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UP FRONT Regional Roundup » 14 Face Time » 19 Connections » 22 "We began our CNG journey three-and-a-half years ago, and immediately realized the benefits. " – Jeff Shefchik, Paper Transport Inc. president By Amy Spree man Game changer Compressed natural gas fuels savings, sustainability in the New North Brand new fueling stations offering Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) are popping up along Highway 41 and luring more New North businesses to switch to this cheaper, more sustainable, Americanproduced fuel. "Over the past five years, we've been seeing natural gas as an attractive alternative fuel in the New North business community, especially along the short-haul routes of 400 miles or less," says Peter Romenesko, director of energy solutions at Breakthrough Fuel, a national supply chain management and energy advisory firm in Green Bay. Breakthrough helps clients reduce their carbon footprint by measuring and managing their diesel and natural gas costs. "We are always looking for ways to move our customers' products efficiently, and pricing makes CNG an impressive alternative to diesel, with a nearly $2 difference per gallon," Romenesko says, adding that price stability and reduced emissions – up to 21 percent less than ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel – are key benefits. Forward Wisconsin Wisconsin now ranks third in the nation for natural gas stations, behind California and Utah. Thanks to service station providers Kwik Trip, 12 | Insight • N o v e m b e r 2 013 Trillium and U.S. Oil's GAIN Clean Fuel, compressed natural gas is now becoming more convenient to use as truck stops across the country are adding or building natural gas refueling stations. Kwik Trip recently announced it will build six additional CNG fueling sites in Wisconsin this year as part of its strategy to expand its infrastructure across Wisconsin, Minnesota and Iowa. Currently, there are 10 operational CNG Kwik Trip stations in Wisconsin, including Janesville, Pewaukee, Sheboygan, Grand Chute, Verona and Sturtevant, plus two each in La Crosse and Oshkosh. The company plans to add several additional stations before the end of the year in Baldwin, New Berlin, Plover, Oak Creek, De Pere, Menomonie and Wausau. Trillium CNG has built a new CNG station in Green Bay, co-located with the Bay Beach Shell station. Last year the company opened a CNG station in De Pere. New North Summit set Dec. 6 in Green Bay F or the past decade, hundreds of business leaders and professionals have gathered in the New North to learn more about boosting the economic development in the region and gauging its progress. For the 10th year New North Inc.'s annual summit is returning on Friday, Dec. 6. This year's event, themed "New North Live! Summit 2013" will be held at the Radisson Hotel & Conference Center in Green Bay starting at 7 a.m. with networking, followed by the program at 8 a.m. The day's events will conclude at 2:30 p.m. The event features speakers and breakout sessions, highlighting workforce, entrepreneurship and education stories in the New North region. During the event, New North, Inc. also will present an overview of economic development in the region and state over the past year, along with a look forward to the coming year. As part of the registration process, attendees will be asked to select their breakout session preference. Five breakout sessions will be offered at this year's summit: » 2013 First Business Economic Forum: presented by First Business Bank » Fast Forward 2.0: Accelerate Your Fast Growth Firm » New North Global: Connect to Global Markets » Business Gains in Sustainability: Partnerships for Profits » Tap into Talent: New Workforce Tools for Your Talent Needs The midday "Taste of the New North" luncheon presents an additional networking opportunity with 800-plus attendees. The 2014 Northeast Wisconsin Manufacturing Vitality Index Study, presented by the NEW Manufacturing Alliance, concludes the day. The cost to attend is $75 before Nov. 8. Student tickets are available for $15. Registration and a full agenda is available at www.newnorthsummit.com. w w w. i n s i g h t o n b u s i n e s s . c o m