“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…

“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.…

“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…

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…

“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…

“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…

“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…

“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…

“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…

“I’m obsessed with giving the audience something they don’t see coming.” —Jordan Peele Economic development is heavily focused on relationship building. And with relationship building comes event after event. Here at Consultant Connect we often get asked, how do you find the cool and memorable venues and moments that make all the difference? In this…