The New North Summit at Lambeau Field on June 9 brought together regional partners, business leaders, educators, nonprofit organizations, sponsors, volunteers and community leaders for a day focused on the people, partnerships and ideas moving Northeast Wisconsin forward.
The energy and engagement throughout the day reflected a clear message: the New North is a region on the rise because people continue to show up, lean in and work together around shared goals.
Summit Themes
Collaboration is our competitive advantage. The Summit reinforced that the region’s strength comes from the way businesses, educational institutions, nonprofits, local communities and regional partners come together to advance shared priorities.
Connection matters. Whether through workforce partnerships, entrepreneurship, infrastructure, talent attraction or regional storytelling, progress happens when people build relationships, exchange ideas and stay engaged.
A balanced, strategic approach is essential. As technology continues to change how we live and work, the future will require both innovation and humanity. Strong culture, responsible growth and clear communication will remain critical to helping communities and organizations move forward.
Keynote Speakers Bring the Message to Life
The morning program featured three keynote speakers who each offered a timely perspective on leadership, innovation and communication.
- Kyle Chapman of Barry-Wehmiller opened the Summit with a powerful message on Truly Human Leadership, reminding attendees that strong workplace culture starts with seeing, valuing and caring for people.
- Rima Alaily of Microsoft explored the role of AI, technology and infrastructure in shaping the future of business and community growth, while emphasizing the importance of embracing innovation responsibly, sustainably and with a community-first approach.
- Denise Thomas closed the morning with a focus on communication, reminding leaders that clarity, trust and connection are essential in helping people and organizations navigate change.
Program Highlights and Regional Recognition
Additional program highlights included a New North update from President and CEO Patti Habeck, videos showcasing how New North connects opportunities to create regional impact, and an update from Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation shared by Sam Rikkers.
The program also included a heartfelt tribute to Steve Janke, founder of Mission Wisconsin and Semper Forward, honoring his lasting impact on New North Hires Heroes and the many veterans, service members and families he helped support throughout his life.
The Summit also recognized Ann Franz and 20 years of impact through the Northeast Wisconsin Manufacturing Alliance, and celebrated Goodwill Industries as the recipient of the Workplace Excellence Award. Insight Publications’ 40 under 40 alumni were also recognized.
Denise Thomas
Rima Alaily
Kyle Chapman
Breakout Sessions and Networking
The afternoon continued the momentum with breakout sessions focused on cross-industry talent development strategies, featuring Hope Voight, Dan Suda and Dr. Ashwani Bhatia, as well as entrepreneurship and innovation with Stephen Pounds, Anna Steinfest, Nicole Hurd, Lily Schuette, Jessica Nicholson, Sam and Richard Smith.
Conversations carried into the networking reception, where attendees continued connecting, exchanged ideas, participated in a networking activity led by Ian Abston and enjoyed live music from Mile of Music artist Austin Skalecki.
From powerful keynote messages and regional recognition to meaningful breakout discussions and new connections, the day reflected what makes the New North strong: people coming together with purpose, pride and a shared commitment to building a stronger future for the region we are proud to call home.
