Growth Spurts
Economic developers want actionable, proven playbooks. Growth Spurts is the voice of real-world development execution and success stories told by the people who made them happen. Using Henderson, KY, as a case study of rural and regional development, we reinforce the narrative of a strong local support system and of doing what it takes to prepare for the future, offering insights and strategies for similar communities.
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Episodes
Thursday May 28, 2026
Thursday May 28, 2026
What does growth look like from the perspective of one of Henderson, KY's oldest existing industries? This question and more are answered on this month's episode of Growth Spurts!
Growth Spurts Ep. 5: Building Authentic Relationships features Ben Johnston, the Chairman of the Board and Chief Technical Officer of Pittsburg Tank & Tower Group. Together, Ben and Missy discuss building a culture in the workplace, team huddles, Ben's roles within HED, and more! Be ready to tune in this Thursday, May 28, to hear the full conversation!
Thursday Apr 30, 2026
Thursday Apr 30, 2026
On this episode of Growth Spurts, Executive Director Missy Vanderpool is joined by guest host Brad Staton, HED Board Member and Mayor of the City of Henderson, KY, for an update on retail development.
They'll cover retail recruitment, campaign season, collaboration with local partners, and much more!
Thursday Mar 26, 2026
Thursday Mar 26, 2026
On this month's episode, the team celebrates Women's History Month with guest host, Kentucky Association for Economic Development (KAED) President and CEO, Terri Bradshaw!
Missy, Whitney, and Terri take a deep dive into women in leadership, economic development trends, share advice that's great for everyone, and more!
Friday Feb 27, 2026
Friday Feb 27, 2026
Be sure to tune in to this month's episode featuring guest host, Henderson Economic Development board chair and President of Faupel Automotive, Kate Faupel Grealish! Missy and Kate have great discussions on collaboration, growing a community, accepting the challenge, and more!
Tuesday Jan 27, 2026
Tuesday Jan 27, 2026
In the inaugural episode of Growth Spurts, host Missy Vanderpool sits down with Henderson County Judge/Executive Brad Schneider to lay the foundation for how economic development works at the local level.
From the fundamentals of economic development to the critical role of collaboration, infrastructure, and long-term planning, Judge Schneider shares how leadership, partnerships, and patience shape a community’s growth. The conversations explore the impact of I-69, why infrastructure investments matter long before results are visible, and how Henderson positions itself for sustainable, future-ready growth.
This episode sets the stage for the series, offering practical insight into what it takes to build momentum, align stakeholders, and create opportunities that last.