The Catalyst

Big Ideas in Small Towns: Howard County's Rural Success with Jason Passmore

Think you have to move to a major city to find high-paying, high-tech career opportunities? Think again. This week, Jason Passmore joins the podcast to bust the biggest myths surrounding rural economic development. From heavy industry to unique local tourism, Howard County and Cresco are proving that intentional partnerships can create massive community impact. Plus, get an inside look at Cresco’s innovative "Be Your Own Boss" youth camp that is training the next generation of local entrepreneurs. Click here to watch a video of this episode. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l2iomazqQM8] Follow us on social media: Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/neiowacc/] | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/neiowacc/] | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/school/300717/admin/dashboard/] | YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@NEIowaCC] Visit nicc.edu [https://www.nicc.edu/] for more information and resources. Creators & Guests * Amy Lasack [https://thecatalyst.transistor.fm/people/amy-lasack] - Host * Tessa Hill [https://thecatalyst.transistor.fm/people/tessa-hill] - Producer * Ashley Konzen [https://thecatalyst.transistor.fm/people/ashley-konzen] - Designer * Travis Hunt [https://thecatalyst.transistor.fm/people/travis-hunt] - Producer * Jason Passmore [https://thecatalyst.transistor.fm/people/jason-passmore] - Guest

Inside the New Delaware County Leadership Program with Donna Boss

What makes Delaware County a powerhouse for local innovation and community leadership? Join us on The Catalyst as we chat with economic development expert Donna Boss about driving regional growth, creating sustainable workforce solutions and launching the brand new Delaware County Leadership Program. In this episode, we cover: * The real impact of economic development on small businesses and regional talent. * How the partnership between NICC and Delaware County powers local workforce training. * What the future holds for the Delaware County Leadership program and its alumni network. * A hilarious round of "Fact or Fiction" covering unique local trivia! Learn more about Delaware County Leadership [https://www.nicc.edu/business-community/training-by-topic/career-development/delaware-county-leadership/]. Click here to watch a video of this episode. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xt5-fUJj724] Follow us on social media: Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/neiowacc/] | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/neiowacc/] | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/school/300717/admin/dashboard/] | YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@NEIowaCC] Visit nicc.edu [https://www.nicc.edu/] for more information and resources. Creators & Guests * Donna Boss [https://thecatalyst.transistor.fm/people/donna-boss] - Guest * Amy Lasack [https://thecatalyst.transistor.fm/people/amy-lasack] - Host * Tessa Hill [https://thecatalyst.transistor.fm/people/tessa-hill] - Producer * Ashley Konzen [https://thecatalyst.transistor.fm/people/ashley-konzen] - Designer * Travis Hunt [https://thecatalyst.transistor.fm/people/travis-hunt] - Producer

How to Find Joy and Have More Fun at Work with Paulette Milewski

We spend a massive portion of our lives at work—so why do so many of us treat joy at the office like a luxury? In this episode of The Catalyst, host Amy Lasack sits down with dynamic corporate trainer Paulette Milewski to debunk the myth that productivity and fun don't mix. Paulette shares her philosophy on finding "micro-joys" in your daily routine, shifting your mindset on tough days and building genuine, supportive connections with your coworkers.  We explore: * What "enjoying work" actually looks like in the modern workplace. * The science behind how a positive work culture reduces stress and drives success. * How to build your "work tribe" and foster authentic connections. * Simple everyday resets to avoid the afternoon slump. Whether you are working on a manufacturing floor, in a corporate office or from home, you’ll walk away with simple, actionable strategies to bring more energy and happiness to your standard shift. Click here to watch a video of this episode. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iixbwAHidWY] Follow us on social media: Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/neiowacc/] | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/neiowacc/] | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/school/300717/admin/dashboard/] | YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@NEIowaCC] Visit nicc.edu [https://www.nicc.edu/] for more information and resources. Creators & Guests * Amy Lasack [https://thecatalyst.transistor.fm/people/amy-lasack] - Host * Tessa Hill [https://thecatalyst.transistor.fm/people/tessa-hill] - Producer * Ashley Konzen [https://thecatalyst.transistor.fm/people/ashley-konzen] - Designer * Travis Hunt [https://thecatalyst.transistor.fm/people/travis-hunt] - Producer * Paulette Milewski [https://thecatalyst.transistor.fm/people/paulette-milewski-ef647436-03c2-4506-9009-a44c28ae7b53] - Guest

Dubuque Jobs and Free Training: How GDDC and NICC Partner for Your Success with Jason White

Looking for a high-paying career change in the Greater Dubuque area without spending years in school? In this episode of The Catalyst, host Amy Lasack sits down with Jason White, the new President and CEO of the Greater Dubuque Development Corporation (GDDC). Discover how a powerful local partnership is tearing down traditional barriers to education by offering fast-track career certificates, financial assistance and direct connections to top employers. Whether you are an area business owner looking to upskill your team or a job seeker ready for your next big step, learn how you can leverage these free local resources to succeed. Click here to watch a video of this episode. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W-_FJ2AYT8U] Follow us on social media: Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/neiowacc/] | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/neiowacc/] | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/school/300717/admin/dashboard/] | YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@NEIowaCC] Visit nicc.edu [https://www.nicc.edu/] for more information and resources. Creators & Guests * Amy Lasack [https://thecatalyst.transistor.fm/people/amy-lasack] - Host * Tessa Hill [https://thecatalyst.transistor.fm/people/tessa-hill] - Producer * Ashley Konzen [https://thecatalyst.transistor.fm/people/ashley-konzen] - Designer * Travis Hunt [https://thecatalyst.transistor.fm/people/travis-hunt] - Producer * Jason White [https://thecatalyst.transistor.fm/people/jason-white-b1f3b35e-e97d-47a8-810c-060956318e83] - Guest

The Undercover Candidate: Nora Burns on Bridging the Gap Between the Boardroom and the Breakroom

What happens when a Fortune 200 executive goes undercover as a job seeker? In this bonus episode of The Catalyst, we sit down with Nora Burns, founder of The Leadership Experts and keynote speaker for the 2026 NICC Business Summit. Nora reveals startling insights from her "Undercover Candidate" project, where she participated in over 350 job interviews to expose the disconnect between the boardroom and the breakroom. Learn what the interview process reveals about your company and the red flags to look out for as a job seeker. Register for the 2026 Business Summit to hear more from Nora on The Cost of Culture. Click here to watch a video of this episode. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2dTTFqP9XRc] Follow us on social media: Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/neiowacc/] | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/neiowacc/] | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/school/300717/admin/dashboard/] | YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@NEIowaCC] Visit nicc.edu [https://www.nicc.edu/] for more information and resources. Creators & Guests * Amy Lasack [https://thecatalyst.transistor.fm/people/amy-lasack] - Host * Tessa Hill [https://thecatalyst.transistor.fm/people/tessa-hill] - Producer * Ashley Konzen [https://thecatalyst.transistor.fm/people/ashley-konzen] - Designer * Travis Hunt [https://thecatalyst.transistor.fm/people/travis-hunt] - Producer * Nora Burns [https://thecatalyst.transistor.fm/people/nora-burns] - Guest