Inspiration + Location with Greg Kihlström
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Subscribe on LinkedInThe Innovation Economy: Inspiration + Location Series
The Innovation Economy: Inspiration + Location will feature 12 guests and topics over the course of a year that will talk about what it’s like to build businesses, work, and live in innovative places
Potential guests include those looking at economic development and the workforce through the following lenses:
- Real Estate Development
- Convention and Visitors Service
- Startups and Small Business
- Cultural Affairs
- Creative Economy
Series Sponsor
The Innovation Economy Inspiration + Location podcast series is brought to you by Arlington Economic Development, representing Arlington, Virginia which is one of the most dynamic economic hubs in America with resources for businesses from the Fortune 500 to startups and everything in between. You can learn more about them at www.arlingtoneconomicdevelopment.com
About the Host
Host: Greg Kihlström, Principal at GK5A and best-selling author, entrepreneur and advisor to leading organizations.
- #39: Building Community Through Innovation with Natalia Micheletti of Pryze
In this episode, host Susan Soroko Director of Creative Economy at Arlington Economic Development, explores the vital role of innovation in fostering vibrant communities where people want to live and work. Joined by Natalia Micheletti, co-founder of the Pryze app, they discuss the importance of economic development in retaining and attracting businesses, even amid changing work environments. The conversation highlights various initiatives like BizLaunch, the significance of placemaking, and the creative economy and arts sector in enhancing community well-being. As Hispanic Heritage Month approaches, the episode also sets the stage for celebrating diverse businesses and events in Arlington, Virginia. - #38: The Role of Arts in the Community and How an Art Walk Helps Artists, Residences and BusinessesToday we’re going to talk about the role of the arts in building a great community that people want to live and work in. Host Susan Soroko, Director of Creative Economy in BizLaunch at Arlington Economic Development talks with Alissa Maru, Associate Curator at Mason Exhibitions Arlington at George Mason University
- #33: The role of cultural affairs in a thriving community with Michelle Isabelle-Stark, Arlington County Cultural Affairs
This is a special episode brought to you by Arlington Economic Development in Arlington, Virginia. Since 1996, when Arlington Cultural Affairs ‘Arts Incubator’ was the first government arts program to win an Innovations in American Government… - #31: Public-private partnerships and creative expression with Joshua Stoltzfus, Arlington Economic Development
This is a special episode brought to you by Arlington Economic Development in Arlington, Virginia. Today we’re going to talk about Public/Private partnerships and how they are essential to the visibility of creative and cultural expression in… - S1 | 29: Creating great places to work and live with Ryan Touhill, Arlington Economic Development
Today we’re going to talk about the future of commercial office space and how partnering with economic development organizations can help businesses maintain vibrant communities that create great places for people to live and work. This is a special episode brought to you by Arlington Economic Development in Arlington, Virginia. To help me discuss this topic, I’d like to welcome Ryan Touhill, Director of Economic Development, Arlington Economic Development. - S1 | 24: Branding and marketing a location to businesses with Kelly Rindfusz, Arlington Economic Development
Today we’re going to talk about some of the unique challenges and opportunities in branding and marketing a location, and in particular, the considerations and implications in reaching a Business to Business audience. To help me discuss this topic, I’d like to welcome Kelly Rindfusz, Communications Director at Arlington Economic Development in Arlington, Virginia. - Embracing market-based solutions for commercial real estate vacancy
One of the key strategies employed by Arlington Economic Development is the focus on market-based solutions for commercial vacancy. This approach recognizes the importance of allowing the market to dictate the use of office space, rather than imposing rigid regulations that may hinder innovation and growth. - S1 | 22: Commercial Real Estate Resiliency with Marc McCauley, Arlington Economic Development
Today we’re going to talk about resiliency in the commercial real estate market and how innovative solutions matched with realistic expectations can mean good things for the industry, and for the businesses utilizing office space. To help me discuss this topic, I’d like to welcome Marc McCauley, Director of Real Estate Development, Arlington Economic Development, in Arlington, Virginia. - The vital role of small business to the economy
Small businesses play a valuable role in the economy. According to the Small Business Administration, 99.9% of companies in the United States are considered small businesses, employing over 46% of private sector employees. These businesses contribute to economic growth and job creation, making them essential for the overall health of communities. - S1 | 13: The role of small business in the local economy with Tara Palacios, Arlington Economic Development
When talking about business innovation, a lot of focus is placed on large enterprises, yet according to numbers from the Small Business Administration in January of 2023 99.9% – yes, 99.9% of companies, or roughly 33.2 million businesses are considered small businesses. Today we’re going to talk about the valuable role that small businesses play, as well as how the places that small businesses are located in can help them back. To help me discuss this topic, I’d like to welcome Tara Palacios, Director of BizLaunch at Arlington Economic Development, based in Arlington County, Virginia. - Tourism growth equals business growth
Arlington County, located in Virginia, is actively promoting tourism growth through its new branding campaign called “All in Arlington.” Emily Cassell, the Director of Marketing for Arlington Convention and Visitors Service (ACVS), discussed the county’s efforts to attract leisure and business travelers and position Arlington as a top destination on a recent episode of The Innovation Economy podcast. - S1 | 8: Destination branding and economic development with Emily Cassell, Arlington Convention and Visitors Service
According to data from the U.S. Travel Association, there is a promising forecast for travel in 2023. It is predicted that the number of domestic trips, including both business and leisure, will surpass the levels seen in 2019 for the first time, marking a significant recovery from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Today we’re going to talk about the valuable role that destination marketing and building a strong destination to market plays in the overall growth of the business community in a region. To help me discuss this topic, I’d like to welcome Emily Cassell, Director, Arlington Convention and Visitors Service, based in Arlington County, Virginia. - S1 | 4: Arts + business for the benefit of the community with Alissa Maru, George Mason University
Today we’re going to talk about the role of the arts in a community that serves businesses, employees, residents, and visitors. To help me discuss this topic, I’d like to welcome Alissa Maru, Associate Curator at Mason Exhibitions Arlington at George Mason University. - S1 | 3: The ongoing relationship between businesses and their location, with Michael Steifvater, Arlington Economic Development
Today we’re going to talk about the partnership between business and their location, and the benefits of partnership. To help me discuss this topic, I’d like to welcome Michael Stiefvater, Acting Director, Business Investment at Arlington Economic Development.