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Project Catalyst: An Economic Development Podcast

Project Catalyst: An Economic Development Podcast

Written by: Project Catalyst Pod
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In economic development, potential projects are given code names to keep the goings-on secret until the deal is done. While each is different, they each were a catalyst for their economies and represent the culmination of the work of dedicated professionals. Join Tina Emerson, Chief Marketing Officer at Maynard Nexsen, and the leaders of the Maynard Nexsen Economic Development Practice Group to feature many of the projects and people that have been a catalyst for growth and economic prosperity across the Southeastern United States and beyond.Project Catalyst Pod Economics
Episodes
  • Episode 18: The Triad’s Economic Momentum with Marvin Price of the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce
    Dec 4 2025

    Hosts Tina Emerson and Chris Kouri sit down with Marvin Price, Executive Vice President of Economic Development at the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce and a Board Member of the NC Economic Development Association (NCEDA). With the Triad region reaching new heights in economic development, Marvin shares how growth has been fueled by manufacturing, aerospace, battery supply chains, and life sciences. He also discusses NCEDA’s efforts to strengthen the profession through mentorship and advocacy, and what’s next for North Carolina as it tackles workforce, infrastructure, and competitiveness challenges. Tune in for an energetic conversation on how North Carolina is positioning itself for long-term success!

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    27 mins
  • Episode 17: Building the Grid of the Future with Cristina Paredes of SC Nexus & SC Department of Commerce
    Oct 30 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.

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    23 mins
  • Episode 16: Powering Alabama’s Economic Progress with Leigh Davis of Alabama Power Company
    Jul 23 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 Company. 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!

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    22 mins
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