At Golden Shovel, we believe thriving communities improve everyone’s lives. Everything we do connects businesses and talent with communities they’ll thrive in. We do this by empowering economic developers through groundbreaking economic development communications.
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55 recent
August 4, 2026Episode 857 min
Hitting the Ground Running • Camille Barigar, Jerome (ID) 20/20
Camille Barigar came to economic development late in her career, but she has hit the ground running as Executive Director of Jerome 20/20 in Jerome, ID. Listen to this episode of ShovelTalk to learn how she has gotten up to speed while responding to seven RFIs in her first three months, how she is balancing Jerome's agricultural heritage with rapid growth and expanding technology opportunities, and what it's like to be in direct competition for projects with her husband, an economic development professional in nearby Twin Falls.
July 9, 2026Episode 749 min
Developing a Workforce in York County • Lisa Hurley, CEcD, MEDP, York County Development Corporation
The future of workforce development looks bright in east-central Nebraska, where the York County Development Corporation recently completed efforts to raise more than $10 million for a new Regional Workforce Development Center. We'll learn more about that project from YCDC Executive Director Lisa Hurley and discover the unique opportunities this project will create for employers, existing employees and people getting ready to enter the workforce for the first time. As a bonus, Lisa discusses how YCDC's podcast has helped bring people to the community by telling York County's story to an international audience.
June 2, 2026Episode 654 min
Ag Innovation as an Economic Development Driver • Kamal Latham, Consultant │ Founder │ CEO │ Author
Newberry, FL has a proud agricultural heritage, but what's happening there today could help shape the future of farming while boosting the city's economy. The city's developing AgFood Tech Innovation Park recently announced plans for a 325,000-square-foot hydroponic greenhouse that will produce up to four tons of leafy greens daily while creating more than 50 jobs paying an average of $91,000 per year. In this episode, Golden Shovel Agency President Bethany Quinn talks with Kamal Latham, a consultant leading development of the park, about the project's origin, how it is shaping the future of agriculture, and how he has built support for ag innovation.
May 6, 2026Episode 544 min
Placemaking Through Quality of Life Enhancements • Mayor Mary Jo Heye-Townsell, Sherwood, AR
As a smaller city situated near a larger metropolitan area, Sherwood, AR sometimes has trouble standing out. In this episode of ShovelTalk, Sherwood Mayor Mary Jo Heye-Townsell talks about how she has emphasized placemaking and quality of life enhancements to draw residents and businesses to the city. Hear what Heye-Townsell has to say to Golden Shovel Agency President Bethany Quinn about efforts to enhance Sherwood's parks, rethink city events and identify innovative opportunities to communicate with her constituents.
April 2, 2026Episode 458 min
Seeing the Big Picture to Drive Investment in Wyandotte County • Greg Kindle, President at Wyandotte Economic Development Council
Wyandotte County, Kansas has seen a remarkable $3 billion in investment over the past three years, and they expect even more in the years ahead. In our latest Shovel Talk episode, Wyandotte Economic Development Council President Greg Kindle talks about how his organization attracted that investment plus an estimated $10 billion over the next five years by focusing on what his community does well, and keeping his pipeline filled with a diverse set of projects. Hear what Greg has to say to Golden Shovel Agency President Bethany Quinn about building workforce, attracting development, and supporting BR&E.
March 12, 2026Episode 338 min
impactAIR: Unlocking the Potential of Local Airports • Ron Kresha, Golden Shovel Agency Co-Founder and Aviation Enthusiast
The future of aviation is coming, whether or not you're ready for it. In this fascinating episode, we sit down with Golden Shovel Agency co-founder and aviation enthusiast Ron Kresha to talk about how developments including autonomous aircraft and electric VTOLs will make air travel more personal and more accessible. Critically, Ron also explains why communities with airports of any size risk losing significant economic development opportunities if they're not prepared for these changes. Ron explains what's on the horizon for air travel, how to start planning, where to find funding, and how to communicate these changes to your community. If you're an airport leader or an economic development professional with a local airport, this is a conversation you don't want to miss.
February 7, 2026Episode 253 min
Maximum Effort: How Going Above and Beyond is Driving Success in Roswell • Michael Espiritu, President & CEO of the Roswell–Chaves County Economic Development Corporation
What's the secret to success? In Roswell-Chaves County, it's all about going the extra mile to make sure everyone feels supported. On the latest ShovelTalk episode, host Bethany Quinn sits down with Michael Espiritu, President & CEO of the Roswell–Chaves County Economic Development Corporation to talk about managing expectations in a rural community and how a commitment to exceeding expectations has led to some major success stories. Mike also explains how his commitment to going above and beyond helped Roswell beat out 38 other communities to land the National Championship Air Races, an annual event that generated more than $30 million in its first year, inspired business and tourism opportunities, and is set to be a cornerstone of the community for years to come. This episode is packed with insights for both new and seasoned economic developers who want to build momentum, resilience, and pride in their communities.
January 15, 2026Episode 153 min
From Decline to Opportunity: The Power of Small Town Champions • Jerry Foster, Small Town Champion at Resource Bank
What if the future of America’s small towns isn’t decline—but possibility? In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Jerry Foster, Small Town Champion at Resource Bank, to explore how communities of all sizes are turning vision into reality. Born and raised in rural Illinois, Jerry has spent years helping small towns rediscover their strengths, connect to resources, and take meaningful action to improve quality of life. Jerry shares the story behind Resource Bank’s Inspire, Renew, Enjoy (IRE) initiative, a national effort designed to empower volunteers, advocates, and local leaders who want to renew their communities—but may not know where to start. From changing the negative narrative around rural America to helping communities uncover their unique character, Jerry explains why no story is too small and why passion—paired with the right connections—can spark real transformation. Whether you’re from a small town, a neighborhood within a larger city, or simply someone who believes in community-driven change, this conversation offers hope, practical insight, and inspiration to help you be the transformation you want to see .
December 3, 2025Episode 1048 min
A Conversation on How Arkansas Wins Big Projects • Hugh McDonald, Arkansas Secretary of Commerce
Hugh McDonald, Arkansas Secretary of Commerce, joins ShovelTalk to unpack how a “small but mighty” state has become home to global giants like Walmart, Tyson Foods, J.B. Hunt—and now a $4 billion Google data center. In this conversation with Golden Shovel’s Bethany Quinn, McDonald shares the strategy behind Arkansas’ recent wins and what other states and regions can learn from their approach. You’ll hear how Arkansas’ IMPACT legislation modernized incentives, strengthened data center and lithium policies, and reformed utility regulations in ways that helped land Google’s latest project while protecting local ratepayers. McDonald also dives into the state’s evolving energy strategy, the critical role of utilities and economic developers, and why a diversified mix of power sources—and strong community engagement—matters more than ever in the age of AI. On a personal note, McDonald reflected on his own move from CEO of Entergy to public service, encouraging other retiring executives to consider how they too might contribute to their communities.
November 17, 2025Episode 954 min
Clarity Through Creativity: How AdvanceCT Elevated Connecticut’s Global Brand • Shirar O’Connor, Vice President of Marketing at AdvanceCT
In this episode, we sit down with Shirar O’Connor, Vice President of Marketing at AdvanceCT, to explore how clarity, creativity, and strategy come together in one of the nation’s most successful economic development websites—recently honored with a Gold Award from IEDC. With nearly three decades of experience spanning the U.S., U.K., Netherlands, and beyond, Shirar offers a rare, global perspective on foreign direct investment (FDI) and economic development marketing. She shares how AdvanceCT’s data-backed, design-forward website became the digital front door for Connecticut’s business ecosystem—and how economic developers everywhere can apply the same principles to strengthen their own storytelling, even on limited budgets. Tune in for insights on: FDI trends and shifting investment strategies Balancing creativity and clarity in economic development marketing Building digital tools that empower local communities Real-world metrics behind an IEDC Gold-winning project
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