Whittaker Report
Blog & Podcast
AI vs. Humans
Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly being used to automate tasks that were previously performed by humans. This can lead to the displacement of some workers and the need for new skills in the workforce. Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to...
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
Apps to Lose Weight and Stay Healthy
By Anu Tandukar In today’s busy world, people barely get time to take care of themselves. Also, it was not until I got sick a few months ago, that I realized the importance of staying healthy and understood why they say, “Health is wealth.” From that point on, I had...
From the American Dream to the Nepali Dream
By Vidhan Rana Thousands of Nepali eighteen and nineteen-year-olds board planes from Kathmandu for the United States to pursue their dream of further education in the land of opportunities. Many have dreams of building a life there – to live the ‘American Dream’. Some...
Predicting the Future
By Sailesh Dhungana Imagine having knowledge about the future. Let’s say that you know which team will win a baseball game that has not been played yet. You can place high-stake bets on it and get handsome rewards when the team wins. Knowledge about the future is a...
The Future is Now
By Dean Whittaker Learning can sometimes be painful. One painful lesson I learned this month is that not everyone thinks the same as I do. It was one of those "duh" moments that sticks with us. I have always been fascinated with the future. Growing up, I lived on...
Favorite Video-Conferencing Tool
By Jami Gibson Each quarter, Whittaker Associates hosts a webinar as part of the Pro Learning Lab, a cooperative effort among Blane Canada, Ltd., the Institute for Decision Making at the University of Northern Iowa, and our company. Since delivering high-quality...
3D Printing: Bringing a Revolution for Designers and Innovators
By Vidhan Rana When I saw a 3D printer in action for the first time in my life, I became awestruck by the implications this technology can have for innovators and designers. Innovators no longer have to make products that need to reach millions of people to achieve...
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Latest
Staycation: Tourist in your own City!
By Valorie Oonk Since staying close to home seems to be the theme for 2020, the idea of a staycation or vacation in your own city has become quite popular. I recently did this in my beautiful and very charming home town of Holland, Michigan. I am very blessed to live...
WFH or WFA?
By Dean Whittaker Since March I found myself along with many of you working from home (WFH). The big surprise for me and many companies and organizations were that it works and works well! There are many benefits. On the personal side, there is no commute to the...
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