Eduardo Paes, the mayor of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. His presentation is based upon his goal to ensure the city’s future for generations to come. Paes presents four “commandments” that will help...
The Virtual Office
By Patrick Cisler I was recently working on a project with Digital Media companies that led me to reflect on a major shift in daily work habits. The shift being working in the office environment to working from home. First, the steps that led me to this reflection; I...
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Latest
Social Media: Mindful or Madness?
As we welcome 2021 and what the first couple weeks have brought, I wanted to share a meme circulating around social media. It goes like this, “I’d like to cancel my subscription to 2021, I've experienced the 7 day trial and I'm not interested.” That about sums it...
A Voice of Hope
The United States ushered in a new administration this month after a chaotic 70+ days since the November election. I always make it a point to watch the Inauguration no matter who is being sworn into office as I find the tradition and symbolism provide a sense of...
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