Retour

Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast EDO Breakthrough

Plongez dans la liste complète des épisodes de EDO Breakthrough. Chaque épisode est catalogué accompagné de descriptions détaillées, ce qui facilite la recherche et l'exploration de sujets spécifiques. Suivez tous les épisodes de votre podcast préféré et ne manquez aucun contenu pertinent.

Rows per page:

1–26 of 26

TitreDateDurée
E05 – Networking and Building Relationships in Economic Development, with Ebonie Atkins15 Oct 202400:30:54

Ebonie Atkins, Managing Director of Henrico Economic Development Authority, shares tips for networking and creating relationships. We also discuss business retention tactics, regionalism, partnerships, and teaching economic geography.

Key Takeaways:

  • Tips for creating relationships in a people-focused industry 
  • How to work with local partners for business retention efforts
  • Balancing data and storytelling in economic development

About the Guest:

Ebonie Atkins is the Managing Director for the Henrico Economic Development Authority in Henrico, Virginia. Prior to the EDA, she served as the Business Investment Manager for VEDP where she worked directly with tech companies to support their relocation and expansion in Virginia. You can connect with her on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/ebonieatkins) or contact her at ebonie@henrico.com

Resources Mentioned:

The EDO Breakthrough podcast is brought to you by PPR Strategies. PPR Strategies is a strategic consulting firm working specifically with EDOs and other place-based organizations. We share the unique stories of communities through communications, strategic planning, marketing, media relations, and more.

Visit us at pprstrategies.com/edobreakthrough to learn more and to submit a question for a future episode.

Produced and edited by SpeakEasy Productions.

E04 – Leveraging Your Community’s Personality for Talent Attraction, with Amanda Ellis08 Oct 202400:37:02

Amanda Ellis, Editor-in-Chief for Livability.com, shares how EDOs can leverage storytelling when marketing their communities. In this episode, we discuss workforce trends like hybrid working and relocating, how AI will affect search engine optimization for prospects, and why professional development opportunities are so important for retaining employees.

Key Takeaways:

  • How communities can leverage their unique assets for talent attraction and tourism
  • Using experiences and meetups to create “stickiness” and retain talent
  • How to get residents to see the benefits of growth

About the Guest:

Amanda Ellis is the Editor-in-Chief for Livability.com and hosts the “Inside America’s Best Cities” podcast. Prior to Livability, she worked in PR and with her local Chamber of Commerce in Chattanooga, TN. You can connect with her on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/amandaellis1) and you can listen to Livability’s podcast here (livabilitymedia.com/podcast).

Resources Mentioned:

The EDO Breakthrough podcast is brought to you by PPR Strategies. PPR Strategies is a strategic consulting firm working specifically with EDOs and other place-based organizations. We share the unique stories of communities through communications, strategic planning, marketing, media relations, and more.

Visit us at pprstrategies.com/edobreakthrough to learn more and to submit a question for a future episode.

Produced and edited by SpeakEasy Productions.

E03 - From EDO to SBDC: Zach Gilmore’s Support of Businesses01 Oct 202400:28:52

Now working as a partner of an EDO, Zach Gilmore shares what it’s like to transition from a typical economic development role to supporting businesses more directly, his perspective on challenges that businesses are facing today, and how economic developers can leverage their local SBDC offices.

Key Takeaways:

  • How to get your stakeholders to understand and support your EDO
  • How (and why) economic developers can leverage their SBDC offices
  • Challenges that businesses are facing today, and their solutions
  • Current industry trends and AI

About the Guest:

Zach Gilmore is a Business Consultant with the Small Business Development Center in Marianna, Florida. Prior to the SBDC, he was the Vice President of Business Development with the Jackson County Economic Development Committee. You can connect with him on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/zach-gilmore).

Resources Mentioned:

The EDO Breakthrough podcast is brought to you by PPR Strategies. PPR Strategies is a strategic consulting firm working specifically with EDOs and other place-based organizations. We share the unique stories of communities through communications, strategic planning, marketing, media relations, and more.

Visit us at pprstrategies.com/edobreakthrough to learn more and to submit a question for a future episode.

Produced and edited by SpeakEasy Productions.

E02 – All Economic Developers are Marketers Too, with Maria Satira24 Sep 202400:46:27

Maria Satira, Director of Marketing and Communications for the Greeneville ENC Alliance, shares tips for knowing your audience, being the first person in a role, and staying in the know about PR. In this episode, we dive deep into all things marketing, and p.s., if you’re an economic developer – that means we’re talking to you too! 

Key Takeaways:

  • Transferable skills from news anchoring to economic development
  • Marketing insights that all EDOs can use as inspiration
  • Talent retention activities that target high schoolers
  • Establishing marketing goals that are aligned with your organization’s strategic plan

About the Guest:

Maria Satira is the Director of Marketing and Communications for the Greeneville ENC Alliance. Prior to joining the Alliance in 2020, Maria was a news anchor in Greenville and also spent time in newsrooms in Winchester, Virginia; Wilmington, North Carolina; and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. You can connect with her on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/mariasatira).

Resources Mentioned:

  • 5 Tips on How to Get Additional Communications Support When You’re Down a Staff Person – Free Resource
  • Greeneville ENC Alliance Website

The EDO Breakthrough podcast is brought to you by PPR Strategies. PPR Strategies is a strategic consulting firm working specifically with EDOs and other place-based organizations. We share the unique stories of communities through communications, strategic planning, marketing, media relations, and more.

Visit us at pprstrategies.com/edobreakthrough to learn more and to submit a question for a future episode.

Produced and edited by SpeakEasy Productions.

E01 – Entrepreneurship-Led Economic Development with Andy Donahue17 Sep 202400:36:50

Andy Donahue, State Director of the Minnesota SBDC, shares how entrepreneurship is central to the nuanced, blended relationship between SBDCs, higher education institutions, and economic development organizations. We also discuss regionalism, talent retention efforts, and involvement with IEDC.

For anyone aiming for a significant promotion, he also shares insights into working at the center level vs. the state level for SBDC, including seeing the bigger picture, working with legislators, and managing larger budgets.

Key Takeaways:

  • How regional clusters and remote workers affect economic development
  • Talent retention and workforce development techniques that keep students in communities post-graduation
  • Benefits of being involved with IEDC, state associations, and other professional development groups

About the Guest:

Andy Donahue is the State Director of the Minnesota SBDC at the Department of Employment and Economic Development. Prior to the Minnesota SBDC, he was the Center Director for the SBDC at the University of Wisconsin-Superior. You can connect with him on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/andydonahue1).

Resources Mentioned:

The EDO Breakthrough podcast is brought to you by PPR Strategies. PPR Strategies is a strategic consulting firm working specifically with EDOs and other place-based organizations. We share the unique stories of communities through communications, strategic planning, marketing, media relations, and more.

Visit us at pprstrategies.com/edobreakthrough to learn more and to submit a question for a future episode.

Produced and edited by SpeakEasy Productions.

Welcome to EDO Breakthrough!10 Sep 202400:01:29

Welcome to EDO Breakthrough - the podcast where we tackle economic development challenges head on! 

From small towns to bustling cities, every place has its own hurdles to overcome. The EDO Breakthrough podcast creates an environment of collaboration, innovation, and understanding where we can share our real-life challenges and brainstorm solutions. 

I’m your host, Sandy Dubay, a certified economic developer and founder of PPR Strategies, the creative engine behind the EDO Breakthrough podcast. Each week, I’ll be welcoming a different, brilliant place-based mind to talk through a real-life economic development challenge that have been shared with us by YOU… our gracious listeners. 



The EDO Breakthrough podcast is brought to you by PPR Strategies. PPR Strategies is a strategic consulting firm working specifically with EDOs and other place-based organizations. We share the unique stories of communities through communications, strategic planning, marketing, media relations, and more.

Visit us at pprstrategies.com/edobreakthrough to learn more and to submit a question for a future episode.

Produced and edited by SpeakEasy Productions.

E10 – Expediting the RFI Process, with Dane Carlson26 Nov 202400:31:10

For the season finale of EDO Breakthrough, we’ve invited Dane Carlson to be this week’s guest! Dane is the Host of the Econ Dev Show podcast and CEO of Sitehunt. We discuss all things podcasting, how to deal with change in the workplace, and the impetus behind creating Sitehunt, an AI platform that helps economic developers. 

Key Takeaways:

  • What it’s *really* like to be the host of a podcast
  • How Sitehunt can expedite the RFI process
  • Similarities between AI and interns

About the Guest:

Dane Carlson is the CEO of Sitehunt, an AI-enhanced platform that helps economic developers build a comprehensive property database. He is also the Host of the Econ Dev Show podcast. You can connect with Dane on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/danecarlson). 

Resources Mentioned:

The EDO Breakthrough podcast is brought to you by PPR Strategies. PPR Strategies is a strategic consulting firm working specifically with EDOs and other place-based organizations. We share the unique stories of communities through communications, strategic planning, marketing, media relations, and more.

Visit us at pprstrategies.com/edobreakthrough to learn more and to submit a question for a future episode.

Produced and edited by SpeakEasy Productions.

E09 – Integrating Arts & Culture for Economic Success, with Ash Hanson19 Nov 202400:44:43

Ash Hanson is a rural arts advocate and in this episode, we discuss the four themes of rural community development: Activate, Connect, Nurture, and Support.

She also shares how arts & culture can intersect with economic development, how she creates opportunities for connection through her roles at DoPT and PlaceBase Productions, and her thoughts about #EroticCapital.

Key Takeaways:

  • How Arts & Culture directly impact economic development
  • Why viewing art as the “cherry on top” does a disservice to your community
  • How to get your community activated (and excited) for what’s next

About the Guest:

Ash Hanson is the Creative Executive Officer (CEO) of the Department of Public Transformation (DoPT), an artist-led nonprofit organization that works to develop creative strategies for increased community connection, civic engagement, and equitable participation in rural places. She is also the founder of PlaceBase Productions, a theater company that creates original, site-specific musicals celebrating small-town life. You can connect with Ash on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/ash-hanson-a08172289). 

Resources Mentioned:

The EDO Breakthrough podcast is brought to you by PPR Strategies. PPR Strategies is a strategic consulting firm working specifically with EDOs and other place-based organizations. We share the unique stories of communities through communications, strategic planning, marketing, media relations, and more.

Visit us at pprstrategies.com/edobreakthrough to learn more and to submit a question for a future episode.

Produced and edited by SpeakEasy Productions.

E08 – Infrastructure & Inclusivity, with Clarence Hulse12 Nov 202400:32:42

Clarence Hulse is one of the few individuals in the industry who actively sought out a career in economic development. In this episode, we discuss lifelong learning, reverse mentorship, and the programs Michigan City is implementing to attract and develop its workforce.


Key Takeaways:

  • How being in the private sector of real estate has made him a better economic developer
  • Why “inclusive” economic development is important
  • How infrastructure updates are boosting Michigan City’s economy


Resources Mentioned:


About the Guest:

Clarence Hulse is the Executive Director of the Economic Development Corporation in Michigan City. You can connect with him on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/clarencehulse)

The EDO Breakthrough podcast is brought to you by PPR Strategies. PPR Strategies is a strategic consulting firm working specifically with EDOs and other place-based organizations. We share the unique stories of communities through communications, strategic planning, marketing, media relations, and more.

Visit us at pprstrategies.com/edobreakthrough to learn more and to submit a question for a future episode.

Produced and edited by SpeakEasy Productions.

E07 – Mentorship in Economic Development, with Sandy Castor29 Oct 202400:42:07

Sandy Castor shares her perspective on how transportation and economic development work together, professional development opportunities, and the power of mentorship. We also discuss “soft” skills, saying yes more, and her accidental path to economic development.

Key Takeaways:

  • Why access to transportation *is* economic development
  • The difference between mentors, advisors, and sponsors
  • How “soft skills” are not soft

About the Guest:

Sandy Castor is an Economic Development professional. You can connect with her on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/sandyscastor).

The EDO Breakthrough podcast is brought to you by PPR Strategies. PPR Strategies is a strategic consulting firm working specifically with EDOs and other place-based organizations. We share the unique stories of communities through communications, strategic planning, marketing, media relations, and more.

Visit us at pprstrategies.com/edobreakthrough to learn more and to submit a question for a future episode.

Produced and edited by SpeakEasy Productions.

E06 – Leveraging an Economic Development Week to Tell Your EDOs Story, with Sandy Dubay22 Oct 202400:16:02

This week’s episode is all about Economic Development Week, and how you can leverage it to share your EDO’s story with your local community. Economic Developers rarely promote their efforts or teams, and this is the perfect opportunity to do that! 

Key Takeaways:

  • Best practices and tips for a successful event, including using Earned and Owned media
  • Utilizing and training volunteers
  • How MEDA has been able to host a successful Economic Development Week since 2011

Resources Mentioned:

  • MEDA Economic Development Week Website
  • IEDC Economic Development Week Awards

The EDO Breakthrough podcast is brought to you by PPR Strategies. PPR Strategies is a strategic consulting firm working specifically with EDOs and other place-based organizations. We share the unique stories of communities through communications, strategic planning, marketing, media relations, and more.

Visit us at pprstrategies.com/edobreakthrough to learn more and to submit a question for a future episode.

Produced and edited by SpeakEasy Productions.

E12 - Building Organizational Capacity, with Joi Cuartero Austin18 Feb 202500:35:18

You can take inspiration from other communities and things you learn at conferences, but you simply can’t copy/paste what others are doing…it just won’t work. And that’s where Main Street America comes in, to help historic downtowns re-energize!

Joi Cuartero Austin and I discuss Main Street America’s hyper-local support, strategic doing vs. strategic planning, and leaning into your strengths.

Key Takeaways:

  • Incremental changes can lead to big wins over time.
  • ALL parts of a community need to “click” together.
  • Behind-the-scenes of the 4-point approach MSA uses.

About the Guest:

Joi Cuartero Austin is the Senior Program Officer for Economic Vitality at Main Street America. You can connect with Joi on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/joi-cuartero-austin-cecd-2287976) and learn more about Main Street America on their website (mainstreet.org)

The EDO Breakthrough podcast is brought to you by PPR Strategies. PPR Strategies is a strategic consulting firm working specifically with EDOs and other place-based organizations. We share the unique stories of communities through communications, strategic planning, marketing, media relations, and more.

Visit us at pprstrategies.com/edobreakthrough to learn more and to submit a question for a future episode.

Produced and edited by SpeakEasy Productions.

E11 - AI’s Role in Economic Development: Maintaining Humanity in Innovation, with Jonathan Aberman11 Feb 202500:41:31

Jonathan Aberman is an internationally recognized thought leader in technology and innovation. In this episode, we discuss Washington D.C.’s focus on the service economy (vs. Silicon Valley’s focus on product) and the delicate balance of utilizing AI while maintaining real connections with humans. He also shares what he’s learned from teaching in Italy and offers advice for other educators. 

Key Takeaways:

  • Economic Development can’t be an individual’s game.
  • Technology is critical, but we must stay engaged with real people!
  • Predictions on how the Trump Administration will affect government contracting opportunities.

About the Guest:

Jonathan Aberman’s job is to find entrepreneurial people and help them succeed, whether that’s with Ruxton Ventures, Amplifier Advisors, or the countless boards he’s a member of. You can connect with him on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/jonathanaberman) and you can listen to his “What’s Working in Washington” podcast here: federalnewsnetwork.com/shows/whats-working-in-washington-podcast



The EDO Breakthrough podcast is brought to you by PPR Strategies. PPR Strategies is a strategic consulting firm working specifically with EDOs and other place-based organizations. We share the unique stories of communities through communications, strategic planning, marketing, media relations, and more.

Visit us at pprstrategies.com/edobreakthrough to learn more and to submit a question for a future episode.

Produced and edited by SpeakEasy Productions.

E25 – The Art and Science of Economic Development, with Heather Gramm, CEcD08 Jul 202500:35:37

What happens when you shift from serving one community to supporting dozens?

In this episode, Heather Gramm, CEcD, reflects on her transition from the public to the private sector. She shares the learning curves, the surprises, and how she’s applying both the art and the science of economic development in fresh, meaningful ways.

Key Takeaways:

  • How Heather’s sons helped her see workforce development through a new lens
  • The biggest surprises Heather encountered after leaving the public sector
  • How ongoing learning and mentorship—from organizations like MEDA—shaped Heather’s career evolution
  • Why staying connected across local, state, and national networks makes your work more impactful

About the Guest:

Heather Gramm is a certified economic developer and the VP of Strategy at PPR Strategies. With over 20 years of expertise across municipal, county, and state economic development, she brings a deep understanding of what it takes to transform communities through strategic economic development to the PPR Strategies team. Learn more about her on our website (pprstrategies.com/about-us/heather-gramm).



The EDO Breakthrough podcast is brought to you by PPR Strategies. PPR Strategies is a strategic consulting firm working specifically with EDOs and other place-based organizations. We share the unique stories of communities through communications, strategic planning, marketing, media relations, and more.

Visit us at pprstrategies.com/edobreakthrough to learn more and to submit a question for a future episode.

Produced and edited by SpeakEasy Productions.

E24 - How to Make Your Site More Competitive, with Nicholette Ross24 Jun 202500:40:24

It’s not just about workforce and utilities… Companies want to know your community is ready for them, too.

Drawing from her site selection experience in the U.S. and Europe, Nicholette Ross shares why it’s critical to align with local stakeholders earlier than most economic developers expect, especially when public input and cultural fit can make or break a project. She also explains how being honest about a site’s limitations can make your community more competitive. 

Key Takeaways:

  • What to do when your site isn’t “perfect” (and how to stay in the running anyway)
  • How to strengthen your RFI submissions without overinvesting in low-likelihood projects
  • What future-focused communities are doing now to stay competitive with energy infrastructure and employer partnerships

About the Guest:

Nicholette Ross is the Managing Consultant for Global Location Strategies. She advises companies on making informed location strategy decisions that drive growth and success. She also manages our Europe office and oversees international business development initiatives. You can connect with her on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/nicholetteross).



The EDO Breakthrough podcast is brought to you by PPR Strategies. PPR Strategies is a strategic consulting firm working specifically with EDOs and other place-based organizations. We share the unique stories of communities through communications, strategic planning, marketing, media relations, and more.

Visit us at pprstrategies.com/edobreakthrough to learn more and to submit a question for a future episode.

Produced and edited by SpeakEasy Productions.

E15 - Creating a Business Resource Collective, with Sarah Mattson11 Mar 202500:38:40

Is your community’s economic potential limited because everyone works in silos? 

Today we’re joined by Sarah Mattson, Director of Entrepreneurship with the City of Chattanooga, who shares how simple and effective it is to create a Business Resource Collective in which entrepreneur support organizations work together instead of duplicating efforts.

Plus, she reveals an unexpected partnership with… a credit union?! Their local credit union has developed a loan program that has helped hundreds of startups, all because they have one unique, critical requirement before they approve the loan.

Key Takeaways:

  • You have more economic development wins when your goal is to make your city the “easiest and most fun place to do business”
  • How Chattanooga is supporting entrepreneurs with programs like Builders Blueprint
  • Why authentically building your network is the secret to success

About the Guest:

Sarah Mattson is the Director of Entrepreneurship for the City of Chattanooga. You can connect with her on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sarah-mattson

Resources Mentioned:

The EDO Breakthrough podcast is brought to you by PPR Strategies. PPR Strategies is a strategic consulting firm working specifically with EDOs and other place-based organizations. We share the unique stories of communities through communications, strategic planning, marketing, media relations, and more.

Visit us at pprstrategies.com/edobreakthrough to learn more and to submit a question for a future episode.

Produced and edited by SpeakEasy Productions.

E14 - Social Media for EDOs: Building Two-Way Communication, with Kayla Sherry04 Mar 202500:36:41

Do you feel like you’re shouting into the void every time you post on social media? Today we’re sharing how you can transform your EDO’s approach from broadcasting information to creating meaningful two-way conversations that drive engagement *and* results.

Key Takeaways:

  • Understand your audience while working within your capacity constraints
  • Strategies for effectively repurposing content across platforms (beyond copy/paste)
  • How you can generate credibility in your community
  • When building partnerships with micro-influencers makes sense


Consider this episode your one-stop-shop for all things social media because we also debunk common misconceptions we see surrounding social media in the economic development industry, and we share our predictions on 2025 trends, how to track your analytics, and why you should implement social listening.

Resources Mentioned:

The EDO Breakthrough podcast is brought to you by PPR Strategies. PPR Strategies is a strategic consulting firm working specifically with EDOs and other place-based organizations. We share the unique stories of communities through communications, strategic planning, marketing, media relations, and more.

Visit us at pprstrategies.com/edobreakthrough to learn more and to submit a question for a future episode.

Produced and edited by SpeakEasy Productions.

E13 - Strategic Plans: Your EDO’s Roadmap or its Roadblock? With Alex Dadok25 Feb 202500:46:48

Is your EDO’s strategic plan a short-term to-do list? Or just a vague vision that leaves employees with more questions? In this episode, Alex Dadok and I discuss why having the courage to question assumptions – and take real action – is the key to community transformation.

Key Takeaways:

  • Why most EDOs use strategic plans wrong (and how to turn them into actual tools for progress)
  • How to create space for thinking ahead while balancing day-to-day operations
  • The reasons your organization might be stuck in planning mode (and it might surprise you!)

About the Guest:

Alex Dadok owns his own consulting firm, Alex Dadok Consulting. He draws from his extensive experience in economic development and his current work consulting with EDOs to share practical insights for anyone looking to make meaningful change in their community. You can connect with him on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/alex-dadok-03894b1) or visit his website (alexdadok.com) to learn more.

Resources Mentioned:

The EDO Breakthrough podcast is brought to you by PPR Strategies. PPR Strategies is a strategic consulting firm working specifically with EDOs and other place-based organizations. We share the unique stories of communities through communications, strategic planning, marketing, media relations, and more.

Visit us at pprstrategies.com/edobreakthrough to learn more and to submit a question for a future episode.

Produced and edited by SpeakEasy Productions.

E23 - Starting Fresh, Staying Strong: Lessons from 25 Years in Economic Development, with Kelly Robertson-Slagle10 Jun 202500:38:59

What does it take to lead through a crisis, earn trust in new communities, and stay passionate after 25 years in economic development?

In this episode, Kelly Robertson-Slagle discusses the importance of letting people operate in their “zone of awesomeness,” why having a passion project matters at every stage, and the key lessons she’s carrying with her to her new role in Georgetown County, South Carolina, after a 25-year tenure in Maryland.

Key Takeaways:

  • Why mentorship isn’t just for beginners and how learning from others can shape your entire career
  • How regional partnerships strengthen crisis response
  • What it takes to start over and build trust in a new, unfamiliar community

Resources Mentioned:

About the Guest: 

Kelly Robertson-Slagle is the Director of Economic Development for Georgetown County, South Carolina. You can connect with her on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kelly-robertson-slagle-medp-1186b3148

The EDO Breakthrough podcast is brought to you by PPR Strategies. PPR Strategies is a strategic consulting firm working specifically with EDOs and other place-based organizations. We share the unique stories of communities through communications, strategic planning, marketing, media relations, and more.

Visit us at pprstrategies.com/edobreakthrough to learn more and to submit a question for a future episode.

Produced and edited by SpeakEasy Productions.

E22 - Chart Your Course with a CRM, with Lisa DeNoia and Brittany Browning27 May 202500:46:19

Is your team drowning in spreadsheets and struggling to sort through all the data? Discover how implementing the right CRM strategy can turn scattered information into actionable insights without overwhelming your staff.

In this episode, Lisa DeNoia and Brittany Browning from Port and Starboard share expert insights on implementing Salesforce and other CRM solutions specifically for economic development organizations. Learn how to track business retention efforts, manage prospect pipelines, and generate the reports your stakeholders need.

Key Takeaways:

  • How to establish your CRM as the "source of truth" that enables data-driven decision making throughout your organization
  • Strategies for determining whether to customize your CRM or adapt your processes when implementing new technology
  • Game-changing tips for your implementation process (hint: don’t give everyone access, and how to make data entry manageable when you’re on the go)

Resources Mentioned

About the Guests:

Lisa DeNoia is the Managing Partner and Co-Founder, and Brittany Browning is the Project Manager of Port and Starboard. You can connect with them on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lisadenoia & linkedin.com/in/brittanybvt

The EDO Breakthrough podcast is brought to you by PPR Strategies. PPR Strategies is a strategic consulting firm working specifically with EDOs and other place-based organizations. We share the unique stories of communities through communications, strategic planning, marketing, media relations, and more.

Visit us at pprstrategies.com/edobreakthrough to learn more and to submit a question for a future episode.

Produced and edited by SpeakEasy Productions.

E21 - Leading Through Uncertainty: How IEDC Is Reshaping Economic Development, with Nathan Ohle13 May 202500:56:33

As economic uncertainty grows, how is the leading organization in economic development positioning its members for success? In this episode, Nathan Ohle, President and CEO of IEDC, is sharing how they're tackling today's most pressing challenges while simultaneously preparing members for tomorrow's opportunities.

Key Takeaways: 

  • How the economic development field is evolving from community competition to regional collaboration, and what this means for your EDO
  • Ways IEDC is breaking down barriers through revised membership structures and expanded virtual learning options 
  • What "thinking globally" really means for local economic developers in today's interconnected economy 
  • What you can do to prepare for the coming wave of retirements in the profession and position yourself for leadership opportunities  

Resources Mentioned:

About the Guest: 

Nathan Ohle is the President and CEO of the International Economic Development Council (IEDC), a non-profit, non-partisan membership organization serving economic developers, with more than 5,000 members globally. You can connect with Nathan on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/nathan-ohle-066b782



The EDO Breakthrough podcast is brought to you by PPR Strategies. PPR Strategies is a strategic consulting firm working specifically with EDOs and other place-based organizations. We share the unique stories of communities through communications, strategic planning, marketing, media relations, and more.

Visit us at pprstrategies.com/edobreakthrough to learn more and to submit a question for a future episode.

Produced and edited by SpeakEasy Productions.

E20 - Rural Economic Development Reimagined, with Jolene Schalper15 Apr 202500:33:25

What happens when economic development spans 44,000 square miles of rural frontier? 

In our season two finale, Jolene Schalper, CEcD, joins us to share how Great Falls, Montana, serves as the hub for a vast region and why the upcoming IEDC Rural Retreat is breaking the conference mold by taking participants directly into the communities they're learning about.

Key Takeaways:

  • How to build a stronger ecosystem despite geographic challenges
  • What to expect from the innovative Rural Retreat format, including mobile breakout sessions and community-based learning experiences
  • How to make the most of conference networking by setting audacious goals


Resources Mentioned:


About the Guest:
Jolene Schalper, CEcD, is the Executive Vice President of the Great Falls Development Alliance. You can connect with Jolene on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/joleneschalper

The EDO Breakthrough podcast is brought to you by PPR Strategies. PPR Strategies is a strategic consulting firm working specifically with EDOs and other place-based organizations. We share the unique stories of communities through communications, strategic planning, marketing, media relations, and more.

Visit us at pprstrategies.com/edobreakthrough to learn more and to submit a question for a future episode.

Produced and edited by SpeakEasy Productions.

E19 - Punching Above Your Weight: Fairfax’s Economic Development Success Story, with Chris Bruno08 Apr 202500:36:03

Surrounded by jurisdictions 50 times its size, the City of Fairfax has mastered the art of punching above its weight. In this episode, Chris Bruno shares how this 25,000-resident community competes with neighboring giants and transforms limitations into strategic advantages.

Key Takeaways:

  • How you can create strategic alliances that allow your smaller jurisdiction to participate on a larger stage 
  • The frameworks for developing business support initiatives that can lower vacancy rates and stimulate business growth in your community
  • How to showcase your achievements, build brand recognition, and secure resources to future-proof your local economy against potential challenges

Resources Mentioned:

About the Guest: 

Chris Bruno serves as the CEO and Director of Fairfax City Economic Development, as well as the Director of Economic Development for the City of Fairfax. You can connect with Chris on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/chrismbruno

The EDO Breakthrough podcast is brought to you by PPR Strategies. PPR Strategies is a strategic consulting firm working specifically with EDOs and other place-based organizations. We share the unique stories of communities through communications, strategic planning, marketing, media relations, and more.

Visit us at pprstrategies.com/edobreakthrough to learn more and to submit a question for a future episode.

Produced and edited by SpeakEasy Productions.

E18 - Beyond the Cover Story: PR Strategies for your EDO, with Mia Vaccaro01 Apr 202500:32:11

Public Relations isn’t always about chasing the spotlight and making headlines. In economic development, effective PR is about turning your narrative into a compelling message that resonates with the community you serve.

In this episode, Mia Vaccaro draws on her background in lifestyle PR to help you create a strategy that goes beyond traditional media coverage and truly connects with your audience.

Key Takeaways:

  • How PR can be a bridge for your organization to the external world
  • Why you shouldn’t build your strategy solely around cover stories
  • What challenges you may face when you start to tell your story (and how to overcome them)
  • How to humanize your campaign with storytelling

Resources Mentioned:

About the Guest:

Mia Vaccaro is the Public Relations Specialist at PPR Strategies. You can connect with her on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mia-vaccaro-393848195



The EDO Breakthrough podcast is brought to you by PPR Strategies. PPR Strategies is a strategic consulting firm working specifically with EDOs and other place-based organizations. We share the unique stories of communities through communications, strategic planning, marketing, media relations, and more.

Visit us at pprstrategies.com/edobreakthrough to learn more and to submit a question for a future episode.

Produced and edited by SpeakEasy Productions.

E17 - Small Investments, Big Impact: How to Improve Your Downtown, with Leeann Crews 25 Mar 202500:43:31

The most impactful downtown revitalization strategy might just be the least expensive one…

In this episode, Leeann Crews shares how the Downtown Frederick Partnership is implementing “incremental changes,” measuring community health, and turning overlooked spaces into beloved community assets.

Key Takeaways:

  • How to measure the health of your downtown and find innovative solutions to problems
  • Why targeted grant programs like facade and mission interior grants create lasting economic impact with minimal investment
  • Creative approaches to transform "nooks and crannies" into community highlights

Resources Mentioned:

About the Guest:

Leeann Crews is the Associate Director of the Downtown Frederick Partnership. You can connect with Leeann on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/leeanndickerson/ 

The EDO Breakthrough podcast is brought to you by PPR Strategies. PPR Strategies is a strategic consulting firm working specifically with EDOs and other place-based organizations. We share the unique stories of communities through communications, strategic planning, marketing, media relations, and more.

Visit us at pprstrategies.com/edobreakthrough to learn more and to submit a question for a future episode.

Produced and edited by SpeakEasy Productions.

E16 - Raising the Bar on Your Business Attraction Strategies, with Subash Alias18 Mar 202500:37:37

What if your next big business attraction project started with a mock site visit? In Missouri, that’s not just a theory—it’s a strategy that is delivering real results.

In this episode, Subash Alias shares how Missouri Partnership is helping communities prepare for economic growth with its innovative site selection training program.

Key Takeaways:

  • Why site selection is about vision, not just location
  • How mock site visits have turned into real economic wins
  • The importance of adapting and learning in Economic Development

Links: 

About the Guest:

Subash Alias is the CEO of Missouri Partnership. You can connect with Subash on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/g-subash-alias-a1528910 

The EDO Breakthrough podcast is brought to you by PPR Strategies. PPR Strategies is a strategic consulting firm working specifically with EDOs and other place-based organizations. We share the unique stories of communities through communications, strategic planning, marketing, media relations, and more.

Visit us at pprstrategies.com/edobreakthrough to learn more and to submit a question for a future episode.

Produced and edited by SpeakEasy Productions.

© My Podcast Data