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Episode 083: Cecilia Harry | Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC
Episode 083: Cecilia Harry | Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC 150 150 America's Jobs Team

On This Week’s Podcast:

Carla Sones sits down with Cecilia Harry, and the two talk about how a background in psychology and social work has allowed Cecilia to have a very different perspective on economic development. She shares an experience she had early on in her career which made her realize that business decisions can make or break a community. Cecilia talks about the challenges of being a female leader in economic development and what her secret weapon is to get 20 minutes of uninterrupted time with a mentor. She has some great insights on being each other’s cheerleaders to grow and thrive; tune in now to hear more from Cecilia’s interview!

Cecilia is the Chief Economic Development Officer of the Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC, the largest economic development, chamber of commerce, and business advocacy organization in southern Colorado. As Chief Economic Development Officer, Harry leads the organization’s economic development mission to attract, expand, and retain top business in Colorado Springs. She and her team develop and implement strategies that will support local businesses to improve the local economy, recruit employers, and execute workforce initiatives.

Do you prefer watching videos instead of listening to audio-only? We are now making the interviews available on YouTube as well! Subscribe to our channel to see each interview the moment it’s released.

America’s Jobs Team is sponsored by Research on Investment / Gazelle.ai
Episode 082: Gilberto Salinas | Kerr Economic Development Corporation
Episode 082: Gilberto Salinas | Kerr Economic Development Corporation 150 150 America's Jobs Team

On This Week’s Podcast:

Ron Kitchens talks with Gilberto Salinas, and the two explore how business is going to change in the future as a direct result of 2020’s accelerated impacts. Gil talks about the increased importance of relationship building and marketing in economic development, and why these things will always remain at the core of what we do as economic developers. He shares keen insights on the support system that was offered to him by mentors and how that shaped his leadership journey. Gil has great advice for folks looking to grow their career; tune in now to hear more!

Gilberto is the Chief Operation Officer of the Kerr Economic Development Corporation in Kerrville, Texas, which is in Hill Country and part of the San Antonio-Austin business corridor. As the economic development executive in Kerrville, Texas, he is implementing strategies for business and corporate growth in an array of sectors which are tied to the recently launched 2050 Your Voice-Your City comprehensive plan. In 2016, Governor Gregg Abbott appointed Gil to his Texas Aerospace & Aviation Advisory Committee. Gil is a recipient of the DCI 40-Under-40 Rising Stars in Economic Development in the nation and in 2015 was named the Distinguished Alumnus of Leadership Brownsville and Masons Community Builder of the Year. He is currently a board member of the International Economic Development Council and a founding board member of the Bordernomics Initiative-Mexican and Americans Thinking Together (MATT).

Do you prefer watching videos instead of listening to audio-only? We are now making the interviews available on YouTube as well! Subscribe to our channel to see each interview the moment it’s released.

America’s Jobs Team is sponsored by Research on Investment / Gazelle.ai
Episode 081: Bill Cronin | Pasco EDC
Episode 081: Bill Cronin | Pasco EDC 150 150 America's Jobs Team

On This Week’s Podcast:

Carla Sones talks with Bill Cronin, and the two have an in-depth and inspiring conversation about the responsibility we carry as leaders. Bill talks about the challenge of staying energized and how checking in on a personal level with his team has helped keep him (and them!)  motivated. He shares the old adage of “fire quickly, hire slowly” and why that is so important to his leadership. Bill gives so much timeless and valuable insight, tune in now to hear more!

Bill is the president and CEO at Pasco EDC, one of the fastest-growing areas in the Tampa Bay region.  Bill has a long career in economic development, having served in Charlotte, NC and Atlanta, GA, as well as at the state level in Floridy and South Carolina. In 2019 Bill co-founded The Human Trafficking Foundation, Inc. which supports non-governments organizations in the areas of rescue, recovery and advocacy for survivors of human trafficking. He also serves on the IEDC board of directors.

Do you prefer watching videos instead of listening to audio-only? We are now making the interviews available on YouTube as well! Subscribe to our channel to see each interview the moment it’s released.

America’s Jobs Team is sponsored by Research on Investment / Gazelle.ai
Episode 080: Molly Howey | GO Topeka
Episode 080: Molly Howey | GO Topeka 150 150 America's Jobs Team

On This Week’s Podcast:

Carla Sones sits down to talk with Molly Howey, and the two dive into remedying the loss of unintentional information exchange from the increase in virtual work. Molly talks about the HOST (Helping Others Support Topeka) program which was launched by Topeka’s philanthropic community to support businesses and displaced workers. She shares the role she and GO Topeka have played in being drivers of social change in her region. Tune in now, there’s much more to learn from Molly!

Molly is president of GO Topeka, which she joined in 2011 after spending six years in a private sector marketing firm. Armed with a drive to make the community around her better, Molly has spent the last nine years marketing Topeka, Kansas. The ever-changing industry and variability of each day is what makes Molly love her job.  In her role, she manages two industrial parks the organization owns and oversees all economic development efforts in the county. Molly also serves on the IEDC Board of Directors and several community boards.

Do you prefer watching videos instead of listening to audio-only? We are now making the interviews available on YouTube as well! Subscribe to our channel to see each interview the moment it’s released.

America’s Jobs Team is sponsored by Research on Investment / Gazelle.ai
Episode 079: Linda DiMario | Greater Irvine Chamber
Episode 079: Linda DiMario | Greater Irvine Chamber 150 150 America's Jobs Team

On This Week’s Podcast:

Linda DiMario talks with Ron Kitchens. The two dive into the value of integrating tourism and economic development, and Linda shares how the Greater Irvine Chamber is helping businesses of all sizes be better prepared for future crises after witnessing that most businesses were not prepared to handle a small crisis such as a water main break, much less a global pandemic. Linda talks about the importance of having the courage to speak up and step into a leadership role in times of turmoil, allowing economic developers to build capacity, trust, and influence in the profession and community. Listen to today’s interview for all of Linda’s thoughtful insights!

Linda has been with the Greater Irvine Chamber for over 7 years and recently transitioned into the role of economic development consultant to the Chamber. Her previous role was the executive vice president of economic development and tourism. This work included award-winning business retention and attraction programs, industry skill development initiatives, winning the 2018 Presidential “E” Award for export assistance, conducting the U.K. foreign direct investment initiative pursuing expansion-ready life science and technology companies for Irvine and sustaining and growing the Irvine/OC innovation eco-system. Before joining the Chamber, Linda was the owner of DiMario & Associates, an economic development, community branding and tourism consulting practice, working with over 100 cities, counties and organizations across the U.S. to grow and compete. Linda serves on the Board of Directors for the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) and Octane, Orange County’s premiere startup incubator and accelerator.

Do you prefer watching videos instead of listening to audio-only? We are now making the interviews available on YouTube as well! Subscribe to our channel to see each interview the moment it’s released.

America’s Jobs Team is sponsored by Research on Investment / Gazelle.ai
Episode 078: Ean Johnson | OmniTRAX
Episode 078: Ean Johnson | OmniTRAX 150 150 America's Jobs Team

On This Week’s Podcast:

Ean Johnson joins Ron Kitchens and the two of them dive into the roles that economic developers can (and should) play in today’s accelerated change track. Ean’s team is always a remote team, and as such he is able to share invaluable insights on leading remotely. He talks about how his life has been shaped by mentors who have seen things in him that he was previously unable to recognize himself, allowing Ean to explore fresh paths and opportunities. Tune in now to hear more!

Ean Johnson serves as Vice President, Economic Development for OmniTRAX, one of the largest private railroad and transportation management companies in the United States. In this position, he works at the intersection of customer and community to lead the company’s economic development across its 23-property footprint. Ean is also responsible for the execution of the firm’s business attraction strategy via site selection, economic development, and government sales channels. Ean also works with OmniTRAX served communities in preparation to embrace rail-related growth. A native of Ohio, Ean is a graduate of Wright State University with a degree in Economics. Ean has economic development experience at the municipal and regional levels in Ohio and New York. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for IEDC.

Do you prefer watching videos instead of listening to audio-only? We are now making the interviews available on YouTube as well! Subscribe to our channel to see each interview the moment it’s released.

America’s Jobs Team is sponsored by Research on Investment / Gazelle.ai
Episode 077: Daniel Silverman | Invest Quebec
Episode 077: Daniel Silverman | Invest Quebec 150 150 America's Jobs Team

On This Week’s Podcast:

Ron Kitchens interviews Daniel Silverman. Right out the gates, they dive into the very intentional immigration Quebec has. Daniel shares how he navigated hurdles on his onboarding journey as the pandemic shut down any in-person strategies, and talks about the crash course he got in managing up as well as managing down in this virtual business world. Daniel’s role at Invest Quebec revolves around foreign direct investment, and he has valuable insights on why cross-border collaboration and global teamwork are so crucial.

Daniel joined the newly created division of Investissement Quebec, Investissement Quebec International (IQI), in January 2020 as Vice President, Foreign Direct Investment to lead a team of 50+ foreign direct investment and talent attraction professionals based in Quebec with a network of 33 international offices. The IQI FDI team is responsible for attracting new foreign direct investment and talent to the province of Quebec as well as work with foreign subsidiaries on their re-investment projects throughout the province. Daniel was recognized as one of the Top 40 under 40 Economic Development Professionals by the IEDC in 2019, and he serves on the IEDC’s Board of Directors as well.

Do you prefer watching videos instead of listening to audio-only? We are now making the interviews available on YouTube as well! Subscribe to our channel to see each interview the moment it’s released.

America’s Jobs Team is sponsored by Research on Investment / Gazelle.ai
Episode 076: Annemarie Henton | Albuquerque Economic Development
Episode 076: Annemarie Henton | Albuquerque Economic Development 150 150 America's Jobs Team

On This Week’s Podcast:

Annemarie Henton joins Ron Kitchens for a conversation centered on the importance of rallying around realistic positivity. Annemarie has a background in branding and communications, and she dives into how communities can leverage their own unique selling points and getting their residents to be part of that messaging. Annemarie shares her own experience with mobilizing the community around a positive branding message with the “Stop Bagging, Start Bragging” campaign Albuquerque launched. Listen to more dynamic insights from Annemarie now!

Annemarie is the Vice President of Business Development and Marketing at Albuquerque Economic Development. She has over 15 years of experience in branding, marketing, public relations and communications, and in her current core she leads the organization’s business development and marketing strategies. She’s a key part of AED’s executive leadership team, and she’s the co-founder of Albuquerque’s award-winning “Stop Bagging, Start Bragging” campaign. Annemarie speaks nationally on the topic of emotional intelligence and multigenerational workplaces.

Do you prefer watching videos instead of listening to audio-only? We are now making the interviews available on YouTube as well! Subscribe to our channel to see each interview the moment it’s released.

 

America’s Jobs Team is sponsored by Research on Investment / Gazelle.ai
Episode 075: Bethany J. Miller | Greater Houston Partnership
Episode 075: Bethany J. Miller | Greater Houston Partnership 150 150 America's Jobs Team

On This Week’s Podcast:

Bethany Miller talks with Ron Kitchens about her journey into economic development (spoiler alert: mentors played a huge role!). Bethany dives into Houston’s status as the most diverse city in the USA and how economic development is affected. She shares insights on the importance of assessing your own disposition on a topic before diving into difficult conversations, and she talks about how she is choosing to reframe her experiences in 2020 as a very empowering time. Tune in now, you do not want to miss Bethany’s rich and thought-provoking interview!

Bethany joined the Greater Houston Partnership as Vice President of Regional Economic Development in October 2019 to lead the Partnership’s regional economic development efforts. Bethany oversees the implementation of regional business attraction, business retention & expansion, and ecosystem initiatives and programs that position the Houston region as a global location of choice for business and talent. She provides supervision on all domestic economic development projects in support of the mission to make Houston one of the world’s best places to live, work, and build a business.

Do you prefer watching videos instead of listening to audio-only? We are now making the interviews available on YouTube as well! Subscribe to our channel to see each interview the moment it’s released.

 

America’s Jobs Team is sponsored by Research on Investment / Gazelle.ai
Episode 074: Chris Camacho | Greater Phoenix Economic Council
Episode 074: Chris Camacho | Greater Phoenix Economic Council 150 150 America's Jobs Team

On This Week’s Podcast:

Chris Camacho joins Ron Kitchens to talk economic development and leadership. Chris shares how he evaluated and strategically chose his career moves, which in the moment may have looked like a step backward but in reality gave him the platform to catapult forward. He talks about the qualities which built the GPEC all-star team and identifies the characteristics which allow the team to thrive. He shares the importance of creating a strong connection with the community and what role economic developers have to play in order to help their region be as attractive as possible to new businesses.

A proven leader with more than 10 years in executive management roles, Chris Camacho serves as the president and CEO at the Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC), one of the longest-standing public-private partnerships for economic development across the country. During his tenure, GPEC has led the attraction of more than 322 companies creating 55,617 jobs and $5.6 billion in capital investment. In 2018, Chris was named a Most Admired Leader by the Phoenix Business Journal. In 2013, he was named among an international group of “40 Under 40” by Development Counsellors International, a New York-based firm recognizing rising talent in economic development. And in 2012, he also received a “40 Under 40” award from the Phoenix Business Journal, which each year identifies talent throughout Arizona.

Want to watch the interview unfold? We are now releasing episodes via video as well! Subscribe to our YouTube channel to see each interview the moment it’s released.

 

America’s Jobs Team is sponsored by Research on Investment / Gazelle.ai