Economic Development Feature New North 2020 Report to the Community
Attract Develop and Retain Diverse Talent Preparing for a digital future: gener8tor Upskilling provides training for in-demand jobs Insight On Business Joe Kirgues, co-founder of gener8tor, is used to getting startups off the ground quickly, but he never expected to use those skills to launch a worker upskilling program.
“We went from introducing how we could help the (upskilling) initiative to opening applications for that first cohort in a month,” he says.
Microsoft’s TechSpark program, New North, Inc., Thrivent and American Family Insurance partnered to launch the program, which leverages Microsoft’s skilling initiative and gener8tor’s accelerator process to provide training to unemployed and underemployed workers. The first cohort launched in August and a second one followed in November.
Michelle Schuler, manager of TechSpark Wisconsin, says the philanthropy arm of Microsoft, which TechSpark falls under, launched a global skilling initiative last year that seeks to help 25 million people worldwide who lost jobs due.... Read More 2>Promote the Regional Brand Lighting the way: Apricity fills the gap for businesses while supporting those in recovery Insight On Business Stepping outside on a cold winter day with the snow crunching under your feet, the warmth of the sun feels special — a stronghold of light in winter’s darkness — and defines the word apricity to a T.
When Michelle Devine Giese heard that definition, she knew immediately it was a fit for the new organization formed through the merger of STEP Industries in Neenah and the Mooring Programs Inc. in 2018. The merger created a one-of-a-kind recovery nonprofit organization providing treatment, employment, transitional living and education.
“The visualization of that word is so powerful on multiple levels and really fits in to what we do here,” says Giese, who became CEO of STEP Industries in 2009 and was selected to serve as the leader of the newly formed organization.... Read More 3>
Expansion and Business Development in the New North SS BADGER SOLD: LMC, Pere Marquette Shipping bought by Interlake Holding Company Ludington Daily News A new chapter in the lives of the SS Badger, SS Spartan and the tug-barge Undaunted/Pere Marquette 41 is underway as Interlake Holding Company announced Wednesday that it bought the ships, as well as Lake Michigan Carferry and Pere Marquette Shipping companies.
Interlake made the announcement around 3 p.m. Wednesday, and Mark W. Barker, company president, was happy about making the acquisition.
“We’re just excited to acquire this vessel and this operation. It is really iconic and historic,” Barker said. “We look forward to continuing that and continuing to build on that.... Read More 4>
Expansion and Business Development in the New North Staying the course: Oshkosh development projects remain on track despite pandemic Insight On Business While the pandemic and its accompanying economic upheaval have dealt a blow to many communities and businesses, development projects have continued undeterred in Oshkosh.
Expansions and upgrades continue at Wittman Regional Airport, with one major project completed and another under construction. “That continues to be a very strong gateway-type project around here,” says Jason White, president and CEO of the Greater Oshkosh Economic Development Corp.
In November, Wittman reopened Taxiway Alpha, or Taxiway A. The airport completed the approximately $7.5 million reconstruction project ahead of deadline and in only two phases.
The project included upgrading the Taxiway A lights to LED lighting and signage improvements, improvements to the drainage system with enhanced grading and construction of a concrete storm drain gutter, and widening the taxiway to 60 feet.
The improvements will provide enhanced safety for using the taxiway and increasing its useful life, the airport stated in a.... Read More 5>
Encourage Educational Attainment Cultivating leadership: Q&A with Center for Exceptional Leadership Executive Director Dean Stewart Insight On Business A strong leader can make all the difference at a business or organization. The Center for Exceptional Leadership at St. Norbert College in De Pere shapes current and future leaders to ensure they have the right skills to succeed not only on a personal level but an organizational one as well. CEL Executive Director Dean Stewart sat down with Insight to discuss the importance of continuous learning and improvement and why leaders may need it most of all. Read More 6>
|