Developing the Block, a North Carolina Economic Development Podcast

NCEDA

Developing the Block is an economic development podcast hosted by Elizabeth Kazmir and Trey Cash.

Each episode, Elizabeth and Trey talk with economic developers, community leaders, and friends from across North Carolina and the United States about the people, projects, challenges, and ideas shaping communities today.

From business recruitment and workforce development to site development, partnerships, and the stories behind the projects, Developing the Block is a practical and conversational look at what economic development really looks like.

Whether you are new to the profession or have been doing this for years, join us as we learn from each other and keep building the block.

Sponsored by the North Carolina Economic Development Association (NCEDA), this podcast is your exclusive gateway to the world of economic development, served with a touch of humor. Join Elizabeth, Trey, and the NCEDA as they connect with economic developers across the state, offering insights, behind-the-scenes stories, and a hint of dad jokes.

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23 episodes
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S3 · E4
Monday · 53 min
Emily Martin - Duke Energy
On this episode of Developing the Block, Trey Cash and Elizabeth Kazimir welcome Emily Martin, Economic Development Manager with Duke Energy and Vice Chair of the NCEDA Emerging Executives Committee. Emily shares her journey into economic development, her recent transition from the Henderson County Partnership for Economic Development to Duke Energy, and her perspective on the next generation of economic development professionals. The conversation explores the unique opportunities and challenges facing rural communities, the importance of mentorship and professional development, and why economic development is about much more than jobs and investment numbers. From workforce and housing to community partnerships and quality of life, Emily reminds us that the real impact of economic development goes far beyond the numbers on a scoreboard. Plus, Emily shares lessons from her career, advice for emerging professionals, and why investing in people is one of the most important things we can do for the future of our communities.
S3 · E3
October 12 · 55 min
Crystal Morphis & Steve Yost, NCEDA Foundation
On this episode of Developing the Block, Trey and Elizabeth welcome Crystal Morphis, Chair of the NCEDA Foundation, and Steve Yost, Vice Chair of the NCEDA Foundation, for the podcast’s first two guest conversation. Crystal and Steve share the purpose of the NCEDA Foundation, why it matters to the economic development profession, and how scholarships, professional development, and programs like Career Trek help support the next generation of economic developers. They also discuss the importance of investing in people, getting involved through NCEDA, and supporting the Foundation’s silent auction fundraiser at the NCEDA Fall Conference in Asheville. Plus, Steve shares a classic economic development war story involving an international client visit during hurricane season, because in this profession, sometimes the best lessons come when the plan goes sideways.
S3 · E2
September 28 · 47 min
Kelly Bowers, Timmons Group & Hertford County
In this episode, Elizabeth and Trey sit down with Kelly Bowers, NCCED, Economic Development Director for Hertford County and Economic Development Specialist with Timmons Group. Kelly shares how a passion for real estate, revitalization, and problem solving grew into a career in economic development. With experience in rural communities, smart growth, agriculture, industry, tourism, and community development, Kelly brings a thoughtful perspective on what it takes to connect the dots and help places move forward. The conversation covers her work in Hertford County, her role with Timmons Group, and the importance of building stronger communities by understanding both the people and the opportunities in front of them. It is a great conversation about rural economic development, creative thinking, partnerships, and the kind of work that makes communities better. Listen now on all major podcast apps and watch on the NCEDA YouTube channel.
S3 · E1
September 14 · 55 min
Walt Sprouse
We are back. After a long hiatus, Developing the Block returns for Season 3 with a new name, a fresh start, and a very special first guest. In this episode, Elizabeth and Trey welcome Walt Sprouse, a longtime economic development leader, mentor, and friend. Walt talks about his long history with Elizabeth, including knowing her since she was a child, and shares stories from a career spent helping communities grow, compete, and win major projects. Walt’s experience stretches across decades of economic development work, from leading Randolph County Economic Development Corporation to serving as Executive Director of the Augusta Economic Development Authority, where his work helped bring more than $5.7 billion in new and expanded investment and more than 56,000 jobs. He has also served as a past president of the North Carolina Economic Developers Association and received Lifetime Achievement recognition from NCEDA. It is a conversation about projects, people, mentorship, and the relationships that make this profession special. Please like, subscribe, and share Developing the Block.
S2 · E10
Sep 15, 2025 · 51 min
Nate Groover, Town of Garner
In this episode of The New Economic Developers on the Block, we sit down with Nate Groover, Economic Development Director for the Town of Garner. Nate brings a unique perspective shaped by years of experience across every level of economic development—state, regional, local, and private-sector—plus a foundation built in the U.S. Air Force. We explore how those roles shaped his approach to economic development, what it means to “work with what you have,” and how Garner is building momentum through strategic partnerships and community assets. Nate also shares lessons from earning his NC Certified Economic Developer credential, serving on the NCEDA Board of Directors, and making the leap from business recruitment to on-the-ground implementation. We also cover lighter topics—like stadium hopping with his kids, the search for the best NC BBQ, and a deep love of Seinfeld. It’s a grounded, funny, and honest conversation about what it takes to grow a local economy—one relationship at a time. 🎧 Subscribe for more real conversations about economic development, leadership, and the people behind the progress.
S2 · E9
Mar 24, 2025 · 1 hr 7 min
Nathan Huret, Catawba County EDC
In this episode of The New Economic Developers on the Block, we sit down with Nathan Huret, Economic Development Director at Catawba County EDC. With over 15 years of experience, Nathan has led key initiatives like the Catawba Lean Council, Manufactured in NC, the Catawba County Wages & Benefits Survey, and HKY4Vets. He shares insights on building strong partnerships, making programs sustainable, and why persistence is key—even when timing challenges a great idea. We also take a detour into some behind-the-scenes chaos as Elizabeth runs into some unexpected microphone troubles (and maybe even breaks it). Tune in for a fun, insightful conversation on the realities of making economic development programs work—and the occasional tech mishap along the way. Subscribe now for more candid conversations on economic development and leadership.
S2 · E8
Feb 17, 2025 · 47 min
Ben Kinney, Business North Carolina
In this episode of The New Economic Developers on the Block, we sit down with Ben Kinney, Publisher of Business North Carolina and SouthPark magazines. With a storied career at the helm of award-winning publications that capture the essence of North Carolina’s diverse economy and lifestyle, Ben offers invaluable insights into the ever-changing world of media. He shares practical tips for handling media relations and discusses how the news landscape has transformed during his tenure, reflecting broader shifts in communication and technology. Along the way, we also delve into his love of music and explore how it inspires his creative approach to business and storytelling. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone interested in media evolution, innovative leadership, and the art of blending passion with professionalism. Subscribe now for more engaging episodes and join us as we continue to explore the cutting edge of economic development and media innovation.
S2 · E7
Feb 3, 2025 · 53 min
Joe Melvin, North Carolina's Southeast
Welcome to another inspiring episode of The New Economic Developers on the Block! This week, we're thrilled to have Joe Melvin, Vice President of North Carolina’s Southeast Regional Economic Development Partnership, join us for a candid conversation about his dynamic career and visionary approach to economic development. With over 16 years of experience spanning key roles at organizations like the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and Alliance Consulting Engineers, Inc., Joe has honed a unique perspective on leadership and innovation. In our discussion, he shares how we can approach economic development with the same passion, care, and intentionality found in a ministry—treating our work with love and commitment to community transformation. Join us as Joe delves into: His career journey and notable achievements, including being recognized as one of North America’s Top 50 Economic Developers. The critical role of strategic planning, global marketing, and partnership building in driving successful economic initiatives. How adopting a ministry-like mindset can infuse our economic development efforts with compassion and purpose. Tune in, subscribe, and be inspired by Joe's refreshing outlook on merging economic expertise with a heart-driven approach to community development!
S2 · E6
Dec 2, 2024 · 1 hr 1 min
Anna Walker, North Carolina's Electric Cooperatives
Welcome back to the second season of "The New Economic Developers on the Block" podcast! In this episode, we are excited to have Anna Walker, Economic Development Manager with the NC Electric Cooperatives. We had an engaging conversation about Anna's journey from being raised in Georgia to finding her place in North Carolina. Anna, who holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from Princeton University, has been with the NC Electric Cooperatives for nearly two years, starting as an Economic Development Specialist and now serving as the Economic Development Manager. We also explored the various programs and grants offered by the NC Electric Cooperatives and delved into the work of the NCEDA Emerging Executives Committee. Tune in, subscribe, and stay tuned for more insightful discussions this season!
S2 · E5
Nov 18, 2024 · 48 min
Natalie Hawkins, Moore County Economic Development Partnership
Welcome back to the second season of "The New Economic Developers on the Block" podcast! In this episode, we are thrilled to have Natalie Hawkins, President of the Moore County Economic Development Partnership (MCEDP) and Chair of the Legislative Committee with NCEDA, who also serves on the NCEDA Board of Directors. We had a fantastic conversation about Natalie's journey from being a CPA to working with the Village of Pinehurst, and now leading the Moore County Economic Development Partnership. We also delved into the crucial work of the Legislative Committee with NCEDA and the significance of the "Take Your Legislator to Work" day. Natalie joined MCEDP as President in May 2021 after a 20-year career at the Village of Pinehurst, where she served as the Assistant Village Manager. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and a Master of Science degree in Accounting from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Natalie is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and a former Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Tune in, subscribe, and stay tuned for more engaging discussions this season!
S2 · E4
Oct 7, 2024 · 52 min
Kelly Andrews, Pitt County Economic Development
Welcome back to the second season of "The New Economic Developers on the Block" podcast! In this episode, we are thrilled to have Kelly Andrews, Director of Pitt County Economic Development, as our guest. Kelly shares her expertise and insights into the economic growth of Pitt County and Greenville, including the monumental success of Project Bluefin, one of the county's largest announcements. In our conversation, we dive deep into how this project has impacted the region, the strategic planning that went into securing such a significant win, and what it means for the future of Pitt County. Kelly also touches on her journey in economic development, her leadership roles within the community, and the broader economic landscape of Eastern North Carolina. Tune in, subscribe, and stay tuned for more engaging discussions this season! Kelly's Bio: Kelly Andrews is a native and life-long resident of Pitt County. She has been with Pitt County Economic Development since 2006, serving as Director since 2020. Prior to that, she worked for the North Carolina Department of Labor as an apprenticeship and training consultant, covering over 20 counties in Eastern NC. Kelly became a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) in 2020. She earned an MBA from East Carolina University ('98) and a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill ('94). She has served on the NCEDA Board of Directors and is currently on the Pitt Community College Board of Trustees and EDPNC Economic Development Advisory Council (EDAC). Additionally, she is involved in several other local and regional boards, including the Martin-Pitt Partnership for Children, ECU Engineering Advisory, and the Greenville-Pitt County Chamber of Commerce.
S2 · E3
Sep 23, 2024 · 52 min
Samantha Cole, N.C. Dept. of Commerce
Welcome back to the second season of "The New Economic Developers on the Block" podcast! In this episode, we're joined by Samantha Cole, the Child Care Business Liaison for the North Carolina Department of Commerce. Samantha brings a unique perspective on the crucial role of child care in economic development. Before joining N.C. Commerce, Samantha served as the Director of Workforce Partnerships with the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Coalition for Asheville-Buncombe County, where she spearheaded efforts to connect individuals facing employment barriers with meaningful job opportunities. She also helped local employers implement innovative workforce development strategies. In our conversation, we explore the intersection of child care and economic development, and how economic developers can play a role in expanding access to quality child care to support businesses and families. Samantha offers valuable insights into the challenges and solutions surrounding child care access in North Carolina and shares outcomes from recent child care business roundtables. Tune in, subscribe, and stay tuned for more engaging discussions this season!
S2 · E2
Sep 9, 2024 · 57 min
Ernie Pearson (Maynard Nexsen & Sanford Holshouser)
Welcome back to the second season of "The New Economic Developers on the Block" podcast! In this episode, we're joined by Ernie Pearson, Senior Counsel with Maynard Nexsen and founding partner of Sanford Holshouser, Economic Development Consulting. Ernie brings a wealth of experience in economic development, having worked with over one hundred companies and numerous local and regional programs. We dive into Ernie's impressive career, discussing multi-jurisdictional industrial parks, the differences between shell buildings and ready buildings, and much more. Ernie shares his insights on the creative approaches that lead to successful outcomes for businesses and communities alike. This conversation is packed with valuable knowledge for anyone interested in economic development. Tune in, subscribe, and stay tuned for more exciting episodes this season!
S2 · E1
Aug 26, 2024 · 1 hr 5 min
Chris Chung (EDPNC)
Welcome back to the second season of "The New Economic Developers on the Block" podcast! We're thrilled to kick off this season with a special guest, Chris Chung, CEO of the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC). In this episode, we have an engaging conversation with Chris about EDPNC and their upcoming tenth-year anniversary. Chris shares his inspiring journey from being a student at Ohio State to leading EDPNC. Tune in for insights, stories, and more. Please listen and subscribe, and stay tuned for an exciting lineup of guests this season!
S1 · E15
Jun 17, 2024 · 1 hr 1 min
Project: South Carolina (Stephanie Grosick, Florence County Economic Development Partnership, SC)
Welcome to the final episode of Season 1 of "The New Developers on the Block"! As we gear up for a summer break and eagerly anticipate Season 2 launching late this summer, we're excited to wrap up with a special guest and a glimpse into the dynamic world of economic development. In this episode, we are joined by Stephanie Grosick, Vice President of Business Development at the Florence County Economic Development Partnership in South Carolina. Stephanie sheds light on the nuances between economic development in South Carolina and North Carolina, highlighting shared connections and distinct strategies. Stephanie's LinkedIn Profile Join us as we explore the strategies, challenges, and successes in fostering economic growth across different regions. Whether you're familiar with economic development or just diving in, this episode offers valuable insights and perspectives. Stay tuned for Season 2, where we'll continue bringing you engaging conversations and expert insights from the economic development landscape. And don't forget to mark your calendars for the NCEDA Annual Conference in Wilmington, NC—we look forward to seeing you there! "The New Developers on the Block" is proudly presented by the North Carolina Economic Development Association (NCEDA), dedicated to advancing collaboration and innovation in economic development. Subscribe now to stay informed and inspired by our upcoming episodes!
S1 · E14
Jun 3, 2024 · 1 hr 2 min
Project: Mr. LinkedIn (Ben McDaniel, Barrow - Braselton Joint Economic Development Authority, GA)
Welcome to a special episode of “The New Developers on the Block”! Today, we are thrilled to welcome our first out-of-state guest, Ben McDaniel, the Economic Development Director for the Barrow-Braselton Joint Economic Development Authority in Georgia. Click Here to view Ben’s LinkedIn Profile In this episode, we had the pleasure of learning more about Ben and his community of Barrow County. Ben shares his expertise on leveraging LinkedIn and ChatGPT for economic development, offering valuable insights into how these tools can enhance community marketing efforts. Ben discusses the innovative strategies he employs to attract businesses and foster economic growth in Barrow County. He provides practical advice on utilizing LinkedIn for networking and promotion, as well as how ChatGPT can be a game-changer for economic developers looking to streamline communication and information dissemination. “The New Developers on the Block” is proudly presented by the North Carolina Economic Development Association (NCEDA). We remain dedicated to fostering dialogue and collaboration within the economic development community through engaging discussions like this one. Don’t miss out on this insightful conversation with Ben McDaniel—subscribe now.
S1 · E13
May 20, 2024 · 57 min
Project: Big Dreams (Trey Goodson, NC East Alliance)
Welcome to another exciting installment of "The New Developers on the Block"! In this episode, listeners are treated to an insightful conversation with Trey Goodson, the Chief Information Officer and Economic Development Director for the NC East Alliance. Click Here to view Trey's LinkedIn Profile Trey shares his journey from being a student at East Carolina University (ECU) to working with the NC East Alliance. He delves into the significant contributions of STEM East, an initiative of NC East Alliance, explaining what STEM East is and highlighting the impactful work it is doing. Additionally, Trey discusses his hopes for the future of eastern North Carolina, outlining his vision for the next ten to twenty years. Throughout the episode, Trey offers practical advice and reflections on his career path and the initiatives that drive economic growth in the region. His story is an inspiring blend of personal achievements and professional insights. "The New Developers on the Block" is proudly presented by the North Carolina Economic Development Association (NCEDA). Through engaging discussions like this one, NCEDA remains committed to fostering dialogue and collaboration within the economic development community. Don't miss out on this illuminating conversation with Trey Goodson—subscribe now.
S1 · E12
May 6, 2024 · 56 min
Project: Bronco (Cliff Brumfield, LEDA)
Welcome to another exciting installment of "The New Developers on the Block"! In this episode, listeners are treated to an insightful conversation with Cliff Brumfield, the Executive Director of the Lincoln Economic Development Association (LEDA). From his enduring passion for Ford Broncos to his journey to Lincoln County and his perspectives on professional development, Cliff's story offers a captivating blend of personal interests and professional insights. Throughout the episode, Cliff draws upon his wealth of knowledge to offer practical advice and reflections on professional development. From cultivating strategic partnerships to staying abreast of industry trends, his insights serve as a roadmap for aspiring professionals seeking to make their mark in the field. "The New Developers on the Block" is proudly presented by the North Carolina Economic Development Association (NCEDA). Through engaging discussions like this one, NCEDA remains committed to fostering dialogue and collaboration within the economic development community. Don't miss out on this illuminating conversation with Cliff Brumfield—subscribe now for more thought-provoking insights on the forefront of economic growth and community prosperity.
S1 · E11
Apr 8, 2024 · 58 min
Project: Broadcasting (Maria Satira, Greenville ENC Alliance)
Welcome to a captivating episode of "The New Developers on the Block,". In this episode, we are joined by Maria Satira, the Director of Marketing and Communications at the Greenville ENC Alliance. With over a decade of experience in journalism, media relations, marketing, and communications, Maria brings a wealth of knowledge to our discussion. We delve into the crucial role of marketing in economic development, the strategies for effective community promotion, and the importance of strategic partnerships and talent attraction. Maria shares insights from her book, "An Introduction to Media Relations for Nonprofit Organizations," and her experiences in various newsrooms and economic development groups. Join us for an enlightening conversation with Maria Satira, as we uncover the power of marketing in driving economic growth and community development. Click Here for a Link to Her Book "The New Developers on the Block" is proudly presented by the North Carolina Economic Development Association (NCEDA). Subscribe now for more engaging discussions on the dynamics of economic development.
S1 · E10
Mar 25, 2024 · 1 hr 4 min
Project: Coldplay (Josh Grant, Smith Anderson)
Welcome to another insightful episode of "The New Developers on the Block"! In this episode, we're thrilled to welcome Josh Grant, a key member of the NCEDA Legislative Committee. Josh's diverse background in business, higher education, and government, including his significant experience at the General Assembly, has shaped his expertise in legislative advocacy. Join us as we delve into Josh's journey, the inner workings of the General Assembly, and the crucial role of the NCEDA Legislative Committee in advocacy efforts. Don't miss this insightful conversation on the importance of advocacy in economic development and the impact of legislative committees like NCEDA's. "The New Developers on the Block" is proudly presented by the North Carolina Economic Development Association (NCEDA). Subscribe now to stay informed and inspired in the ever-evolving world of economic development.

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