Interviews with national economic development leaders are among the new podcasts available through the Economic Development podcast series, produced and hosted by the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta in partnership with the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). Emerging trends in job creation and workforce development and small business trends are also among the topics covered.

View from the Top: New Perspectives on Familiar Concepts in Economic Development
"Right now would be a good time for many communities to start spending more on economic development. The business cycle appears to be picking up. Those communities that continued spending during the recession are going to be in a stronger position....The communities who wait too long...will miss out on the growth opportunities that probably are starting to exist at this very time."
Jeff Finkle, president and CEO of the International Economic Development Council

New Economy, New Roles: Economic Development Organizations and Jobs
"We deal with everything from the more traditional job-attraction types of activities...to workforce preparedness and talent development, so that the key industry clusters in our area have the kind of talent in order to continue to grow the workforce that they need."
Denny Coleman, president and CEO of the St. Louis County Economic Council

photo of Jay Moon Not Your Father's Factory Job: Manufacturing and Economic Development
"That's where we are going in the United States today. We're not going to have the kind of manufacturing that we used to have. We are going to be almost completely engaged in advanced manufacturing."
Jay Moon, president and CEO of the Mississippi Manufacturers Association

photo of Connie Evans Small Things Really Matter: The Important Role of Microenterprise in Job Creation
"Because of the smaller inputs needed to start a microbusiness, such as a smaller loan size or less inventory requirements, there are fewer barriers to entry into business. So it really is a great opportunity for minority and low- and moderate-income individuals to start businesses."
Connie Evans, president and CEO of the Association for Enterprise Opportunity

Brian Headd The Job Hunt: New Clues for Small Business Job Creation
"New [business] owners tend to have excellent skills in developing products and services, so they need to concentrate their efforts on lining up sales, possibly financing, and staying on top of the paperwork."
Brian Headd, economist with the U.S. Small Business Administration's Office of Advocacy