Issue link: http://www.insightdigital.biz/i/997721
13 M I D -Y E A R R E P O R T 2 018 Tracking data B y M a r y B e t h M a t z e k N ew North Inc.'s business intelligence committee has only been in place since January, but the group is already looking to the future and making an impact. e intent of the initiative is to inform community leadership across economic sectors, including the nonprofit sector, about future trends and disruptors for which they can be better prepared to adjust and pivot strategies and tactical work. It aims to help businesses and organizations ongoing with qualified foresight, and therefore the ability to act in more innovative and forward-thinking ways. e New North board of directors created the committee late last year to support the organization's three pillars of work: business development, talent development and branding. e group will use data and research insights to provide focus to those initiatives, says John Kreul, vice president and chief information officer at Bemis Co. Inc. and chairman of New North's business intelligence committee. "We are using the data gathered to provide focus to the different committees," he says. "We definitely see ourselves as a supporter of what the other groups are working on." People are aware of the problems facing the region — for example more IT workers are needed — but do not know where to find the resources they need to formulate a strategy to address the issue, says Bill Bohn, executive vice president of Associated Bank and co- chair of New North Inc. "We have assumptions, but are those correct? We are blessed with resources at our institutions of higher education and some companies that we can turn to for help with research and gathering data, so we know our information is correct," he says. "If our information is correct, we can develop better strategies to address any problems." Beyond looking at the here and now, Kreul says the group also keeps an eye on what disruptors may be out there that could affect the area. For example, is there a change on the horizon in technology or manufacturing that would affect many area businesses? If there is, what could be done to prepare for that change? "Businesses go through this process a lot, but we are taking it to the regional level and making sure we are ready for any changes that come up," Kreul says. Business intelligence committee supports key initiatives Business Intelligence 18 Mid-Year Alliance Answers Join the innovative not-for-profit cooperative with the negotiating power to connect top employers to one of the region's largest and most effective care networks. The Alliance has the proven experience to help you answer self-funding's toughest questions. Get answers. Get to know the-alliance.org. When making your network work takes quality and quantity,