Inside EcoDevo

Episode 46 - Missouri Association of Councils of Government (MACOG) Mar 18, 2025

We sit down with Doug Hermes, Statewide Planning Coordinator for the Missouri Association of Councils of Government (MACOG). Doug describes MACOG's work, his role, and how both are contributing to economic development statewide in addition to Missouri's Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS).

Episode 45 - Growing Sikeston's Future Feb 21, 2025

We sit down with Marcie Lawson, President and CEO of Sikeston Chamber, Economic Development, and Tourism. Marcie shares the latest on her team's efforts to promote a prosperous southeast region in addition to how DED's partnership with the Chamber is helping Missourians prosper.

Episode 44 - Growing Talent & Inspiring Innovation Dec 31, 2024

We sit down with Kristie Davis, Director of Missouri One Start, and Rachel Anderson, Executive Director of efactory, to discuss the Talent and Innovation working teams for Missouri's Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS). Kristie and Rachel shed light on the roles of their working teams and how they're contributing to the development of CEDS.

Episode 43 - Empowering Businesses & Enriching Communities Dec 11, 2024

We sit down with Lori Becklenberg, Director of Regional Engagement, and Kim Froemsdorf, Director of Federal Initiatives, to discuss the Business Development and Community Infrastructure working teams for Missouri's Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS). Lori and Kim shed light on the roles of their working teams and how they're contributing to the development of CEDS.

Episode 42 - Exploring Missouri’s Industry Clusters Dec 01, 2024

We sit down with Jeff Pinkerton, Director of Economic Research, and Stefan Herron, Strategy and Policy Analyst for the Division of Strategy and Performance, to discuss Missouri's industry clusters. Jeff and Stefan define industry clusters, explain their importance to our economy, and how they relate to Missouri's Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS).

Episode 41 - Mapping Missouri’s Economic Strategy Nov 11, 2024

We sit down with Paul Eisenstein, Senior Director of Operations, and Danielle Briot, Deputy Director for the Division of Strategy and Performance, to discuss Missouri's Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS). Paul and Danielle introduce CEDS, discuss its purpose, and explain how it will strengthen Missouri's economy.

Episode 40 - IARA and Credential Training Program Sep 13, 2024

We sit down with Kristie Davis and Shelle Jacobs, Director and Deputy Director of the Missouri One Start Division, to discuss the Intern and Apprentice Recruitment Act (IARA) and the Credential Training Program. Both programs aim to strengthen Missouri's workforce by helping businesses recruit, train and upskill their workforce.

Episode 39 - Summer Tourism in Missouri Jul 10, 2024

Director Stephen Foutes and Public Relations Specialist Katie Blake, with the Division of Tourism, discuss summer tourism hotspots around the state of Missouri.

Episode 38 - Missouri's Kansas City Region Jun 28, 2024

Shawna Searcy, Deputy Director of the Regional Engagement Division, discusses the latest developments in the Kansas City region. Shawna provides an overview of the area's economic strengths, explains how DED's programs have supported recent business expansions, and more.

Episode 37 - Missouri's North Region Jun 14, 2024

Shari Schenewerk, North Regional Manager for the Regional Engagement Division discusses the latest developments in our state's north region. Shari provides an overview of the area's economic strengths, explains how DED's programs have supported recent business expansions, and more.

Episode 36 - Partnerships Make It Happen May 17, 2024

We look back at the first quarter of 2024 to highlight the incredible collaboration that's driving economic growth statewide. Whether for business expansion or community development, teamwork is a critical part of the process. Thankfully, our incredible partners are helping make it happen!

Episode 35 - Missouri's Central Region Apr 05, 2024

Mitch Rademan, Central Regional Manager for the Regional Engagement Division, discusses the latest developments in our state's central region. Mitch provides an overview of the area's economic strengths, ideal transportation infrastructure, dedicated workforce, and more.

Episode 34 - Missouri Broadband Map Challenge Mar 22, 2024

BJ Tanksley, Director of the Office of Broadband Development, and Amelia Aubuchon, GIS Coordinator, discuss Missouri's Broadband Map Challenge Process. This process, opening March 25, 2024 will determine which areas of the state will be supported by more than $1.7 billion in BEAD funding for broadband expansion.

Episode 33 - Show Me Service Awards Feb 09, 2024

Brittany Stiffler-Crabtree, Executive Director of the Missouri Community Service Commission (MCSC), discusses the annual Show Me Service Awards. As Brittany explains, the Show Me Service Awards recognize outstanding Missouri volunteers who are making a difference in their communities through the power of service.

Episode 32 - MTC IDEA Fund Jan 26, 2024

Julia Campbell, IDEA Fund Manager for the Missouri Technology Corporation (MTC), provides an overview of the program. The IDEA Fund supports innovation and job creation through investments in Missouri technology startups.

Episode 31 - Missouri's Southeast Region Jan 12, 2024

We sit down with Lesley Rone, Southeast Regional Manager for the Regional Engagement Division, to discuss the latest developments in our state's southeast region. Lesley provides an overview of the area's economic strengths, including its rich farmland, ideal transportation infrastructure, dedicated workforce, and more.

Episode 30 - 2023 End of Year Wrap-up Dec 29, 2023

We’re looking back at 2023 and highlighting the work of the Missouri Department of Economic Development. Team DED’s work included business expansions, community development initiatives, addressing broadband availability, and deploying ARPA funds across the state, just to name a few. We look forward to what lies in store for 2024!

Episode 29 - MTC Grant Programs Dec 15, 2023

Jakob Pallesen, Manager of Ecosystem Engagement with Missouri Technology Corporation (MTC), tells us about grant opportunities through MTC.

Episode 28 - Promoting Economic Growth in St. Louis Dec 01, 2023

St. Louis Regional Manager, Taylor Mazdra, talks about promoting economic growth in Missouri's St. Louis region.

Episode 27 - Expanding Broadband Access in Missouri Nov 17, 2023

A lot of work going on, but a lot of work still to do. Office of Broadband (OBD) Director, BJ Tanksley and Community Development Specialist, Adam Thorp speak about the continued efforts to expand broadband coverage to unserved and underserved locations across the state of Missouri.

Episode 26 - Missouri's Economic Forecast with Jeff Pinkerton Nov 03, 2023

Director of Economic Research, Jeff Pinkerton, provides an update on Missouri's economy. Hear about how the economy is beginning to moderate, current inflation numbers, industry growth, and much more.

Episode 25 - Investing in Missouri's Companies of Tomorrow Oct 20, 2023

Missouri Technology Corporation (MTC) Executive Director, Jack Scatizzi, discusses the latest from MTC - including its implementation plan, success stories, challenges faced, and more.

Episode 24 - Catching-up with Federal Initiatives Sep 08, 2023

Almost a year ago, we spoke with the Federal Initiatives (FI) team about the new ARPA programs. We catch-up with the new FI Director Kim Froemsdorf, and the Director of New Programs, Bradley Clark. Within a year, the FI Team launched nine new grant programs, conducted an extensive ARPA tour, and are currently working on additional grant programs. All this and more, in this episode.

Episode 23 - International Trade & Investment Office Aug 18, 2023

On this episode we speak with Division Director of Regional Engagement, Lori Becklenberg and International Trade and Investment Office (ITI) Managing Director, Natascha Lord. They speak about overseas ITI trade shows, trade missions, and how the work of the ITI office helps bring Missouri businesses and products to a global market.

Episode 22 - DED's ARPA Tour - Part 2 Aug 04, 2023

Part two of our ARPA: Helping Missourians Prosper Tour. In this episode we wrap up our trek across the state highlighting grant awards for various ARPA projects. This leg of our journey takes us from southwest Missouri, to St. Louis and finishes in the southeast region.

Episode 21 - DED's ARPA Tour - Part 1 Jul 21, 2023

Part one of our ARPA: Helping Missourians Prosper tour. It was a 12-stop, statewide celebration highlighting DED’s nine ARPA grant programs, which represented a total of more than $500 million awarded, and took place across each of Missouri’s six regions, both urban and rural. This episode covers the first 6 stops.

Episode 20 - Office of the Missouri Military Advocate May 26, 2023

On this episode of the Inside EcoDevo Podcast, we speak with Harry Roberts, the Missouri Military Advocate. Harry discusses the Office of the Missouri Military Advocate's support for Missouri military installations and missions, ensuring our state is military-friendly, and the economic impact of defense spending.

Episode 19 - Missouri Technology Corporation May 12, 2023

This episode features Jack Scatizzi, Executive Director of Missouri Technology Corporation (MTC). Jack discusses MTC's mission, how it helps tech startups, the economic impact of supporting new Missouri businesses, and more.

Episode 18 - Missouri Economic Development Council Apr 21, 2023

This episode of the Inside EcoDevo Podcast, features Shawna Searcy, Missouri Economic Development Council President, and Michelle Hataway, MEDC President-elect. Shawna and Michelle discuss MEDC's mission, benefits of its conferences and initiatives, and current and future happenings.

Episode 17 - Missouri Development Finance Board Apr 07, 2023

On this episode we speak from Mark Stombaugh, Executive Director of the Missouri Development Finance Board (MDFB). Mark, explains how MDFB fits within state government, the programs it administers, the partnership between MDFB and DED, and much more.

Episode 16 - Missouri Community Service Commission Mar 24, 2023

This episode features Brittany Crabtree, Executive Director of the Missouri Community Service Commission (MCSC). Brittany discusses MCSC's mission to promote volunteerism in Missouri, its partnership with AmeriCorps, the value of community service to our state's economic wellbeing, and much more.

Episode 15 - Business & Community Solutions Division Mar 10, 2023

On this episode of the Inside EcoDevo Podcast, we speak with Christina Carver, Director of the Division of Business and Community Solutions (BCS). Christina discusses BCS's role within DED, the variety of programs it administers - including the Missouri Works Program and Historic Preservation Tax Credit (HTC) Program - and more. 00:00 Start 00:29 Guest intro and background 02:50 Business and Community Solutions Division (BCS) 03:40 Programs that BCS administers 06:01 BCS Team 07:51 How BCS’ categories fall under economic development 10:47 Missouri Works program 16:37 Historic Preservation Tax Credit Program (HTC) 20:35 Who are the BCS programs designed for? 22:25 Partnership with the Regional Engagement Division 25:14 HTC Improvement Initiative 29:22 How BCS helps Missourian’s prosper 30:00 Show wrap up and plugs Visit our website: https://ded.mo.gov Follow us on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MissouriDepartmentofEconomicDevelopment/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/MoEcoDevo LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/3591586/

Episode 14 - Missouri Partnership Feb 24, 2023

On this episode we speak with Missouri Partnership CEO, Subash Alias. He explains how Missouri Partnership attracts businesses to the state, while working hand-in-hand with the Missouri Department of Economic Development. We also discuss site selection, Missouri’s big business sectors, and more.

Episode 13 - Missouri Women's Council Feb 10, 2023

On this episode, we speak with Kellie Ann Coats, Executive Director of the Missouri Women’s Council. Kellie Ann discusses the work of the council during the pandemic and their current work with incarcerated women through the Aspire MO program.

Episode 12 - Neighborhood Assistance & Youth Opportunities Programs Jan 27, 2023

On this episode, we speak with Daniel Epler, Community Finance Supervisor. Daniel leads the team that administers the Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP) and Youth Opportunities Program (YOP). Daniel discusses the purpose of these programs and highlights their importance to local communities.

Episode 11 - Economic Research Jan 13, 2023

This episode features Jeff Pinkerton, Director of Economic Research. As DED's economics expert, Jeff sheds light on how data is gathered, how it's used, and what it can tell us about the economy - now and in the future.

Episode 10 - Strategy and Performance Division Dec 30, 2022

This episode of Inside EcoDevo features Paul Eisenstein, Director of the Strategy & Performance Division. Paul provides an overview of S&P and explains how it assists Team DED through a variety of functions, including strategic planning, data analysis, subject matter expertise, and much more.

Episode 9 - Connecting All Missourians Initiative Dec 16, 2022

On this episode we sit down with Stephanie Meyer, Project Manager with the Office of Broadband Development, to discuss the Connecting All Missourians initiative. This initiative will inform the state’s plans for spending more than $100 million toward broadband deployment to help bring internet to all Missourians.

Episode 8 - Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) Dec 02, 2022

On this episode we sit down with Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program Manager, Brandon Jenson. He tells us how CDBG programs are designed to support a community's wellbeing and greater capacity for growth. These grants are available in a variety of categories and can be utilized for a variety of community development initiatives.

Episode 7 - Regional Engagement Division Nov 18, 2022

In this episode, we sit down with the Director of the Regional Engagement Division, Lori Becklenberg. We discuss how the division promotes economic growth, delivers solutions for businesses and communities, and serves as the first point of contact for DED’s partners and customers

Episode 6 - Small Business Grant Program Nov 04, 2022

On this episode, we sit down with Taylor Mazdra, Senior Project Manager with Federal Initiatives, to discuss the upcoming Small Business Grant Program. This $10 million program is funded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and is intended to help Missouri small businesses recover from the financial struggles of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Episode 5 - Missouri One Start Oct 21, 2022

On this episode we sit down with Kristie Davis, Division Director for Missouri One Start. She gives us insight about how this comprehensive workforce program ensures eligible Missouri businesses have the right workforce, with the right skillset, at the right time.

Episode 4 - Broadband Development in Missouri Oct 07, 2022

On this episode we sit down with BJ Tanksley, Director of the Missouri Office of Broadband Development, to discuss the numerous broadband initiatives that are #ConnectingAllMissourians

Episode 3 - Federal Initiatives & All Things ARPA Sep 23, 2022

On this episode Shad Burner, Director of Federal Initiatives for the Missouri Department of Economic Development, gives us insight on the work happening within his department, as well as all things ARPA.

Episode 2 - Division of Tourism Sep 09, 2022

In this episode, we sat down with Stephen Foutes, Director of DED’s Division of Tourism. We talk all things Missouri tourism, including how the Division promotes the industry, its importance to our economy, and why our state is a great place to visit. We also discuss the award-winning That’s My Mo campaign and more!

Episode 1 - Intro to the Missouri Department of Economic Development Aug 24, 2022

On this inaugural episode we’ll be giving you an inside look on the Missouri Department of Economic Development, talking about who we are and what we do. Sitting down with us to give insight on the topic is Maggie Kost, Acting Director for the department.

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