Shows
EDO BreakthroughRetaining Talent Through BelongingJobs might bring people to a place, but belonging is what helps them put down roots.In our final bonus episode before Season 4, we're digging into the invisible force that drives workforce retention, volunteerism, and brand loyalty—and it has nothing to do with data or deals. When people feel seen, valued, and included, they invest their time, talent, and treasure into your community.Listen in and take one small action this week to help someone feel seen. It might just change everything.The EDO Breakthrough podcast is brought to you by PPR St...
2026-01-0611 minEDO BreakthroughHow to Make Shopping Local IrresistibleShopping locally shouldn't be a guilt trip. It should be an invitation.In this bonus episode, we're flipping the script on how economic developers can activate year-round support for small businesses. Think: Buy Local Bingo cards, receipt challenges, and holiday gift guides that make shopping small feel like a treasure hunt, not a chore.Whether you're looking to drive foot traffic during a spring slowdown or turn 500 employees into downtown ambassadors with a single gift card campaign, we've got strategies you can steal and deploy immediately.Need help building out your campaign? Reach...
2025-12-0207 minEDO BreakthroughThe 5-Minute Strategy That Strengthens AlliancesWhile we’re gearing up for Season 4, this bonus mini-episode is here to help you turn appreciation into impact!Giving thanks doesn’t have to be a huge production, so we’re sharing quick, meaningful ways you can build stronger partnerships, re-engage allies, and create ripple effects in your community.Resources Mentioned:Mastering The Art of Meaningful AppreciationCommunity Engagement Should Be in Every Job DescriptionThe EDO Breakthrough podcast is brought to you by PPR Strategies. PPR Strategies is a strategic consulting firm working specifically with EDOs and other place-based organizations. We sha...
2025-11-0407 minEDO BreakthroughE30 - Why Storytelling Is Every Economic Developer’s Secret Weapon, with Meg BoyleWhat if the key to better marketing, stronger partnerships, and more trust in your EDO is simply… better writing?In this episode, Sandy sits down with PPR Strategies’ Creative Director, Meg Boyle, for a candid look at the power of words in economic development. From finding an authentic voice to writing with empathy, Meg shares how storytelling fuels the strategies that build stronger communities.Key Takeaways:How to write with conviction, even outside your comfort zoneHow AI can be helpful, but can’t replace human insightWhy every organization needs a “North Star”Two simple...
2025-10-0747 minEDO BreakthroughE29 - Inside Bath’s Business Improvement District: Responsive Solutions, Big Results with Allison HerbertSome may see heritage preservation as a challenge, but in Bath, UK, it’s an opportunity. With fewer than 90,000 residents drawing 6 million visitors a year, the results speak for themselves.In this episode, Allison Herbert, CEO of the Bath Business Improvement District (BID), shares how one of the UK’s most historic cities manages the balance between charm and commerce while delivering tangible economic development outcomes for local businesses. From Bridgerton fans and Jane Austen festivals to seagulls and public toilets, she walks us through the surprisingly practical side of managing a globally recognized, locally loved...
2025-09-2343 minEDO BreakthroughE28 - Blending Law, Leadership, and Local Impact, with Tray HairstonIt’s one thing to land a big project… It’s another to build a legacy. In this episode, Certified Economic Developer Tray Hairston, partner at Butler Snow LLP, shares how he’s built a career at the intersection of law, finance, and community-building. From structuring billion-dollar bond deals to mentoring the next generation of talent, Tray explains how understanding both the legal and human aspects of economic development can unlock more effective and inclusive projects.Key Takeaways:Why understanding the public side of deals makes you a stronger partner in complex...
2025-09-091h 03EDO BreakthroughE27 - Weather, Water, Workforce: How Detroit Became a Model for Modern Economic Development, with Maureen Donohue KraussOnce written off, now in demand… Detroit’s comeback offers a blueprint for any community that’s ready to rewrite its story—with strategy, collaboration, and a clear sense of identity.In this episode, Maureen Donohue Krauss, President and CEO of the Detroit Regional Partnership, shares how the organization was built from the ground up, with long-term funding and strategic goals in place from day one. She walks us through the evolution of the Detroit Region overcoming major disruptors and how it’s positioned itself as a global leader in mobility and innovation.Plus, Maureen offers a p...
2025-08-2640 minEDO BreakthroughE26 - Building Relationships That Attract Investment, with Chris KnightWhat if you could land new foreign direct investment projects *and* keep existing employers happy… without a million-dollar budget?In this episode, Chris Knight, Managing Director of FT Locations, pulls back the curtain on relationship-first strategies that help communities of any size compete on the global stage.Key Takeaways:How to embed businesses in your community to boost retention and long-term growthTips for standing out among the 15,000 EDOs that are chasing the same 15,000 projects each yearHow EDOs of any size can leverage mapping tech, state partnerships, and targeted PR to attract FDI wi...
2025-07-2251 minEDO BreakthroughE25 – The Art and Science of Economic Development, with Heather Gramm, CEcDWhat happens when you shift from serving one community to supporting dozens?In this episode, Heather Gramm, CEcD, reflects on her transition from the public to the private sector. She shares the learning curves, the surprises, and how she’s applying both the art and the science of economic development in fresh, meaningful ways.Key Takeaways:How Heather’s sons helped her see workforce development through a new lensThe biggest surprises Heather encountered after leaving the public sectorHow ongoing learning and mentorship—from organizations like MEDA—shaped Heather’s career evolutionWhy staying connected...
2025-07-0835 minEDO BreakthroughE24 - How to Make Your Site More Competitive, with Nicholette RossIt’s not just about workforce and utilities… Companies want to know your community is ready for them, too.Drawing from her site selection experience in the U.S. and Europe, Nicholette Ross shares why it’s critical to align with local stakeholders earlier than most economic developers expect, especially when public input and cultural fit can make or break a project. She also explains how being honest about a site’s limitations can make your community more competitive. Key Takeaways:What to do when your site isn’t “perfect” (and how to stay in the...
2025-06-2440 minEDO BreakthroughE23 - Starting Fresh, Staying Strong: Lessons from 25 Years in Economic Development, with Kelly Robertson-SlagleWhat does it take to lead through a crisis, earn trust in new communities, and stay passionate after 25 years in economic development?In this episode, Kelly Robertson-Slagle discusses the importance of letting people operate in their “zone of awesomeness,” why having a passion project matters at every stage, and the key lessons she’s carrying with her to her new role in Georgetown County, South Carolina, after a 25-year tenure in Maryland.Key Takeaways:Why mentorship isn’t just for beginners and how learning from others can shape your entire careerHow regional partners...
2025-06-1038 minEDO BreakthroughE22 - Chart Your Course with a CRM, with Lisa DeNoia and Brittany BrowningIs your team drowning in spreadsheets and struggling to sort through all the data? Discover how implementing the right CRM strategy can turn scattered information into actionable insights without overwhelming your staff.In this episode, Lisa DeNoia and Brittany Browning from Port and Starboard share expert insights on implementing Salesforce and other CRM solutions specifically for economic development organizations. Learn how to track business retention efforts, manage prospect pipelines, and generate the reports your stakeholders need.Key Takeaways:How to establish your CRM as the "source of truth" that enables data-driven decision...
2025-05-2746 minEDO BreakthroughE21 - Leading Through Uncertainty: How IEDC Is Reshaping Economic Development, with Nathan OhleAs economic uncertainty grows, how is the leading organization in economic development positioning its members for success? In this episode, Nathan Ohle, President and CEO of IEDC, is sharing how they're tackling today's most pressing challenges while simultaneously preparing members for tomorrow's opportunities.Key Takeaways: How the economic development field is evolving from community competition to regional collaboration, and what this means for your EDOWays IEDC is breaking down barriers through revised membership structures and expanded virtual learning options What "thinking globally" really means for local economic developers in today's interconnected economy What you can...
2025-05-1356 minEDO BreakthroughE20 - Rural Economic Development Reimagined, with Jolene SchalperWhat happens when economic development spans 44,000 square miles of rural frontier? In our season two finale, Jolene Schalper, CEcD, joins us to share how Great Falls, Montana, serves as the hub for a vast region and why the upcoming IEDC Rural Retreat is breaking the conference mold by taking participants directly into the communities they're learning about.Key Takeaways:How to build a stronger ecosystem despite geographic challengesWhat to expect from the innovative Rural Retreat format, including mobile breakout sessions and community-based learning experiencesHow to make the most of conference networking by s...
2025-04-1533 minEDO BreakthroughE19 - Punching Above Your Weight: Fairfax’s Economic Development Success Story, with Chris BrunoSurrounded by jurisdictions 50 times its size, the City of Fairfax has mastered the art of punching above its weight. In this episode, Chris Bruno shares how this 25,000-resident community competes with neighboring giants and transforms limitations into strategic advantages.Key Takeaways:How you can create strategic alliances that allow your smaller jurisdiction to participate on a larger stage The frameworks for developing business support initiatives that can lower vacancy rates and stimulate business growth in your communityHow to showcase your achievements, build brand recognition, and secure resources to future-proof your local economy against potential c...
2025-04-0836 minEDO BreakthroughE18 - Beyond the Cover Story: PR Strategies for your EDO, with Mia VaccaroPublic Relations isn’t always about chasing the spotlight and making headlines. In economic development, effective PR is about turning your narrative into a compelling message that resonates with the community you serve.In this episode, Mia Vaccaro draws on her background in lifestyle PR to help you create a strategy that goes beyond traditional media coverage and truly connects with your audience.Key Takeaways:How PR can be a bridge for your organization to the external worldWhy you shouldn’t build your strategy solely around cover storiesWhat challenges you may face when...
2025-04-0132 minEDO BreakthroughE17 - Small Investments, Big Impact: How to Improve Your Downtown, with Leeann CrewsThe most impactful downtown revitalization strategy might just be the least expensive one…In this episode, Leeann Crews shares how the Downtown Frederick Partnership is implementing “incremental changes,” measuring community health, and turning overlooked spaces into beloved community assets.Key Takeaways:How to measure the health of your downtown and find innovative solutions to problemsWhy targeted grant programs like facade and mission interior grants create lasting economic impact with minimal investmentCreative approaches to transform "nooks and crannies" into community highlightsResources Mentioned:Downtown Frederick Light WalkSupport the Downtown Freder...
2025-03-2543 minEDO BreakthroughE16 - Raising the Bar on Your Business Attraction Strategies, with Subash AliasWhat if your next big business attraction project started with a mock site visit? In Missouri, that’s not just a theory—it’s a strategy that is delivering real results.In this episode, Subash Alias shares how Missouri Partnership is helping communities prepare for economic growth with its innovative site selection training program.Key Takeaways:Why site selection is about vision, not just locationHow mock site visits have turned into real economic winsThe importance of adapting and learning in Economic DevelopmentLinks: https://missouripartnership.com/missouri-partnership-announces-raise-the-bar-assess-participants/ About...
2025-03-1837 minEDO BreakthroughE15 - Creating a Business Resource Collective, with Sarah MattsonIs your community’s economic potential limited because everyone works in silos? Today we’re joined by Sarah Mattson, Director of Entrepreneurship with the City of Chattanooga, who shares how simple and effective it is to create a Business Resource Collective in which entrepreneur support organizations work together instead of duplicating efforts.Plus, she reveals an unexpected partnership with… a credit union?! Their local credit union has developed a loan program that has helped hundreds of startups, all because they have one unique, critical requirement before they approve the loan.Key Takeaways:Y...
2025-03-1138 minEDO BreakthroughE14 - Social Media for EDOs: Building Two-Way Communication, with Kayla SherryDo you feel like you’re shouting into the void every time you post on social media? Today we’re sharing how you can transform your EDO’s approach from broadcasting information to creating meaningful two-way conversations that drive engagement *and* results.Key Takeaways:Understand your audience while working within your capacity constraintsStrategies for effectively repurposing content across platforms (beyond copy/paste)How you can generate credibility in your communityWhen building partnerships with micro-influencers makes senseConsider this episode your one-stop-shop for all things social media because we also debunk common misconceptions we see...
2025-03-0436 minEDO BreakthroughE13 - Strategic Plans: Your EDO’s Roadmap or its Roadblock? With Alex DadokIs your EDO’s strategic plan a short-term to-do list? Or just a vague vision that leaves employees with more questions? In this episode, Alex Dadok and I discuss why having the courage to question assumptions – and take real action – is the key to community transformation.Key Takeaways:Why most EDOs use strategic plans wrong (and how to turn them into actual tools for progress)How to create space for thinking ahead while balancing day-to-day operationsThe reasons your organization might be stuck in planning mode (and it might surprise you!)About the Guest...
2025-02-2546 minEDO BreakthroughE12 - Building Organizational Capacity, with Joi Cuartero AustinYou can take inspiration from other communities and things you learn at conferences, but you simply can’t copy/paste what others are doing…it just won’t work. And that’s where Main Street America comes in, to help historic downtowns re-energize!Joi Cuartero Austin and I discuss Main Street America’s hyper-local support, strategic doing vs. strategic planning, and leaning into your strengths.Key Takeaways:Incremental changes can lead to big wins over time.ALL parts of a community need to “click” together.Behind-the-scenes of the 4-point approach MSA uses.About the...
2025-02-1835 minEDO BreakthroughE11 - AI’s Role in Economic Development: Maintaining Humanity in Innovation, with Jonathan AbermanJonathan Aberman is an internationally recognized thought leader in technology and innovation. In this episode, we discuss Washington D.C.’s focus on the service economy (vs. Silicon Valley’s focus on product) and the delicate balance of utilizing AI while maintaining real connections with humans. He also shares what he’s learned from teaching in Italy and offers advice for other educators. Key Takeaways:Economic Development can’t be an individual’s game.Technology is critical, but we must stay engaged with real people!Predictions on how the Trump Administration will affect government contracting...
2025-02-1141 min
The Leading Ladies of Economic DevelopmentMarketing and Communication Strategies in Economic Development │Sandy Dubay, CEcDSandy Dubay, CEcD, President and CEO of PPR Strategies, shares her dynamic journey from an early start in economic development to owning her own marketing and communications firm. Joining host Kaycee Bunch, Sandy discusses the importance of relationships, overcoming career challenges, and breaking barriers in the field. She also highlights the value of certifications and continuous learning, offering practical advice and personal anecdotes along the way.
In this episode, we explore:
The transition from economic development to marketing and communications.
Why certifications and continuous professional development are important.
Overcoming initial setbacks and fostering long-term business relationships.
...
2025-02-0736 min
Econ Dev Show Podcast - Economic DevelopmentSandy Dubay Created Her Own Path in Economic DevelopmentIn this episode of the Sandy Dubay opens up about her unexpected path from traditional economic development to entrepreneurship, sparked by a life-changing moment when she was pregnant with her first child and a friend's suggestion led her to establish her own consulting practice, which has now grown to a team of eight people over 22 years, while also discussing her passion for educating new economic developers through her her EDO Breakthrough Podcast.
Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Special Guest: Sandy Dubay.Sponsored By:Sitehunt: If...
2024-12-0929 minEDO BreakthroughE10 – Expediting the RFI Process, with Dane CarlsonFor the season finale of EDO Breakthrough, we’ve invited Dane Carlson to be this week’s guest! Dane is the Host of the Econ Dev Show podcast and CEO of Sitehunt. We discuss all things podcasting, how to deal with change in the workplace, and the impetus behind creating Sitehunt, an AI platform that helps economic developers. Key Takeaways:What it’s *really* like to be the host of a podcastHow Sitehunt can expedite the RFI processSimilarities between AI and internsAbout the Guest:Dane Carlson is the CEO of...
2024-11-2631 minEDO BreakthroughE09 – Integrating Arts & Culture for Economic Success, with Ash HansonAsh Hanson is a rural arts advocate and in this episode, we discuss the four themes of rural community development: Activate, Connect, Nurture, and Support.She also shares how arts & culture can intersect with economic development, how she creates opportunities for connection through her roles at DoPT and PlaceBase Productions, and her thoughts about #EroticCapital.Key Takeaways:How Arts & Culture directly impact economic developmentWhy viewing art as the “cherry on top” does a disservice to your communityHow to get your community activated (and excited) for what’s nextAbout the Guest...
2024-11-1944 minEDO BreakthroughE08 – Infrastructure & Inclusivity, with Clarence HulseClarence Hulse is one of the few individuals in the industry who actively sought out a career in economic development. In this episode, we discuss lifelong learning, reverse mentorship, and the programs Michigan City is implementing to attract and develop its workforce.Key Takeaways:How being in the private sector of real estate has made him a better economic developerWhy “inclusive” economic development is importantHow infrastructure updates are boosting Michigan City’s economyResources Mentioned:The Vibrant Michigan City PlaybookThe South Shore Line Double Track Commuter Rail ...
2024-11-1232 minEDO BreakthroughE07 – Mentorship in Economic Development, with Sandy CastorSandy Castor shares her perspective on how transportation and economic development work together, professional development opportunities, and the power of mentorship. We also discuss “soft” skills, saying yes more, and her accidental path to economic development.Key Takeaways:Why access to transportation *is* economic developmentThe difference between mentors, advisors, and sponsorsHow “soft skills” are not softAbout the Guest:Sandy Castor is an Economic Development professional. You can connect with her on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/sandyscastor).The EDO Breakthrough podcast is brought to you by PPR Strategi...
2024-10-2942 minEDO BreakthroughE06 – Leveraging an Economic Development Week to Tell Your EDOs Story, with Sandy DubayThis week’s episode is all about Economic Development Week, and how you can leverage it to share your EDO’s story with your local community. Economic Developers rarely promote their efforts or teams, and this is the perfect opportunity to do that! Key Takeaways:Best practices and tips for a successful event, including using Earned and Owned mediaUtilizing and training volunteersHow MEDA has been able to host a successful Economic Development Week since 2011Resources Mentioned:MEDA Economic Development Week WebsiteIEDC Economic Development Week AwardsThe EDO Breakthrough podcast is br...
2024-10-2216 minEDO BreakthroughE05 – Networking and Building Relationships in Economic Development, with Ebonie AtkinsEbonie Atkins, Managing Director of Henrico Economic Development Authority, shares tips for networking and creating relationships. We also discuss business retention tactics, regionalism, partnerships, and teaching economic geography.Key Takeaways:Tips for creating relationships in a people-focused industry How to work with local partners for business retention effortsBalancing data and storytelling in economic developmentAbout the Guest:Ebonie Atkins is the Managing Director for the Henrico Economic Development Authority in Henrico, Virginia. Prior to the EDA, she served as the Business Investment Manager for VEDP where she worked directly w...
2024-10-1530 minEDO BreakthroughE04 – Leveraging Your Community’s Personality for Talent Attraction, with Amanda EllisAmanda Ellis, Editor-in-Chief for Livability.com, shares how EDOs can leverage storytelling when marketing their communities. In this episode, we discuss workforce trends like hybrid working and relocating, how AI will affect search engine optimization for prospects, and why professional development opportunities are so important for retaining employees.Key Takeaways:How communities can leverage their unique assets for talent attraction and tourismUsing experiences and meetups to create “stickiness” and retain talentHow to get residents to see the benefits of growthAbout the Guest:Amanda Ellis is the Editor-in-Chief for Liva...
2024-10-0837 minEDO BreakthroughE03 - From EDO to SBDC: Zach Gilmore’s Support of BusinessesNow working as a partner of an EDO, Zach Gilmore shares what it’s like to transition from a typical economic development role to supporting businesses more directly, his perspective on challenges that businesses are facing today, and how economic developers can leverage their local SBDC offices.Key Takeaways:How to get your stakeholders to understand and support your EDOHow (and why) economic developers can leverage their SBDC officesChallenges that businesses are facing today, and their solutionsCurrent industry trends and AIAbout the Guest:Zach Gilmore is a Business Co...
2024-10-0128 minEDO BreakthroughE02 – All Economic Developers are Marketers Too, with Maria SatiraMaria Satira, Director of Marketing and Communications for the Greeneville ENC Alliance, shares tips for knowing your audience, being the first person in a role, and staying in the know about PR. In this episode, we dive deep into all things marketing, and p.s., if you’re an economic developer – that means we’re talking to you too! Key Takeaways:Transferable skills from news anchoring to economic developmentMarketing insights that all EDOs can use as inspirationTalent retention activities that target high schoolersEstablishing marketing goals that are aligned with your organization’s strategic planAbou...
2024-09-2446 minEDO BreakthroughE01 – Entrepreneurship-Led Economic Development with Andy DonahueAndy Donahue, State Director of the Minnesota SBDC, shares how entrepreneurship is central to the nuanced, blended relationship between SBDCs, higher education institutions, and economic development organizations. We also discuss regionalism, talent retention efforts, and involvement with IEDC.For anyone aiming for a significant promotion, he also shares insights into working at the center level vs. the state level for SBDC, including seeing the bigger picture, working with legislators, and managing larger budgets.Key Takeaways:How regional clusters and remote workers affect economic developmentTalent retention and workforce development techniques that keep students...
2024-09-1736 minEDO BreakthroughWelcome to EDO Breakthrough!Welcome to EDO Breakthrough - the podcast where we tackle economic development challenges head on! From small towns to bustling cities, every place has its own hurdles to overcome. The EDO Breakthrough podcast creates an environment of collaboration, innovation, and understanding where we can share our real-life challenges and brainstorm solutions. I’m your host, Sandy Dubay, a certified economic developer and founder of PPR Strategies, the creative engine behind the EDO Breakthrough podcast. Each week, I’ll be welcoming a different, brilliant place-based mind to talk through a real-life economic development challenge that have been s...
2024-09-1001 min