{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"DT #628 Trust, Transparency, and Tough Decisions: Ethics in Economic Development","description":"Ethics is the invisible foundation of successful economic development. In this episode of Develop This!, we explore why professional integrity is essential to building trust, guiding difficult decisions, and sustaining long-term community growth.  Dennis Fraise interviews  Jim Fram, a longtime educator and leader in economic development ethics, about how ethical standards have evolved in the profession\u2014and why they matter more than ever in today\u2019s complex environment. From navigating gray areas in deal-making to understanding the role of formal codes of ethics and professional accountability, Jim shares insights from decades of experience teaching and mentoring economic development professionals. The conversation also looks forward, examining how emerging challenges\u2014including AI, increasing deal complexity, and growing public scrutiny\u2014are shaping the future of ethical leadership in the field. Whether you\u2019re new to economic development or a seasoned practitioner, this episode offers practical guidance on maintaining integrity while advancing your community\u2019s goals.   In This Episode  Why ethics serves as the backbone of economic development The evolution of ethical standards in the profession Why a formal code of ethics and ongoing training are critical Common ethical gray areas practitioners encounter The impact of new technologies like AI on ethical decision-making Real-world consequences when ethical standards are violated How professionals and organizations can rebuild trust after mistakes    Memorable Sound Bites  \u201cDo what\u2019s right, even when it\u2019s hard.\u201d \u201cViolations can destroy community trust.\u201d \u201cCase studies reveal the gray areas where ethics really matter.\u201d  ","author_name":"Develop This: Economic and Community Development","author_url":"http:\/\/www.developthispodcast.com","html":"<iframe title=\"Libsyn Player\" style=\"border: none\" src=\"\/\/html5-player.libsyn.com\/embed\/episode\/id\/40331870\/height\/90\/theme\/custom\/thumbnail\/yes\/direction\/forward\/render-playlist\/no\/custom-color\/88AA3C\/\" height=\"90\" width=\"600\" scrolling=\"no\"  allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen oallowfullscreen msallowfullscreen><\/iframe>","thumbnail_url":"https:\/\/assets.libsyn.com\/secure\/item\/40331870"}