Project Catalyst: An Economic Development Podcast

  • Home
  • Project Catalyst: An Economic Development Podcast

Project Catalyst: An Economic Development Podcast Launching in August 2023, the NEW Economic Development

03/11/2025

🔋 “We see energy as one of the greatest opportunities of our time… to strengthen the grid, advance national security, and drive our economic growth.” - Cristina Paredes, Executive Director, SC Nexus

🎧 On this episode of Project Catalyst, Cristina shares how SC Nexus, an initiative of the S.C. Department of Commerce, is transforming South Carolina into a national leader in grid-resilient energy through innovation, workforce development, and strategic partnerships.

đź”— Listen now at www.thecatalystpod.com!

30/10/2025

⚡This episode, hosts Tina and Tushar sit down with Cristina Paredes, Executive Director of SC Nexus, South Carolina’s federally designated TechHub for advanced, resilient energy. Cristina shares how SC Nexus is transforming the state into a national leader in grid modernization, energy storage, and cybersecurity.

🔌We also dive into the bipartisan collaboration that helped secure $45 million in federal funding and how the initiative is already generating billions in investment and thousands of jobs.

🔊 Tune in to learn how South Carolina is powering the future of energy and what it means for economic development across the region at www.thecatalystpod.com!

07/08/2025

🔌 “We really are making sure we have a disciplined approach to economic development and even new business development recruitment.” - Leigh Davis, Alabama Power

🎧 On this episode of Project Catalyst, Leigh shares how Alabama Power is preparing for the future, from supporting data centers and EV manufacturing to investing in rural site development and workforce innovation.

đź”— Listen now at thecatalystpod.com!

23/07/2025

⚡In this episode of Project Catalyst, hosts Tina and Tom welcome Leigh Davis, Senior Vice President of Customer Solutions and Business Development at Alabama Power. Leigh shares how the utility company is playing a pivotal role in shaping Alabama’s economic future, supporting everything from hyperscale data centers and EV manufacturing to rural site development and workforce innovation

🔊 We discuss Alabama Power’s strategic approach to balancing rising energy demands with infrastructure investment, the company’s involvement in landmark projects like Meta’s Montgomery data center, and much more. Tune in for a firsthand look into the forces driving growth across the Southeast at www.thecatalystpod.com!

26/06/2025

In this episode, hosts Tina and Tom sit down with John Driscoll, Director and CEO of the Alabama Port Authority, to explore the Port’s pivotal role in driving economic growth across the state. From competing with major ports to implementing a five-year vision for expansion, John shares a behind-the-scenes look at how Alabama is positioning itself as a logistics powerhouse in the Southeast.

🔊 Tune in to hear from industry veteran John Driscoll as he discusses the challenges and opportunities impacting Alabama’s economy, and how the state’s ports are increasingly becoming a gateway for global trade and a cornerstone for the region’s growth at www.projectcatalystpod.com!

14/05/2025

Hosts Tina Emerson, Chris Kouri, and David Spratley welcome North Carolina Secretary of Commerce Lee Lilley to the podcast. Recently appointed by Governor Josh Stein, Secretary Lilley shares how his rural North Carolina roots and extensive career in state government, including leading the state’s economic and pandemic recovery, have shaped his approach to economic development.

🔊 He outlines his vision for the Department of Commerce and discusses priorities ranging from infrastructure investments to long-term statewide growth. Tune in now for an insightful conversation on the future of North Carolina’s economy at www.projectcatalystpod.com!

05/03/2025

🔊 “Because of [Alabama’s] community college system we are able to provide a trained workforce.. You’ll continue to see the Southeast grow...”

Economic developers Valerie Gray and Laurie Huguley share their insights on what makes Alabama a great place for businesses. Learn more about rural development on episode 13 at www.thecatalystpod.com!

27/02/2025

This week, Tina and Tom welcome veteran economic developers Valerie Gray and Lori Huguley, who help drive Alabama’s growth as owners of VaLor Strategies.

🔊 Valerie and Lori share stories from their decades of experience as economic developers. We also dive into their insights on the unique challenges of economic development in rural communities in Alabama, the industries making the most impact, and the future of the state’s growth. Listen to the latest episode now at www.thecatalystpod.com!

15/01/2025

⚡ Tina and David welcome Andrew Tate, the Economic Development Director at Duke Energy in North Carolina, to discuss one of the most pressing issues in economic development: the availability of power.

🔊 We explore the growing energy demands of AI data centers, semiconductor manufacturing, and EV battery facilities, and dive into how Duke Energy is addressing both high demand and clean energy requests. Tune in now at www.thecatalystpod.com!

13/01/2025

🔊 "Without attracting industry to the state, all the work we'll be doing has no meaning."

AMP’s Mike Oatridge chats with us about how the organization is working to recruit new businesses across the EV ecosystem to Alabama and the Southeast. Tune in at www.thecatalystpod.com!

08/01/2025

For the first episode of 2025, Tina and Tom welcome Mike Oatridge, Executive Director of the Alabama Mobility and Power Center (AMP).

🔊 The group covers the work of AMP as a research and workforce development center as well as the future of electric vehicles, including the market, workforce, EV ecosystem, and potential impacts of the new administration. Listen now!www.thecatalystpod.com!

18/12/2024

“We’re branded as the American South; we’re the world’s best place to do business. The world’s third largest economy… and we’re sharing that message on behalf of the American South...”

🔊 Matt Tackett and Brian Gwin of the Southern Economic Development Council share how the association fosters collaboration between cities and states to advocate for the entire southern region. Hear more at www.thecatalystpod.com!

Address


Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Project Catalyst: An Economic Development Podcast posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Project Catalyst: An Economic Development Podcast:

Shortcuts

  • Want your business to be the top-listed Media Company?

Share