LIVE from the 2026 #AmericanSouth Site Selection Summit - Susan Sankey, Amy Fesser, Ryan Egly

LIVE from the 2026 #AmericanSouth Site Selection Summit - Susan Sankey, Amy Fesser, Ryan Egly

On location at the 2026 American South Site Selection Summit in Arlington, Texas, host Ray Methvin of Insyteful sits down for a series of one-on-one interviews evaluating rural development strategies and community-level economic alignment. The opening interview features Susan Sankey, Executive Director of the Big Spring Economic Development Corporation, who outlines the unique landscape of industrial recruitment in West Texas. Sankey shares tactical insights on how smaller municipalities can leverage local assets and coordinate land preparation to remain highly competitive for emerging industrial projects. The focus then shifts to the regional workforce and diversification strategies being deployed across other sectors of the South. Amy Fesser, Executive Director of Borger Inc., details how specialized community marketing and targeting industrial expansions can stimulate growth in competitive manufacturing corridors. Finally, Ryan Egly, President and CEO of the Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce, breaks down the fundamentals of rural economic stability and regional infrastructure partnerships. Together, these conversations demonstrate the targeted, collaborative approaches used throughout the Southern Economic Development Council network to secure new capital investments. The SEDC Podcast is sponsored by Insyteful.

LIVE from the 2026 #AmericanSouth Site Selection Summit - Paul Hoben, Chris, Lloyd, Danielle Sweat

On location at the 2026 American South Site Selection Summit in Arlington, Texas, host Ray Methvin of Insyteful sits down for a series of one-on-one interviews exploring regional economic shifts, logistical advantages, and infrastructure strategies. The opening interview features Paul Hoben, Director of Business Development for the Aberdeen Carolina & Western Railway, who discusses the critical integration of short-line rail into industrial development. Hoben highlights how dedicated rail corridors lower shipping overhead, expand logistics capabilities for heavy industry, and make regional greenfield sites highly competitive for major manufacturing investments. The focus then shifts to macroeconomic trends and localized recruitment strategies across the South. Chris Lloyd, Senior Vice President and Director of Infrastructure and Economic Development for McGuireWoods Consulting, breaks down the current trends shaping site selection, focusing on how skyrocketing industrial power requirements and grid capacity constraints alter location shortlists. Finally, Danielle Sweat, Economic Development Director for the Wolfforth Economic Development Corporation, discusses the unique opportunities and challenges of managing suburban expansion in West Texas, emphasizing how proactive zoning and local utility partnerships keep a growing community competitive. Together, these conversations provide SEDC members with valuable insights on balancing regional growth with transport and power capacity. The SEDC Podcast is sponsored by Insyteful.

LIVE from the 2026 #AmericanSouth Site Selection Summit - Cathleen Flournoy, Jim Moore, Jeanette Goldsmith

On location at the 2026 American South Site Selection Summit in Arlington, Texas, host Ray Methvin of Insyteful sits down for a series of one-on-one interviews examining the regional mechanics of site readiness, consulting, and corporate attraction. The opening interview features Cathleen Flournoy, Senior Industrial Development Manager for Norfolk Southern Corporation, who explores the critical integration of rail infrastructure into modern economic development projects. Flournoy describes how rail-served sites expand shipping logistics for heavy industry and what communities must do to align logistics networks with manufacturing demands. The focus then shifts to distinct consulting and regional investment strategies across the South. Jeannette Goldsmith, President of Strategic Development Group, breaks down the current trends in site selection from a corporate consultant's point of view, focusing on how shifting labor markets and infrastructure constraints alter location shortlists. Finally, Jim Moore, Director of Business Development for Greater Paducah Economic Development, discusses how local communities leverage multi-modal assets like riverports and utility access to stay competitive. Together, these conversations demonstrate the targeted approaches used throughout the Southern Economic Development Council network to foster resilient regional economies and secure new capital investment. The SEDC Podcast is sponsored by Insyteful.

LIVE from the 2026 #AmericanSouth Site Selection Summit - Bethany Shockney, Dennis Wiggins, Lucas Witt

On location at the 2026 American South Site Selection Summit in Arlington, Texas, host Ray Methvin of Insyteful sits down for a series of one-on-one interviews highlighting specialized approaches to community growth and leadership. The opening segment features Bethany Shockney, President and CEO of the Limestone County Economic Development Association in Alabama, who discusses navigating rapid industrial growth and the strategic development of shovel-ready sites. Shockney emphasizes how aligning local infrastructure with workforce development allows communities to successfully support major automotive and aerospace supply chain expansions. The focus then shifts to regional retention and diversification strategies. Dennis Wiggins of the Taney County Partnership in Missouri outlines how unique, tourism-heavy economies can effectively support existing employers and build a resilient year-round workforce. Finally, Lucas Witt, Principal of MWM Consulting in Kentucky, breaks down the technical consulting side of site selection, detailing what corporate tenants prioritize regarding utility access and project timelines. Together, these conversations illustrate how diverse professionals within the Southern Economic Development Council network customize their initiatives to sustain economic health and capture new capital investments. The SEDC Podcast is sponsored by Insyteful.

LIVE from the 2026 #AmericanSouth Site Selection Summit - Russ Myer, Gus Fontenot, and Maggie Cromeens

On location at the 2026 American South Site Selection Summit in Arlington, Texas, host Ray Methvin of Insyteful sits down for a series of one-on-one interviews examining the mechanics of site readiness and municipal development. The first interview features Russ Meyer, Executive Director of the Jessamine County Joint Economic Development Authority, who shares strategies for competitive positioning in the Bluegrass region. Meyer discusses the importance of infrastructure preparation, pro-business local leadership, and maintaining an updated inventory of available properties to capture expanding manufacturing and commercial projects. The focus then shifts to distinct development strategies being deployed across other areas of the South. Gus Fontenot, Director of Projects and Site Development for the SWLA Economic Development Alliance, details the technical side of site certification and industrial readiness in Southwest Louisiana. Finally, Maggie Cromeens, Executive Director of the Cuero Development Corporation, explores economic diversification and small business support strategies within historic community footprints. Together, these conversations demonstrate the targeted approaches used throughout the Southern Economic Development Council network to foster resilient regional economies and secure new capital investment. The SEDC Podcast is sponsored by Insyteful.