Hickory NC: Economic Transformation through Collaborative Community Initiatives

How Art Can Revitalize Micropolitans and Spark Economic Growth

What is creative placemaking in micropolitan communities? And how can art and culture transform small towns into vibrant hubs of creativity? Investing in arts and creative placemaking is essential for small communities to thrive and connect, and here's the thing - it's possible to turn existing assets into beautiful and valuable spaces.  On this episode, we learn how to do that, plus how to foster community engagement, economic vitality, and a sense of belonging through diverse forms of artistic expression. Joining us today are: * Susie Surkamer, President & CEO of South Arts [https://www.southarts.org/] * Adam Trest [https://adamtrest.com/], Artist * David Lewis, Mississippi Arts Commission [https://arts.ms.gov/] Today’s episode is hosted by Casey Steinbacher, Founder and CEO of Finding Next [https://www.findingnext.com/], Ted Abernathy, Founder of Economic Leadership [https://www.econleadership.com/], and Willie Jones, Senior Program Officer at the Danville Regional Foundation [https://www.drfonline.org/]. Home of Future Thinking is produced by Earfluence [https://www.earfluence.com/]. For more on the Home of Future Thinking, including information on the 2024 Conference, visit HomeOfFutureThinking.com [https://homeoffuturethinking.com/].

Fort Smith AR: Expanding Educational Opportunities to Meet Workforce Demands

In Fort Smith Arkansas, the PEAK Innovation Center [https://www.fortsmithschools.org/peak] is is a multi-million dollar educational facility designed specifically for career-focused programming, which delivers hands-on, cutting-edge, technical, and career training to high school students in 22 school districts throughout the River Valley region.  It's a collaborative project between Fort Smith Public Schools, the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith Western Arkansas Technical Center (WATC), the Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce, and multiple local businesses in Fort Smith, Arkansas.   So how did it all come about?  And what has it meant to Fort Smith's economy? Let's find out! We're joined by: * Gary Udouj [https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-udouj-697a30111/], Director of Career Education and District Innovation at Fort Smith Public Schools * Anita Brackin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/akbrackin/], Vice President of Workforce Development at the Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce [https://www.fortsmithchamber.org/] Today’s episode is hosted by Casey Steinbacher, Founder and CEO of Finding Next [https://www.findingnext.com/], Ted Abernathy, Founder of Economic Leadership [https://www.econleadership.com/], and Willie Jones, Senior Program Officer at the Danville Regional Foundation [https://www.drfonline.org/]. Home of Future Thinking is produced by Earfluence [https://www.earfluence.com/]. For more on the Home of Future Thinking, including information on the 2024 Conference, visit HomeOfFutureThinking.com [https://homeoffuturethinking.com/].

How Micropolitans can Attract Businesses and Talent through Compelling Stories

Today we unpack the power of local narratives to attract businesses, talent, and an engaged community. Economic development specialist Kat Saunders [https://www.econleadership.com/about-kat-saunders] joins us to talk community branding, which transcends mere logos and taglines; it hinges on authentic storytelling and the alignment of a community's internal positioning with its external marketplace message. There must be close collaboration with economic development and tourism entities to craft impactful campaigns that resonate with various stakeholders. So how can we do that? Today’s episode is hosted by Casey Steinbacher, Founder and CEO of Finding Next [https://www.findingnext.com/], Ted Abernathy, Founder of Economic Leadership [https://www.econleadership.com/], and Willie Jones, Senior Program Officer at the Danville Regional Foundation [https://www.drfonline.org/]. Home of Future Thinking is produced by Earfluence [https://www.earfluence.com/]. For more on the Home of Future Thinking, including information on the 2024 Conference, visit HomeOfFutureThinking.com [https://homeoffuturethinking.com/].

Hickory NC: Economic Transformation through Collaborative Community Initiatives

For 20 years, the population of Hickory NC didn't grow. But now, it's on the rise with a trendy vibe that you wouldn't expect. So how did that happen? Today we uncover Hickory's transformation from a manufacturing-dependent town to a burgeoning hub and a shared community vision.  Its continual reinvention and adaptability have enabled Hickory to overcome challenges and diversify its economy, advocating for investment in workforce development, community colleges, and leadership buy-in to sustain long-term growth. Let's find out more! We're joined by: * Warren Wood [https://www.hickorync.gov/warren-wood-city-manager], Hickory City Manager * Scott Millar [https://www.catawbacountync.gov/my-catawba-county/5q-scott-millar/], Catawba County Economic Development Director Today’s episode is hosted by Casey Steinbacher, Founder and CEO of Finding Next [https://www.findingnext.com/], Ted Abernathy, Founder of Economic Leadership [https://www.econleadership.com/], and Willie Jones, Senior Program Officer at the Danville Regional Foundation [https://www.drfonline.org/]. Home of Future Thinking is produced by Earfluence [https://www.earfluence.com/]. For more on the Home of Future Thinking, including information on the 2024 Conference, visit HomeOfFutureThinking.com [https://homeoffuturethinking.com/].

Danville VA: Revitalization, Preserving History, and Building a Vibrant Community

Like many micropolitans, Danville Virginia shares a history of reinvention and long-time development.  It's challenged with preserving historical buildings, creating a vibrant community, and attracting new industries.  It has to engage the community while focusing on economic opportunity and quality of life.  So how can it do everything? Today's episode highlights the significance of partnerships, workforce training, and skills development programs in driving sustainable growth.  Let's find out! We're joined by: * Ken Larking [https://www.danville-va.gov/280/City-Manager], City Manager for the City of Danville * Corrie Bobe [https://www.linkedin.com/in/corrie-teague-bobe-12565519/], Director of Economic Development for the City of Danville * Diana Schwartz [https://www.riverdistrictassociation.com/about/staff], CEO of the River District Association Today’s episode is hosted by Casey Steinbacher, Founder and CEO of Finding Next [https://www.findingnext.com/], Ted Abernathy, Founder of Economic Leadership [https://www.econleadership.com/], and Willie Jones, Senior Program Officer at the Danville Regional Foundation [https://www.drfonline.org/]. Home of Future Thinking is produced by Earfluence [https://www.earfluence.com/]. For more on the Home of Future Thinking, including information on the 2024 Conference, visit HomeOfFutureThinking.com [https://homeoffuturethinking.com/].