Podcast 140: Transforming Southern Illinois' Economic Development with Deb Barnett

Episode 140 of the Econ Dev Show Podcast is live.

In this episode, Dane talks with Deb Barnett, the executive director of SI Now. SI Now is a relatively new regional economic development organization founded in the fall of 2022, serving 17 counties in Southern Illinois.

She explains that the organization was created to address the need for a more strategic and collaborative approach to economic development in the region, moving away from the previous model where communities and counties worked in isolation.

During the conversation, Barnett highlights SI Now's focus on long-term economic growth and shares insights about their current projects and future plans. She also discusses her involvement in a podcast called "Small Town Big Business," which features interviews with small business owners in Southern Illinois. Barnett emphasizes the importance of storytelling in economic development and expresses optimism about the increasing number of opportunities and projects in the pipeline for the region.

SI Now has recently been recognized with two 2024 IEDC Excellence Awards: one for excellence in regional partnerships, and another for their NOW! magazine. You can find out more about SI Now's initiatives and success stories in their NOW! magazine.

For more information and updates, you can follow SI Now on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

Actionable Economic Development Strategies

1. Leverage Local Assets: Highlight and promote the unique assets of your region. Educate the local community about these assets to build a sense of pride and attract external interest.
2. Foster Regional Collaboration: Encourage counties or communities to work together rather than in isolation. A more strategic and regional approach to economic development can be more effective than individual efforts.
3. Storytelling as a Tool: Use storytelling to showcase local success stories and unique characteristics of the region. Publishing well-designed magazines or newsletters can help in getting the message across effectively.
4. Capitalize on Logistics: If your region has key logistics assets like rivers, rails, roads, and runways, make sure to promote these advantages to potential businesses and investors.
5. Identify and Support Growth Potential: Engage with local businesses to understand their growth needs. A casual conversation can sometimes lead to significant developments, like new expansions or strategic moves.
6. Utilize Awards for Credibility: Apply for and publicize awards to gain recognition. Winning awards from respected organizations (like IEDC) can boost the credibility of your development efforts.
7. Patient Visionary Leadership: Economic development takes time. Patient and visionary leadership is crucial. Highlight the importance of long-term commitment and strategic planning.
8. Promote Success Case Studies: Share case studies of how your initiatives have successfully driven economic development. For example, the transformation of a small regional airport into an economic driver can inspire other communities.
9. Educate and Involve the Community: Make sure the local community understands and supports your economic development efforts. Community buy-in is essential for long-term success.
10. Regional Awards for Recognition: Participate actively in regional and national awards to highlight your organization’s achievements. It is an effective way to gain recognition and motivate your team.

Episode Links

• Official website of SI Now
• SI Now's NOW! magazine
• IEDC Excellence Award for regional partnerships
• IEDC Excellence Award for NOW! magazine
• SI Now's LinkedIn page
• SI Now's Twitter page