Unique Community Marketing: How to create a Podcast

October 13, 2026 | 4 p.m. EST | 3 p.m. CST | 2 p.m. MST

This webinar is being hosted by the 2026 Workforce and Talent (Medium Population) Mid-America EDC Economic Development Award Winner, York County Development Corporation!

A podcast can give a smaller community room to tell stories that rarely fit in an ad or brochure. In this session, Lisa Hurley will share why York County Development Corporation launched the 17-County Podcast and how the team kept it going through changes in hosts, production, and publishing schedule. She’ll explain what the early seasons format taught them, how they now choose and promote episodes, and why the podcast’s reach beyond Nebraska surprised them. Lisa will also share how local partners use episodes in recruitment, including one story that shows what a prospective resident can learn by listening. Attendees will hear what worked, what took more effort than expected, and leave with a simple way to decide whether a podcast fits their community and plan their first three episodes.

Who Should Attend:

Economic development professionals, municipal leaders, and chamber executives looking to expand their reach in a growing format. Anyone interested in developing a podcast for marketing or informational purposes will benefit from this engaging presentation.

Presenter:

Lisa Hurley, CEcD, is Executive Director of the York County Development Corporation in York County, Nebraska. She has worked in economic development since 2006 and has led YCDC since 2013, connecting housing, workforce, business growth, infrastructure, and talent attraction to strengthen the region’s economy.

Lisa believes rural communities have compelling stories to tell, and sharing those stories can open doors. That belief is reflected in YCDC’s award-winning 17-County Podcast, which introduces listeners to the people, businesses, careers, and opportunities that shape the region. The podcast is part of a broader effort to build community pride and help potential residents picture a future in rural Nebraska.

As Past President of the National Rural Economic Developers Association, Lisa brings both local experience and a national perspective to rural development. She is passionate about helping communities turn relationships and ideas into practical action.

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email from
"Mid-America Economic Development Council <MAEDC5@wildapricot.org>", with information about joining the webinar.