LIVE from #SEDC2026 in Bonita Springs, Florida | Jeff Vanhook and Christina Isbell

Live from the Southern Economic Development Council 2026 Annual Conference in Bonita Springs, Florida, host Ray Methvin examines regionalism, infrastructure, and rapid industrial growth in conversations with two local leaders. The episode begins with Jeff Van Hook, CEO and Executive Director of the RGL Regional Industrial Development Authority in Kentucky, who outlines how combining the resources of Rockcastle, Garrard, and Lincoln Counties amplifies regional influence and expands the area labor shed to 1.2 million people. Van Hook details the development of a 200-acre mega-site secured through local collaboration and strategic funding, highlighting how regional partnerships transform displacement from legacy industries into advanced manufacturing and automotive opportunities.

The discussion then shifts to Haskell, Texas, with Mayor Christina Isbell sharing insights on managing unprecedented industrial momentum as a rural community of 3,100 residents prepares for five incoming data centers. Isbell candidly addresses the immediate impacts on local infrastructure, housing shortages, and spiking rental costs, alongside the long-term benefits of a 60 percent increase in sales tax revenue and significant business expansion. Emphasizing intergovernmental transparency and county-city communication, Isbell provides practical lessons on negotiating with major tech developers, modernizing zoning ordinances, and proactively engaging citizens when hyper-growth arrives in small towns.

The SEDC Podcast is sponsored by Insyteful.