Jan 28, 2026
Episode
Summary:
In this episode of the
Develop This! Podcast, host Dennis
Fraise sits down with Aaron Brossoit, Partner
& CEO, and Bethany Quinn,
President of Golden
Shovel Agency, as part of the Develop This! 2026
Crystal Ball Series.
Together, they explore how the economic development landscape is rapidly evolving—and what professionals must do now to prepare for 2026 and beyond. The conversation dives into the game-changing role of artificial intelligence, the growing importance of community engagement, and why economic developers must become champions of their own organizations and regions.
Aaron and Bethany discuss how communities often misdiagnose their challenges due to limited perspective, and why stakeholder engagement is essential for identifying real opportunities. They also unpack how websites are no longer standalone tools but part of a much broader digital and storytelling strategy that includes technology, virtual reality, and authentic community branding.
Key themes include business retention and expansion, workforce attraction, and the rising importance of energy availability as a deciding factor for economic growth. The episode emphasizes that creativity, adaptability, and embracing technology are no longer optional—they are essential for stretching limited budgets and competing in a crowded marketplace.
Key Takeaways