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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 071: Mike Neal | Tulsa Regional Chamber
 Episode 071: Mike Neal | Tulsa Regional Chamber 150 150 America's Jobs Team

On This Week’s Podcast: Mike Neal joins Nick Riashi for an energetic interview, where Mike dives into how he went from accounting to banking to political staffer to economic developer. Mike talks about the speed of change throughout this year, and how he is continuing to find joy and reward in the dance. He gives…

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Episode 070: Timothy Downs | Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce
 Episode 070: Timothy Downs | Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce 150 150 America's Jobs Team

On This Week’s Podcast: Timothy Downs joins Faye Davis to talk shop. Timothy shares his biggest personal leadership challenge as this year keeps going at its relentless pace. He dives into the perceived reasons for the current deal flow trends in the greater Durham region, particularly touching on the specific industries affected. As a former…

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Episode 069: Barb LaMue | New North, Inc.
 Episode 069: Barb LaMue | New North, Inc. 150 150 America's Jobs Team

On This Week’s Podcast: Barb LaMue, Executive Director at the New North, Inc., talks about her renewed commitment to trusting her team and striving to be more patient. She dives into how her region stepped up during times of crisis to support their neighbors. Like most of us in economic development, Barb is profoundly thankful…

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Episode 068: Marva Bryan | Development Authority of Fulton County
 Episode 068: Marva Bryan | Development Authority of Fulton County 150 150 America's Jobs Team

On This Week’s Podcast: Marva Bryan shares incredible insights into having difficult conversations surrounding equity and systemic racism on today’s podcast. She talks about why compassion is her strongest quality that has enabled her to have meaningful dialogue on difficult subjects like addressing racial issues, tackling legacy poverty, and finding her inner permission to speak…

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Episode 067: David Leezer | Wichita Falls (TX) Chamber of Commerce
 Episode 067: David Leezer | Wichita Falls (TX) Chamber of Commerce 150 150 America's Jobs Team

On This Week’s Podcast: David Leezer joins Nick Riashi to talk about the rollercoaster that is 2020. David talks about the importance of body language and receiving non-verbal cues and how the digital space has affected those methods of communication. He shares his favorite aspects of being in economic development and dives into why he…

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Episode 066: Courtney Pogue | City of Dallas
 Episode 066: Courtney Pogue | City of Dallas 150 150 America's Jobs Team

On This Week’s Podcast: Courtney Pogue joins Carla Sones to talk all things 2020.  He candidly shares how pivoting became the name of 2020’s game and what unique things the City of Dallas has done to support businesses through COVID-19 and social unrest. Courtney shares why it’s crucial for economic developers to stay closely tied…

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Episode 063: Realign Your Services and Refresh Your Brand: Moving from Crisis to Renaissance, Part 1
 Episode 063: Realign Your Services and Refresh Your Brand: Moving from Crisis to Renaissance, Part 1 150 150 America's Jobs Team

As businesses are reopening, we are hearing of many which are struggling with a clear sense of direction. On today’s episode, Carla Sones and Ron Kitchens embark on part one of a three-part series talking through how to move from crisis to renaissance. First up: realigning your services and refreshing your brand. Ron and Carla…

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Episode 062: The Drive for Racial Equity Needs Economic Developers
 Episode 062: The Drive for Racial Equity Needs Economic Developers 150 150 America's Jobs Team

Social unrest and the drive for racial equity is top of mind right now. Today, Carla talks with Quentin L. Messer, Jr, who recently wrote a powerful article about his experiences as a Black man in America. Quentin graciously joined the C2 O’Clock call on Friday, June 12 to dive deeper into his insights and…

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