WisBusiness: New North Inc. Cited As Model Economic Development Agency

By Brian E. Clark

WisBusiness.com

MANITOWOC – Gov. Jim Doyle on Thursday lauded the New North Inc.’s efforts to expand northeast Wisconsin’s economy.

Speaking before nearly 500 business, civic and academic leaders at the Northeast Wisconsin Economic Development Summit in Manitowoc, Doyle also praised New North’s branding campaign and called the group a model for other economic development groups in the state.

“I often tell people to head up to northeast Wisconsin to see what you are doing,” he said.

Doyle was joined by U.S. Sen. Herb Kohl and newly elected U.S. Rep. Steve Kagen, D-Appleton, who also spoke at the conference and pledged their support to bring jobs to the 18 counties that make up the “New North.”

Doyle noted that shortly after he assumed the governor’s post in 2003, the Mirro Co. announced plans to shut down its plant in Manitowoc, lay off 1,400 employees and move the operation to Mexico.

“Since then, you pulled together to meet this challenge,” he said.

“It is a tribute that you have bounced back. That’s what Wisconsin and New North are all about,” he added to rolling applause.

Kenneth Stubbe, executive director of the Manitowoc County Economic Development Corp., said the area’s unemployment rate jumped after the Mirro closure, but is now below the state average.

“Moreover, we now have a labor shortage in some skilled trades,” he said. “There are 400 jobs for welders, machinists, foundry workers and ship builders that are going unfilled. Nearly every industry in the county is crying for workers.”

Doyle said he was proud that the state had pitched in with seed money to help start New North, which held its third annual meeting Thursday.

The governor said industries in the New North had helped the state increase its exports by 50 percent in the past few years.

“We have shown we can compete in the world economy,” he said. “And we are doing that by focusing on quality.”

On a political note, Doyle called the results of the recent election “dramatic” and said the next four years are filled with challenges and opportunities.

“The Democrats were not handed a mandate,” he said. “But I think it is clear the voters want us to stop fighting over divisive social issues and instead create jobs and improve the lives of our residents.”

Doyle said New North would grow because of its talented and hard-working population.

“The values you have up here are ones I share,” he said. “And they include not only hard work, but a commitment to education, to our communities and the coming generation.”

But Doyle said New North – and the state – should stop being modest.

“That’s a value I want you to violate,” he said. “We need to be less modest and start bragging to the world about what a wonderful place this is to live, work and raise a family.”

In addition to talks from Doyle, Kohl and Kagen, the conference attendees heard Manitowoc Mayor Kevin Crawford crow about the assets of his city. And economist William Fruth presented a detailed — and witty — analysis of the region’s strengths and weaknesses.

New North board members and staff also gave a “State of the Region” report about work the group had done the past year to coordinate economic development efforts and launch the New North brand.

“We have been successful in showcasing our region’s assets,” said Jerry Murphy, executive director of New North.

“We’re adding jobs and attracting talent and companies in the New North continue to receive national attention,” he added. “This next year we hope to build on our successes.”

For more information on the New North, go to www.thenewnorth.com.