Ep. 35: Economic Development with Aimee Johnson & Amanda Parrish

Ep. 35: Economic Development with Aimee Johnson & Amanda Parrish

Author: Manatee County Government May 1, 2026 Duration: 42:18

Manatee County is at a turning point. Growth is accelerating, expectations are rising, and the decisions being made now will shape what this community looks like for decades.

In this conversation, interim CEO of the Bradenton Area Economic Development Corporation Amanda Parrish and Manatee County’s Economic Development Division Manager Aimee Johnson break down what’s really happening behind the scenes.

They unpack the County’s role versus the EDC, reflect on key takeaways from the recent economic development workshop, and tackle the topics people hear about but rarely understand - incentives, opportunity zones, and long-term competitiveness.

Most importantly, they connect the dots between economic development decisions and everyday life - jobs, wages, infrastructure, and the future of Manatee County.


Ever wonder what really goes on behind the doors of your local government? Chambers, Changes & Conversations-the official podcast of Manatee County Government pulls up a chair to those discussions, offering a direct line to the decisions shaping life across Bradenton, Palmetto, Anna Maria Island, and all our unique communities from Longboat Key to Lakewood Ranch. This isn't about dry policy readings; it's about the real conversations driving change in our parks, roads, and neighborhoods. You'll hear from county commissioners, department leaders, and staff as they explain the 'why' behind new initiatives and break down complex projects in plain language. Each episode aims to demystify local governance, providing clarity on how services work and highlighting tangible opportunities for residents to participate. Tune in for genuine dialogue that connects you to the heartbeat of Manatee County, making civic life more accessible and understandable. Whether you're a longtime resident or new to the area, this podcast serves as an essential resource for staying informed and engaged with the place we call home.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 41

Chambers, Changes & Conversations - the official podcast of Manatee County Government
Podcast Episodes
Ep 30: Molly White, Director of Sports & Leisure [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:21
🎙️ Chambers, Changes & Conversations – Sports, Leisure & Community LifeParks, libraries, fields, pools — they may feel like everyday amenities, but in a growing county like Manatee, they are essential infrastructure for…
Ep 29: Charlie Hunsicker, Director of Natural Resources [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:43
Meet Charlie Hunsicker, the longest-serving employee at Manatee County, to discuss his impactful role as Director of the Natural Resources Department. For decades, Charlie has been at the forefront of efforts to protect…
Ep 28: Manatee County Day [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:15
We took Chambers, Changes & Conversations on the road for the very first Manatee County Day in Tallahassee!We had great conversations with Operation Warrior Resolution, SeaPort Manatee, Sarasota Bradenton International A…
Ep 27: Drew Richardson, Director of Information Technology Services [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:04
What does forward-thinking local government technology really look like in 2026? In this episode we talk with Drew Richardson, Director of Information Technology Services for Manatee County, about how his department is r…
Ep 26: Nicole Knapp, Director of Development Services [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:37
What actually happens after someone says, “I want to build something”?We talk with Nicole Knapp, Director of Development Services, for a candid and surprisingly fun conversation about how development really works in Mana…
Ep. 23, Palmetto Mayor Dan West [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:16
We sit down with Palmetto Mayor Dan West for a deep dive into the history, heritage, and heart of Manatee County. Before he ever served on the Palmetto City Commission or stepped into the Mayor’s office, Dan built a care…
Ep. 22: Chad Butzow, Director of Public Works [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:14
If you’ve ever sat in traffic on your morning commute, wondered why a road project takes so long, questioned how repaving decisions get made, or felt frustrated trying to understand how growth is outpacing infrastructure…
Ep. 21:  Chairman George Kruse and 2026 State Legislative Priorities [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:31
Ever wonder how Manatee County’s biggest projects and policy goals make it to Tallahassee? In this episode of Chambers, Changes & Conversations, speak with Chairman George Kruse to unpack the 2026 Manatee County Legislat…