Whittaker Report
Blog & Podcast
Tuition-Free College Degree at Hope College
This month, I had the opportunity to attend the Catalyst Summit at Hope College in Holland, MI. The purpose of the summit was to discuss access to higher education, with Hope offering free tuition to students through an innovative program. Students who participate...
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
Wisdom and Hope
By Dean Whittaker While driving from Michigan to Connecticut this month, I noticed that the federal economic data that I had been hearing about in the media did not jive with what I was observing during my travels. What I saw was factory after factory with full...
Sustainable Events
By Jami Gibson Sustainability is a buzzword that’s been popular as more and more companies strive to create greener products and processes. But what about creating sustainable events? I’ve attended several meetings with local volunteers who are in the process of...
Webinar Video: LinkedIn for Economic Development
LinkedIn is now an important Internet platform for economic developers to engage businesses, discover site selection opportunities, and network with colleagues. Brought to you by our friends at GIS Planning, this video will teach you tactical strategies to maximize...
Analyzing Your Web Traffic: Why? How?
By Vidhan Rana As a budding entrepreneur, I have just begun to understand the value of tracking and analyzing the traffic to my website. You may even wonder why it is necessary to monitor web traffic. Well first, it is the primary way your customers will find you. It...
Managing Time During the Holidays
By Jami Gibson I can hardly believe that the holidays are upon us once again. For many, the time between Thanksgiving and New Years brings a welcome change of pace as we focus on family and begin winding down the year. But for others, this time of year is far from...
When Baby Boomers Bail: The Challenge Ahead
By Dean Whittaker In Mark Lautman’s new book, “When Boomers Bail: A Community Economic Survival Guide,” he focuses our attention on a looming issue of a “zero-sum labor market” for qualified workers and how it will impact all of us, especially those engaged in...
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Stay Safe and Stay Well
Have you ever noticed that all sermons are in three parts? As are good speeches and stories. Not to be outdone, at the end of our weekly team meetings, I ask our team 3 questions. First, what are your concerns? Second, what are the things you are grateful for? Third,...
Meal Prep Tips for Less Stress and More Control
We all know how hard this year has been. 2020 is becoming a bad word, the brunt of many jokes and memes. I never imagined that we would still be wearing masks, social distancing, and not being able to sit down in our favorite restaurants to enjoy time with family and...
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