ShovelTalk: An Economic Development Podcast

A 500-acre mixed-use master plan takes years of planning and partnering with diverse organizations and stakeholders. Brian Rademacher, Director of Economic Development at the City of Ormond Beach, was the right person to shepherd Ormond Crossings through this process. A strong advocate for strategic planning and regional partnerships, with a background in transportation, Brian shares his unique perspective and suggestions for economic developers looking to increase their impact.

Michael Darger has spent the last 25 years at the University of Minnesota, the last 21 of which has been focused on Business Retention & Expansion, and lately Business Succession and Transition (BST). In this episode of ShovelTalk, Michael shares insights from their original research on what business owners care about when making a transition and who they are having transition conversations with. He shares recommendations on how economic developers can become part of these conversations and help keep businesses within their local communities.Additional, free resources are available through the University of Minnesota.

In this episode of ShovelTalk, Aaron Brossoit, CEO of Golden Shovel Agency has an in-depth conversation with Eric Canada, a well known thought leader in the economic development field and author of Economic Development for the Team. Eric shares key insights from his book, emphasizing how teamwork and collaboration are critical to driving community success. Whether you're an economic developer or a community leader, this episode offers valuable guidance on fostering partnerships, overcoming challenges, and building stronger, more resilient communities.

Donald Iannone is a professor who has created economic development strategies for over forty communities. His latest book explores what it means to achieve the American Dream for diverse generations and people, how economic developers can help them to achieve it, and the foundational importance of democracy and freedom. Then ask yourself - how do you define the American Dream?

How do you become a pilot? How can a local airport become a tourist destination? Join us for a conversation with Kyle Wensmann as he presents strategies community leaders can implement to create general aviation opportunities.

Lindsay Rubeniuk is passionate about growing rural communities. Her work in the Canadian Prairies has been transformative. Listen to discover how you can implement an immigration talent attraction strategy.

Suzie Kenner is the Executive Director of the Tourism Division of the Devils Lake Area Chamber of Commerce (and of the Chamber). Since 2009, she has been promoting the City of Devils Lake, mostly in the leisure market, as a top hunting and fishing destination, growing tourism to become the #2 economic driver for the community. She joined us on Shovel Talk to share actionable tips and strategies that community leaders can use to grow their tourism sector. Listen to learn how to execute a media event, analyze tourism data, and grow your primary tourism sectors.

Rachel Kreikemeier Executive Director of Gage Area Growth Enterprise (NGage) joins GSA Executive VP, Bethany Quinn, to discuss the innovative ways NGage is building childcare capacity in Gage County, Nebraska. From Babysitting Clinics to forming a nonprofit, NGage is leading in the childcare space. Listen to learn from Rachel and their organization.

Justin Sommer, Executive Director of Preble County Development Partnership, joined Bethany Quinn, Executive Vice President of Golden Shovel Agency, on Shovel Talk to discuss 2024 priorities and how economic developers can make an impact in their communities. Justin began his career in economic development on the workforce side and worked for the City of Piqua and the private sector before becoming the Executive Director in Preble County. His diverse backgrounds prepared him to ‘solve the puzzle’ and tackle big challenges like developing sites, building residential homes, and attracting more workers - all goals he has for 2024. All of those projects take time and persistence. “I wanted to be a baseball player when I was a kid. If someone had a .300 batting average they are likely to get into the hall of fame because they’re really good. But that also means that they missed 70% of the time,” said Justin. “In economic development, we are going to be told no a lot. You need to keep stepping up to the plate and taking a swing, because eventually you’ll make contact.”

Looking for new ways to tell your community’s story? Amanda Ellis, Editor and Chief of Livability has ideas and the data to back them up. Hear Amanda’s insights and learn about her journey into economic development through the Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce. Oh, and did you know that she is a ballet dancer?

2023 was an exciting year for the Golden Shovel team. Our last episode of 2023 features Aaron Brossoit (CEO), Bethany Quinn (Vice President of Strategy & Content Development), Darren Varley (Vice President of Client Retention & Creative Services), Warren Westcott (Vice President of Sales),Greg Kolbjornsen (PlaceVR Executive Producer) and John Marshall (President) talking about what was 2023 and what will be 2024. Enjoy and Happy Holidays from the entire Golden Shovel team!

Listen as the Grapevine Economic Development team shares about landing the 4th location for MeowWolf, how the TEXRail Commuter Rail has transformed Grapevine and their journey in starting a podcast.

Catherine George, the Economic Development Specialist for the North River Commission, joined GSA's CEO, Aaron Brossoit on ShovelTalk, to discuss hyper-local economic development strategies. Located on the Northwest Side of Chicago, their approach encourages entrepreneurship, supports small businesses, and reaches out to the non-English speaking community. Their success demonstrates the power of promoting hyper-local growth, even if you live in a big city!

Bob Ahlfeld from St. Lawrence County IDA shares his insights on how upstate New York is the ideal location for renewable energy expansion and companies looking to do business across the U.S./Canadian border. Oh, and Bob's been a Broadcaster for NCAA Division I Hockey for the past 25 years with fun stories to tell!

Does your community have empty downtown buildings? Are you struggling to attract investment? Take a page out of NeTia Bauman’s book and focus on the entrepreneurs in your own backyard. Since becoming CEO of Greater Fergus Falls, NeTia and her team have helped over 200 entrepreneurs start or grow their business. Their downtown went from over 20 vacant storefronts to four in three years. The best part? These entrepreneurs are creating jobs and larger investments are rolling in. Listen for best practices you can use in your community.

2022 was an exciting year for the Golden Shovel team. Our last episode of 2022 features Aaron Brossoit (CEO), Bethany Quinn (Vice President of Strategy & Content Development), Darren Varley (Vice President of Client Retention & Creative Services), Warren Westcott (Vice President of Sales) and Greg Kolbjornsen (PlaceVR Executive Producer) talking about what was 2022 and what will be 2023. Enjoy and Happy Holidays from the entire Golden Shovel team!

Shannon Landauer, CEcD, is the President & CEO of the Iowa Lakes Corridor and the immediate past President of the Professional Developers of Iowa (PDI).Shannon champions mentorship and is a fierce advocate for young economic developers looking to grow within the industry. On this podcast she explores ways to engage economic developers in mentorship programs.Having started her career working for a small rural community, Shannon understands the power of community and regional partnerships. She advocates for a regional approach to economic development as a way to make rural America more competitive. "One community may not have a technical and community college while another may lack a large industrial park. But together, they have what companies are looking for. We win by pooling our resources."

In episode three of the remote worker mini-series you'll meet Tayler Gill (aka "Traveling Tayler"), a remote worker, travel coach and trip facilitator for Hacker Paradise. Amanda met Tayler through Hacker Paradise, a company that curates experiences for remote workers in communities across the world. Listen as Amanda chats with Tayler about what Hacker Paradise looks for when scouting new communities and businesses to work with, all about Youtube, her coaching businesses and of course, remote work!Learn more about "Traveling Tayler" on social media!https://travelingtayler.com/https://travelingtayler.com/instagram/https://www.youtube.com/c/travelingtaylerhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/tayler-gill/

In the second episode of the remote worker podcast mini-series, Amanda introduces you to Adim Ofunne who is an entrepreneur and business owner from Nigeria. Adim shares his journey to owning two very different businesses, one being a product based business he started mid-COVID using Kickstarter. Listen in to hear about the successful crowdfunding campaign and his experiences working remotely.Links:https://nativescards.com/

Alicia Wilson is the first Vice President for Economic Development at John Hopkins University and John Hopkins Health System. As the largest employer in the City of Baltimore and state of Maryland, John Hopkins recognized the impact the organization could play on the economic development of the city of Baltimore specifically. Creating this department and hiring Wilson is a historic first for the organization.