LIVE from #SEDC2026 in Bonita Springs, Florida | Pam Armstrong & Ted Abernathy

Live from the 2026 Southern Economic Development Council Annual Conference in Bonita Springs, Florida, host Ray Methvin speaks with two economic development leaders, addressing regional growth, site preparation, and the shifting competitive landscape.First, Ray is joined by Pam Armstrong, Director of Economic Development for the Bedford County, Virginia Office of Economic Development. Located between Roanoke and Lynchburg, Bedford County leverages a regional labor shed of over 500,000 workers. Pam discusses the community’s leadership as America's conveyor manufacturing hub, major wins including a 100% American-made solar manufacturer, the development of shovel-ready Tier 4 and Tier 5 industrial sites, and targeted workforce programs designed to credential students for high-demand technical careers.Next, Ray sits down with Ted Abernathy, Managing Partner at Economic Leadership LLC. Drawing on four decades in economic policy, Ted previews his conference keynote focusing on why the historic advantages that fueled Southern growth over the past 50 years- lower costs and rapid processes- are no longer enough on their own. Ted breaks down how emerging technology, research commercialization, national defense assets, and policy changes across competitor states require economic developers to lead with proactive foresight, not complacency.The SEDC Podcast is sponsored by Insyteful.