In this episode, Josh Wright of Lightcast joins Susan and Charles to unpack how labor market intelligence helps economic developers, site selectors, and corporate leaders make smarter location decisions. From real-time analytics to national demographic shifts, this conversation delivers a grounded look at how workforce data can guide both immediate RFIs and 20-year regional strategies.

Brett Lauritsen from Olsson joins Susan and Charles to talk about what actually moves the needle on project readiness. With two decades of experience at one of the country’s largest engineering firms, Brett shares how teams can prevent delays, reduce rework, and stay competitive—especially when deals move faster than ever.

Adam Hess of CSX joins Susan Donkers to unpack what companies need to know when evaluating rail access as part of a location decision. With decades of experience and billions in capital investment supported through the CSX Select Site program, Adam shares what separates the contenders from the pretenders.

Brian Devlin of ARCO Design/Build joins Susan Donkers to explain how an integrated design-build approach removes risk from site selection—especially when speed, complexity, or growth are at stake. From cleanrooms to packaging facilities, from site plans to regulatory approvals, the real design challenge often lives inside the building.

Mike Grella (ex-Amazon, now Active Infrastructure) joins Strata to reveal what most communities get wrong about data centers. We go deep on power access, permitting pitfalls, and what it really takes to be ready for billion-dollar infrastructure projects. From Welcome Wagons to nuclear power, this is a must-listen for any region trying to win the next hyperscaler investment.

Ever wonder who’s really behind the labor market data shaping corporate investment decisions? This episode takes you inside two pivotal conferences—C2ER and SelectUSA—through the eyes of Strata’s team. We unpack how economic researchers drive decisions behind the scenes, how FDI flows through U.S. communities, and why data storytelling matters more than ever.

Kim Gerlt, Director of Business Recruitment & Capacity Building at Missouri Partnership, shares how Missouri is preparing for large-scale investment and why the state is becoming a destination for data, food, and advanced manufacturing industries.

In the inaugural episode of The Ribbon Cut, co-hosts Susan Donkers and Charles Houser sit down to explore the long, often invisible process behind site selection and economic development. They share the behind the scenes on global investment decisions and infrastructure strategy, revealing how “ribbon cut” moments often come after years of unseen effort.