LIVE from the 2026 #AmericanSouth Site Selection Summit - Pat Ford, Cam Huffman, Christie Goodman Duke

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.

LIVE from the 2026 #AmericanSouth Site Selection Summit - Mark Lawson, Ashton Bellows, and Shannon Blake

Live from the 2026 #AmericanSouth Site Selection Summit in Arlington, Texas, host Ray Methvin of Insyteful sits down for individual interviews with regional leaders to discuss localized strategies for industrial and commercial growth. The first segment features Mark Lawson, President of Cary Economic Development, who shares insights on managing rapid community expansion and high-tech sector recruitment. Lawson emphasizes how workforce development, infrastructure preparation, and community assets play a vital role in sustaining long-term regional competitiveness for corporate relocations. The focus then shifts to key leadership from the Sherman Economic Development Corporation. Ashton Bellows, Chief Financial Officer, details the financial mechanics of modern economic development, explaining how strategic funding, capital incentives, and industrial park development effectively scale local infrastructure. Following Bellows, Shannon Blake, Vice President of Business Development, explores primary employment growth and the targeted marketing strategies necessary to attract global employers. Together, these interviews highlight the exact operational and financial alignment required across the Southern Economic Development Council footprint to secure major capital projects. The SEDC Podcast is sponsored by Insyteful