Develop This: Economic and Community Development

Explore topics related to transformational community leadership including economic development, non-profit engagement, organizational management, and policy development. It's a candid conversation with veterans of the economic development profession along with inspiring interviews of today's thought leaders.

Develop This: Economic and Community Development is a business podcast hosted by Unknown Host, with 100 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Unknown Host hosts Develop This: Economic and Community Development, a business show with 100 episodes published.

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  Develop This: Economic and Community Development

  DT #674 From Shipping to Economic Development: Bill Cronin's Leadership Journey

  Aug 19, 202636 min

  What does it take to manage rapid growth while preserving the character of a community? In this episode of Develop This!, Dennis Fraise speaks with Bill Cronin about his unique career journey from international shipping to economic development and the strategies driving growth in Pasco County, Florida. Bill reflects on how economic development has evolved over the years, shifting from traditional business attraction efforts to a more comprehensive focus on workforce development, community engagement, quality of life, and long-term sustainability. A major focus of the conversation is Pasco County's rapid growth and how local leaders are working to balance new opportunities with the needs of long-time residents. Bill emphasizes the importance of smart growth, regional collaboration, and thoughtful planning to ensure communities remain attractive places to live and work. The discussion also explores the county's efforts to diversify its economy through industries such as food processing, life sciences, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing, while preparing for emerging opportunities tied to AI and data centers. Throughout the episode, Bill shares leadership lessons learned from decades of experience, highlighting the importance of civic engagement, community service, and maintaining a clear vision for the future. A key takeaway? Successful economic development requires balancing growth with community values while preparing for the industries and technologies that will shape tomorrow's economy. Key Takeaways Economic development has evolved beyond traditional business attraction Smart growth requires balancing new development with community needs Industry diversification strengthens long-term economic resilience Regional collaboration creates greater opportunities for growth AI and data centers are reshaping future development strategies Community engagement remains essential for sustainable success Strong leadership is rooted in service, vision, and adaptability Key Topics Covered Bill Cronin's career journey into economic development The evolution of economic development strategies Pasco County's rapid growth and regional collaboration Industry diversification and targeted sectors AI, data centers, and emerging opportunities Community engagement and leadership development Future skills for economic development professionals Sound Bites "Very few of us actually did this on purpose." "Balance legacy residents with smart growth." "AI can do in seconds what used to take years."

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  Develop This: Economic and Community Development

  DT #673 Navigating Uncertainty in Site Selection and Facility Investment

  Aug 19, 202629 min

  What does the future hold for facility investment in an increasingly uncertain economy? In this episode of Develop This!, Dennis Fraise speaks with Jerry Szatan , a veteran site selection consultant with more than 35 years of experience, about the challenges and opportunities shaping investment decisions today. Jerry shares why many companies are taking a more cautious approach to expansion, navigating economic uncertainty, shifting market conditions, and evolving business priorities before committing to major projects. A major focus of the conversation is artificial intelligence and its growing role in site selection. While AI is helping companies analyze data faster than ever, Jerry emphasizes that technology is only as effective as the questions being asked—and that experience, judgment, and relationships remain critical components of decision-making. The discussion also explores the importance of community readiness. From infrastructure and site preparedness to workforce capacity and long-term planning, communities must be ready to move quickly when opportunities emerge. Throughout the episode, Jerry offers practical insights on how economic developers can position their communities for success despite an uncertain investment climate. A key takeaway? While technology and market conditions continue to evolve, strong relationships, solid infrastructure, and strategic preparation remain the foundations of successful economic development. Key Takeaways Economic uncertainty is causing companies to delay major investment decisions AI is accelerating analysis but cannot replace experience and judgment Relationships remain a critical factor in site selection decisions Community readiness is essential for attracting new projects Infrastructure and workforce capacity continue to drive competitiveness Strategic preparation helps communities capitalize on future opportunities Key Topics Covered The impact of AI on site selection Market uncertainty and investment delays Community readiness and infrastructure planning Corporate decision-making in uncertain times Workforce and investment competitiveness Future trends in economic development Sound Bites "AI is only as good as the questions you ask." "Relationships will not be replaced by AI." "Pledges are not shovels on the ground."

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  Develop This: Economic and Community Development

  DT #671 Why Does Everyone Hate Data Centers? A Balanced Look at the Debate

  Aug 12, 202628 min

  Why are data centers generating so much debate in communities across the country? In this episode of Develop This!, Dennis Fraise sits down with Dan Culhane to kick off a brand-new series exploring one of the most controversial topics in economic development: Why Does Everyone Hate Data Centers? Rather than taking sides, Dan encourages communities to ask better questions before making decisions. He explains why the conversation shouldn't simply be about saying "yes" or "no" to data centers, but about understanding their long-term impacts, evaluating tradeoffs, and ensuring projects create meaningful value for local residents. The discussion explores the economic opportunities data centers can bring, particularly for rural communities, through increased property tax revenue, infrastructure investment, and long-term community partnerships. Dan also addresses many of the concerns surrounding these projects—including electricity demand, water consumption, noise, environmental impacts, and sustainability—and explains how advances in technology and thoughtful planning are helping address many of these challenges. Throughout the conversation, Dan emphasizes the importance of transparency, responsible corporate citizenship, and constructive dialogue between developers, local officials, and community members. Communities that ask informed questions and negotiate from a position of knowledge are better equipped to secure projects that align with their long-term vision. Develop This! is launching a special series titled "Why Does Everyone Hate Data Centers?" featuring perspectives from across the conversation—including developers, community leaders, policymakers, utilities, and economic development professionals. If you'd like to be part of this important discussion as a guest on Develop This!, we'd love to connect with you. A key takeaway? The best community decisions don't come from fear or hype—they come from asking the right questions and focusing on long-term community value. Key Takeaways Communities should evaluate data center projects based on long-term community benefits. Data centers can provide significant tax revenue and investment, especially in rural areas. Modern data centers are becoming more efficient in their use of water and energy. Concerns around noise, infrastructure, and sustainability can often be addressed through thoughtful planning. Strong corporate citizenship and community engagement are essential for successful projects. Better questions lead to better decisions for communities and developers alike. Key Topics Covered Why data centers have become a controversial issue Evaluating community benefits and tradeoffs Economic impacts for rural communities Water, power, noise, and sustainability considerations Infrastructure planning and responsible development Building trust through corporate citizenship and transparency Sound Bites "Ask better questions, not just yes or no." "Data centers can be a huge opportunity for rural America." "Good corporate citizenship is part of community success."

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  Develop This: Economic and Community Development

  DT #672 Inside the 2026 IEDC Annual Conference: What to Expect in New Orleans

  Aug 12, 202627 min

  What can attendees expect from the 2026 IEDC Annual Conference in New Orleans? In this episode of Develop This!, Dennis Fraise sits down with Nathan Ohle , President and CEO of the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) , for an exclusive preview of the 2026 IEDC Annual Conference in New Orleans. As IEDC celebrates 100 years of economic development, Nathan shares how this milestone event will honor the profession's rich history while focusing on the innovations shaping its future. The conversation explores why New Orleans was selected to host the centennial conference and how the city's resilience, culture, and economic transformation make it the perfect backdrop for this historic gathering. Nathan also provides a behind-the-scenes look at new conference experiences, including town halls, community tours, networking opportunities, and interactive sessions designed to help attendees build lasting connections. A major focus of the conference is preparing economic developers for the future. Nathan discusses emerging topics such as artificial intelligence, system integration, workforce development, housing, and placemaking, explaining how these issues are reshaping communities around the world. He also offers practical advice for first-time attendees on maximizing networking opportunities, navigating the conference, and getting the most value from the experience. Whether you're a seasoned economic developer or attending your first IEDC conference, this episode offers a roadmap for making the most of one of the profession's most significant events. A key takeaway? The best conference experience isn't just about the sessions you attend—it's about the connections you make and the ideas you bring back to your community. Key Takeaways The 2026 IEDC Annual Conference celebrates 100 years of economic development. New Orleans provides a powerful backdrop of resilience, culture, and innovation. AI, placemaking, housing, and workforce development are among the conference's major themes. New interactive formats and community tours will create deeper learning experiences. Networking is one of the most valuable aspects of the conference. Planning ahead and engaging early helps attendees maximize their conference experience. Key Topics Covered Celebrating IEDC's 100th anniversary Why New Orleans was selected as the host city AI, system integration, housing, and workforce trends Placemaking and cultural economy Conference networking strategies Behind-the-scenes tours and special conference experiences Sound Bites "Best networking device is what you put in." "The way we get to the centennial celebration will be unlike anything before." "Show up at the first reception in the exhibit hall."

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  Develop This: Economic and Community Development

  DT #668 AI Literacy: Small Business Capacity and the Return of Human Experience

  Aug 5, 202631 min

  Artificial intelligence is no longer just a big tech conversation. For small businesses, microbusinesses, makers, solopreneurs, and entrepreneurs, AI literacy is quickly becoming a practical economic development issue. In this episode of Develop This!, Joi Cuartero Austin talks with Tasha Sams , Director of Education at Main Street America , about what AI literacy really means for local businesses and why it matters for Main Street communities. The conversation explores how AI can help entrepreneurs build capacity, save time, strengthen marketing, improve operations, and make more informed decisions, especially for business owners who are often wearing every hat themselves. But this conversation is not about automating everything. Joi and Tasha also explore the rise of analog and low-tech business concepts, from vinyl cafes and record shops to video rental stores, bookstores, and other experience-based businesses and what that resurgence tells us about the value of human connection, curation, memory, and place. The episode makes the case that the future of small business may not be AI versus analog. It may be high-tech behind the scenes and deeply human at the counter.

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