The New Economic Developers on the Block

Nate Groover, Town of Garner

In this episode of The New Economic Developers on the Block, we sit down with Nate Groover, Economic Development Director for the Town of Garner. Nate brings a unique perspective shaped by years of experience across every level of economic development—state, regional, local, and private-sector—plus a foundation built in the U.S. Air Force. We explore how those roles shaped his approach to economic development, what it means to “work with what you have,” and how Garner is building momentum through strategic partnerships and community assets. Nate also shares lessons from earning his NC Certified Economic Developer credential, serving on the NCEDA Board of Directors, and making the leap from business recruitment to on-the-ground implementation. We also cover lighter topics—like stadium hopping with his kids, the search for the best NC BBQ, and a deep love of Seinfeld. It’s a grounded, funny, and honest conversation about what it takes to grow a local economy—one relationship at a time. 🎧 Subscribe for more real conversations about economic development, leadership, and the people behind the progress.

Nathan Huret, Catawba County EDC

In this episode of The New Economic Developers on the Block, we sit down with Nathan Huret, Economic Development Director at Catawba County EDC. With over 15 years of experience, Nathan has led key initiatives like the Catawba Lean Council, Manufactured in NC, the Catawba County Wages & Benefits Survey, and HKY4Vets. He shares insights on building strong partnerships, making programs sustainable, and why persistence is key—even when timing challenges a great idea. We also take a detour into some behind-the-scenes chaos as Elizabeth runs into some unexpected microphone troubles (and maybe even breaks it). Tune in for a fun, insightful conversation on the realities of making economic development programs work—and the occasional tech mishap along the way. Subscribe now for more candid conversations on economic development and leadership.

Ben Kinney, Business North Carolina

In this episode of The New Economic Developers on the Block, we sit down with Ben Kinney, Publisher of Business North Carolina and SouthPark magazines. With a storied career at the helm of award-winning publications that capture the essence of North Carolina’s diverse economy and lifestyle, Ben offers invaluable insights into the ever-changing world of media. He shares practical tips for handling media relations and discusses how the news landscape has transformed during his tenure, reflecting broader shifts in communication and technology. Along the way, we also delve into his love of music and explore how it inspires his creative approach to business and storytelling. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone interested in media evolution, innovative leadership, and the art of blending passion with professionalism. Subscribe now for more engaging episodes and join us as we continue to explore the cutting edge of economic development and media innovation.

Joe Melvin, North Carolina's Southeast

Welcome to another inspiring episode of The New Economic Developers on the Block! This week, we're thrilled to have Joe Melvin, Vice President of North Carolina’s Southeast Regional Economic Development Partnership, join us for a candid conversation about his dynamic career and visionary approach to economic development. With over 16 years of experience spanning key roles at organizations like the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and Alliance Consulting Engineers, Inc., Joe has honed a unique perspective on leadership and innovation. In our discussion, he shares how we can approach economic development with the same passion, care, and intentionality found in a ministry—treating our work with love and commitment to community transformation. Join us as Joe delves into: * His career journey and notable achievements, including being recognized as one of North America’s Top 50 Economic Developers. * The critical role of strategic planning, global marketing, and partnership building in driving successful economic initiatives. * How adopting a ministry-like mindset can infuse our economic development efforts with compassion and purpose. Tune in, subscribe, and be inspired by Joe's refreshing outlook on merging economic expertise with a heart-driven approach to community development!

Anna Walker, North Carolina's Electric Cooperatives

Welcome back to the second season of "The New Economic Developers on the Block" podcast! In this episode, we are excited to have Anna Walker, Economic Development Manager with the NC Electric Cooperatives. We had an engaging conversation about Anna's journey from being raised in Georgia to finding her place in North Carolina. Anna, who holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from Princeton University, has been with the NC Electric Cooperatives for nearly two years, starting as an Economic Development Specialist and now serving as the Economic Development Manager. We also explored the various programs and grants offered by the NC Electric Cooperatives and delved into the work of the NCEDA Emerging Executives Committee. Tune in, subscribe, and stay tuned for more insightful discussions this season!