What's really driving global location decisions today?

In this episode of Develop This!, Dennis Fraise sits down with Johan Beukema of BCI Global to unpack the shifting landscape of site selection and investment strategy.

From AI and data centers to supply chain resilience, Johan explains how companies are rethinking where they invest—and why. As decentralization accelerates, talent and strong ecosystems are becoming just as important as cost.

The conversation also highlights a key shift: "soft factors" like workforce quality, innovation networks, and livability are now critical differentiators in competitive markets.

A core takeaway? Communities need to clearly define their strengths and align with the right opportunities to stay competitive.

Key Takeaways

• Lower-cost locations are gaining ground

• Talent and ecosystems now rival cost in decision-making

• AI and data centers are reshaping site selection

• Supply chain resilience remains a top priority

• Clear positioning is critical for competitiveness

Key Topics Covered

• Global location strategy shifts

• AI and data centers in site selection

• Decentralization and regional trends

• Talent and ecosystem importance

• Supply chain resilience

Sound Bites

• "Lower cost locations have climbed up the ladder."

• "Focus on soft factors, not just real estate."

• "Define project profiles to benchmark your location."

How is economic development evolving in a world shaped by rapid technological change?

In this episode of Develop This!, Dennis Fraise sits down with Alejandra Y. Castillo to explore how regional strategies, emerging technologies, and workforce development are redefining the field.

From AI to quantum computing, Alejandra breaks down how innovation is influencing where and how communities grow. She emphasizes the importance of infrastructure, regional collaboration, and staying grounded in a global context that continues to shape local decisions.

Workforce development is a central theme, with a focus on building skills across all levels—from technical expertise to entrepreneurship and AI literacy.

A key message? Communities that align technology, talent, and strategy will be best positioned for long-term success.

Key Takeaways

• Global context is shaping local economic decisions

• Emerging technologies like AI and quantum computing are driving change

• Regional strategies and infrastructure are critical

• Workforce development must span all skill levels

• Innovation and talent alignment are key to competitiveness

Key Topics Covered

• Evolution of economic development practices

• Impact of emerging technologies

• Regional strategies and infrastructure

• Workforce development and future skills

• Global and national considerations

Sound Bites

• "Global context impacts our decisions today"

• "We need skills across the spectrum"

• "AI literacy and entrepreneurship are key"

In this inspiring episode of Develop This!, host Dennis Fraise sits down with Mark C. Perna to explore the power of bold thinking, visionary leadership, and rallying people around big ideas. Drawing on their shared fascination with the Apollo program, they unpack how the audacity of aiming for the moon transformed not just science—but an entire generation's mindset.

From the iconic leadership behind the Apollo 11 Moon Landing to the forward-looking ambitions of the Artemis Program, this conversation connects the dots between space exploration and the work economic developers do every day: building momentum, inspiring communities, and executing bold visions.

Mark and Dennis reflect on cultural touchpoints, childhood wonder, and even the small details—yes, including Tang—that made space exploration feel personal and powerful.

If you're working to energize your community, align stakeholders, or inspire the next generation, this episode offers a compelling reminder: big progress starts with big ideas.

Takeaway

The moon landing wasn't just a technological achievement—it was a masterclass in leadership, collaboration, and belief. For today's economic and community developers, the lesson is clear: when you set bold goals and invite others into the vision, you create momentum that can move mountains… or even reach the moon.

What separates good economic development organizations from great ones? According to Barry Broome, it comes down to leadership, data, and the courage to adapt.

In this episode of Develop This!, host Dennis Fraise sits down with Barry Broome, President and CEO of the Greater Sacramento Economic Council and recipient of the 2025 Chairwoman's Award from the International Economic Development Council.

Barry shares hard-earned insights from decades in the field, offering a candid look at the evolving economic development landscape. From the acceleration of reshoring and the rise of secondary markets to the growing influence of AI and automation, this conversation dives deep into the forces shaping regional economies today.

A major theme? Communities must be prepared—or risk being left behind. Barry emphasizes that credible data, reliable power infrastructure, and workforce readiness are no longer optional—they are prerequisites for competing in today's investment environment. As demand for data centers and AI-driven industries surges, the conversation highlights a critical reality: power availability may be the single biggest constraint on growth.

The discussion also explores a shift toward smaller, more strategic projects and why chasing megadeals without fundamentals in place can backfire. Barry offers practical, real-world advice for economic developers looking to position their communities for long-term success.

Whether you're working in a large metro or a second-tier market, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you lead with clarity, compete effectively, and build a more resilient regional economy.

Key Topics

• Leadership traits of high-performing economic development organizations
• The impact of AI and automation on jobs and regional competitiveness
• Strategies for attracting, retaining, and growing investment
• The critical role of power infrastructure in data centers and AI projects
• Workforce challenges and opportunities in a shifting economy
• Lessons learned from a distinguished career in economic development

Sound Bites

• "Moving away from meritocracy to comfort levels."
• "Not having good data is a red flag for communities."
• "Power availability is critical for data centers."

In this episode of Develop This!, we go global with Patsy Van Hove of IBM Consulting and Plant Location International to unpack the evolving world of site selection and economic development.

From shifting workforce dynamics to the growing importance of international collaboration, Patsy shares why talent—not geography—is now the driving force behind location decisions.

You'll hear how communities can stay competitive in a world where companies are chasing skills, not just sites—and why building strong talent ecosystems is no longer optional.

Whether you're working in a rural community or a global metro, this conversation will challenge how you think about workforce, incentives, and your role in the global economy.

Key Takeaways

• The "war for talent" has fundamentally shifted power toward workers
• Talent availability now outweighs traditional site selection factors
• International collaboration is essential for long-term competitiveness
• Hybrid and remote work are reshaping location strategies
• Talent-focused incentives are becoming a key differentiator
• Economic developers must act as ecosystem builders, not just dealmakers

Key Topics Covered

• Global talent trends and the race for skills
• The evolving role of site selection professionals
• Building talent ecosystems through government, industry, and academia
• The impact of remote and hybrid work on corporate decisions
• Immigration policy and workforce mobility
• Designing incentives that prioritize talent development

Memorable Sound Bites

• "The war for talent is over—and talent has won."
• "We're in a race for skills."
• "Talent, talent, talent—it's the first, second, and third factor."

Vacant buildings are often treated as the problem—but what if they're just the symptom?

In this episode of Develop This!, contributing correspondent Joi Cuartero Austin sits down with economic development expert Eric Reader to unpack the deeper forces behind community vacancy challenges. From market realities and ownership dynamics to infrastructure and policy barriers, Eric shares why quick fixes often fall short—and what to do instead.

This conversation dives into the importance of asking better questions, taking a block-by-block approach, and building sustainable momentum that leads to long-term investment and revitalization. If your community is struggling with empty spaces, this episode offers a smarter, more strategic path forward.

Key Takeaways

• Vacancy is often a signal, not the root issue—diagnosis matters.
• Understanding property ownership and local market dynamics is critical before action.
• Infrastructure and regulatory environments can either accelerate or stall revitalization.
• A block-by-block strategy can create visible wins and build momentum.
• Sustainable change comes from long-term thinking, not quick occupancy fixes.

Key Topics Covered

• Diagnosing vacancy as a symptom of broader economic challenges
• Strategic questions to evaluate properties, owners, and markets
• The impact of infrastructure and regulation on redevelopment
• Prioritizing and mapping vacancies for targeted action
• Building momentum through incremental, place-based strategies

Memorable Sound Bites

• "Vacancy is often a symptom of bigger problems."
• "Quick fixes may not be the long-term solution."
• "Start small, build momentum, and iterate."

Episode Summary

Clark County, long known as the global epicenter of tourism and gaming, is rewriting its economic story. In this episode, Dennis Fraise sits down with Shani Coleman, Director of Community and Economic Development, and she shares how Southern Nevada is transforming into a diversified, innovation-driven economy.

From attracting new industries to leveraging the explosive growth of professional sports, Shani breaks down the strategies reshaping the region. She also highlights the critical roles of small businesses, workforce development, and bold initiatives like the Micro Business Park in building a more inclusive and resilient economy.

If you're an economic developer looking to reposition your region, this episode offers a real-world blueprint for diversification, collaboration, and long-term growth.

Key Takeaways

• Clark County is actively shifting from a tourism-dependent economy to a diversified economic hub
• Professional sports have become a powerful catalyst for investment, identity, and regional growth
• Small and minority-owned businesses are central—not secondary—to economic strategy
• Infrastructure, workforce, and quality of place are critical in competing for new industries
• Innovative tools like micro business parks are helping remove barriers to entrepreneurship
• Regional collaboration is driving scalable, sustainable development

Key Topics Covered

• Economic diversification strategies in a legacy tourism market
• The rise and impact of major league sports in Southern Nevada
• Supporting small and minority-owned businesses through policy and programs
• The Micro Business Park initiative and inclusive development models
• Workforce, infrastructure, and competitiveness in site selection
• Regional collaboration and long-term economic positioning

What happens when competing communities decide to collaborate instead?

In this episode, Dennis Fraise sits down with Kevin Considine, Board Chair of the Greater Chicagoland Economic Partnership and CEO of Lake County Partners, and shares how a coalition of counties around Chicago is redefining economic development through regional alignment.

Kevin unpacks the origins and evolution of the Greater Chicagoland Economic Partnership (GCEP), offering a behind-the-scenes look at how trust was built across jurisdictions, how funding models are shifting, and why collaboration is delivering better outcomes for business attraction and growth.

From leveraging global assets like O'Hare International Airport to positioning Chicagoland as a powerhouse in logistics and B2B industries, this episode is a must-listen for professionals looking to move from competition to coordination.

Key Takeaways

• Regional collaboration creates a stronger, more compelling value proposition for site selectors and investors
• The Greater Chicagoland Economic Partnership is a model for aligning multiple jurisdictions under one strategy
• Trust—not structure—is the foundation of successful regional initiatives
• Global assets like O'Hare International Airport serve as economic anchors for the entire region
• Transitioning from public to private funding can strengthen long-term sustainability
• Maintaining local identity while promoting a unified regional brand is critical

Key Topics Covered

• The formation and early success of the Greater Chicagoland Economic Partnership
• Why collaboration is outperforming traditional inter-community competition
• Leveraging regional assets, including logistics infrastructure and innovation ecosystems
• Funding evolution: from public sector support to private investment
• Building trust across counties, municipalities, and leadership teams
• International engagement and positioning Chicagoland globally
• Lessons learned from launching and scaling a regional initiative

Memorable Sound Bites

• "It just makes sense from a customer perspective."
• "Chicago is the B2B capital of logistics in the US."
• "O'Hare is a huge economic engine for the region."