06/10/2026
Yesterday’s New North Summit was a powerful reminder of what makes this region so special: people who show up, lean in and work together to move Northeast Wisconsin forward.
Thank you to everyone who joined us at Lambeau Field, and to the local partners, businesses, sponsors, volunteers and community leaders who helped make the day possible. The energy, ideas and connections in the room reflected exactly why the New North is a region on the rise.
Some highlights:
Collaboration is our competitive advantage.
• Our strength comes from the way businesses, education, nonprofits, local communities and regional partners come together around shared goals.
Connection matters.
• Whether through workforce partnerships, entrepreneurship, infrastructure, talent attraction or regional storytelling, progress happens when people build relationships and stay engaged.
A balanced, strategic approach.
• The future will require both innovation and humanity. As technology changes how we live and work, strong culture, responsible growth and clear communication will be more important than ever.
Our three keynote speakers helped bring those ideas to life:
• Kyle Chapman of Barry-Wehmiller opened the morning with a powerful message on Truly Human Leadership, reminding us that strong workplace culture starts with seeing, valuing and caring for people.
• Rima Alaily of Microsoft helped us look ahead to the role of AI, technology and infrastructure in shaping the future of business and community growth—and the importance of embracing innovation responsibly, sustainably and with a community-first approach.
• Denise Thomas closed the morning with a timely focus on communication, reminding leaders that in today’s speed of change, clarity, trust and connection are essential to helping people and organizations move forward.
Additional features:
• A New North update by President & CEO Patti Habeck
• Videos highlighting how New North connects opportunities to make an impact
• An update by our partners at Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation by Sam Rikkers
• Recognition of Ann Franz and 20 years of impact by the New Manufacturing Alliance
• Workplace Excellence Award presented to Goodwill Industries
The afternoon continued the momentum with breakout sessions focused on:
• Cross-industry talent development strategies with Hope Voight, Dan Suda, Dr. Ashwani Bhatia
• Entrepreneurship and innovation with Stephen Pounds, Anna Steinfest, Nicole Hurd, Lily Schuette, Jessica Nicholson and Sam Smith & Richard Smith
Conversations carried into the networking reception, where attendees had the chance to keep connecting, exchange ideas and enjoy live music from Mile of Music artist Austin Skalecki, and a networking activity by Ian Abston.
Thank you again to everyone who helped bring the Summit to life and to all who continue to invest in this region we are proud to call home.
Special thanks to Coalesce Marketing, A-mazing Events, Julie L Gile Photography Northcoast Productions, Delaware North and the Packers, Tech Table team Amanda Secor & Todd Midtvedt and our emcees Sachin Shivaram & Patti Habeck.
