Develop This: Economic and Community Development

In this episode, Dennis shares his thoughts on soliciting companies for significant donations for a specific project. What are the steps involved in securing a lead donation and working with a company to plant a flag in the ground for others to follow?

•  Be patient
• The project must align with the goals and mission of the company 
• Professional materials
• Communicate clearly and succinctly 
• You must have an existing relationship
• Communicate, communicate, communicate
• Give credit where credit is due
• Be humble and appreciative 

In this episode, Dennis is joined by a friend of the show Mark Perna and a special guest Dr. Erin Slater superintendent of the Fort Madison school district. Erin and Dennis have worked together extensively to launch the Lee County Career Advantage Center. 

Mark, Erin, and Dennis discuss the trials and tribulations of working with partners in education, business, and industry. They explore the reasons for silos and how to break down barriers and explore ways to see a project from multiple perspectives. 

In this episode, Dennis shares his thoughts on the 2022 IEDC National Conference in Oklahoma City. He talks about the sights and sounds of Oklahoma City and the conference programming.

In this episode, Dennis shares his struggles to unplug during a week-long vacation. During his vacation, one of the towns in his county was rocked by not one but two major facility closure announcements. How do you react when you are trying to unplug but the wheels are coming off the bus at home? Listen to how Dennis' team rose to the challenge and how a good book saved his vacation. 

In this episode, Dennis discusses remote workers and their impact. There are different opinions around the country and among companies as to what the right approach is for each organization. Dennis also admits his assumptions about which generations liked or disliked remote working was off base. (Hint, Boomers like remote working, who knew?)

Today may be the perfect time for your organization to take a critical look at your office space to see if it reflects who you are today as an organization. Dennis also offers practical tips on how to take a critical look at your current office space. 

Remote working and hybrid working are here to stay. Now is the time to make sure your organization has a remote working policy and that you are ready to take advantage of new opportunities. 

Do you have what it takes to be the next co-host of America's #1 economic development podcast Develop This!? Dennis is searching for someone that wants to be almost famous. 

Here's what it takes to be the next Develop This! co-host

• Passionate about community and economic development 
• A sense of humor
• Intellectual curiosity
• Commitment - A new show every week!
• Fearless
• Creative
• Social media savvy
• No previous experience - just enthusiasm!

There are a limited number of co-host tryout slots available. Claim yours today by reaching out to Dennis at [email protected] or 319-753-0690

Don't miss your opportunity!

Develop This! will start 2023 with a new co-host.

70% of all working-age people are either thinking about or actively looking for a new position. Only 14% of Americans believe they have a great job and would not change it. There has never been a more turbulent time for workers. Should you hop on the bandwagon and consider a job or career change?

In this episode, Dennis takes a look at the pros and cons of switching jobs and the primary reason people switch to a new opportunity. Don't sell your current employer short. Initiating a conversation could put you on the path you are seeking. 

Episode #408 is a bittersweet show. After four years and 408 episodes, co-hosts Jason Hutcheson is leaving the Develop This! podcast. A journey that started between two friends, a journey that exceeded our expectations, is ending. We are very grateful to our loyal listeners that have become family and helped Develop This! grow. Jason is a great friend, economic development professional, and most importantly, a wonderful person. We will be forever indebted to Jason for his involvement in Develop This!

Fear not, listeners! Develop This! will continue, albeit with a new co-host. So, stay tuned as the next chapter of the Develop This story will begin soon!

This episode was originally published in July 2021.  It is being republished while Dennis and Jason are on vacation.  Enjoy!

Are you new to the business of economic and community development and wondering how to get started?

Whether you are brand new to the business or a seasoned economic developer looking to get back to basics, this episode is for you.  Dennis and Jason share the 7 rules you need to follow to have early success in your career.

This week's episode sponsored by Convergent Nonprofit Solutions.

In this episode, Jason provides 10 random ideas for your organization as it relates to community outreach.

In addition, be sure to register today for the upcoming MidAmerica EDC Best Practices Conference: MidAmerica Economic Development Council (midamericaedc.org)