ShovelTalk

The Role of Electric Cooperatives in Regional Economic Development: Gerri Lawing, Economic Development Coordinator • Guadalupe Valley Economic Development (GVEC)

Mon, 20 Dec 2021 14:00:00 +0000

Gerri Lawing knows what it takes to further complicated development goals at a regional level. As the economic developer for GVEC, Gerri promotes growth in a large territory that includes rural and urban areas of Texas. Hear her insights and learn how working with Golden Shovel has made it easier for Gerri to get the job done!

Connecting a Region, Tribes and States In a Shared Vision for the Future: Arvin Trujillo CEO • Four Corners Economic Development (NM)

Tue, 16 Nov 2021 13:00:00 +0000

As a passionate advocate for his community and tribe, Arvin Trujillo builds bridges between a wide group of stakeholders and communities. His approach to economic development is collaborative and inclusive - something that has made it possible for historic agreements to be reached and projects to be completed. Learn from his strategic approach to community building that is both optimistic and forward-thinking. This is a must-listen for anyone looking to collaborate on a broader scale or promote a regional mindset.

A NextGen Economic Developer Tackles Transitioning Economies: Sara Harris, Executive Director • Midland (TX) Development Corporation

Mon, 25 Oct 2021 19:00:00 +0000

Sara Harris is the next generation of economic developers and she's tackling a legacy challenge - transitioning an energy economy into one that is diverse and attractive to younger residents. Her strategies, and the collaborative efforts of the MDC, are working. A historic oil and gas community, Midland is undergoing a transformation with notable achievements that include being recognized as a startup hub and developing a Spaceport Business Park.

A Leader's Perspective: Caring for Our Communities & Caring for Ourselves: Lisa R. Hurley, Executive Director • York County (NE) Development Corporation

Sun, 03 Oct 2021 11:00:00 +0000

Lisa Hurley is an award-winning economic developer who has made her mark in rural Nebraska. Her forward-thinking ideas have put her at the forefront of economic development innovation. She was an early adopter of new technology like virtual reality videos and integrated social media campaigns. Her strategies have resulted in economic growth and job creation, but in this episode of Shovel Talk, Lisa takes the conversation one step further by examining what it means to care for yourself while you care for your community. It's time to get real with Lisa Hurley.

Building An Economy That Works for Everyone, A Leader's Perspective: Commissioner Steve Grove, Minnesota DEED

Sun, 01 Aug 2021 21:00:00 +0000

Steve Grove, Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, joins the Golden Shovel team on this episode of Shovel Talk. Formerly with Google and YouTube, Commissioner Grove has a unique perspective on what it takes to build a system that is equitable and accessible by all. That mindset is at the focus of his department’s efforts to spur economic recovery and growth in Minnesota. He shares strategies, insights, and recommendations for how leaders can work to build an economy that works for everyone. Oh! And he also played Shovel Toss. You’ll never believe his answers to Amanda’s questions!

An Economic Architect Rethinks How We Grow Communities: Mark Lautman

Wed, 23 Jun 2021 13:00:00 +0000

Mark Lautman is a visionary who foretold today's workforce shortages in his 2011 book, When The Boomers Bail. As an economic architect who led the development of master planned communities, Lautman takes a data-driven approach to community building, job creation and talent attraction. Learn about his transformative approach to economic development and how it can be implemented by economic developers throughout the country.

Preserving History and Surviving a Pandemic on Main Street U.S.A.: Molly and Tom LaFleche, Brunson's Pub (St. Paul, MN)

Wed, 19 May 2021 14:00:00 +0000

Owning and running a 'public house' has always been a dream for this successful couple. Get to know Tom and Molly as they share their journey to (or back in Molly's case) a historic East St. Paul neighborhood, opening Brunson's Pub in 2017. You will also learn about their community involvement, the origin of some of their famous menu items and even a review of some high school fashion choices.

Powerful Things Come in Small Packages: Amy Madison, Pflugerville (TX) Economic Development

Tue, 04 May 2021 22:00:00 +0000

From the smallest kid in school to the largest presence in Pflugerville's economic development, Amy Madison's journey is one of grit, constant determination and the refusal to take "no" for an answer. Join us to learn more about Amy's journey, how her refusal to accept "no" has won dollars and projects for her community and to hear funny stories from her childhood and past economic development conferences. You won't want to miss it!

From Juilliard and the Cowardly Lion to Landing Major Projects for East Kentucky: Chuck Sexton, One East Kentucky

Tue, 13 Apr 2021 10:00:00 +0000

The road to economic development is sometimes long and winding, or in this case it may just be a yellow brick road. Chuck Sexton has always loved to perform. From being invited to audition for Julliard, to becoming a radio personality and playing the Cowardly Lion in theater productions of the Wizard of Oz, Chuck knows how to entertain and how to put on a show. Those same skills have been quite useful when serving as the President & CEO of One East Kentucky - a regional economic development organization. "When people think of Appalachia they hear banjos playing in their head but I've never seen any banjos. Instead, we have a skilled workforce and companies using the latest technologies," said Chuck. Now, he's using traditional video, virtual reality and virtual tours to put on the biggest show of all - the one that gets people to see the truth about East Kentucky and the people who call it home. Click to hear more, including an impression and song from Chuck's theater days!

From Legos to Entrepreneurship: Aniki Allen, Creator of Ice Cream Bowties

Tue, 23 Mar 2021 23:00:00 +0000

Meet Aniki Allen, the inspiring Founder and Creator of Ice Cream Bowties. This teen youngpreneur is blazing the trail for other aspiring entrepreneurs. Listen to hear how an eight-year-old playing with legos turned a hobby into a business, and a business into a movement. Through the Youngpreneur Workshops Aniki hosts with his mother and co-founder, Marsha, they are showing kids that it is possible to pursue their dreams, start a business, and forge their own path through entrepreneurship. This form of youth empowerment is inspiring and can become part of any economic developers strategy to cultivate the next generation of business leaders in their communities.

Dedication to Dream: Ryan Tanke, Minnesota Timberwolves/Lynx

Fri, 26 Feb 2021 19:00:00 +0000

Meet the COO of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx, Ryan Tanke. Ryan shares his career path from selling tickets to unpaid intern to NBA executive. Ryan's story is a testament to perseverance and 'stick-to-itiveness' in pursuit of a dream. Also learn about what helped shape Ryan as adolescent and he also happily accepts the role of guinea pig for a new ShovelTalk game.

Supporting Entrepreneurs and Startups: Steve Radley and Erik Pedersen, NetWork Kansas

Tue, 02 Feb 2021 11:00:00 +0000

Meet the two inspiring minds behind NetWork Kansas, a supportive and resourceful network for entrepreneurs and start-ups. Steve Radley and Erik Pedersen share their own journey in entrepreneurship, from the failures to the successes, and of course, starting NetWork Kansas. We’ll find out how they spend their time “off the clock” (because who doesn’t need an excuse to go to Vegas) and they reveal the top three action items that any aspiring entrepreneur needs to know and can start today to set out on the path to entrepreneurial success.

Visit the NetWork Kansas website: https://www.networkkansas.com/

'From the Projects of D.C. to Rural Nebraska:' Garry Clark, Greater Fremont, NE Development Council

Mon, 04 Jan 2021 18:00:00 +0000

Bethany and Amanda follow the journey of Garry Clark, President and CEO of the Greater Fremont, Nebraska Development Council, published author and public speaker. Listen as he shares his experience growing up in the projects of Washington D.C. and his career path that lead him to rural Nebraska. Garry shares his motto of resiliency through COVID-19 and advice for tackling fear. Stick around until the end to hear the story behind his staple, everyday neckwear - his bowtie.

'Eyes Wide Open:' Horton Hobbs, Greater Springfield OH Economic Development

Wed, 02 Dec 2020 15:00:00 +0000

Bethany and Amanda interview Horton Hobbs, VP, Economic Development at Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce. Find out what it was like growing up around notable scientists, how he ended up working in economic development and how his team has handled the pandemic. Horton shares advice he’s received along his career path and even gives us a glimpse into his family life.