News

Attendees will receive actionable strategies to grow, scale and strengthen their organizations

A free, interactive business growth event designed to help entrepreneurs, small business owners and business leaders develop actionable strategies to grow, scale and strengthen their organizations is being held on Nov. 4 in Green Bay. “Growth Lab: Less Theory, More Doing” is part of the Cheese Wedge Consortium, a regional collaboration between New North Inc. and the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay.

Recognized economic development leader to guide organization’s future growth

Barbara Koldos, CEcD, a recognized economic development leader who has served as Vice President of Business Development for New North since 2021, has been named Interim President & CEO of the organization, New North Co-Chairs Sachin Shivaram and Mary Goggans announced. She replaces Patti Habeck, who has resigned from the position, effective October 15, to return to a community focused opportunity in the non-profit sector.

Local partners planning Startup Week events, leading up to December 2 regional event; Deadline for entry by uploading pitch ideas is October 31

In support of the entrepreneurial ecosystem, New North Inc., the regional marketing and economic development organization for the 18 counties of Northeast Wisconsin, is collaborating with 14 of its local partners to hold six pitch events during Startup Week in the state. The event winners will advance to a regional pitch event, December 2 at TitletownTech in Green Bay.

Supports expansion of New North Hires Heroes initiative to attract transitioning service members

New North Inc., the regional economic development corporation serving the 18 counties of Northeast Wisconsin, has been awarded $425,000 in funding through the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) Talent Recruitment Grant program. The grant will support expansion of the New North Hires Heroes initiative in collaboration with Central Command, a military talent attraction and relocation effort of Centergy to serve Northeast and North Central Wisconsin.

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

Nominations for the second annual Champions of Construction Awards, presented by the NEW Construction Alliance (NEWCA), are now open. The program is designed to honor the top skilled trades professionals within Northeast Wisconsin.

Forum brings together healthcare leaders, educators to address state’s future healthcare workforce

The Healthcare Forward Symposium, a regional forum focused on the future of Wisconsin’s healthcare workforce, will be held Wednesday, August 5, from 7:30 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Culver Family Welcome Center, 625 Pearl Ave. on the UW-Oshkosh campus. Hosted by the NEW Healthcare Alliance in partnership with UWO, the event’s confirmed attendees include Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development Secretary Amy Pechacek, along with prominent healthcare and education leaders from the New North region.

Initial submissions for 2027 honor recognizing best people, business practices open until Oct. 2

Applications are now being accepted for the 2027 New North Workplace Excellence Award. The honor recognizes organizations within the 18-county New North region that are improving their competitive advantage through people practices that lead to successful business outcomes.

Organization halts high attrition rate through whole-person approach to workforce support

Goodwill North Central Wisconsin (NCW), a regional nonprofit providing employment and financial wellness services funded by retail of donated items, has been named as the winner of the 2026 New North Workplace Excellence Award. It was selected through a multi-phase evaluation process that is independent from the New North organization.

One of seven New North-led alliances, it is executing collaborative, three-pronged work program

The NEW Healthcare Alliance was recently formed to strengthen the healthcare ecosystem within the New North region through collaboration between healthcare professionals, organizations and community partners. Using shared expertise, it is actively executing a three-pronged work program around Healthcare Workforce Solutions, Next Generation Engagement and Clinical Excellence.

Consultant Connect honor recognizes exceptional innovation, effectiveness in driving economic growth

New North Inc. Vice President of Business Development Barbara Koldos has been named as one of North America’s Top 50 Economic Developers 2026 by Consultant Connect. She was chosen from a pool of more than 150 nominations received from peers in economic development and site consultants.

Will oversee enterprise-level strategic priorities that advance regional competitiveness

Juan Corpus, a community-focused executive with prior leadership positions at the state and regional level, has returned to New North Inc. as Vice President of Strategic Initiatives, President and CEO Patti Habeck announced. He restarted with the organization on May 4.

June 9 event will honor legacy of Bob Chapman’s people-centric business practices

Kyle Chapman, president and CEO of Barry-Wehmiller, will provide a keynote address at the upcoming New North Summit, scheduled for Tuesday, June 9, at the Lambeau Field Atrium in Green Bay. He will honor the legacy of his father, Bob, around the goal of building a more caring world through people-first business practices. Bob Chapman had been scheduled to provide a keynote at this year’s Summit prior to his passing this past March 19.

Will support business attraction and entrepreneurial efforts through community engagement

Ava Pepin (pronounced AY-vuh PEH-pin), experienced in community engagement and project coordination, will join New North Inc. as Business Development Specialist, President and CEO Patti Habeck announced. The appointment becomes effective May 1, 2026.

Experts to share insights on innovation, technology and empowering workplace culture

Registration is now open for the New North Summit – Region on the Rise – scheduled for Tuesday, June 9, at the iconic Lambeau Field Atrium in Green Bay. Speakers will offer practical insights on embracing change, technology and building an empowering workplace culture. Community First Credit Union is the event’s platinum sponsor.

Appointment will give Northeast Wisconsin strong voice in statewide economic development

New North Inc. Vice President of Talent Development Rebecca Deschane has been named chairperson of the Wisconsin Economic Development Association (WEDA) board of directors. She is scheduled to serve as board chair through January 2027.

UW-Green Bay and New North team up to fuel startup growth

In a demonstration of regional collaboration, the University of Wisconsin–Green Bay and New North, Inc. are proud to announce their joint leadership in the Cheese Wedge Consortium, a major entrepreneurship initiative supported through a dedicated $1 million Ignite Wisconsin grant for Northeast Wisconsin.

New North partnership cultivates the region’s next generation of leaders

Forward 48, Wisconsin’s premier leadership development program is proud to announce an extraordinary lineup of faculty speakers for its 10th cohort, coming Spring 2026. This milestone cohort will feature some of the most respected and impactful leaders across Wisconsin’s business, philanthropy, finance, arts and community development landscape, offering participants rare, direct access to the people shaping Wisconsin’s future.

Event will offer timely economic/industry insights, strategies to support workplace mental health

The Annual Meeting of the NEW Construction Alliance (NEWCA) will be held on January 14, 2026, from 1-5 p.m. The event will highlight the achievements shaping the construction workforce in the New North region, offer timely economic and industry insights, give strategies for supporting mental health in the workplace, and provide opportunities to connect with industry peers and experts.

The Chill Daddy, The Nook Lounge and Bookstore also among New North entrepreneurial winners

Auvia Health, a company dedicated to changing the way families receive emotional support during and after their maternity journey, was the winner of the NEW Launch Alliance Pitch Event, held Dec. 3 at TitletownTech in Green Bay. The Chill Daddy took second place, while The Nook Lounge and Bookstore placed third. The three winning entries emerged from a group of 10 entrepreneurial pitches which had advanced from local pitch competitions held across Northeast Wisconsin in mid-November.

Honorees recognized for YA, Rising Star, Craftsman Legacy and Excellence in Mentorship

Four Northeast Wisconsin skilled trades professionals have been named as the initial recipients of the Champions of Construction Awards, presented by the NEW Construction Alliance (NEWCA).

Local contest winners demonstrate variety of creative business ideas in New North region

Ten entrepreneurial pitch winners who advanced from local pitch competitions hosted by collaborative local partners will vie for additional prize money at a regional pitch competition hosted by New North Inc. The NEW Launch Alliance Pitch Event will take place on Dec. 3 at TitletownTech in Green Bay.

Provides management training opportunity for emerging leaders within the construction trades

Registration now is open for the third cohort of the highly successful Construction Leadership Academy, a management training program for new or emerging leaders within the construction trades. The skills-development opportunity is offered by the NEW Construction Alliance (NEWCA) in partnership with the business & industry services department of Fox Valley Technical College (FVTC).

Local partners planning Startup Week events, leading up to December 3 regional event; Deadline for entry by uploading pitch ideas is October 31

Continuing to support entrepreneurial activity in Northeast Wisconsin, New North Inc. is working with 14 of its local partners to hold pitch events during Startup Week in the state. The event winners will advance to a regional pitch event, scheduled for December 3 at TitletownTech in Green Bay.

MCW’s Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin Endowment funding to help meet talent needs

New North Inc., the regional economic development corporation serving the 18 counties of Northeast Wisconsin, and its burgeoning NEW Healthcare Alliance have received a major grant from the Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin Endowment (AHW) of the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) to help build a durable, robust healthcare workforce into the future.

Address to change, phone number/email addresses to remain the same, following Oct. 1 move

The office of New North Inc., the regional economic development corporation for the 18 counties of Northeast Wisconsin, is relocating, effective Oct. 1. The organization’s new physical and mailing address will be: New North Inc. 1400 Lombardi Ave. Green Bay, WI 54304

Session focused on driving community-based digital skilling for diverse/underserved populations

A free event designed to explore practical ways to support digital inclusion across generations and capacities – The Age of Influence: Building Connected Futures – is being held Oct. 7 from 8:30-11 a.m. at the Kroc Community Center in Bellevue, Wis. The event is made possible in part by a Community Challenge Grant from AARP.

Feeding America CEO will lead Northeast Wisconsin economic development corporation

Patti Habeck, CEO and President of Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin whose professional career spans a quarter-century in the area, has been named President and CEO of New North Inc., the regional economic development corporation for the 18 counties of Northeast Wisconsin, effective Dec. 1. A unanimous selection of the New North board of directors, she leads the largest hunger-relief organization in the state, one which has experienced transformational growth strategically, financially and in culture over her tenure.

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.