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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 010: Alex Philips | City of Burleson, TX
 Episode 010: Alex Philips | City of Burleson, TX 150 150 America's Jobs Team

This Week on America’s Jobs Team Podcast: Alex Philips, economic development manager at City of Burleson, Texas, joins us on the podcast. Carla and Alex share a dynamic conversation that dives into how Alex’s father inspired enthusiasm for his work in him, as well as why Alex finds humility to be such an important trait.…

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Episode 009: Dennis Fraise | Lee County Economic Development
 Episode 009: Dennis Fraise | Lee County Economic Development 150 150 America's Jobs Team

This Week on America’s Jobs Team Podcast: Dennis Fraise (Chief Operating Officer at Lee County Economic Development) and Nick Riashi talk all things leadership. Dennis shares advice about building your own brand with integrity, how to continue challenging the status quo and why having joy in your job is so important. Dennis is the chief…

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Episode 008: Ben Jones (City Utilities of Springfield, MO)
 Episode 008: Ben Jones (City Utilities of Springfield, MO) 150 150 America's Jobs Team

This Week on America’s Jobs Team Podcast: Nick Riashi and Ben Jones share a conversation. Ben is the Manager of Economic Development for City Utilities of Springfield, Missouri. During today’s podcast, he shares how his time in the armed forces, and particularly the impact of an amazing captain, has shaped his leadership style. Ben also talks…

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Episode 007: Misti Martin (Cherokee Office of Economic Development)
 Episode 007: Misti Martin (Cherokee Office of Economic Development) 150 150 America's Jobs Team

This Week on America’s Jobs Team Podcast: Carla Sones talks with Misti Martin, president of the Cherokee Office of Economic Development. Misti shares her insights on why appreciation is so important to her and how today’s pace-of-work can be a challenge. Misti shares thoughts on wisdom she gleaned from mentors over the years, why she thinks…

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Episode 006 | Beth Doughty (Roanoke Regional Partnership)
 Episode 006 | Beth Doughty (Roanoke Regional Partnership) 150 150 America's Jobs Team

This Week on America’s Jobs Team Podcast: Ron Kitchens interviews Beth Doughty, executive director at the Roanoke Regional Partnership, about her leadership journey and the knowledge she has gained over the years. Beth shares her insights on the importance of creativity and how her art history major has been an asset over the years. She…

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Episode 005 | Tim Cowden (Kansas City Area Development Council)
 Episode 005 | Tim Cowden (Kansas City Area Development Council) 150 150 America's Jobs Team

This Week on America’s Jobs Team Podcast: Nick Riashi talks with Tim Cowden about all things leadership. Tim shares wisdom about staying relevant in today’s fast-paced world, and how ego and selfishness can wreck a career. Tim firmly believes that he is only as strong as the team he leads. Today’s podcast is jam-packed with…

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Episode 004 | John Longshore (Global Location Strategies)
 Episode 004 | John Longshore (Global Location Strategies) 150 150 America's Jobs Team

This Week on America’s Jobs Team Podcast: Nick Riashi is joined by John Longshore to discuss John’s leadership journey. John is a Principal and VP of Innovation at Global Location Strategies, where he has spent his time for the past six years. He has led numerous projects across North America and Europe, and the projects he has…

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Episode 003 | Ann Petersen (Cushman & Wakefield)
 Episode 003 | Ann Petersen (Cushman & Wakefield) 150 150 America's Jobs Team

This Week on America’s Jobs Team Podcast: Nick Riashi and Ann Petersen discuss Ann’s leadership journey through the years. Ann is a Senior Director at Cushman & Wakefield, where her primary responsibilities include negotiation with state and local economic development officials and implementation of incentives. Ann also provides complex financial analysis to her clients which…

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Episode 002 | Chris Schastok (CBRE)
 Episode 002 | Chris Schastok (CBRE) 150 150 America's Jobs Team

This Week on America’s Jobs Team Podcast: Carla Sones talks with Chris Schastok, First Vice President at CBRE. Chris is one of the national leaders of CBRE’s Location Strategy & Incentives practice. He has over 12 years of experience in aligning location decisions with business strategy and represents clients in various areas, including corporate headquarters,…

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Episode 001 | Jeff Finkle (IEDC)
 Episode 001 | Jeff Finkle (IEDC) 300 300 America's Jobs Team

This Week on America’s Jobs Team Podcast: Welcome to the inaugural episode of the America’s Jobs Team Podcast! Every week, you will hear leadership insights from an economic developer or site consultant. Our belief is that when leaders grow stronger, communities thrive. Today, Ron Kitchens talks with Jeff Finkle, President and CEO at the International Economic Development Council…

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