North, especially defense, transit, marine, paper and food processing. When defense spending was cut several years ago, it hurt area defense contractors such as Oshkosh Corporation and Marinette Marine. In response, New North and the state of Wisconsin worked together through the Oshkosh Region Defense Industry Diversification Initiative to create a database of defense-related contractors to help them find new markets and opportunities. “At first we focused only on defense companies and their suppliers to help build out a 360-degree supply chain for unique markets that would create more opportunities for their services,” said Murphy. “Now, however, the database has grown to include all New North manufacturers, not just defense contractors.” New North continues to establish alliances with industry groups, including water technology, aviation and energy-related companies, which may be interested in services offered in the database. Companies can also network and post jobs. Insurance is another strong industry group that New North is helping expand its opportunities, both regionally and nationally. New North is also excited about the Medical College of Wisconsin opening its third medical school in Green Bay. The first class of 20 students was admitted in 2015. Collaboration with regional academic and health care institutions, physicians and government, business and civic leaders is essential for creating an immersive education model. “The students will do their training in Green Bay and be more likely to stay in the area as professional MDs, or work in outlying or rural areas,” said Blumb. This will improve health care in the region by reducing our shortage of physicians.” Another key aspect of a diversified economy is providing a business environment that helps startups and entrepreneurs thrive. The Fast Forward 3.0 program helps connect these creative minds with business mentors, talent and capital. Mentees and mentors work together to develop a 90-day work program that prepares them for taking their business to the next level. “We track per capita income and other average benchmarks against state and
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national averages,” said Murphy. “This data shows that New North has fully recovered from the Great Recession. We have matched our 2007 economic metrics, including the number of jobs and the unemployment rate. Also, the level of confidence within the manufacturing marketplace is fairly high.” Collaboration for economic development, and sharing those benefits, has become the mindset of the region.
“Our top priority is meeting the demand for qualified labor,” said Murphy. “The ideal approach is to not only develop your own people, but also collaborate with other companies and organizations to develop a robust pipeline of talent. This involves committing to work with K-12 schools and post-secondary schools to build interest in the rewarding careers that our New North industries have to offer.”
NEW NORTH'S FASTEST-GROWING COMPANIES RANK
COMPANY
581
NRB Resale
1,219
Midwest Restoration
3,052
Americollect
3,102
Aurizon Ultrasonics
3,305
Vehicle Security Innovators
4,050
Nicolet Plastics
4,859
Fox World Travel
4,994
Heartland Technology Group
REVENUE
METRO AREA
INDUSTRY
$3.2m Manitowoc
Retail
$2.5m Appleton
Construction
$14.4m
Manitowoc
Business Products & Services
$6.3m Appleton
Manufacturing
$9.7m
Green Bay
Logistics & Transportation
$12.6m
Green Bay
Manufacturing
$20.1m $194.5m
Fond du Lac
Travel & Hospitality
Appleton
IT Services
201 6 WISCONSINBIZ
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