Develop This: Economic and Community Development

In this episode, Dennis explores the power of the unexpected compliment. Too often, we quickly criticize and forget to tell the people in our lives how much we appreciate them. Take a deep breath and unleash the power of the unexpected compliment.  

In this episode, Dennis shares his thoughts on the 2024 IEDC Annual Conference that was held in Denver. 

In this episode, Dennis laments how the seeds of distrust have been sown in our election process and how that distrust affects even local elections. Why is it so hard to disagree and still respect each other's opinions?

Mark Perna joins Dennis to discuss the power of saying no. Sometimes, saying no is the best strategy. Dennis and Mark talk about how and why to say no. 

Dennis is joined by third-generation magician and award-winning entertainer Dennis Watkins from the Magic Parlour in Chicago. Dennis and his wife attended a show at the Magic Parlour, and Dennis was so impressed he asked magician Dennis Watkins to join him on an episode of Develop This! Listen in for a fascinating discussion of the behind-the-scenes world of magic and discover how economic development is like magic! 

In this episode, Denis is joined by James Hoelscher, CEcD (Course Director) for The Heartland Economic Development Course (HEDC) and the Program Manager at the University of Northern Iowa's Institute for Decision Making. Dennis and James discuss the basic economic development courses and how they vary around the county. IEDC lists 25 basic economic development courses on its website. The Heartland Economic Development Course (HEDC) offers intensive training in the basic concepts, information, methods, and strategies of local economic development. A diverse and experienced faculty, composed of both academicians and practitioners, gives an excellent blend of theory and practice. Graduation from HEDC fulfills one of the education prerequisites for those who wish to take examinations for Certified Economic Development (CEcD) designation. Heartland 2025 is held at the Adams Pointe Conference Center in Blue Springs, MO, from April 29th through May 2nd. An evening reception is held the night prior on the 28th at the Conference Center. The format consists of interactive presentations, panels, and discussions facilitated by Heartland's expert faculty.   March 29 or April 5 (must attend one) 8:00 a.m. Strategic Planning for Economic Development April 22 4-7 p.m. Optional evening reception and course check-in at the Adams Pointe Conference Center April 23 7:00 a.m. Course Registration 8 a.m. Course opening Managing an EDO Ethics in Economic Development (Part 1) Workforce Development & Talent Attraction Networking Dinner! April 24 Entrepreneurship Economic Development Financing Neighborhood/Community Development/Main Street (community tours) KC Dinner & Networking! April 25 7 a.m. Professional Development Pathways (optional) Real Estate Development Ethics (part 2) Business Retention & Expansion (tour and mock BRE interview) Dinner on your own April 26 Understanding Site Selection Responding to an RFI State Partner Association Member: $995.00 Non-Member: $1,095.00 James Hoelscher, CEcD (Course Director)

Dennis is joined by Kirk Garton, program director of OUEDI - OU Economic Development Institute. OUEDI alumnus Dennis discusses the OUEDI curriculum and the process of completing the classes, which are available online and in person.  OU EDI Core Requirements OU EDI has aligned its curriculum to meet the education standards and requirements set by the IEDC Education and Certification Committees. These committees and OU EDI have identified three core areas considered to be the building blocks of economic development: Business Retention and Expansion (BRE), Real Estate, and Credit Analysis. Each OU EDI Participant Must Study these Three Core Areas by Completing the Following Courses: Business Retention and Expansion (16 hours) Real Estate Development and Reuse (16 hours) Economic Development Credit Analysis (24 hours) OU EDI Elective Requirements In addition to the core areas, OU EDI has developed a curriculum intended to give the participants a broad-based education and to develop the skills necessary to be successful economic developers, while simultaneously covering four of the topic areas necessary to prepare for IEDC's CEcD certification exam. Economic Development Marketing and Attraction Economic Development Strategic Planning Entrepreneurial and Small Business Development Strategies Managing Economic Development Organizations Community and Neighborhood Development Workforce Development OU EDI and IEDC have worked closely to ensure that OU EDI graduates will have fulfilled the necessary classroom contact hours in the three core areas and the elective areas of concentration to satisfy the education requirements necessary to sit for the CEcD exam.

Enjoy this classic Develop This! episode from 2021 Develop This! will be back next week with an all-new episode Are you new to the business of economic and community development and wondering how to get started? Whether you are brand new to the business or a seasoned economic developer looking to get back to basics, this episode is for you.  Dennis and Jason share the 7 rules you need to follow to have early success in your career.  

Enjoy this classic Develop! This episode from 2020. Develop This! will be back with an all-new show next week.   Many projects require divergent groups to work together, so how can we reach consensus when there are very different opinions? In this episode, Dennis and Jason share tips and strategies for identifying mutual goals, navigating compromise, and utilizing clear and consistent communication.  

Dennis is joined by Mark Perna. In light of President Biden's dropping out of the presidential race, they discuss how old is too old and the power of having multiple ages working together.