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 both your community and within your leadership capabilities.

Over the years, the Consultant Connect team has seen many amazing economic development heroes reach incredible goals, and we know these winning moments happen because of continuous learning, evolving and innovation. Join us each week for in-depth interviews and relevant leadership development topics to help economic developers grow. We firmly believe that when leaders get better, communities thrive!

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

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Episode 203: Data Can’t Be the End…It Needs to be the Start
Episode 203: Data Can’t Be the End…It Needs to be the Start 150 150 America's Jobs Team

“There was never a night or a problem that could defeat sunrise or hope.” – Bernard Williams Schools are back in session and what better way to kick off a new school year than with an America’s Jobs Team episode that focuses on toolkits, data, inclusion, equity, and plenty of activity! What tools do you…

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Episode 202: Go North of The Border
Episode 202: Go North of The Border 150 150 America's Jobs Team

“When you speak to companies about attracting and retaining talent, we often say that you can find a diverse workforce, and you can scale in the Toronto region. You can find your talent here and as hopefully the company continues to grow and be successful, you can find people here to do that.” -Michael Keoshkerian…

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Episode 201: The Impact of Community
Episode 201: The Impact of Community 150 150 America's Jobs Team

“You get to see the community change daily. Myself and my staff get to impact the community whether it’s working with our commission or working with state leaders.” –Cal Wray What is your region and community best known for? When you first hear Augusta, Georgia, your mind may automatically resort to the iconic Master’s tournament.…

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Episode 200: Building Your Professional Network
Episode 200: Building Your Professional Network 150 150 America's Jobs Team

“We exist to ultimately drive forward strategic initiatives, diversify the economy, and to raise the quality of living for everyone. We’re trying to make peoples lives better in our community.” -Danielle Casey How did you first get involved in economic development? Danielle Casey’s unconventional path towards this industry came about after her previous experience in…

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Episode 199: Listening to the Market
Episode 199: Listening to the Market 150 150 America's Jobs Team

Development is about transforming the lives of people, not just transforming economies. – Joseph E. Stiglitz What would you say your purpose is within economic development? For Desa Burton, changing the lives of those within her community through job opportunities has been the focus of her organization. Zip Code Wilmington focuses on providing quality software…

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Episode 198: The Power of Team in Economic Development
Episode 198: The Power of Team in Economic Development 150 150 America's Jobs Team

“Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, and working together is success.” – Henry Ford What would you say your economic development superpower is? Jason Giulietti describes his as the power of team, and he takes pride in playing a leadership role on his. Currently serving as President at Greater San Marcos Partnership, Jason…

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Episode 197: Taking a Leap of Faith
Episode 197: Taking a Leap of Faith 150 150 America's Jobs Team

“Economic development is all about connecting, networking, and relationships.”  -Christina Frank Have you ever considered taking a leap of faith in your career? For Christina Frank, economic development wasn’t quite in her sights as she began her career in social work after college. Despite her untraditional path towards economic development, this “leap of faith” has…

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Episode 196: Connecting the Dots
Episode 196: Connecting the Dots 150 150 America's Jobs Team

“The ultimate resource in economic development is people. It is people, not capital or raw materials that develop an economy.” – Peter Drucker What began as a small two-page business plan has developed into something spectacular. Jennifer Owens CEcD, President of Lakeshore Advantage, joins Carla Sones on America’s Job Team Podcast. She reflects on her…

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Episode 195: Long-Term Connections Within Economic Development
Episode 195: Long-Term Connections Within Economic Development 150 150 America's Jobs Team

“Economic development is a great profession. It’s one where you do make lifetime friends” –  Jim Staton Have you ever built a long-lasting friendship through a working relationship? Carla Sones welcomes in good friends Chris Schastok and Jim Staton to share their experiences and how they met through economic development. Chris Schastok, Executive Vice President…

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Episode 194: Know Your Why and Create Trust Within Your Team
Episode 194: Know Your Why and Create Trust Within Your Team 150 150 America's Jobs Team

“Trust is something that is built. Everybody has to come to the table being willing to bring their best to an event but also be prepared to flex in and out of roles.” – Carla Sones When you bring site consultants or others into your community, what is your why? Why are you doing this…

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