EDO Breakthrough

Retaining Talent Through Belonging

Jobs might bring people to a place, but belonging is what helps them put down roots. In our final bonus episode before Season 4, we're digging into the invisible force that drives workforce retention, volunteerism, and brand loyalty—and it has nothing to do with data or deals. When people feel seen, valued, and included, they invest their time, talent, and treasure into your community. Listen in and take one small action this week to help someone feel seen. It might just change everything. The EDO Breakthrough podcast is brought to you by PPR Strategies. PPR Strategies is a strategic consulting firm working specifically with EDOs and other place-based organizations. We share the unique stories of communities through communications, strategic planning, marketing, media relations, and more. Visit us at pprstrategies.com/edobreakthrough [https://pprstrategies.com/edobreakthrough/] to learn more and to submit a question for a future episode. Produced and edited by SpeakEasy Productions [https://speakeasyproductions.co/].

How to Make Shopping Local Irresistible

Shopping locally shouldn't be a guilt trip. It should be an invitation. In this bonus episode, we're flipping the script on how economic developers can activate year-round support for small businesses. Think: Buy Local Bingo cards, receipt challenges, and holiday gift guides that make shopping small feel like a treasure hunt, not a chore. Whether you're looking to drive foot traffic during a spring slowdown or turn 500 employees into downtown ambassadors with a single gift card campaign, we've got strategies you can steal and deploy immediately. Need help building out your campaign? Reach out to us at pprstrategies.com/contact-us [http://pprstrategies.com/contact-us]  The EDO Breakthrough podcast is brought to you by PPR Strategies. PPR Strategies is a strategic consulting firm working specifically with EDOs and other place-based organizations. We share the unique stories of communities through communications, strategic planning, marketing, media relations, and more. Visit us at pprstrategies.com/edobreakthrough [https://pprstrategies.com/edobreakthrough/] to learn more and to submit a question for a future episode. Produced and edited by SpeakEasy Productions [https://speakeasyproductions.co/].

The 5-Minute Strategy That Strengthens Alliances

While we’re gearing up for Season 4, this bonus mini-episode is here to help you turn appreciation into impact! Giving thanks doesn’t have to be a huge production, so we’re sharing quick, meaningful ways you can build stronger partnerships, re-engage allies, and create ripple effects in your community. Resources Mentioned: * Mastering The Art of Meaningful Appreciation [https://pprstrategies.com/mastering-the-art-of-meaningful-appreciation/] * Community Engagement Should Be in Every Job Description [https://pprstrategies.com/community-engagement-should-be-in-every-job-description/] The EDO Breakthrough podcast is brought to you by PPR Strategies. PPR Strategies is a strategic consulting firm working specifically with EDOs and other place-based organizations. We share the unique stories of communities through communications, strategic planning, marketing, media relations, and more. Visit us at pprstrategies.com/edobreakthrough [https://pprstrategies.com/edobreakthrough/] to learn more and to submit a question for a future episode. Produced and edited by SpeakEasy Productions [https://speakeasyproductions.co/].

E30 - Why Storytelling Is Every Economic Developer’s Secret Weapon, with Meg Boyle

What if the key to better marketing, stronger partnerships, and more trust in your EDO is simply… better writing? In this episode, Sandy sits down with PPR Strategies’ Creative Director, Meg Boyle, for a candid look at the power of words in economic development. From finding an authentic voice to writing with empathy, Meg shares how storytelling fuels the strategies that build stronger communities. Key Takeaways: * How to write with conviction, even outside your comfort zone * How AI can be helpful, but can’t replace human insight * Why every organization needs a “North Star” * Two simple writing tips that will instantly make you a better communicator About the Guest: PPR Strategies’ Creative Director, Meg Boyle, develops the creative pathway that inspires engagement and action. Drawing on 25+ years of experience in philanthropy and economic development, writing and marketing, Meg glides seamlessly between strategy and execution. You can learn more about Meg on the PPR Strategies website [https://pprstrategies.com/about-us/meg-mcquade-boyle/] and connect with her on LinkedIn [http://linkedin.com/in/meghan-mcquade-boyle-42918978].  The EDO Breakthrough podcast is brought to you by PPR Strategies. PPR Strategies is a strategic consulting firm working specifically with EDOs and other place-based organizations. We share the unique stories of communities through communications, strategic planning, marketing, media relations, and more. Visit us at pprstrategies.com/edobreakthrough [https://pprstrategies.com/edobreakthrough/] to learn more and to submit a question for a future episode. Produced and edited by SpeakEasy Productions [https://speakeasyproductions.co/].

E29 - Inside Bath’s Business Improvement District: Responsive Solutions, Big Results with Allison Herbert

Some may see heritage preservation as a challenge, but in Bath, UK, it’s an opportunity. With fewer than 90,000 residents drawing 6 million visitors a year, the results speak for themselves. In this episode, Allison Herbert, CEO of the Bath Business Improvement District (BID), shares how one of the UK’s most historic cities manages the balance between charm and commerce while delivering tangible economic development outcomes for local businesses.  From Bridgerton fans and Jane Austen festivals to seagulls and public toilets, she walks us through the surprisingly practical side of managing a globally recognized, locally loved district. Key Takeaways: * How the BID’s voluntary, opt-in model delivers greater value back to its community members * How they respond within minutes to concerns with hands-on, hyper-local solutions like cleaning crews and security teams that local businesses can count on * Why collaboration between neighboring cities isn’t just smart, it’s essential * How the BID leverages clever strategies to handle tourism pressure, homelessness, and even protected seagulls Resources Mentioned:  * Bath BID Projects & Initiatives [https://www.bathbid.co.uk/projects/] About the Guest: Allison Herbert is the CEO of the Bath Business Improvement District (BID). She brings extensive experience across both the public and private sectors, with a background in events, economic development, and project management. Allison leads a 10-person team delivering services that support more than 650 businesses in the UNESCO World Heritage city of Bath, UK. You can connect with Allison on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/allisonherbert [http://linkedin.com/in/allisonherbert]  The EDO Breakthrough podcast is brought to you by PPR Strategies. PPR Strategies is a strategic consulting firm working specifically with EDOs and other place-based organizations. We share the unique stories of communities through communications, strategic planning, marketing, media relations, and more. Visit us at pprstrategies.com/edobreakthrough [https://pprstrategies.com/edobreakthrough/] to learn more and to submit a question for a future episode. Produced and edited by SpeakEasy Productions [https://speakeasyproductions.co/].