ShovelTalk: An Economic Development Podcast

Hosted by Golden Shovel Agency

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Latest episode

Oct 2026

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EN-US

About the show

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.

Listen to episodes

58 recent

November 4, 2026Episode 1140 min

How Nevada is Positioning Itself for the Future • Tom Burns, Executive Director • Governor's Office of Economic Development (Nevada)

Gambling and entertainment are typically top of mind in any discussion of Nevada's economic activity. But the state has also become a hub for mining critical minerals including lithium and boron, developed high-tech hubs, and nurtured a reputation as business-friendly environment with low taxes and a willingness to collaborate on projects. In this episode of Shovel Talk, host Bethany Quinn talks with Tom Burns, Executive Director of the Governor's Office of Economic Development in Nevada to talk about how the state is transforming its image without abandoning everything it's been known for over the years. Listen today to learn how Nevada is positioning itself for the future.

October 6, 2026Episode 1049 min

Master the Site Selection Process: Simple Tips to Help You Stand Out and Win Investment • Sarah White, Principal & Vice President of Site Selection for Global Location Strategies

From thorough preparation to clear communication to creative problem solving, Sarah White offers valuable insights on the site selection process in this month's Shovel Talk episode. Sarah is a Principal and Vice President of Site Selection for Global Location Strategies, and this conversation is a must listen for any economic development professional who wants to have more success appealing to site selectors.

September 9, 2026Episode 946 min

Putting a Face on Economic Development Efforts: Molly Ryan, Executive Director • County of Clinton CCIDA & CCCRC

When Molly Ryan became Executive Director of the County of Clinton Industrial Development Agency, nobody in the community knew much about the organization or what it did. So, Ryan built public awareness and now she's the face of a new social media campaign designed to help residents and businesses connect with CCIDA, counteract rumors, and build community support. Download our latest ShovelTalk episode to find out how she did that, along with her thoughts on AI in economic development, managing public opposition, and planning for the future.

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.