“One can be a natural-born networker, but nurturing that growing network is a completely different skill that adds meaning to any relationship.” —Liana Hovakimyan Who else has felt immensely challenged by the inability to connect in-person over the past year? How has it affected your efforts to build relationships and grow your network? Today, Carla…

“The key to leadership is taking the time to listen and learn from others. It is not the easiest trait to learn and it takes time to develop the patience to absorb the information, decipher what is beneficial and implement best practices in day-to-day business activities.” —Tom Ryan When crisis hits or when the economy…

“Success is uncomfortable, and I learn more from failures. It’s not always fun, but seeing the silver lining helps me stay centered.” —Janel Carothers Deal chasing is part of the thrill of being an economic developer. But what happens when the chasing gets uncoordinated and ends up eating precious time and resources for projects that…

“There is no question off the table, just ask.” —Cal Wray Today’s conversation with Cal Wray, President at Augusta Economic Development Authority, is a great reminder of why economic developers do the hard work to make our communities better. Cal shares what keeps him passionate about economic development, even when times are tough, and he…

“I hope to be known as one who left everywhere he has been better than when he found it.” —F. J. “Josh” Fenn Collaborative and yet competitive. Do you find yourself in that statement? Economic development is a delicate balance of both traits. Josh Fenn joins today and dives into how he balances fighting for…

“My team knows that they can come and talk to me without judgment; it allows us to think of creative solutions to real challenges.” —Sean Maguire Have you had problems pushing timelines forward over the last year? You’re not alone. Today, Sean Maguire, Director of Planning and Economic Development for the Town of Colonie, NY,…

“I live in a city that has amazing scenic beauty, but I truly believe that quality of life for people begins with a job.” —Tammy Fields Who else struggles with telling their story and emphasizing the hard work that goes into economic development? Tammy Fields, Senior Vice President of Economic Development at the Colorado Springs…

“I see companies shifting their focus and working with economic development in new and unique ways; great companies continue to use adversity to find the path to new opportunity. “ —RJ Ball Today’s interview is full of energy! RJ Ball comes right out of the gates with the same zest that has landed him on…

“Economic development is not for the meek of heart.” —Thomas Kucharski If one person is not faint-of-heart, it’s Tom Kucharski. As the fearless leader of Invest Buffalo Niagara, which has grown to a regional power house under his leadership, Tom is also taking the helm of the IEDC Board of Directors this year. He joins…

“You want to be in something where you feel passionate and like you’re making a difference.” —Kurt Foreman How many times have you wished that you knew what site consultants were thinking and whether you should be hyper-project focused or long term focused? Lucky for us, Kurt Foreman has experience on the “other side” of…