Rebecca, Vice President of Talent Development at New North, joins Brandon to talk about what it actually takes to grow a regional economy — and why workforce development, entrepreneurship, and technology all have to work together to make it happen.

New North covers 18 counties across Northeast Wisconsin with a team of six. They're running industry alliances, launching leadership academies, recruiting transitioning military veterans to the region, and figuring out how to prepare a workforce for jobs that don't fully exist yet.

This one is grounded in the real challenges facing Wisconsin businesses — the IT worker shortage, the demographic cliff, and why telling kids about career opportunities only works if the adults in the room actually understand them first.

Topics covered:

• What New North is and how regional economic development actually works
• The New Digital Alliance and New Construction Alliance — and why businesses collaborate instead of compete
• The construction leadership academy: moving skilled tradespeople into leadership roles
• The digital mentorship network keeping talent in Northeast Wisconsin
• The IT worker shortage — and why you can't solve a talent problem without engaging the talent
• Youth apprenticeships, externships, and why teacher externships might be the most underrated tool out there
• New North Hires Heroes — 98 veterans relocated, nearly 350 individuals brought to the region
• How New North is approaching AI when the landscape changes faster than any training program can keep up

Connect with New North: New North — https://www.thenewnorth.com

Listen to IT Unplugged: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube | Wherever you get your podcasts

Questions about IT or cybersecurity for your business? https://www.m2.technology/get-in-touch or call 920-362-6869