S3 E2 #68: Our Greatest Export

S3 E2 #68: Our Greatest Export

From ElevatePolk by Chrissanne Long, Dan Thumberg

April 15, 2026 · 56 min · Episode 68

About this episode

The episode discusses the challenges and opportunities for talent and entrepreneurship in Polk County.

What happens when a community’s greatest talent no longer finds enough opportunity at home? In this episode of Elevate Polk, Chrissanne Long and Dan Thumberg take a deeper look at a question that hits at the heart of Polk County’s future: Are we creating the kind of environment where talent, innovation, and entrepreneurship can thrive here — or are we exporting our best people to other markets? Using data from the Innovation Intelligence Index and labor flow reports, this conversation explores what the numbers may be revealing about Polk County’s current position, where opportunity is growing, and where important gaps still remain. From workforce patterns and small business realities to the need for a stronger entrepreneurial ecosystem, this episode is an honest discussion about what it will take to move from potential to progress. This isn’t about criticism for criticism’s sake. It’s about asking better questions, challenging assumptions, and creating a healthier future for small business, innovation, and economic development in Polk County. If you care about entrepreneurship, economic development, small business, or the long-term future of Polk County, this episode is for you.

People in this episode

Hosts: Chrissanne Long, Dan Thumberg

Topics covered

  • talent export
  • entrepreneurship
  • economic development
  • innovation
  • workforce patterns

Keywords

  • Polk County
  • entrepreneurship
  • economic development
  • talent
  • innovation
  • workforce

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Innovation Intelligence Index

Places: Polk County

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