As economic uncertainty grows, how is the leading organization in economic development positioning its members for success? In this episode, Nathan Ohle, President and CEO of IEDC, is sharing how they're tackling today's most pressing challenges while simultaneously preparing members for tomorrow's opportunities.

Key Takeaways:

• How the economic development field is evolving from community competition to regional collaboration, and what this means for your EDO
• Ways IEDC is breaking down barriers through revised membership structures and expanded virtual learning options
• What "thinking globally" really means for local economic developers in today's interconnected economy
• What you can do to prepare for the coming wave of retirements in the profession and position yourself for leadership opportunities

Resources Mentioned:

• IEDC Membership Information

About the Guest:

Nathan Ohle is the President and CEO of the International Economic Development Council (IEDC), a non-profit, non-partisan membership organization serving economic developers, with more than 5,000 members globally. You can connect with Nathan on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/nathan-ohle-066b782

The EDO Breakthrough podcast is brought to you by PPR Strategies. PPR Strategies is a strategic consulting firm working specifically with EDOs and other place-based organizations. We share the unique stories of communities through communications, strategic planning, marketing, media relations, and more.

Visit us at pprstrategies.com/edobreakthrough to learn more and to submit a question for a future episode.

Produced and edited by SpeakEasy Productions.

What happens when economic development spans 44,000 square miles of rural frontier?

In our season two finale, Jolene Schalper, CEcD, joins us to share how Great Falls, Montana, serves as the hub for a vast region and why the upcoming IEDC Rural Retreat is breaking the conference mold by taking participants directly into the communities they're learning about.

Key Takeaways:

• How to build a stronger ecosystem despite geographic challenges
• What to expect from the innovative Rural Retreat format, including mobile breakout sessions and community-based learning experiences
• How to make the most of conference networking by setting audacious goals

Resources Mentioned:

• Great Falls Development Alliance
• “Down a Staff Person” Free Guide
• IEDC Rural Retreat
• Walk2Connect
• Richard Scarry Books

About the Guest:
Jolene Schalper, CEcD, is the Executive Vice President of the Great Falls Development Alliance. You can connect with Jolene on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/joleneschalper

The EDO Breakthrough podcast is brought to you by PPR Strategies. PPR Strategies is a strategic consulting firm working specifically with EDOs and other place-based organizations. We share the unique stories of communities through communications, strategic planning, marketing, media relations, and more.

Visit us at pprstrategies.com/edobreakthrough to learn more and to submit a question for a future episode.

Produced and edited by SpeakEasy Productions.

Surrounded by jurisdictions 50 times its size, the City of Fairfax has mastered the art of punching above its weight. In this episode, Chris Bruno shares how this 25,000-resident community competes with neighboring giants and transforms limitations into strategic advantages.

Key Takeaways:

• How you can create strategic alliances that allow your smaller jurisdiction to participate on a larger stage
• The frameworks for developing business support initiatives that can lower vacancy rates and stimulate business growth in your community
• How to showcase your achievements, build brand recognition, and secure resources to future-proof your local economy against potential challenges

Resources Mentioned:

• NoVA EDA
• Fairfax City
• Work in NoVA

About the Guest:

Chris Bruno serves as the CEO and Director of Fairfax City Economic Development, as well as the Director of Economic Development for the City of Fairfax. You can connect with Chris on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/chrismbruno

The EDO Breakthrough podcast is brought to you by PPR Strategies. PPR Strategies is a strategic consulting firm working specifically with EDOs and other place-based organizations. We share the unique stories of communities through communications, strategic planning, marketing, media relations, and more.

Visit us at pprstrategies.com/edobreakthrough to learn more and to submit a question for a future episode.

Produced and edited by SpeakEasy Productions.