Dennis is joined by generational expert Mark C. Perna. Dennis and Mark discuss the inherent bias older generations have against younger generations. Mark Perna is the author of Answering Why: Unleashing Passion, Purpose, and Performance in Younger Generations ..read more

In this episode, Dennis is joined by Henry Silentman, the program manager at the Shiprock Regional Business Development office in Northwest New Mexico. Dennis and Henry discuss the opportunities and challenges of working in economic development in the Navajo Nation ..read more

Finding Your Path in Economic Development  Dennis is joined by Develop This! contributing correspondents Joi Cuartero Austin CEcd, Senior Program Officer, Economic Vitality with Main Street America, and Sean M. Maguire, AICP CEcD Economic Development and Planning Executive. Together, they discuss finding Your Path in Economic Development. Economic development is a broad career track. How do you find your niche? A career in economic development can take you in so many different directions, and many people do not start out to be an economic development professional. How can you best prepare ..read more

Dennis is joined by Eloisa Klementich, CEcd, PhD, President and CEO of Invest Atlanta and IEDC board chair. They discuss Eloisa's career path in economic development and her plans and goals for IEDC.  ..read more

What does it take to become an Accredited Economic Development Organization? The St. Tammany Corp in Mandeville, LA, recently completed the process. There are over 5,000 economic development organizations, and fewer than 80 have achieved this prestigious designation.  In this episode, Dennis is joined by Chris Masingill, CEO, and Ashley Llewellyn, Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives with the St. Tammany Corp. They discuss the AEDO process from the organizations perspective.  ..read more

Dennis is joined by Mark Perna, who discusses ten habits that can keep us from reaching our full potential.  Seven Habits of Highly Effective People – Stephen Covey Be Proactive Begin With the End in Mind Put First Things First Think Win-Win Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood Synergize Sharpen the Saw What are the habits that keep us from success and achieving our full potential? 1.      Procrastination a.      Set goals b.      Prioritize tasks c.      Start with the most ..read more

In this episode, Dennis offers up some common sense strategies to help deal with tough budget times. Do great work Communicate Measure Build coalitions Measure your organization against your peers Build relationships Be transparent Engage your board ..read more

Dennis's organization, Lee County Economic Development Group, recently became an AEDO - Accredited Economic Development Organization through IEDC. Dennis is joined by Bill Murphy - President & CEO of Ardmore Development Authority in Ardmore, OK, and Jim Fram - Consultant and Economic Development Leader - of Community Growth Strategies, and they discuss the process of becoming an Accredited Economic Development Organization.  What is AEDO, and why is it important? How many AEDOs are there? Why does good governance and organizational excellence matter?  When an organization decide ..read more

Working on the Other Side: From Elected Official to Economic Development  In this episode, contributing correspondent Joi Cuartero Austin is joined by Kyle Moore, President of the Great River Economic Development Foundation in Quincy and Adams County, Illinois. Kyle discusses his journey from elected official to economic development professional.  Going from the private sector, to elected official, to economic development. Stakeholders working together in a big, small town on a community strategic plan. Perspective on working on the public and private side of economic development. A ..read more

In this episode, Dennis opens up about what he believes are the three biggest mistakes he has made in workforce programming. Dennis and Mark discuss the realities and difficulties of developing workforce programming.  ..read more