Connie Loden joins New North as Senior Project Manager
Brings 22 years of economic development work in Wisconsin to the organization
NEW NORTH, Jan. 17, 2015 – Connie Loden, a 22-year economic development professional, has joined New North Inc. as Senior Project Manager, Jerry Murphy, executive director of New North, announced.
Loden has been the executive director of Progress Lakeshore (formerly the Economic Development Corporation-Manitowoc County) since November 2010. In that position, she provided expertise and support to existing and new businesses in Manitowoc County, including a leading role in guiding the development and coordination of the Lakeshore Industry Cluster Initiative. Loden recently received the 2014 Wisconsin Leadership Award from the U.S. Institute for Advancement of Trade & Commerce (USIATC) as an acknowledgement of her efforts.
“We are excited to be able to add someone with the industry experience and knowledge that Connie possesses,” Murphy says. “She will begin work on New North projects, including the Defense Industry Initiative, on Feb. 1.
“It was important to Connie, and certainly to us, that there be a smooth transition for Progress Lakeshore. Until her successor is in place, Connie will ensure that Progress Lakeshore projects continue to stay on track, particularly the Lakeshore Industry Cluster Initiative.”
Previously, Loden had served in economic development roles with the Iron County Development Zone Council in northern Wisconsin (1993-2002) and as the president/CEO of the Heart of Wisconsin Business & Economic Alliance in central Wisconsin (2002-10), in addition to owning and operating several businesses in the state.
Loden has been a member of the New North board of directors since 2011. She has served as president of many development-related organizations, including the International Community Development Society and NEWREP (Northeast Wisconsin Regional Economic Partnership), along with being an active member of the Wisconsin Economic Development Association since 1996.
“I see the positive impact that New North can have on our regional economic vitality and am pleased to begin contributing to those efforts as a member of the New North team,” says Loden. “I have a strong personal interest in, and have been an advocate of, regional economic development for some time, and this position gives me an opportunity to work directly with a regional economic development organization.”
Loden, a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD), studied Leadership, Communications and Organizational Behavior at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and achieved master’s level certification in Leadership from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She has been a requested speaker and consultant on community economic development and leadership internationally.
