This week’s episode of “WisBusiness: the Podcast” is with Patti Habeck, president and CEO of New North.
Habeck was chosen to lead the northeastern Wisconsin economic development group late last year, taking over for former leader Barb LaMue.
New North represents the 18-county region that includes Door County as well as the Fox Cities area and other communities.
The discussion focuses on Habeck’s top goals for the organization to start the new year, ranging from attracting more residents and businesses to driving more innovation in the local economy.
“This is where I live, this is where my family grew up,” she said. “And so when I look at what I want for the region, it has always been about a healthy, vibrant, growing, exciting group of communities.”
Habeck shares her thoughts on the area’s biggest opportunities, noting the northeastern region is one of the fastest-growing in the state. Along with the local quality of life, she touts the advanced manufacturing sector’s presence there, access to water and nature, transportation infrastructure and more.
“We are in a position to grow, and to be very critical as you look at Wisconsin’s future,” she said.
At the same time, she’s keeping her eye on the area’s talent pipeline, calling it both a challenge and opportunity for regional economic development efforts.
“We have such a great place for people to raise their families, but … once the young people grow up, how do we make sure we’re retaining them in this area and keeping our talent in this area, and how do we attract new talent to this area,” she said.
Habeck says she wants to nurture the region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and help startups, while supporting key industries such as health care and construction.
“When I look at my transition from where I was to New North and look to 2026, I see it as an extension but just getting broader in that ability to convene and partner and grow, and generate excitement, quite honestly,” she said. “I’m very inspired by this region. I’ve lived all over the country, and New North is home.”
Listen to the podcast below, sponsored by UW-Madison:
