About Develop This: Economic and Community Development
Explore topics related to transformational community leadership including economic development, non-profit engagement, organizational management, and policy development. It's a candid conversation with veterans of the economic development profession along with inspiring interviews of today's thought leaders.
DT #690 How Relationships Drive Economic Development: Lessons From Kirk Elmquist
What can a career spanning sports, hospitality, tourism, and business development teach us about economic development?
In this episode of Develop This!, Dennis Fraise sits down with Kirk Elmquist to explore his unconventional career journey and the leadership lessons he's learned along the way.
Kirk shares why relationships are often more valuable than technical skills and how listening, trust, mentorship, and community involvement have shaped his approach to business and economic development.
The conversation also explores the transformation of Branson and the Ozarks into a major tourism and golf destination, including the influence of Johnny Morris, Bass Pro Shops, and Big Cedar Lodge.
Kirk also reflects on career setbacks, reinvention, and the importance of maintaining balance while continuing to grow personally and professionally.
Key Takeaways
Relationships and trust are foundational to economic development.
Diverse career experiences can create valuable leadership perspectives.
Branson's growth demonstrates the power of tourism and destination development.
Career setbacks can become opportunities for reinvention.
Mentorship and community involvement create lasting impact.
Listening is one of the most important leadership skills.
Key Topics Covered
Kirk Elmquist's unconventional career journey
Leadership and relationship building
Branson's tourism and economic growth
Golf and destination development
Johnny Morris and Big Cedar Lodge
Career setbacks, resilience, and reinvention
Mentorship and community involvement
Sound Bites
"Listen twice as much as you speak."
"Relationships are more important than skills."
"Balance your physical, mental, spiritual, and financial tires."
7 Oct 2026
DT #689 Turning a Bold Vision Into a Game Changing Community Development Project: The Fort Madison Marina Story
What happens when a community stops settling for "good enough" and starts thinking bigger?
In this episode of Develop This!, Dennis Fraise talks with former Fort Madison Mayor Matt Mohrfeld and Rick Kierna (https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickkiernan)n of Convergent Nonprofit Solutions about the transformation of the Fort Madison Marina.
What started as an aging marina became a much larger vision for the community, incorporating hospitality, events, wellness, tourism, and placemaking. Matt explains how community leaders studied other projects, built a shared vision, and challenged Fort Madison to think beyond simply fixing the existing marina.
Rick discusses how the team turned that vision into a $12.7 million project through feasibility studies, community leadership, and a diverse capital stack that included public, private, and philanthropic support.
The conversation also explores the importance of strong leadership, community ownership, and telling a compelling story when pursuing transformational projects.
A key takeaway? Big community projects start with a bold vision and become reality when people come together to believe in it.
Key Takeaways
Think bigger than the original problem
Build a shared community vision
Strong leadership drives transformational projects
Feasibility studies can strengthen fundraising
Community ownership creates lasting impact
Placemaking can support economic development
Key Topics Covered
Fort Madison Marina transformation
Community vision and leadership
Fundraising and capital stacks
Placemaking and tourism
Community engagement
Economic and social impact
Sound Bites
"Swing for a home run, not a single."
"People follow people."
"You think bigger than you think you should think."
30 Sept 2026
DT #687 How Los Angeles Stays a Global Economic Powerhouse
What does it take to lead one of the world's most dynamic regional economies?
In this episode of Develop This!, Dennis Fraise sits down with Stephen Cheung, CEO of the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC) (https://laedc.org/), to discuss his unconventional journey from social work to leading one of the nation's largest economic development organizations.
Stephen shares how his diverse career shaped his leadership style and explains why listening, collaboration, and long-term thinking are essential to building resilient communities. He also discusses how Los Angeles has leveraged its diversity, innovation, and global connections to remain one of the world's leading economic hubs.
The conversation explores LA's competitive advantages, including its strength in international trade, aerospace, entertainment, life sciences, and emerging industries. Stephen also highlights the importance of infrastructure, foreign direct investment, and regional partnerships in supporting long-term economic growth.
Another major focus is resilience. From natural disasters to economic disruptions, Stephen explains how communities can prepare for uncertainty while continuing to attract investment and create opportunities. He also shares how Los Angeles is preparing for the 2028 Olympic Games and other global events that will shape the region's future.
Throughout the episode, Stephen reflects on the importance of relationship-building, global collaboration, and embracing new technologies like AI to stay competitive in a rapidly changing economy.
A key takeaway? Strong regional economies are built through collaboration, resilience, and leaders who can unite diverse stakeholders around a shared vision.
Key Takeaways
Diverse industry clusters strengthen long-term economic resilience
International trade and global partnerships remain critical to regional growth
Infrastructure and collaboration drive sustainable economic development
Preparing for major global events creates lasting economic opportunities
AI and emerging technologies are reshaping economic development strategies
Effective leadership begins with listening and building strong relationships
Key Topics Covered
Stephen Cheung's journey into economic development
Los Angeles' diverse economy and industry clusters
International trade and foreign direct investment
Regional resilience and disaster recovery
Preparing for the 2028 Olympic Games
Leadership, collaboration, and future economic trends
Sound Bites
"Stephen Cheung's career path was not linear."
"LA hosts multiple major sporting events and teams."
"AI is a key trend for economic developers."
Who has been a guest on Develop This: Economic and Community Development
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Jeanine Jerkovic
Rob Cleveland
Brian Fleming
Bill Cronin
Jerry Szatan
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Questions about Develop This: Economic and Community Development
Who hosts Develop This: Economic and Community Development?
Dennis Fraise host the show. Published by Develop This! Podcast.
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Does Develop This: Economic and Community Development take guests?
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