Develop This: Economic and Community Development

Latest Episodes:

DT #700 What Economic Developers Need to Know About FDI Nov 04, 2026

Show notes

What does it take for communities to compete for investment in an increasingly competitive global economy?

In this episode of Develop This!, Dennis Fraise talks with foreign direct investment expert Andreas Dressler about how communities can attract and benefit from FDI.

Andreas explains why not all foreign investment is equally beneficial and why communities need to understand what they actually want to attract. The conversation explores corporate site selection, investment drivers, and the growing importance of soft factors such as community support, certainty, and quality of life.

The discussion also highlights why focus matters, especially for small communities. Andreas shares how communities can develop a clear value proposition, coordinate local stakeholders, prepare for international investors, and reduce uncertainty throughout the site selection process.

The episode also covers investor aftercare and why economic development organizations themselves are part of the product they are selling to potential investors.

A key takeaway? Communities that understand what they want to attract and create a clear, coordinated strategy can compete more effectively for global investment.

Key Takeaways

Not all FDI provides the same benefits
Soft factors can strongly influence investment decisions
Community support and certainty matter to investors
Focus helps communities compete more effectively
Small communities can compete globally with the right strategy
Investor aftercare is essential
Economic development organizations are part of the community's value proposition

Key Topics Covered

Foreign direct investment and global competition
Corporate site selection
Community support and certainty
Economic development strategy
Small community FDI attraction
Stakeholder alignment
Investor aftercare
Preparing for international site visits

Sound Bites

"Not all FDI is equally beneficial."

"Soft factors like community support and certainty are crucial."

"Communities that understand what they want to attract will win."

DT #699 How Economic Developers Can Navigate Opposition, Trust, and Change Nov 04, 2026

Show notes

How can economic developers build trust with their communities while navigating opposition, misinformation, and increasingly complex development projects?

In this episode of Develop This!, Dennis Fraise sits down with Maureen Donohue Krauss to discuss lessons from her 30-year career in economic development and how the profession is evolving.

Maureen shares her experiences working with international companies and communities around the world, offering perspective on how global competition, changing expectations, and increased skepticism are shaping economic development today.

A major focus of the conversation is community trust. Maureen explains why transparency, early engagement, and consistent communication are becoming essential as communities evaluate controversial projects such as data centers, wind farms, and other major developments.

Key Takeaways

Trust and transparency are essential to successful economic development
Early community involvement can reduce opposition and build support
Verifiable data can help address misinformation and community concerns
Economic developers must become effective consensus builders
Confidentiality and transparency must be carefully balanced
Strong relationships should be built before they are needed
Community conversations should be proactive rather than reactive
Economic developers need to manage multiple priorities and stakeholders
Knowing when to walk away from a project can be just as important as pursuing one

Key Topics Covered

Community opposition to development projects
Building trust and transparency
International economic development lessons
Community engagement and communication
Misinformation and data-driven decision-making
Balancing confidentiality with transparency
Building community consensus
The evolving role of economic developers
Skills needed for the future
Proactive community conversations
Developing a social contract for economic development

Sound Bites

"Trust with your community is new and essential."

"Use verifiable data to combat misinformation."

"The future of economic development is doing multiple things at once."

DT #698 Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition: Turning Small Businesses Into Opportunities Oct 28, 2026

Show notes

What if the best way to become an entrepreneur was to buy an existing business instead of starting one from scratch?

In this episode of Develop This!, Dennis Fraise talks with Royce Yudkoff of Harvard Business School about entrepreneurship through acquisition and how aspiring entrepreneurs can find, purchase, and grow established businesses.

Royce explains why buying a profitable business can offer a different path to ownership, the importance of due diligence, and the challenges new owners face during their first 90 days. The conversation also explores company culture, long-term holding companies, franchises, and the emotional realities of searching for and running a business.

For economic developers, this approach also offers opportunities to support business transitions, preserve local employers, and keep established businesses thriving when their owners are ready to move on.

A key takeaway? Business acquisition can create a path to entrepreneurship while helping preserve and grow the small businesses communities depend on.

Key Takeaways

Buying an established business offers an alternative to starting from scratch.
Thorough due diligence helps identify risks before acquisition.
Understand whether you're buying a business or simply buying yourself a job.
Company culture plays a major role in employee motivation and business growth.
The first 90 days require careful planning and leadership.
Long-term holding companies and franchises offer different ownership models.
Business succession can help preserve local jobs and economic activity.

Key Topics Covered

Entrepreneurship through acquisition
Buying profitable small businesses
The role of MBAs in business ownership
Due diligence and risk assessment
Business culture and employee motivation
Challenges during the first 90 days
Long-term holding companies and franchises
Small business succession and transitions
Common reasons small businesses fail
Opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs

Sound Bites

Suggested sound bites to confirm against the transcript:

"Buying a business can be an alternative to starting one from scratch."

"Are you buying a job or buying a business?"

"The first 90 days can shape the future of a business."

DT #697 Ukraine's Economic Future: Investment, Resilience, and Opportunity Oct 28, 2026

Show notes

What does Ukraine's economy look like in the middle of war, and where are the opportunities for future growth and investment?

In this episode of Develop This!, Dennis Fraise sits down with Bruce Talley to explore the current economic landscape of Ukraine and Moldova and what economic development professionals and investors should understand about the region.

Bruce shares his extensive experience working across post-Soviet countries and provides insight into the regional differences within Ukraine, the resilience of its people, and the ways communities and businesses are continuing to adapt despite the ongoing war.

The conversation examines the sectors showing the greatest resilience and potential, including defense, food processing, agriculture, logistics, and infrastructure. Bruce also discusses the growth of Ukraine's defense industry and drone technology, as well as the role industrial parks can play in supporting future investment.

Another major focus is the investment landscape. Bruce explains why timing matters for investors looking at Ukraine and Moldova, highlighting both the challenges created by the war and the strategic advantages available to those willing to take a longer-term view.

Bruce also discusses workforce challenges, migration trends, and the potential impact of Ukraine and Moldova's movement toward greater integration with the European Union. He explains how infrastructure development, reconstruction, and investment could reshape the region's economy in the years ahead.

The conversation also looks beyond immediate economic development opportunities to consider Ukraine's long-term potential for tourism, improved infrastructure, and quality of life once the country enters a new phase of recovery and growth.

A key takeaway? Ukraine's economy is already demonstrating resilience, and understanding the region's challenges, industries, and strategic position could help economic developers and investors recognize opportunities before the next major wave of growth.

Key Takeaways

Ukraine's economy continues to show resilience despite the war
Regional differences play an important role in Ukraine's economic outlook
Defense and food processing are emerging as key growth industries
Industrial parks and infrastructure will be critical to future investment
Workforce shortages and migration remain significant challenges
Moldova offers unique opportunities for investors and economic developers
Early strategic investment could create advantages during reconstruction
EU integration could strengthen long-term economic opportunities
Tourism and quality of life could become important parts of Ukraine's future economy

Key Topics Covered

Ukraine's regional economic differences and resilience
The impact of war on Ukraine's economy
Investment opportunities in Ukraine and Moldova
Defense, agriculture, and food processing
Industrial parks and infrastructure development
Workforce challenges and migration
EU integration and regional positioning
Ukraine's reconstruction and future growth
Tourism and quality of life
Strategic timing for investors

Sound Bites

"Ukraine's waiting for the war to end, but it's already growing."

"Moldova is a fascinating country with a lot of potential."

"Defense and food processing will be the key industries."

DT #696 Community Quest: A Big Idea Becomes a Community Adventure Oct 27, 2026

Show notes

How do you make economic development exciting and understandable for the next generation?

In this special episode of Develop This!, Dennis Fraise talks with Mark Perna and Julie Curtin about Community Quest, a graphic novel designed to make economic development more accessible and engaging for young people and adults alike.

They share the inspiration behind the book, how complex concepts are transformed into an adventure story, and how illustrations help bring community development to life.

The conversation also covers how the graphic novel can be used in classrooms and community outreach, the development of a facilitator's guide, and the importance of involving young people in shaping their communities.

A key takeaway? Engaging young people through storytelling today can help build stronger, more informed communities tomorrow.

Key Takeaways

Make economic development accessible through storytelling.
Use illustrations to simplify complex concepts.
Introduce community development to students early.
Bring the book into classrooms and community events.
Use a facilitator's guide to expand its educational impact.
Empower young people to become future community builders.

Key Topics Covered

The story behind Community Quest
Launching the graphic novel at the IDC annual conference
Turning economic development into an adventure
Illustrations and storytelling in education
Youth engagement and community building
Classroom and community outreach opportunities
The facilitator's guide
The industry's centennial and the book's release
Book access and distribution plans
Inspiring the next generation of community builders

Sound Bites

"This book makes economic development understandable and fun."

"Storytelling is a powerful tool to connect dots in co

DT #695 How Storytelling and Career Exploration Can Transform Communities Oct 21, 2026

Show notes

How can economic development professionals better connect with their communities and create a shared vision for regional success?

In this episode of Develop This!, Dennis Fraise sits down with Mark Perna to discuss the importance of understanding the "why" behind economic development and creating stronger connections between communities, education, employers, and young people.

Mark explains why younger generations want purpose and relevance, and how economic developers can help students understand the opportunities available to them long before they enter the workforce. The conversation explores early career exploration, career trees, and the importance of balancing academic achievement with technical and life skills.

Another major focus is breaking down the silos that often exist between education, employers, economic development organizations, and community groups. Mark shares why bringing these stakeholders together is essential to building a workforce strategy that reflects the needs of the entire region.

The conversation also highlights the power of storytelling. Mark explains how communities can use compelling stories to communicate their vision, attract talent and investment, and help residents understand why economic development matters.

Throughout the episode, Dennis and Mark emphasize the importance of community engagement, experiential learning, and creating a shared rallying point that brings people together around a common vision.

Key Takeaways

Explaining the "why" creates stronger community engagement
Early career exploration can help young people understand future opportunities
Breaking down silos strengthens regional workforce development
Storytelling can help communities attract talent and investment
Education, employers, and economic developers must work together
Experiential learning helps connect young people with real-world opportunities
A shared community vision can create momentum for regional growth
Taking action early is critical to building community buy-in

Key Topics Covered

The importance of explaining the "why" in economic development
Career exploration and workforce development
Connecting education, employers, and communities
Breaking down silos between regional stakeholders
Storytelling and community engagement
Building a shared vision for regional success
Engaging younger generations
Strategies for bringing diverse stakeholders together

Sound Bites

"Are we good at explaining the 'why'?" "Young people refuse to waste their time." "You can be successful with a 2.5 GPA."

DT #694 The Data Center Debate: Opportunity, Opposition, and Community Impact Oct 21, 2026

Show notes

Why does everyone hate data centers?

In this episode of Develop This!, Dennis Fraise talks with Chris Lloyd of McGuireWoods Consulting LLC to explore the growing debate surrounding data centers and what they mean for communities.

The conversation examines why public opinion around data centers has shifted, from excitement over investment and economic growth to concerns about power, water, noise, land use, and long-term community impact.

Chris and Dennis discuss the economic benefits data centers can bring, including tax revenue, infrastructure investment, and new opportunities for communities. They also take a closer look at the trade-offs and why not every data center project is the right fit for every community.

The episode explores the role of incentives, community engagement, and thoughtful planning in evaluating these projects, as well as how the rapid growth of AI could continue driving demand for data center infrastructure.

A key takeaway? Communities don't have to be simply for or against data centers. The better approach is asking the right questions, understanding the trade-offs, and determining whether a project aligns with the community's long-term goals.

Key Takeaways

Data centers can create significant economic opportunities for communities
Community concerns around power, water, noise, and land use must be addressed
Not every data center project is the right fit for every community
Incentives should be evaluated against long-term community benefits
Public opinion toward data centers has changed dramatically
AI is likely to continue driving demand for data center infrastructure
Thoughtful planning and community engagement are critical to successful projects

Key Topics Covered

The growing opposition to data centers
Economic benefits and community trade-offs
Power and water requirements
Land use and noise concerns
Tax incentives and community benefits
AI and the future of data center growth
How communities can evaluate potential projects

Sound Bites

"Why does everyone hate data centers?"

"Public opinion turned radically on data centers."

"Not every project is a right fit for every community."

DT #692 Beyond the Hype: Understanding AI With Dan Chuparkoff Oct 14, 2026

Show notes

How will artificial intelligence change the way we work, lead, and build communities?

In this episode of Develop This!, Dennis Fraise sits down with Dan Chuparkoff, AI keynote speaker and technology leader with more than 30 years of experience at Google and McKinsey, to explore the opportunities and challenges AI presents.

Dan breaks down common misconceptions about AI, including why AI can sound confident while still being wrong. He explains how professionals can use AI as an assistant, coach, and productivity tool while keeping humans responsible for critical decisions.

The conversation also explores how economic developers can use AI to improve research, communication, decision-making, and everyday tasks. Dan emphasizes that the skills that matter most in the AI era—problem solving, creativity, imagination, and good judgment—are uniquely human.

The episode also looks ahead at AI's impact on jobs, robotics, leadership, and the future of work.

Key Takeaways

AI can dramatically improve productivity and reduce time spent on mundane tasks.
AI-generated information should always be verified and vetted.
Humans need to remain responsible for important decisions.
Economic developers can use AI to improve research, communication, and problem solving.
Creativity, imagination, and judgment will become increasingly valuable.
AI and robotics will continue transforming the workplace.

Key Topics Covered

AI misconceptions and reliability
Using AI as an assistant and coach
AI in economic development
Vetting AI-generated information
The future of work and jobs
Problem solving and creativity in the AI era
Robotics and the next wave of AI innovation

Sound Bites

"AI is a B minus assistant."

"Where humans should remain in charge of AI."

"AI's impact on jobs and sectors."

DT #693 How Rural Communities Can Build Stronger Futures With Mason Ainsworth Oct 14, 2026

Show notes

What does it take to build a stronger community from the ground up?

In this episode of Develop This!, Dennis Fraise sits down with Mason Ainsworth to explore his journey from young city councillor to passionate advocate for community development and economic growth.

Mason shares lessons from his experience in local government and explains why economic development often comes down to relationships, trust, transparency, and achieving small victories that create long-term momentum.

The conversation also explores the unique strengths and challenges of rural communities, including infrastructure, local leadership, placemaking, and creating communities where people want to live, work, and invest.

Mason also discusses the importance of education, continuous learning, and attracting young professionals to the economic development field. He shares why great economic developers need strong people skills—and, most importantly, the ability to listen.

Key Takeaways

Strong relationships and community trust are essential to economic development.
Small victories can create momentum for long-term community growth.
Rural communities have unique assets and opportunities to leverage.
Placemaking helps create communities where people want to live and invest.
Listening and approachability are critical skills for economic developers.
Young professionals have an important role in the future of the profession.

Key Topics Covered

Mason Ainsworth's journey into economic development
Local government and community leadership
Rural economic development
Placemaking and quality of place
Building relationships and community trust
Recruiting young talent into economic development
Education and continuous learning
Podcasting and community engagement

Sound Bites

"You gotta kick the tires."

"Most people don't wake up and say, I want to be an economic developer."

"A great economic developer listens."

DT #689 Turning a Bold Vision Into a Game Changing Community Development Project: The Fort Madison Marina Story Oct 07, 2026

Show notes

What happens when a community stops settling for "good enough" and starts thinking bigger?

In this episode of Develop This!, Dennis Fraise talks with former Fort Madison Mayor Matt Mohrfeld and Rick Kiernan of Convergent Nonprofit Solutions about the transformation of the Fort Madison Marina.

What started as an aging marina became a much larger vision for the community, incorporating hospitality, events, wellness, tourism, and placemaking. Matt explains how community leaders studied other projects, built a shared vision, and challenged Fort Madison to think beyond simply fixing the existing marina.

Rick discusses how the team turned that vision into a $12.7 million project through feasibility studies, community leadership, and a diverse capital stack that included public, private, and philanthropic support.

The conversation also explores the importance of strong leadership, community ownership, and telling a compelling story when pursuing transformational projects.

A key takeaway? Big community projects start with a bold vision and become reality when people come together to believe in it.

Key Takeaways