The SEDC Podcast

Hosted by The Southern Economic Development Council

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Episodes

115

Latest episode

Jun 2026

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About the show

The official Podcast of the Southern Economic Development Council. Tune in for fun, informative, and sometimes off-the-wall conversations with #AmericanSouth leaders.

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60 recent

June 11, 2026Episode 1617 min

LIVE from the 2026 #AmericanSouth Site Selection Summit - Hunter Boyd & Chris Rankin

On location at the 2026 American South Site Selection Summit in Arlington, Texas, host Ray Methvin of Insyteful sits down for a series of one-on-one interviews highlighting regional product development, infrastructure alignment, and competitive business attraction. The opening interview features Hunter Boyd, Executive Director of the Northeast Kentucky Economic Development Authority, who discusses the strategic development of shovel-ready sites and multi-modal logistics hubs. Boyd shares insights on how regional partnerships and utility preparation are transforming acreage to attract major new industrial and commercial investment.The focus then shifts to the High Plains region of Texas. Chris Rankin of the Lubbock Economic Development Alliance details localized strategies for workforce development, industrial expansion, and corporate recruitment. Rankin outlines how a strong regional talent pipeline and proactive community marketing allow a mid-sized market to successfully secure high-impact projects. Together, these conversations demonstrate the targeted, infrastructure-first approaches used throughout the Southern Economic Development Council network to foster resilient economies and win capital investments.The SEDC Podcast is sponsored by Insyteful.

June 8, 2026Episode 1525 min

LIVE from the 2026 #AmericanSouth Site Selection Summit - Chris Webb, Max Stewart, Todd Tucker

On location at the 2026 American South Site Selection Summit in Arlington, Texas, host Ray Methvin of Insyteful sits down for a series of one-on-one interviews highlighting localized strategies for business attraction, regional marketing, and infrastructure development. The opening interview features Chris Webb, Business Attraction Manager at Plano Economic Development, who discusses how to navigate corporate relocations in highly competitive suburban markets. Webb shares insights on leveraging a community's tech talent pipeline and existing corporate base to win headquarters and high-impact regional operations projects.The focus then shifts to distinct organizational models and regional retention practices across the South. Todd Tucker, Economic Development Director for the Sanford Area Growth Alliance, details how a unified partnership between a county economic development corporation and a local chamber of commerce streamlines industrial recruitment in North Carolina. Finally, Max Stewart, CEO of the Greenville Area Development Corp, breaks down the advanced manufacturing landscape in South Carolina, outlining tactical approaches to site constraints, automated space efficiency, and long-term utility planning. Together, these conversations demonstrate the targeted strategies deployed throughout the Southern Economic Development Council's footprint to secure major capital investments.The SEDC Podcast is sponsored by Insyteful.

June 4, 2026Episode 1532 min

LIVE from the 2026 #AmericanSouth Site Selection Summit - Susan Sankey, Amy Fesser, Ryan Egly

On location at the 2026 American South Site Selection Summit in Arlington, Texas, host Ray Methvin of Insyteful sits down for a series of one-on-one interviews evaluating rural development strategies and community-level economic alignment. The opening interview features Susan Sankey, Executive Director of the Big Spring Economic Development Corporation, who outlines the unique landscape of industrial recruitment in West Texas. Sankey shares tactical insights on how smaller municipalities can leverage local assets and coordinate land preparation to remain highly competitive for emerging industrial projects.The focus then shifts to the regional workforce and diversification strategies being deployed across other sectors of the South. Amy Fesser, Executive Director of Borger Inc., details how specialized community marketing and targeting industrial expansions can stimulate growth in competitive manufacturing corridors. Finally, Ryan Egly, President and CEO of the Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce, breaks down the fundamentals of rural economic stability and regional infrastructure partnerships. Together, these conversations demonstrate the targeted, collaborative approaches used throughout the Southern Economic Development Council network to secure new capital investments.The SEDC Podcast is sponsored by Insyteful.

June 1, 2026Episode 1429 min

LIVE from the 2026 #AmericanSouth Site Selection Summit - Paul Hoben, Chris, Lloyd, Danielle Sweat

On location at the 2026 American South Site Selection Summit in Arlington, Texas, host Ray Methvin of Insyteful sits down for a series of one-on-one interviews exploring regional economic shifts, logistical advantages, and infrastructure strategies. The opening interview features Paul Hoben, Director of Business Development for the Aberdeen Carolina & Western Railway, who discusses the critical integration of short-line rail into industrial development. Hoben highlights how dedicated rail corridors lower shipping overhead, expand logistics capabilities for heavy industry, and make regional greenfield sites highly competitive for major manufacturing investments.The focus then shifts to macroeconomic trends and localized recruitment strategies across the South. Chris Lloyd, Senior Vice President and Director of Infrastructure and Economic Development for McGuireWoods Consulting, breaks down the current trends shaping site selection, focusing on how skyrocketing industrial power requirements and grid capacity constraints alter location shortlists. Finally, Danielle Sweat, Economic Development Director for the Wolfforth Economic Development Corporation, discusses the unique opportunities and challenges of managing suburban expansion in West Texas, emphasizing how proactive zoning and local utility partnerships keep a growing community competitive. Together, these conversations provide SEDC members with valuable insights on balancing regional growth with transport and power capacity.The SEDC Podcast is sponsored by Insyteful.

May 28, 2026Episode 1327 min

LIVE from the 2026 #AmericanSouth Site Selection Summit - Cathleen Flournoy, Jim Moore, Jeanette Goldsmith

On location at the 2026 American South Site Selection Summit in Arlington, Texas, host Ray Methvin of Insyteful sits down for a series of one-on-one interviews examining the regional mechanics of site readiness, consulting, and corporate attraction. The opening interview features Cathleen Flournoy, Senior Industrial Development Manager for Norfolk Southern Corporation, who explores the critical integration of rail infrastructure into modern economic development projects. Flournoy describes how rail-served sites expand shipping logistics for heavy industry and what communities must do to align logistics networks with manufacturing demands.The focus then shifts to distinct consulting and regional investment strategies across the South. Jeannette Goldsmith, President of Strategic Development Group, breaks down the current trends in site selection from a corporate consultant's point of view, focusing on how shifting labor markets and infrastructure constraints alter location shortlists. Finally, Jim Moore, Director of Business Development for Greater Paducah Economic Development, discusses how local communities leverage multi-modal assets like riverports and utility access to stay competitive. Together, these conversations demonstrate the targeted approaches used throughout the Southern Economic Development Council network to foster resilient regional economies and secure new capital investment.The SEDC Podcast is sponsored by Insyteful.

May 25, 2026Episode 1224 min

LIVE from the 2026 #AmericanSouth Site Selection Summit - Bethany Shockney, Dennis Wiggins, Lucas Witt

On location at the 2026 American South Site Selection Summit in Arlington, Texas, host Ray Methvin of Insyteful sits down for a series of one-on-one interviews highlighting specialized approaches to community growth and leadership. The opening segment features Bethany Shockney, President and CEO of the Limestone County Economic Development Association in Alabama, who discusses navigating rapid industrial growth and the strategic development of shovel-ready sites. Shockney emphasizes how aligning local infrastructure with workforce development allows communities to successfully support major automotive and aerospace supply chain expansions.The focus then shifts to regional retention and diversification strategies. Dennis Wiggins of the Taney County Partnership in Missouri outlines how unique, tourism-heavy economies can effectively support existing employers and build a resilient year-round workforce. Finally, Lucas Witt, Principal of MWM Consulting in Kentucky, breaks down the technical consulting side of site selection, detailing what corporate tenants prioritize regarding utility access and project timelines. Together, these conversations illustrate how diverse professionals within the Southern Economic Development Council network customize their initiatives to sustain economic health and capture new capital investments.The SEDC Podcast is sponsored by Insyteful.

May 21, 2026Episode 1129 min

LIVE from the 2026 #AmericanSouth Site Selection Summit - Russ Myer, Gus Fontenot, and Maggie Cromeens

On location at the 2026 American South Site Selection Summit in Arlington, Texas, host Ray Methvin of Insyteful sits down for a series of one-on-one interviews examining the mechanics of site readiness and municipal development. The first interview features Russ Meyer, Executive Director of the Jessamine County Joint Economic Development Authority, who shares strategies for competitive positioning in the Bluegrass region. Meyer discusses the importance of infrastructure preparation, pro-business local leadership, and maintaining an updated inventory of available properties to capture expanding manufacturing and commercial projects.The focus then shifts to distinct development strategies being deployed across other areas of the South. Gus Fontenot, Director of Projects and Site Development for the SWLA Economic Development Alliance, details the technical side of site certification and industrial readiness in Southwest Louisiana. Finally, Maggie Cromeens, Executive Director of the Cuero Development Corporation, explores economic diversification and small business support strategies within historic community footprints. Together, these conversations demonstrate the targeted approaches used throughout the Southern Economic Development Council network to foster resilient regional economies and secure new capital investment.The SEDC Podcast is sponsored by Insyteful.

May 18, 2026Episode 1021 min

LIVE from the 2026 #AmericanSouth Site Selection Summit - Mark Lawson, Ashton Bellows, and Shannon Blake

Live from the 2026 #AmericanSouth Site Selection Summit in Arlington, Texas, host Ray Methvin of Insyteful sits down for individual interviews with regional leaders to discuss localized strategies for industrial and commercial growth. The first segment features Mark Lawson, President of Cary Economic Development, who shares insights on managing rapid community expansion and high-tech sector recruitment. Lawson emphasizes how workforce development, infrastructure preparation, and community assets play a vital role in sustaining long-term regional competitiveness for corporate relocations.The focus then shifts to key leadership from the Sherman Economic Development Corporation. Ashton Bellows, Chief Financial Officer, details the financial mechanics of modern economic development, explaining how strategic funding, capital incentives, and industrial park development effectively scale local infrastructure. Following Bellows, Shannon Blake, Vice President of Business Development, explores primary employment growth and the targeted marketing strategies necessary to attract global employers. Together, these interviews highlight the exact operational and financial alignment required across the Southern Economic Development Council footprint to secure major capital projects.The SEDC Podcast is sponsored by Insyteful

May 14, 2026Episode 924 min

LIVE from the 2026 #AmericanSouth Site Selection Summit - Chuck Sexton & Robert Long

Recorded live at the 2026 American South Site Selection Summit in Arlington, Texas, host Ray Methvin of Insyteful sits down for individual interviews with industry experts to discuss the mechanics of regional growth. The first segment features Chuck Sexton, Principal and CEO of Strategic Location Advisors, who provides a detailed look into the modern site selection process. Sexton analyzes the specific criteria that consultants use to narrow down location shortlists, emphasizing why digital transparency and proactive community data are essential for moving from a request for information to a successful site visit. The recording continues with an interview featuring Robert Long, Director of Chester County Economic Development. Long shares his perspective on managing industrial recruitment at the local level, specifically focusing on the recent influx of manufacturing investment in South Carolina. He discusses the importance of maintaining a shovel-ready inventory of sites and the collaborative role that local economic development offices play in coordinating with state partners and utility providers. These interviews offer practical insights into the high-stakes environment of site selection and the strategies used by Southern Economic Development Council members to secure major capital projects.The SEDC Podcast is sponsored by Insyteful.

May 11, 2026Episode 830 min

LIVE from the 2026 #AmericanSouth Site Selection Summit - Pat Ford, Cam Huffman, Christie Goodman Duke

Recorded live from the Loews Arlington Hotel during the 2026 American South Site Selection Summit, host Ray Methvin of Insyteful sits down with regional leaders to discuss the evolving requirements of industrial recruitment. The first interview features Patrick Ford, Vice President of the West Virginia Polymer Alliance Zone, who discusses his expertise in brownfield redevelopment and the strategic repurposing of large-scale industrial properties. Ford explains how transforming underutilized land into shovel-ready assets is a critical component for attracting major manufacturing investments and maintaining regional competitiveness. The recording continues with an interview featuring Cam Huffman, Director of External Relations for the West Virginia Polymer Alliance Zone, who details the importance of legislative coordination and utility partnerships in securing major capital projects. Huffman describes how proactive infrastructure planning ensures that energy capacity meets the technical demands of modern industry. Finally, Christie Goodman Duke, Director of Targeted Attractions and State Affairs for the Arlington Economic Development Corporation, provides her perspective on how the host city leverages infrastructure to drive growth. These interviews offer a comprehensive look at the collaborative strategies used by members of the Southern Economic Development Council to facilitate industrial expansion across the region.The SEDC Podcast is sponsored by Insyteful.