Issue link: http://www.insightdigital.biz/i/1344154
w w w . i n s i g h t o n b u s i n e s s . c o m M a r c h 2 0 2 1 • I NSIGH T | 23 w w w . i n s i g h t o n b u s i n e s s . c o m M a r c h 2 0 2 1 • I NSIGH T | 23 ONLINE: Watch New North, Inc. President and CEO Barb LaMue discuss how the gener8tor Upskilling program came together. "We saw finding new careers in in-demand fields as a way to help" those unemployed and underemployed, says LaMue, adding the program targeted people of color and women since they were affected disproportionately by the loss of those permanent jobs. "It's been a success as we saw people finding jobs, while others wanted to go on and learn even more." Joe Kirgues, co-founder of gener8tor, credits New North for the program's success. "To move along the program as quickly as it did, you needed someone like the New North to get everyone together and moving in the same direction." CONQUERING CHALLENGES A s the economy continues to rev up, broadband accessibility and affordability across the region is a must, LaMue says. While New North knew it was a concern pre- pandemic, the shiing of people to working or attending school from home put the issue directly in the spotlight. "e lack of broadband is crucial," she says. Individuals and families with lower incomes have been hit harder by the economic slowdown, and a lack of reliable internet service is part of that equation, says SNC's Schaffer. "ey don't have enough food or quality internet, which makes it harder for kids to do any schoolwork from home, which can put them further behind." New North applied for a U.S. Economic Development Administration grant to help improve broadband coverage in the region. LaMue says counties are preparing their plans to boost coverage, which is crucial since that shows the EDA that "we're ready to go." Jenkins agrees broadband is a big issue in Door County and says DCEDC is working on a plan to deliver it to everyone. "is year, we had some summer residents stay right through the fall and are deciding to live here year-round instead of going back to a larger city. One key to keeping them is broadband access," he says. It's an issue LaMue believes the entire region can conquer. "We're all working in the same direction on this." Businesses throughout the region responded to the need for products, including hand sanitizer. Ledgerock Distillery in Fond du Lac is one of several distillers making hand sanitizers during the pandemic. New North sent out a call to regional manufacturers asking them if they could make personal protective equipment, including N-95 respirator masks. New North, Inc. is the regional economic development corporation that includes the following 18 counties: Brown, Calumet, Door, Florence, Fond du Lac, Green Lake, Kewaunee, Manitowoc, Marinette, Marquette, Menominee, Oconto, Outagamie, Shawano, Sheboygan, Waupaca, Waushara and Winnebago. thenewnorth.com