“The goal is to build relationships. Both site consultants and economic developers are hungry for relationships with one another, not just learning from one another but really feeling connected.” –Carla Sones Are you traveling to a site consultant’s market soon? What are the rules of engagement around inviting site consultants for a meal while on…

“Rather than feeling bad about limited resources, the conversation became about forming partnerships to create more opportunities for a rural county.” –Cathy Knapp Economic development can look vastly different for rural areas; often, the local organization is a one-person shop. Challenges around needing to prioritize time for projects with office management tasks can be huge…

“Site consultants want to come out and build relationships and learn. As you’re planning your visit, it’s really important to think about what the goal is of the tour.” –Carla Sones So, you’re thinking about inviting some site consultant friends to learn more about your region. Do you know where to start? Have you thought…

“The regions that can adapt to change by producing the next generation of talent, along with addressing equity and inclusion, will have more balanced and prosperous economies.” –Chris Camacho Economic recovery is on a fast track, and the greater Phoenix area is running full steam ahead. Having recovered over 80% of the jobs lost in…

“Having experience in most of the roles I now oversee, I have become a player-coach to my team.” –Jayson Knott How will your experiences today play into your future? Have you ever tried to reframe your perception of your role today in terms of how the skills you’re learning now will shape the career path…

“Economic development, at its best, brings people together” –Quentin Messer, Jr. Do you step into opportunities with enthusiasm and passion? Do you allow your unique attributes to play into your daily leadership and work? On this episode, Carla Sones talks with Quentin Messer, Jr. about personal qualities that drive you professionally. Quentin lets us in…

“Celebrate what you want to see more of.” –Tom Peters Do you consider yourself a ‘deal junky’? Does your adrenaline kick in when that RFI shows up? Do you feel the excitement at every ribbon cutting? Today, Faye Davis talks with Carla Sones about keeping momentum going after wins. We all know the feeling of…

“I like being able to see the change that were making, one job at a time, in our community and the impact that makes.” –Cristina Paredes How do you creatively bring in other companies to partner with your strategy efforts? When you’re working on an initiative, do you try to involve your whole community? Do…

“Leadership is an action, not a position.” –Donald McGannon Do you ever find yourself looking to a coworker for leadership or advice on a project? Do you see yourself stepping into that role for your teammates? As economic developers, we often find ourselves in roles of authority that shift with project needs. Today, Faye Davis…

“Performance and partnerships, I think, are the most important for any profession.” –Brandon Simmons Do you remember the energy and passion that drew you into economic development? Do you bring that energy into relationships that attracts businesses and partnerships to you? Do you still have the competitive endurance to run the marathon of economic development?…