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Top 10 Takeaways from Our Let’s Talk Tech Webinar:
How Technology Is Reshaping Economic Development Marketing

Technology is changing economic development faster than ever, but not always in the ways people expect. During our inaugural Let’s Talk Tech webinar last week, a panel of economic development marketing leaders shared practical insights on how AI, data, and automation are already reshaping how communities are discovered, evaluated, and trusted.

Our Panelists:

One message came through loud and clear: technology is not replacing economic developers; it’s redefining how they work. Below are the top 10 takeaways every EDO should keep in mind as they plan for the year ahead.

  1. Technology Should Extend People, Not Replace Them

AI and automation work best when they give economic developers time back, freeing staff to focus on relationships, responsiveness, and strategy. Technology should amplify human expertise, not attempt to substitute for it.

“Economic development really is a human story. Technology should only be used to facilitate a better connection with an audience.”
— David Petr, Marketing Alliance

  1. EDO Websites Are Now AI Source Material

Websites are no longer just destinations for visitors. They are primary inputs for AI systems used by site selectors and investors. That means content must be accurate, well-structured, and easy for machines to understand.

“Your website, earned media, FAQs, and social content are now source material, not just destinations for people.”
— Ian Richer, DCI

  1. Authentic, Specific Storytelling Wins

Generic messaging no longer cuts through. Technology is pushing communities to be more precise about who they are, what they do well, and why it matters. Authenticity and clarity build trust, both with humans and AI.

“Technology won’t make us more general, it will make us more specific.”
— David Petr, Marketing Alliance

  1. AI Amplifies Accuracy, or Mistakes

AI does not fix weak content. It magnifies it. Inconsistent, outdated, or vague information can quickly erode credibility when surfaced by automated tools.

“When the content is unclear or inconsistent, AI tends to surface that confusion rather than fix it.”
— Ian Richer, DCI

  1. SEO Is Evolving into Generative Engine Optimization (GEO)

Traditional SEO still matters, but it’s no longer enough. FAQs, descriptive alt tags, clearly labeled maps, and structured content help AI accurately interpret and share community information.

“It’s not just about eyeballs on your website anymore—it’s about the content you’re providing to AI engines.”
— Aaron Brossoit, Golden Shovel Agency

  1. Data Accuracy Equals Credibility

Site selectors cannot afford bad data, and neither can EDOs. Verified sources, regular updates, and human review are essential to maintaining trust in an AI-driven environment.

“You will lose your credibility with a site selector if the data isn’t accurate, because they cannot afford to misquote information.”
— Linda Mosely, 365° Total Marketing

  1. Boards Care About Results, Not AI Jargon

When explaining technology investments, focus on outcomes: efficiency, faster response times, professionalism, continuity, and risk management. AI is a tool, not the headline.

“This isn’t a tech project. This is a project about continuity, efficiency, and protecting institutional knowledge.”
— Ray Methvin, Insyteful

  1. Lean Teams Must Invest Strategically

Small and mid-sized EDOs should avoid “tool overload.” Every technology investment should save time, reduce workload, or extend team capacity. Innovation is valuable only when it drives meaningful, measurable outcomes.

“Buying tools just to be more innovative is a red flag.”
— Ray Methvin, Insyteful

  1. AI Delivers Value Through Efficiency and Expert Oversight

Today, AI is most effective when used to support research, tracking, reporting, and prioritization. Expert review remains essential to ensure accuracy and relevance.

“AI doesn’t replace experts yet. We still need expert teams to review it and make sure it’s right.”
— Aaron Brossoit, Golden Shovel Agency

  1. 2026 Site Selection Starts with Automation

Early-stage site selection is becoming increasingly automated. Communities that invest now in clear, accurate, AI-ready content will be visible and competitive, those that don’t risk being filtered out before a conversation ever begins.

“The more we set up systems where data automatically pours in, the more efficient we’re going to get.”
— Linda Mosely, 365° Total Marketing

Final Thought

Technology is not changing what economic developers do, it’s changing how early decisions are made and how clearly communities must communicate. The organizations that succeed will be the ones that pair smart technology with strong storytelling, accurate data, and a deep understanding of who they are.

Want to dive deeper into how technology is shaping the future of economic development?

Join us at The Economic Development Tech Summit, November 4–5 in Alpharetta, Georgia, for deeper conversations and real-world applications from industry leaders. Learn more and register here: https://giswebtech.com/economic-development-tech-summit