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WE ARE AMERICA’S JOBS TEAM.

America’s future relies on people like you to foster a dynamic economy. It’s a big responsibility, but you are not alone in shouldering the weight. You are part of America’s Jobs Team!

You know—as do we—that the business of creating jobs is hard work, requiring more than just a little bit of elbow grease. You’ve got to have: deep industry knowledge; community and workforce familiarity; an ability to form deep relationships and create unity; perseverance; and the drive to keep growing.

Over the years, the Consultant Connect team has seen many amazing economic development warriors battling for their communities. We are connecting with these fellow community champions to dive into how they got to where they are, what lessons they have learned along the way, and what inspires them daily. We firmly believe that when leaders get better, communities thrive!

Listen to the America’s Jobs Team podcast below, or find it on iTunes.

Sign up to receive America’s Jobs Team directly to your inbox!

Episode 084: Greg Hitchin | City of Waynesboro, VA
 Episode 084: Greg Hitchin | City of Waynesboro, VA 150 150 America's Jobs Team

On This Week’s Podcast: Carla Sones is joined by Greg Hitchin. Greg talks about some of the proudest moments he’s had this year thanks to his knack for relationship building and collaboration. Him and Carla talk about the ever-shifting talent pool within the economic development industry and how he has made decisions to move from…

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Episode 083: Cecilia Harry | Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC
 Episode 083: Cecilia Harry | Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC 150 150 America's Jobs Team

On This Week’s Podcast: Carla Sones sits down with Cecilia Harry, and the two talk about how a background in psychology and social work has allowed Cecilia to have a very different perspective on economic development. She shares an experience she had early on in her career which made her realize that business decisions can…

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Episode 082: Gilberto Salinas | Kerr Economic Development Corporation
 Episode 082: Gilberto Salinas | Kerr Economic Development Corporation 150 150 America's Jobs Team

On This Week’s Podcast: Ron Kitchens talks with Gilberto Salinas, and the two explore how business is going to change in the future as a direct result of 2020’s accelerated impacts. Gil talks about the increased importance of relationship building and marketing in economic development, and why these things will always remain at the core…

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Episode 081: Bill Cronin | Pasco EDC
 Episode 081: Bill Cronin | Pasco EDC 150 150 America's Jobs Team

On This Week’s Podcast: Carla Sones talks with Bill Cronin, and the two have an in-depth and inspiring conversation about the responsibility we carry as leaders. Bill talks about the challenge of staying energized and how checking in on a personal level with his team has helped keep him (and them!)  motivated. He shares the…

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Episode 080: Molly Howey | GO Topeka
 Episode 080: Molly Howey | GO Topeka 150 150 America's Jobs Team

On This Week’s Podcast: Carla Sones sits down to talk with Molly Howey, and the two dive into remedying the loss of unintentional information exchange from the increase in virtual work. Molly talks about the HOST (Helping Others Support Topeka) program which was launched by Topeka’s philanthropic community to support businesses and displaced workers. She…

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Episode 079: Linda DiMario | Greater Irvine Chamber
 Episode 079: Linda DiMario | Greater Irvine Chamber 150 150 America's Jobs Team

On This Week’s Podcast: Linda DiMario talks with Ron Kitchens. The two dive into the value of integrating tourism and economic development, and Linda shares how the Greater Irvine Chamber is helping businesses of all sizes be better prepared for future crises after witnessing that most businesses were not prepared to handle a small crisis…

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Episode 078: Ean Johnson | OmniTRAX
 Episode 078: Ean Johnson | OmniTRAX 150 150 America's Jobs Team

On This Week’s Podcast: Ean Johnson joins Ron Kitchens and the two of them dive into the roles that economic developers can (and should) play in today’s accelerated change track. Ean’s team is always a remote team, and as such he is able to share invaluable insights on leading remotely. He talks about how his…

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Episode 077: Daniel Silverman | Invest Quebec
 Episode 077: Daniel Silverman | Invest Quebec 150 150 America's Jobs Team

On This Week’s Podcast: Ron Kitchens interviews Daniel Silverman. Right out the gates, they dive into the very intentional immigration Quebec has. Daniel shares how he navigated hurdles on his onboarding journey as the pandemic shut down any in-person strategies, and talks about the crash course he got in managing up as well as managing…

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Episode 076: Annemarie Henton | Albuquerque Economic Development
 Episode 076: Annemarie Henton | Albuquerque Economic Development 150 150 America's Jobs Team

On This Week’s Podcast: Annemarie Henton joins Ron Kitchens for a conversation centered on the importance of rallying around realistic positivity. Annemarie has a background in branding and communications, and she dives into how communities can leverage their own unique selling points and getting their residents to be part of that messaging. Annemarie shares her…

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Episode 075: Bethany J. Miller | Greater Houston Partnership
 Episode 075: Bethany J. Miller | Greater Houston Partnership 150 150 America's Jobs Team

On This Week’s Podcast: Bethany Miller talks with Ron Kitchens about her journey into economic development (spoiler alert: mentors played a huge role!). Bethany dives into Houston’s status as the most diverse city in the USA and how economic development is affected. She shares insights on the importance of assessing your own disposition on a…

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