Wisconsin's Time to Shine While On the Clock

Written By: Barb LaMue, New North President & CEO, New North

By now, the community is well aware of the significant economic impact the NFL Draft will bring—an estimated $20 million for Green Bay and $94 million statewide. This monumental event presents a unique opportunity to showcase the economic strength and collaborative spirit of Northeast Wisconsin.

At New North, Inc.—a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and regional economic development corporation—we are committed to fostering collaboration among private and public sector leaders across the 18-county New North region. This NFL opportunity aligns with our efforts to for talent development, brand promotion, and business growth to elevate the region’s collective economic power.

NEW NORTH’S ROLE IN SUPPORTING THE DRAFT

New North plays a supporting role to the Green Bay Packers and Discover Green Bay in ensuring the region is well prepared for this historic event. Our involvement began with organizing workshops to help diverse, women-, and veteran-owned and small businesses access opportunities as suppliers through the NFL’s ‘Source’ procurement platform. These workshops—held in Green Bay, Madison, and Milwaukee—paved the way for additional supplier diversity initiatives and deeper business engagement.

Beyond supplier development, New North facilitated conversations with local communities on how to prepare for the influx of visitors and maximize their experiences. This led to our participation in the Business of the Draft Tour, organized by the Green Bay Packers. The tour included five stops—Oneida, Eau Claire, Madison, Milwaukee, and Neenah— where local businesses and stakeholders explored ways to build events leading up to the draft. Additionally, we continue to share the Business Resource Kit developed by Discover Green Bay to help businesses leverage this opportunity.

Driving Business And Investment Opportunities

Recognizing the draft as a prime opportunity to attract corporate investment, New North is coordinating events for site selectors and corporate real estate executives through familiarization tours across Wisconsin. In addition, we are excited to host our own familiarization event at Timber Rattlers Stadium just before the draft. Throughout these activities, site selectors will receive updates on regional development opportunities from our local partners, culminating in insights from Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) leadership, an immersive draft experience, a top pick viewing party, and further opportunities to showcase Wisconsin as a prime location for business expansion and relocation.

Additionally, plans are in the works to highlight high-tech, high growth startups to the national media as part of draft week.

Engaging Stakeholders And Showcasing Wisconsin

Another key event in our Circles of Influence Day on the Friday of the draft. This gathering will bring together partners, colleagues, and stakeholders who support New North’s mission to drive regional business and talent development.

New North is proud to collaborate with the Green Bay Packers, Discover Green Bay, and state, regional, and local partners to maximize the benefits of this once-in-a generation event. With the national and global spotlight on Wisconsin during the draft, we are eager to showcase everything that makes our state and region extraordinary.

#NEWNORTHPROUD

New North, Inc., is a 501(c)3 non-profit, regional economic development corporation fostering collaboration among private and public sector leaders throughout the 18 counties of Northeast Wisconsin, known as the New North region. The New North brand unites the region both internally and externally around talent development, brand promotion and business development, signifying the collective economic power behind the 18 counties. The counties include Brown, Calumet, Door, Florence, Fond du Lac, Green Lake, Kewaunee, Manitowoc, Marinette, Marquette, Menominee, Oconto, Outagamie, Shawano, Sheboygan, Waupaca, Waushara and Winnebago. www.TheNewNorth.com.