Andrew Sloss was a site selector for ten years before making the transition during Covid to economic development. Listen in for his advice from both sides of the table.
Favorite Books & Resources
I would highly recommend Jay Garner (https://www.garnereconomics.com/our-team-demo/item/jay-a-garner-president) and Ross Patten (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ross-patten-811b91b0/)'s book Economic Development is Not for Amateurs (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B08DSX6ZXM/?tag=econdevshow-20) especially if you are new to ED but it is also a good refresher for those experienced professionals.
I love to read so this is a difficult question to answer. For now, I would say The Barbarian Way (http://www.amazon.com/dp/0785264329/?tag=econdevshow-20) by Erwin McManus.
Favorite Economic Development Tools
We just started our subscription recently so I am still learning the platform but Gazelle.ai (https://gazelle.ai/) has been amazing and will help us a great deal in recruiting companies to Brookings. We currently don't use Slack at BEDC but in past jobs, I have really enjoyed using that for internal communications and team building.
I also cannot say enough about all the resources the Next Move Group (https://www.thenextmovegroup.com) has for EDO professionals. Chad may talk funny but he has a lot of information for EDO's to better themselves professionally and personally.
What's the Most Important Thing You've Learned Recently?
The most important thing I have learned, especially over the last 5 years is that you have to do what is right for you and your family. No one is going to look out for you other than yourself. If you have an opportunity to better yourself, gain experience, and/or make more money to provide a better life, take it. Don't worry about what others might think and certainly don't worry about what your boss/board/co-workers will think. No one, other than yourself, will ever have your best interests in mind. Special Guest: Andrew Sloss.