Develop This: Economic and Community Development

Jan 22, 2025

Debi Durham, the Director of the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) and the Iowa Finance Authority (IFA) joins Dennis to discuss the role of a state economic development director. 

• Fifteen years ago, what was the state of economic development?
• Fast forward 15 years, and how has economic development changed?

Jan 22, 2025

Mark Perna joined Dennis, and they discussed the state of workforce in 2025. 

• What prompted you to write Answering Why?
• How would you compare the state of our workforce in 2018 versus today?
• We are at the start of 2025. Where do we stand today with job openings and the skills gap?
• How can economic development...

Jan 15, 2025

Danielle Casey, President & CEO of the Albuquerque Regional Economic Alliance, joins Dennis and discusses finding your path in economic development.

• How do you find the right fit?
• How do you know when to move to the next position?
• Is working your way up in one organization preferable, or is there value in...

Jan 8, 2025

Bryan Daniels, the President and CEO of the Blount Partnership – Incoming IEDC Board chair, joins Dennis, and they discuss what is ahead for the economic development profession and IEDC in 2025.

Bryan Daniels was born and raised in Greeneville, Tennessee, which is adjacent to Cherokee National Forest. He has a...

Jan 1, 2025

IEDC President and CEO Nathan Ohle joins Dennis, and they reflect on Nathan's first three years leading IEDC and what the future holds for the economic development profession and IEDC.