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12 | I NSIGH T • S e p t e m b e r 2 0 14 w w w . i n s i g h t o n b u s i n e s s . c o m UP FRONT R e g i o n a l R o u n d u p » 1 3 F a c e T i m e » 1 7 C o n n e c t i o n s » 2 0 "This is a chance for us to diversify across several markets and respond to changing conditions." – Ann Duginske, director of marketing and development for New North T H E B R E E Z E O F N E W opportunity is blowing across Northeast Wisconsin. Aer a successful run with Wisconsin Wind Works, the supply chain effort organized to take advantage of rapid expansion in the wind energy industry, the New North is now looking to expand the brand – and the opportunities available to suppliers – by branching into other sectors of the energy industry. Wisconsin Energy Works will soon be making its debut and will include manufacturers and suppliers to all segments of the energy industry, both renewables and traditional sources such as natural gas. "When we organized Wisconsin Wind Works, we were chasing an opportunity, which was and is something we need to do," says Jerry Murphy, executive director of New North. "at enterprise will still exist, but we now will be positioned to act on opportunities in other energy segments as well." Wisconsin Wind Works, www. wiwindworks.com, was organized in 2007 to take advantage of growing opportunities sparked by new renewable mandates imposed upon utilities as well as state and federal tax credits and incentives to construct new wind facilities. From an initial seven members, B y S e a n P. J o h n s o n Energetic opportunities New North to expand on success of Wisconsin Wind Works the Wisconsin Wind Works supply chain directory peaked with nearly 300 members, and New North recently verified 191 active members. e effort highlighted the capabilities of firms both within and outside the wind industry to supply components, fabricate equipment or provide expertise. It certainly made sense to start there. Statistics maintained by the American Wind Energy Association show more than $1.3 billion invested in Wisconsin in 2013 to supply equipment to the wind energy sector. at is tied directly to more than 500 jobs, but does not reflect the jobs manufacturing the multiple pieces and components of the suppliers to those companies manufacturing the blades, turbines and towers. As a whole, an average of $15 billion a year has been invested in wind energy the past five years, according to AWEA. As successful as wind has been, recent market developments have shown that a broader focus could develop greater opportunities for those companies in the supply chain. New extraction technologies have led to a boom in natural gas production in the United States, while protracted debates over renewing incentives dramatically