She defines creative placemaking as cross-sector, community-driven work that integrates arts, culture, and design to advance equitable economic, physical, and social change, and challenges the misconception that arts lack impact, citing a $1.6 BILLION regional arts impact and a $42 return per $1 ArtsWave investment.

Rachael highlights some examples including Northern Kentucky placemaking grants, Newport’s historic mural ordinance and Orchard Street Project, and arts integration in Covington’s CCR redevelopment and Florence’s planned sculpture park (check out the resources and links below).

In this episode, we explore:

• Rachel Parker’s journey—from fiber artist and educator to nonprofit leader—highlights how creative careers can evolve into community-shaping roles that bridge art, strategy, and regional development.
• How creative placemaking blends arts, culture, and community collaboration to spark equitable economic and social change, transforming projects like Newport murals, Covington redevelopment, and Florence’s future sculpture park.
• With nearly a century of impact, how ArtsWave has invested over $350M into the region—supporting 150+ organizations and demonstrating how the arts strengthen identity, community, and local development.

*Quotable: * “ It is certainly not fluff. It is of vital importance to the success of our communities that we have a creative economy.”

Resources and Links
Connect with Rachael Parker on LinkedIn

Engineering a creative renaissance in Northern Kentucky

New grant program is fueling the arts and boosting economic development in Northern Kentucky

ArtsWave, meetNKY award $58K for creative placemaking projects

Local arts organization announces artist-in-residence program

City of Covington Launches New Interactive Project Showcasing 100+ Public Art Installations

New Covington mural depicts city’s history and future

Window on the World

Josephine Sculpture Park

ArtsWave Boardway Bound Training Program

Special Guest: Rachael Parker.

In this episode, we explore:

• The transition from public-sector leadership to private consulting. Amalia explains the key differences between working inside local government and advising from the outside, and how her background enables her to bridge gaps among policy, planning, and implementation.
• Practical guidance for developers and local stakeholders, emphasizing the importance of understanding municipal processes, zoning, and regulatory frameworks.
• Organizational structures (restructures) and their impact on effectiveness. Amalia explains when restructuring economic development departments makes sense, what local governments should consider during the process, and how structure can either enable or hinder results.

Quotable: “ No matter what side of the table you're sitting on, if you're an economic developer, if you're the private sector trying to do a project, I always try to approach my work and my practice assuming the best intentions from everyone else involved.”

Resources and Links
Connect with Amalia Cunningham on LinkedIn
Amalia Cunningham Consulting
News and Views American Planning Association, "Where Should Economic Development Live?"

Special Guest: Amalia Cunningham, AICP.

In this episode, we explore:

• How effective workforce development goes far beyond job placement—it reshapes communities. Stephanie discusses the power of providing people with the right tools, support, and opportunities, and shares real examples of how workforce programs can change the trajectory of individuals and families.
• Complex realities of leading within workforce systems. Stephanie outlines persistent barriers—including funding constraints, siloed partnerships, and evolving employer needs—while also highlighting emerging opportunities to modernize training, elevate collaboration, and build more responsive systems.
• A troubling contradiction: Black women attain higher levels of education at increasing rates, yet face disproportionately high unemployment and underemployment. Stephanie offers data-informed context and personal reflections on the structural and cultural factors contributing to this gap.
• Strategies for pushing past limiting beliefs, recognizing one’s own power, and navigating environments that may not initially feel welcoming or supportive.

Quotable: “  Because when you get uncomfortable, it creates growth. It creates change, it creates a space for organizations and people to kind of hold a mirror up to themselves and say, what can I do differently?”

Resources and Links
Connect with Stephanie Bell-Bradley on LinkedIn
Connect with Platinum Bell Consulting, LLC on LinkedIn
The Paradox: Most Educated, Yet Facing Rising Unemployment

Special Guest: Stephanie Bradley.

In this episode, we explore:

• The importance of mentoring, Kimberly’s commitment to community growth, and the strategic evolution of Be NKY.
• Northern Kentucky's unique economic landscape, BE NKY’s data-driven initiatives, and workforce development efforts.
• The significance of professional development, networking, and maintaining a clear organizational 'why' for long-term success.

Quotable: “  Claim my seat at the table. It sounds somewhat cliche, but, not sitting in the back, not sitting on the sides, but sitting at the table with these decision makers.”

Resources and Links
Connect with Kimberly Rossetti on LinkedIn
Be NKY Growth Partnership
Northern Kentucky Atlas
Deliver Customized Workforce Solutions – BE NKY

Special Guest: Kimberly Rossetti.

In this episode, we explore:

• The belief that personal improvement leads to broader positive impacts in all areas of life.
• Investing in people and how that can impact your local development perspective.
• How to invite your community into placemaking, bit by bit.

Quotable: “ I just genuinely believe that when people get better, everything gets better.”

Resources and Links
Connect with Rebecca Undem on LinkedIn
Growing Small Towns

Special Guest: Rebecca Undem.

In this episode, we explore:

• The counterintuitive idea that sometimes the best solution is to do less, challenging the norms of our capitalistic society.
• By reducing our commitments and focusing on what truly matters, we open ourselves to an abundance of time, creativity, and energy that can lead to more meaningful achievements.
• The importance of putting founders first and how VC’s can achieve that.
  

Quotable: “ Sometimes, the answer is do less.”

Resources and Links
Connect with Lindsay Karas Stencel on LinkedIn
Connect with Danielle Blount on LinkedIn
BOLD Ventures | Be One, Live Determined
BOLDER Inc
BOLDER Book Club Launch

Special Guests: Danielle Blount and Lindsay Karas Stencel.

In this episode, we explore:

• We explore why having a mentor who shares your background, culture, or lived experiences can make all the difference in personal and professional growth.

• The Community Economic Coalition-aiming to create a small business campus as a centralized resource hub, reflecting a shift from reactive efforts to proactive strategies.

• The importance of collaboration, digital literacy, and storytelling in navigating challenges and achieving long-term success for minority-owned businesses.

Quotable:
"I think for us, we just realized the power of coming together and disrupting the system.”

Resources and Links
Connect with Krismin Inocentes Bell on LinkedIn
Philippine American Chamber of Commerce of Oregon (PACCO)
Connect with Nicole Davison Leon on LinkedIn
Hispanic Metropolitan Chamber

Special Guests: Krismin Inocentes Bell and Nicole Davison León.

From growing up as a military kid to leading in a male-dominated industry, Danielle shares how mentorship, lifelong learning, and strategic networking shaped her career. She also gives a behind-the-scenes look at IEDC’s key initiatives and the role of allyship in driving change.

In this episode, we explore:

• Danielle’s unexpected path into economic development
• How OUEDI boosts professional growth
• The power of organic mentorship
• Strategies for women in male-dominated industries
• IEDC’s evolving role and key initiatives

Quotable: “There has never been a time when I didn’t walk out of that going, Wow, I had something to offer, but boy did I learn a lot."

Resources and Links
Connect with Danielle Casey on LinkedIn
Albuquerque Regional Economic Alliance

Special Guest: Danielle Casey, CEcD, EDFP.

In this episode, we explore:

• How economic and community development intersect to drive change
• The ‘Bridges Out of Poverty’ model and its role in systemic solutions
• Building a comprehensive poverty reduction strategy
• Why cross-sector collaboration is essential for lasting impact
• The Urban Institute framework and its influence on upward mobility

Quotable: “It’s not just, hey, under-resourced folks, you know, you've got to build your resources and life stability, but it’s also, hey, community, here’s why these are challenges and barriers to people in our communities from getting ahead and truly staying ahead.”

Resources and Links
Connect with Mary Cacioppi on LinkedIn
Aha Process
Bridges to Prosperity
The Urban Institute’s Upward Mobility Framework
The Urban Institute
Economic Development that Benefits Everyone – Book
A Framework for Understanding Poverty – Book

Special Guest: Mary Cacioppi.

In this episode, we explore:

• The transition from economic development to marketing and communications.
• Why certifications and continuous professional development are important.
• Overcoming initial setbacks and fostering long-term business relationships.
• Strategies for engaging community partners and reaching underserved populations.
• The different communication styles of male and female practitioners.

Quotable: “Think of it as a journey – from bronze to silver, silver to gold, and eventually platinum. Each step helps identify improvements and brings you closer to being truly investment-ready.”

Resources and Links
Connect with Sandy Dubay on LinkedIn
PPR Strategies

Special Guest: Sandy Dubay, CEcD.

In this episode, we explore:

• The launch and impact of the REDI Sites program from pilot to full implementation
• Criteria and benefits of site designations
• The relationship between economic developers and site selectors
• Strategies for communities to attract quality investments
• The role and expansion of the Site Selectors Guild

Quotable: “Think of it as a journey – from bronze to silver, silver to gold, and eventually platinum. Each step helps identify improvements and brings you closer to being truly investment-ready.”

Resources and Links
Connect with Didi Caldwell on LinkedIn
Connect with Carrie Kelly on LinkedIn
Site Selectors Guild
REDI Sites

Special Guests: Carrie Kelly and Didi Caldwell.

In this episode, we explore:
The concept and benefits of "failing fast" in professional growth
Essential traits for leading women in economic development: collaboration, adaptability, and bias management
The significance of building and leveraging a supportive network among women
The evolution and future of Brittany Deal's roles, including her upcoming responsibilities as Director of Economic Competitiveness
Strategies for bold networking and engaging effectively in the industry

Quotable
“Empowered women inspire and support other women, fostering a community where we can all thrive.”

Resources and Links
Connect with Brittany Deal on LinkedIn
Lafayette Economic Development Authority (LEDA)

Special Guest: Brittany LaCour Deal, M.S., CEcD, CERP.

Quotable
“I would say to every woman, while it's not easy, I would encourage you to believe in what you say and say what you believe and then act appropriately upon those beliefs."

Resources and Links
Kentucky Association for Economic Development (KAED)
Connect with Terri Bradshaw on LinkedIn

Special Guest: Terri Bradshaw.

*In this episode, we explore:
*

• The concept of "targeted universalism"
• The importance of community-centered events
• What is JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion)?
• Progressive policies vs. state bans
• Diverse, resilient, and inclusive leadership models

Quotable

“Imagine a world where anyone can create a business and not have these huge hurdles and so much hardship trying to access capital and resources. We need to learn how to take people seriously and give them the opportunity. And why do we do that differently depending on people's demographic backgrounds?"

*Resources and Links
*
New Mexico Economic Development Department
Connect with Shani Harvie
Connect with Rita Veleta

Special Guests: Rita Veleta, EDP and Shani Harvie.

In this episode, we explore:

• Family-first values and flexible work schedules
• Diversity and opportunities in economic development
• Hiring people to complement weaknesses
• Saying 'yes' to challenges and combating self-doubt
• Upcoming Plans for St. Croix EDC

Quotable

“You have the skills, the tools and the resources. It's up to you how you implement those and take that leap into the journey of moving to that next step"

*Resources and Links
*
How to be a Power Connector by Judy Robinett

IEDC Training Courses

St. Croix Economic Development Corporation

Connect with Melissa Meschke on LinkedIn

Special Guest: Melissa Meschke, CEcD, EDP.

• The importance of regional cooperation
• The creative energy solutions that are pushing Kentucky towards a sustainable future
• Why resilience, passion, and adaptability are essential in economic development
• Expansion of the bourbon industry in Kentucky
• … and how to focus on what makes your workforce unique

Quotable

“Sometimes 50 jobs does transform a community. When you know a community well enough and you know that will make an incredible transformation, that's a lot of fun."

*Resources and Links
*

Kentucky Touchstone Energy Cooperatives
Standup Rural America
Coopapalooza
Connect with Brittany Cox on LinkedIn

Special Guest: Brittany Cox.

For several years, she conducted investigations and managed cases, providing crucial support to families in need. Her passion and dedication have profoundly impacted numerous lives, illustrating her commitment to making a difference beyond academic aspirations.

In this episode, we explore:

• ‘Male Allyship’ and Including men in discussions about women's issues
• Navigating perceptions around age and experience
• Promoting diversity on boards
• How can employers better support working parents?
• The importance of being confident and vulnerable as a leader

Quotable
“I've taken the risk multiple times in my career to just be my authentic self and be vulnerable about an obstacle in front of me, a challenge I was having, a solution that wasn't readily coming to me."

Resources and Links
SizeUp
Connect with Cecilia Harry on on LinkedIn

Special Guest: Cecilia Harry, CEcD.

In this episode, we explore:
Invest in Atlanta's unique approach during the COVID-19 pandemic
The importance of accessible resources for low-income earners
How economic development can balance supporting both large corporations and small businesses
The personal challenges she's faced in her career
… and some valuable advice on persistence and authenticity

Quotable
"Can I get small businesses to create wealth? And as they create wealth for themselves and their family, they hire more employees that then create wealth for their employees."

Resources and Links
Invest Atlanta
Advance Atlanta
Connect with Dr Eloisa Klementich on LinkedIn

Special Guest: Dr. Eloisa Klementich, CEcD.

In this episode, we explore:

• Establishing the pilot school in Plattsburgh for foreign students after the 9/11 regulations
• The importance of community preparedness in the face of unexpected events
• What are "red carpet" meetings?
• How often should teams prepare for conversations to stay updated with new laws and industry concerns?
• The role of mentorship in economic development

Quotable
“Being able to be there for the long haul and be willing to spend that time and that effort to maintain your companies and maintain those relationships is something I think is very important”

Resources and Links
North Country Good Life
North American Center of Excellence for Transportation Equipment
Connect with Sue on LinkedIn

Special Guest: Sue Matton, CEcD.

Quotable
“If we can create those incentives and those things that allow people to come back at a different point in their life to serve, I think that is a really interesting model."

Resources and Links
International Economic Development Council (IEDC)
Economic Recovery Corps
CARES Act Funding

National Association of Counties
National Association of Development Organizations
National League of Cities
Center on Rural Innovation

International City County Management Association (ICMA)

RAIN Catalysts
United Keetoowah Band

The Center by Lendistry

Wind River Development Fund

Special Guest: Nicole Manapol.

Carolee Wenderoth, the first person to ever occupy an advisory role on Tribal issues as the U.S EDA Tribal Engagement Coordinator, is passionate about building and expanding relationships among all levels of government with American Indians, Indian Tribes, Alaska natives, and other Native communities, as well as national and state economic development corporations. Join Carolee and Kaycee as they explore the ins and outs of her role with the EDA and how she supports Tribal Nations across the United States.

Key Takeaways

• Intentional relationship building and active listening are critical skills when supporting Tribal communities.

• Seek opportunities to strengthen Tribal sovereignty.

• The "Community of Practice" model not only has the potential to build capacity and relationships with targeted communities and local economic development practitioners but also allows the space for creative thinking to tackle community-specific challenges and barriers.

Quotables

"it's a special role dedicated to ensuring that underserved communities like tribal communities have representation as we look at better ways to engage with and make sure that program awareness is available."

"...we have people thinking about economic development and in more creative ways or more diverse ways."

"But it all starts with building relationships with tribal nations to learn about what their goals are, where they are, what their needs are."

"It's having that larger conversation that get people thinking about the entire ecosystem in ways that they may not have thought about it before."

"...because if we both understand what each other's goals are, and we understand what each other's assets are, and what our needs are, collectively, we're going to be able to help each other go a lot farther than if we're working in a siloed approach."

"If nobody starts it, it will never happen."

"Indian country is ready, and they're ready to meet the moment to make those economic development advances and as an economic development organization it would be beneficial to reach out to those tribal nations and and see how they can help advance those economic development dreams and goals."

Resouces & Links

(In order of their mentioning)

• • https://www.eda.gov/funding/funding-opportunities/fiscal-year-2021-2023-eda-planning-and-local-technical-assistance

• • https://www.eda.gov/funding/programs/american-rescue-plan/economic-adjustment-assistance

• • https://www.eda.gov/strategic-initiatives/communities-of-practice/Indigenous-Economic-Development-Community-of-Practice

• • https://www.eda.gov/about/economic-development-glossary/edd

• • https://www.eda.gov/news/blog/2022/10/24/tribal-nations-awarded-through-build-back-better-regional-challenge

• • https://www.eda.gov/funding/programs/regional-technology-and-innovation-hubs

• • https://www.eda.gov/funding/programs/recompete-pilot-program

• • https://www.eda.gov/funding/programs/american-rescue-plan/indigenous-communities

• • https://www.eda.gov/about/contact/

• • https://www.eda.gov/news/blog/2022/07/14/spotlight-edas-first-tribal-economic-development-representative-ernest-weston

Special Guest: Carolee Wenderoth.

Links:

• Fiscal Year 2021-2023 EDA Planning and Local Technical Assistance Program
• Economic Adjustment Assistance PROVIDING THE BUILDING BLOCKS FOR SUCCESS
• Indigenous Economic Development Community of Practice
• Economic Development Districts
• Tribal Nations Awarded Through the Build Back Better Regional Challenge
• Regional Technology and Innovation Hubs (Tech Hubs)
• Distressed Area Recompete Pilot Program (Recompete Pilot Program)
• Indigenous Communities SUPPORTING ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES
• EDA Contact Us
• Spotlight | EDA’s First Tribal Economic Development Representative Ernest Weston, Jr. is Building Stronger Relationships With Our Tribal Communities

Combining regionalism and ruralism is easier said than done. How do we balance support for our region while also competitively marketing our rural communities? Join Lorie Vincent, the Founder of Acceleration By Design, and Kaycee as they explore the topics of regionalism, female empowerment, and rural America. Lorie shares her insight into the importance of building regionalism, encourages female practitioners, and addresses how to support rural communities.

Key Takeaways

Regionalism

• Teamwork makes the dream work; a regional strategy, enhancing the value of strength through numbers and having a common message, can advance economic competitiveness and collective assets.

• If you have naysayers who oppose regionalism, provide tangible data to validate the return on investment, the benefits of working regionally, and the strategy behind lead generation, as opposed to working independently.

• When it comes to regional initiatives, ensure your individual community's identity will not be suppressed or restricted.

• If you are a regional EDP, assess the accessibility and balance of resources provided to your small communities; their needs will differ from those of larger metros.

Being a Women in Economic Development

• Find a strong mentor and allies.
• Be active in ED associations, especially committee work.
• Build, build, build.

Rural Economic Development

• Invest in your community. Don't wait.
• Learn what other communities are doing and tailor it to address your challenges and enhance your competitive advantages.

Quotables

"...the value of addressing challenges together that we could do so much more together than any of us could have done alone."

"if we wanted to really make some big things happen, some transformational things, then we had to do it together."

"...a win for a community 30 miles away or 60 miles away is a win for your community too."

"I carry a soft stick and I'm all about being positive and enthusiastic. And I think that has carried me well through my career. My mom taught me that."

"...don't worry about what barriers you may have because you're a young female in a male oriented industry, build your body of work where it cannot be disputed, where it will hold up, regardless of whose it is, build your, Success, build your resume, your training, build your skill set and your network."

"Nobody's going to invest in your community if you don't invest in yourself. And that's not just about money. It's about work and, and just building your community to be the best that it can be."

Resouces & Links

• •https://www.accelerationbydesign.com/

• •https://www.standupruralamerica.com/

Special Guest: Lorie Vincent, CEcD.

Many communities want to attract the greatest and most well-known high-tech companies. But, do they have the capacity to retain them? Would they even be a good fit for their communities? How would they know? Beka Burton from the Community and Economic Development Initiative of KY (CEDIK) breaks down the importance of embracing technology as an opportunity to fill data intelligence gaps to strengthen your economic development strategy.

Join Beka and Kaycee as they dive into business intelligence data platforms and how to discover and explore data that can drive informed decision-making within your organization and business community. Beka shares her insight into CEDIK's technology-based resources for Kentucky practitioners and leaders and how they impact business development strategies.

Key Takeaways

• Utilize the resources (yes, even the free resources), people, and organizations in your network to embrace technology to make better informed decisions as a practitioner.

• Dig deep with your business community to determine what the gaps are in technology accessibility and what resources, products, and data are available to protect and enhance their business intelligence.

• Collaborate with your community's communication coordinators; narrow down the output for more effective communication with your business community.

Quotables

"...making technology work for you instead of having you work with technology."

"...it's finding the volunteer within the community It's able to dedicate time and managing some of these relationships with the businesses."

"We want to remove those barriers for access for great technology."

"...is it really helpful if all I need is a Phillips head screwdriver, and you just keep giving me a hammer? No. I mean, will I get the job done? A hundred percent yes."

"... businesses expand and stay because they feel cared for."

"Communities that embrace technology are a lot more resilient in the face of challenges."

"It's important that we're challenged by others across different backgrounds, with different ethnicities, with different professional and personal experiences."

Resouces & Links

• •https://cedik.ca.uky.edu/

• •https://www.ruralplacemaking.com/

• •https://cedik.ca.uky.edu/bludot

• •https://sizeupkentucky.com/

• •https://www.harlancountyeda.com/harlan-county-business-park

Special Guest: Beka Burton, CEcD.

The night of December 10th, 2021, changed the lives of many people, including Kathy O'Nan, the Mayor of Mayfield, Kentucky. Mayor O'Nan is a courageous and empathetic leader who advocates for her community and dedicated to recovering and revisioning the hope and future of Mayfield. Hey story serves as a powerful example of what economic recovery looks like in rural Kentucky and how to lead in disaster.

Join Mayor O'Nan and Kaycee as they dive into what were the first critical steps in the recovery process, what was it like working with local, regional, state, and federal partners in the critical recovery phase, and what the business/workforce recovery process has been like for the past two years. Mayor O'Nan generously shares her journey in navigating the throws of disaster recovery and recalls tatics and stratgies that Mayfield in both the critical and recovery phases.

Key Takeaways

• Be flexible and creative with the response and recovery strategies.

• Utilize community development stratgies, such as the "stick note meeting" method.

• Celebrate or find happiness in the midst of disaster.

• "Utilize everybody you have and take advantage of everything that's brought to you".

Quotables

• "Our foot prints stopped for a short period of time".

• "Many of us got so tired of hearing, the disaster beging locally and end locally. Well, okay, but tell me how to get through this. But, I get it now. This is our disaster. We decide how we're going to get through it with a lot of help at first."

• "You just got to get rid of that shock from the first and then make a plan and then try to move forward as best as you can. And that's what we're doing."

• "People ask me, "how do you do this?" The fact is, I have no idea. You just keep going."

Resouces & Links

About the December 2021 Tornadoes

• • https://www.weather.gov/pah/December-10th-11th-2021-Tornado

Mayfield, Kentucky

• • http://www.mayfieldky.gov/index.php

• • http://www.gravescountyed.com/

• • https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2021/12/15/us/mayfield-kentucky-tornado-damage.html

• • Trace Adkins - Somewhere In America (Official Music Video) https://youtu.be/sHMlmNTE9SE

Economic Resiliency & Disaster Recovery

• • https://restoreyoureconomy.org/pages/phases-of-disaster/

• • https://www.iedconline.org/pages/disaster-recovery/

• • https://www.eda.gov/resources/comprehensive-economic-development-strategy/content/economic-resilience

• • https://www.nado.org/resilient-regions-integrating-economic-development-strategies-sustainability-principles-and-hazard-mitigation-planning/

• • https://www.cedscentral.com/resilience.html

• • https://www.disasterassistance.gov/information/fact-sheets

• • https://resilience.climate.gov/

Special Guest: Mayor Kathy O'Nan.