News

Oct. 1 free event will look at how the technology can drive corporate efficiency, innovation

Registration is open for the NEW Digital Alliance 2025 Tech Summit. Free to attend, the event will be held on Oct. 1 from 1-5 p.m.

Awards will honor those making lasting impact on Northeast Wisconsin construction industry

The first annual Champions of Construction Awards, presented by the NEW Construction Alliance (NEWCA), kicks off next week. The new program is designed to honor the top skilled trades professionals within Northeast Wisconsin.

Partnership between New North, Centergy will introduce employers to potential talent pipeline

New North Inc. has partnered with Centergy Inc., the economic development organization for Central Wisconsin, to offer a virtual event targeted to area companies interested in hiring transitioning service members. The information session – Sept. 17 from 12-1 p.m. – will introduce employers, human resources professionals and community leaders to the Skillbridge program of the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD).

Agentic AI is transforming the way organizations operate—moving beyond simple automation to AI systems capable of taking action, making decisions, and executing tasks with minimal human input. We want attendees to move beyond curiosity and gain practical, actionable insights they can apply right away. This event will explore what agentic AI is, how it works, and how it can be effectively implemented to drive efficiency, innovation, and strategic value.

Certification represents mastery of economic development-related skills and strategies

Barbara Koldos, vice president of business development for New North Inc., has earned the designation of Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). The certification establishes her technical expertise, comprehensive conceptual knowledge, and mastery of economic development skills and strategies.

Pair bring perspective of nameplate companies, backgrounds in finance, information technology

Regional leaders Rob Kim of Green Bay Packaging and Don McCartney of Oshkosh Corporation have been named to the board of directors of New North Inc., the regional economic development corporation for the 18 counties of Northeast Wisconsin. Advanced by New North’s board development committee and subsequently approved by the full board at its May meeting, their board terms began on July 1.

Thrivent IT VP will guide strategic direction in continuing work to bridge region’s digital gap

Shari Steeno, a Thrivent vice president of technology with more than a quarter-century of professional experience in information technology, has been chosen as the new chair of the NEW Digital Alliance (NEWDA) Executive Committee. In that role, she will help guide the strategic direction of NEWDA as it continues its work to bridge the digital gap within the New North region and to support regional tech ecosystem growth. Her appointment will take effect on July 1.

Funds to expand award-winning NEW BOOST™ initiative, including to age 50-plus population

New North Inc., the regional economic development corporation for the 18 counties of Northeast Wisconsin, has been selected to receive an AARP Community Challenge Grant of $20,000 to back expansion of its award-winning NEW BOOST™ for Hidden Talent initiative. Grant funds will be utilized for “Train the Trainer” support to organizations in the region that help individuals by providing digital-skilling opportunities.

Campaign will emphasize value of college, its long-term impact on individuals, regional economy

A new campaign which emphasizes the value of college and its long-term impact on individuals and the economic vitality of the region – ‘Growing Roots, Finding Wings’ – was launched June 6 at the New North Summit at Lambeau Field in Green Bay.

People-focused culture results in measurable improvement in employee engagement, retention

Capital Credit Union, a member-owned financial cooperative that demonstrated tangible results from the implementation of a new people-focused employee culture, has been named as the winner of the 2025 New North Workplace Excellence Award. Nominated companies are selected through a multi-phase evaluation process that is independent from the New North organization.

Led 18-county regional economic development corporation for six years, spurring new programs, community partners and industry certifications; Search has begun for successor

Barb LaMue has formally informed the New North Board of Directors of her plans to retire from the role of President and CEO of the organization, which serves as the regional economic development corporation for the 18 counties of Northeast Wisconsin. She will remain in the position into September 2025 – or until a successor is in place – to ensure a smooth leadership transition.