LIVE from #SEDC2026 in Bonita Springs, Florida | Kevin Johnson & Mike Mullis

Live from the 2026 Southern Economic Development Council Annual Conference in Bonita Springs, Florida, host Ray Methvin sits down with two key leaders shaping economic development across the region.First, Ray speaks with Kevin Johnson, Senior Director of Marketing and Sales Enablement at H.J. Russell & Company and Chairman of the SEDC Communications Committee. Kevin shares how H.J. Russell approaches affordable housing, aviation infrastructure, and community-centered building across the country. He also dives into the creative strategy behind SEDC’s quarterly newsletter and why active committee involvement is the single best path for professional networking in the organization.Later, Ray is joined by Mike Mullis, President of J.M. Mullis, Inc. and the longest-serving member of SEDC. Drawing on decades of global site selection experience, Mike offers candid perspectives on the current data center moratoriums, the rise of community college and technical training programs to rebuild the manufacturing pipeline, and why economic developers must bring total flexibility and local leadership to the table to win major capital investment projects.The SEDC Podcast is sponsored by Insyteful.