Develop This: Economic and Community Development

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100

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Jun 2026

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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.

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June 10, 202627 min

DT #652 Small Country, Big Strategy: Costa Rica's Rise in High-Value Global Investment

What does it take for a small country to compete for high-value global investment in today's economy? In this episode of Develop This!, Dennis Fraise speaks with Pilar Madrigal of the Costa Rican Investment Promotion Agency to explore how Costa Rica is evolving into a strategic hub for advanced industries and foreign direct investment. From its geographic position connecting North and South America to its growing reputation in high-tech sectors, Costa Rica is positioning itself as more than a nearshoring destination—it's becoming a knowledge-driven economy focused on long-term value creation. Pilar explains how the country has successfully diversified beyond tourism into industries such as life sciences, digital health, medical technology, AI, and advanced manufacturing. This transformation is powered by a strong emphasis on talent development and education, which she describes as the foundation of Costa Rica's competitiveness. A key theme throughout the conversation is that investment decisions are shifting. Companies are no longer just prioritizing cost or proximity—they are evaluating talent availability, risk mitigation, ecosystem stability, and total operating value. The discussion also highlights the importance of trust and strategic advisory relationships in attracting and retaining global investors, as well as Costa Rica's intentional focus on building long-term partnerships rather than transactional wins. A central takeaway? Costa Rica's competitive edge lies not in scale, but in stability, talent, and a deliberate strategy to move up the value chain. Key Takeaways Costa Rica serves as a strategic bridge between North and South America The economy is shifting from tourism to high-value knowledge industries Talent development is the core driver of long-term competitiveness Nearshoring now prioritizes resilience and value over proximity alone Trust and long-term partnerships are key to investor attraction Stability and ecosystem maturity offset size limitations Investment decisions increasingly focus on total operating value Key Topics Covered Costa Rica's geographic and strategic advantages Economic diversification into high-tech and life sciences Workforce development and talent pipeline strategies Challenges of scale and cost competitiveness Role of investment promotion and advisory strategy Nearshoring and global investment trends Trust-building with international investors Sound Bites "The main hurdle is the size of the talent pool." "The future of FDI is about transformation." "A common mistake is competing only on cost."

June 10, 202627 min

DT #653 Leading with Vision: Why Communities Need Big, Audacious Goals

What role do big, bold visions play in shaping stronger communities and more effective leaders? In this episode of Develop This!, Dennis Fraise is joined by Mark Perna to explore how optimism, storytelling, and ambitious goals can inspire innovation, community engagement, and long-term growth. Drawing inspiration from the Apollo 11 Moon Landing, the conversation examines how major rallying points can unite people around a shared purpose and create momentum for transformational change. Mark and Dennis discuss the importance of balancing realism with aspiration in leadership, emphasizing that communities need both practical strategies and compelling visions for the future. They also highlight how storytelling helps leaders connect emotionally with people and build trust around bold ideas. A major theme throughout the episode is courage—the willingness to make decisive moves, embrace uncertainty, and think beyond short-term challenges in pursuit of meaningful progress. A key takeaway? People are drawn to hope, purpose, and leaders who are willing to think bigger than the moment in front of them. Key Takeaways Optimism and vision are essential drivers of community growth Shared rallying points can unite and energize communities Storytelling strengthens leadership and public engagement Effective leaders balance realism with aspiration Courage and decisiveness are critical in driving change Long-term thinking is necessary for lasting impact Key Topics Covered Vision and optimism in leadership Apollo and transformational thinking Community engagement through storytelling Leadership habits that fuel innovation Balancing aspiration with practical action Purpose-driven leadership for future generations Sound Bites "People want hope more than anything" "What's in it for me?" "Fear of loss drives big, audacious goals"

June 10, 202629 min

DT #669 Smaller Business Week: Why Microbusinesses Matter

In celebration of Small Business Week, this episode of Develop This! takes a closer look at the businesses that are often small in size but powerful in impact: microbusinesses. Friend of the show, Erik Reader brings Marci Goodwin, co-founder of SmartStart to speak with Joi Cuartero Austin for a conversation about why communities should pay closer attention to solopreneurs, makers, freelancers, consultants, pop-up vendors, home-based businesses, side hustlers, and gig workers. Together, they explore how these "smaller" businesses contribute to local economies, build community identity, create flexible income opportunities, and represent a growing part of the future workforce. The conversation reframes Small Business Week as "Smaller Business Week", a celebration of the people who are creating their own opportunities, testing ideas, building income streams, and thinking entrepreneurially, whether or not they ever plan to open a storefront or hire a team. This episode also challenges economic developers, Main Street leaders, chambers, and community partners to think differently about business support. As work continues to change, communities may need to better recognize that entrepreneurship is not only about business ownership, it is also about skills, adaptability, creativity, and economic self-determination. Small Business Week is a time to celebrate local businesses, but this episode widens the lens to include the smallest businesses in our communities, the ones that may not always be visible, but are increasingly important to local economies and the future of work.

June 3, 202621 min

DT #650 Building Inclusive Economies: How Private Sector Lessons Drive Community Transformation

What does it take to build economies that are truly inclusive—and built for long-term impact? In this episode of Develop This!, Dennis Fraise speaks with Philip Gaskin to explore his diverse career spanning the private sector, entrepreneurship, and community development—and how those experiences shape his approach to economic transformation today. Philip shares how lessons from the private sector can directly inform economic development strategy, especially when it comes to innovation, ecosystem building, and driving measurable community impact. The conversation also highlights the importance of addressing systemic barriers that limit access to capital and opportunity in underserved communities. A key focus is the role of economic developers as connectors—bridging policy, private sector insight, and community needs to build stronger, more resilient local economies. The discussion also touches on Kansas City's evolving economic landscape and how regional ecosystems can serve as powerful models for inclusive growth and entrepreneurial support. Key Takeaways Private sector experience can strengthen economic development strategy Inclusive growth requires addressing access to capital and opportunity gaps Economic developers play a key role in policy and collaboration Strong ecosystems drive innovation and community transformation Kansas City offers a model for regional economic growth Continuous transformation is essential for long-term impact Key Topics Covered Private sector lessons for economic development Community and economic transformation Inclusive entrepreneurship and access to capital Role of economic developers in policy and collaboration Kansas City's ecosystem and growth model Sound Bites "Crazy times call for crazy organizations" "Communities need to embrace their potential" "Continual work on transforming communities"

June 3, 202629 min

DT #651 Lithuania Rising: How a Small Nation Became a Global Hub for FinTech and Innovation

How did Lithuania transform itself into one of Europe's fastest-rising investment and innovation hubs? In this episode of Develop This!, Dennis Fraise speaks with Rūta Kriščiūnaitė from Invest Lithuania to explore the country's remarkable economic evolution and growing global influence. From FinTech and global business services to defense and data centers, Lithuania has positioned itself as a competitive destination for high-value investment. Ruta explains how the country's strategic location, modern infrastructure, and business-friendly environment continue to attract international companies and talent. A major focus of the conversation is workforce development. Lithuania's emphasis on upskilling, talent attraction, and strong collaboration between government, education, and industry has helped fuel growth across emerging sectors. The discussion also dives into Lithuania's rise as a FinTech powerhouse, supported by forward-thinking regulation and licensing frameworks that helped the country become one of the EU's leading FinTech ecosystems. Energy independence and renewable energy investments are also reshaping the country's long-term strategy, while defense manufacturing and innovation are emerging as major priorities in response to shifting geopolitical realities. A key takeaway? Lithuania's success comes from its willingness to evolve, test new industries, and invest strategically in future growth sectors. Key Takeaways Lithuania has become a major hub for FinTech, business services, and innovation Workforce upskilling and talent attraction are central to growth strategy Strategic regulation helped accelerate FinTech development Renewable energy and energy independence are key priorities Defense is becoming an increasingly important strategic industry Long-term growth depends on continuously testing and developing new sectors Key Topics Covered Lithuania's geographic and infrastructure advantages The role of Invest Lithuania in economic development Workforce development and talent strategies FinTech growth and regulatory innovation Renewable energy and energy independence Defense industry investments and future sectors Sound Bites "Defense is the new strategic industry for Lithuania." "Lithuania signed a deal to purchase 44 Leopard tanks." "Testing new industries is crucial for future growth."

May 27, 202631 min

DT #648 Why Hungary Wins: Inside Europe's Fastest-Evolving Investment Destination

What makes a country stand out in the global race for investment? In this episode of Develop This!, Dennis Fraise speaks with Fadi Shadeh of the Hungarian Investment Promotion Agency to explore why Hungary has become one of Central Europe's most dynamic investment destinations. From its strategic location at the heart of Europe to its deep integration into the EU single market, Hungary offers companies access to major markets, efficient logistics, and strong infrastructure. Fadi explains how the country's positioning enables fast access across Europe while supporting complex global supply chains. The conversation dives into Hungary's economic transformation, particularly its shift toward higher-value industries like electromobility, battery manufacturing, business services, and R&D. While manufacturing remains a strong base, the country is rapidly expanding its role in advanced services and innovation-driven sectors. A major focus is workforce development. With a strong university network and a dual education system that connects students directly with industry, Hungary is building a talent pipeline designed to meet modern business needs—often producing job-ready graduates aligned with employer demand. Fadi also breaks down how the Hungarian Investment Promotion Agency operates as a "one-stop shop" for investors—helping companies navigate location decisions, incentives, site visits, and long-term expansion strategies. Key Takeaways Hungary's central location provides strong access to European and global markets The economy is shifting toward electromobility, batteries, and business services Talent development is supported through a strong university system and dual education model The Investment Promotion Agency acts as a one-stop shop for investors Regional cities are becoming key drivers of future growth Investment success depends on talent, infrastructure, and long-term trust Key Topics Covered Hungary's geographic and strategic advantages Economic transformation and industry mix

May 27, 202630 min

DT #649 The New Rules of Site Selection: Power, Risk, and the Future of Industrial Location Strategy

What are the new rules shaping where major industrial projects choose to land? In this episode of Develop This!, Dennis Fraise speaks with Courtney Dunbar, Director of Site Selection at Burns & McDonnell, to unpack how technology, geopolitics, and infrastructure demands are reshaping modern site selection. Courtney breaks down how today's location decisions are being influenced far beyond traditional cost factors. From energy availability to geopolitical stability, companies are weighing risks and long-term resilience more heavily than ever before. A major focus of the conversation is infrastructure—especially power. As industries like battery manufacturing and advanced manufacturing expand, access to reliable, scalable energy has become a critical deal-maker (or deal-breaker). The discussion also explores the evolution of "site readiness," highlighting why master planning and strategic preparation of industrial sites delivers high returns for communities competing for investment. Courtney emphasizes that success in site selection today comes down to one thing: building a strong, defensible business case that aligns with industry needs, infrastructure realities, and long-term growth potential. Key Takeaways Site selection is increasingly shaped by technology, geopolitics, and infrastructure Power availability is a critical driver of industrial investment decisions Battery manufacturing is growing beyond EV applications Master-planned, shovel-ready sites offer a strong competitive advantage Communities must understand and clearly communicate site limitations Strong business cases are essential to winning projects Key Topics Covered Technological change in site selection Geopolitical impacts on location decisions Energy infrastructure and industrial demand Battery manufacturing trends Site readiness and community strategy Sound Bites "Battery manufacturing is growing, but not primarily for EVs." "Master planning sites is a high ROI investment." "Success depends on building a strong business case."

May 20, 202629 min

DT #646 Dress the Part: How Personal Style Shapes Confidence and Career Success

How much does what you wear actually shape how you're perceived—and how you perform? In this episode of Develop This!, Dennis Fraise is joined by Dan Trepanier, founder of Articles of Style, to explore his journey from a farm in Canada to becoming a leading voice in men's fashion and personal styling. Dan breaks down the fundamentals of building a professional wardrobe, emphasizing why fit, quality, and intention matter more than trends. He also shares how personalized style can directly influence confidence, presence, and career success. The conversation explores the shift toward more casual dress codes, and why understanding how to adapt your style across different professional environments is still a critical skill. A core takeaway? Your wardrobe is a form of communication—and when done right, it sends the message you actually want the world to receive. Key Takeaways Fit and quality matter more than trends in wardrobe building Custom clothing can significantly improve confidence and presentation Personal style influences perception and professional success Casual fashion has changed expectations—but not the need for intention A cohesive wardrobe starts with clarity and purpose Key Topics Covered Dan Trepanier's journey from farm to fashion expert Building a wardrobe from scratch The value of custom clothing and fit Dressing well and its impact on confidence Adapting style to professional environments Sound Bites "Creating my own personal brand early on" "Your wardrobe should send the right message" "Start with custom clothing for the best fit"

May 20, 202628 min

DT #647 From Legacy City to Regional Powerhouse: How Birmingham Is Rewriting Its Economic Future

What does it take for a legacy industrial city to reinvent itself into a modern growth hub? In this episode of Develop This!, Dennis Fraise is joined by Trevor Sutton to explore Birmingham's ongoing economic transformation and the strategies shaping its future. From major wins like the Fannie Mae project to the continued rise of life sciences and metals industries, Birmingham is positioning itself as a diversified and competitive regional economy. Trevor breaks down how strategic investment, infrastructure, and workforce alignment are driving that shift. A major focus of the conversation is workforce development—specifically how the region is working to align education, training, and industry needs to retain talent and support long-term growth. The discussion also highlights a broader truth in economic development: strong economies don't exist in isolation. Regional collaboration, quality of life, and coordinated planning are all essential to attracting and keeping major employers. A key takeaway? Birmingham's growth story is less about reinvention and more about intentional alignment across industry, talent, and region. Key Takeaways Birmingham is evolving into a diversified, modern regional economy Major projects like Fannie Mae are reshaping regional momentum Workforce development is central to talent retention and growth Regional collaboration is critical to long-term competitiveness Industry diversity and quality of life must be balanced strategically Key Topics Covered Birmingham's economic transformation The Fannie Mae project and regional impact Workforce development and talent retention Industry diversification and quality of life Regional collaboration and infrastructure Sound Bites "Strong economies are regional economies" "Coffee shops and breweries are overhyped" "Birmingham is a true life sciences hub"

May 13, 202635 min

DT #644 Beyond Cost: What's Really Driving Global Site Selection Today

What's really driving global location decisions today? In this episode of Develop This!, Dennis Fraise sits down with Johan Beukema of BCI Global to unpack the shifting landscape of site selection and investment strategy. From AI and data centers to supply chain resilience, Johan explains how companies are rethinking where they invest—and why. As decentralization accelerates, talent and strong ecosystems are becoming just as important as cost. The conversation also highlights a key shift: "soft factors" like workforce quality, innovation networks, and livability are now critical differentiators in competitive markets. A core takeaway? Communities need to clearly define their strengths and align with the right opportunities to stay competitive. Key Takeaways Lower-cost locations are gaining ground Talent and ecosystems now rival cost in decision-making AI and data centers are reshaping site selection Supply chain resilience remains a top priority Clear positioning is critical for competitiveness Key Topics Covered Global location strategy shifts AI and data centers in site selection Decentralization and regional trends Talent and ecosystem importance Supply chain resilience Sound Bites "Lower cost locations have climbed up the ladder." "Focus on soft factors, not just real estate." "Define project profiles to benchmark your location."