Issue link: http://www.insightdigital.biz/i/842352
3 M I D -Y E A R R E P O R T 2 017 17 Mid-Year Letter from the director Working at the speed of change e pace of really great work within the New North organization via partners throughout the New North region is ramping up, providing a nice segue into this year's annual Summit theme, "e Speed of Change." e event will be held Dec. 7 at KI Convention Center in Green Bay. Strategic acceleration is a function of how rapidly the world changes around us: speed to market, the pace of technology absorption, global reach and impacts on innovation, communication and a sea of information that seems to overwhelm at times. All of that impacts New North's primary strategic responses to: talent development, business and entrepreneurial development (particularly for fast growth/scalable business ventures) and regional branding. In this report, we're highlighting a couple of great examples of work underway in the region moving at the speed of change and collaboration. Check out the story on fast-growth business formation. e field of support resources and the heightened awareness of our region's modest deal flow for fast-growth firms is genuinely percolating ... driving folks to build upon our unique version of New North's new and improved entrepreneurial climate. Business mentoring, networking opportunities, cool space development and collaboration around regional college campuses and around formal (new to the area) fast-growth empowering programming, are all racing to help build deal flow in the region. e story on academic career planning is incredibly exciting. Jim Golembeski is leading a fantastic group of educators, talent development leaders, chambers of commerce resources and more, on a quest to build an integrated network of people who are working to connect businesses (future employers) to kids with aspirations of career paths. ere is much to do, but the key is the unifying goal of building a connected strategy for reaching across school districts, county lines and programs to help kids connect to careers in the region. Talent strategies are further highlighted in the coverage of our collective efforts to recruit talent to the region. Admittedly, the competition is tough, but the regional brand values are impressive. We're featuring one effort among many in the region to attract talent. e story on diversifying the regional manufacturing sector under the brand name of the Supply Chain Marketplace provides an update on progress and an important partnership that will lead to more market opportunities in 2018 and beyond. e articles reflect significant and positive change, which is always leaning forward, but always holding tight to a culture and a way of doing business that requires collaboration. Enjoy. Strategic acceleration is a function of how rapidly the world changes around us: speed to market, the pace of technology absorption, global reach and impacts on innovation, communication and a sea of information that seems to overwhelm at times. Jerry Murphy New North, Inc. Executive Director