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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 15 • I NSIGH T | 11 Cluster Initiative. For her, it's a chance to continue to explore how the work at the local level can be scaled up across the entire region. "e other thing is 'how do we fit into the state and federal level? What are the broader applications for what we go through as a regional organization?'" Loden says. "New North is large enough to attract the interest of federal funding." REGIONAL ROUNDUP U P F R O N T For links to economic development groups in the New North, visit www.thenewnorth.com/partners. Development in the New North B y S e a n P. J o h n s o n » HIGHWAY 41 CORRIDOR Brown, Calumet, Outagamie, Winnebago, Fond du Lac Counties Silver Star Brands acquires wellness Internet retailer Oshkosh-based Silver Star Brands has expanded its portfolio of companies with the addition of Internet retailer Native Remedies, a marketer of homeopathic health and wellness products. All positions within Native Remedies will be transitioned to Oshkosh, starting with customer relations and order fulfillment in early April. A minimum of 20 additional positions are expected to be created throughout the Silver Star Brands organization. ose positions will be posted internally and externally. "e addition of Native Remedies is an excellent fit with the Silver Star Brands family of products and one we believe will be of great benefit to our customers," says Vicki Updike, president of Silver Star Brands. "We are very pleased, as well, with this opportunity to grow our workforce in Oshkosh and the New North region." e addition of Native Remedies fits well with the company's existing direct-to-consumer brands, which include Miles Kimball, Walter Drake, Exposures, Easy Comforts and As We Change. e acquisition is expected to strengthen the company's position within the health, wellness and beauty segment, says Robert B. Goergen, Jr., CEO of Blyth, Silver Star's parent company. DealerFire sold, operations to remain in Oshkosh DealerFire, a provider of web design and digital marketing for automotive dealers, was purchased by the California-based DealerSocket as a complement to the company's customer relationship management and training solutions for the auto industry. Established in 1999, DealerFire currently employs close to 100 — most in Oshkosh — and is in the midst of an expansion to add 120 jobs during the next three years. ose jobs are expected to remain. Founder Eric Hoopman will [continued ] » The Loden File 2015, senior project manager, New North, Inc. 2010-14, executive director, Progress Lakeshore 2002-10, president/CEO, Heart of Wisconsin Business & Economic Alliance 1993-2002, Iron County Development Zone Council Member: New North Board of Directors, International Community Development Society, NEWREP and the Wisconsin Economic Development Association. Loden has also owned and operated several private businesses in Wisconsin. Connie Loden SAVE THE DATE May 19 at UW-Fox Valley Featured Keynote Speaker Dan Barnett CEO/Owner, The Primavera Co, Nevada A recognized expert on business, Barnett has appeared regularly on CNBC's "Squawk Box", Bloomberg and the Wall Street Journal to speak on CEO confidence and leadership. !