Throughout my five-plus years with Insight, I have written about all kinds of businesses, but I’ve never encountered one quite like Menominee Tribal Enterprises. Throughout its 168-year history, MTE has become world-renowned for its sustainable forestry practices, and the business exists to financially sustain the Menominee Tribe. That includes endeavors such as a recently opened wellness center with fitness opportunities and youth services as well as a state-of-the-art health campus that’s in the works on the reservation.
It was a privilege to have MTE Plant Manager Pershing Frechette, better known as Sport to his team, lead me on a tour of the company’s operations in December. The MTE grounds are steeped in history, but the facility is also in dire need of upgrades. When Jonathan Wilber stepped into the role of president of MTE last fall, he did so with a focus on pursuing modernization efforts and capital improvements as well as reigniting a sense of pride in the company and attracting and training a new generation of workers. As you read this month’s cover story, it’s worth contemplating the long history of exploitation the tribe has faced and the fact that the places where we live, work and play sit on land that belonged to the Menominee, Oneida, Ho Chunk, Potawatomi and other tribes.
Like MTE, companies across industries are focused on recruiting talent. One of the most promising ways to do so is promoting and investing in youth apprenticeship. Organizations including schools, the area’s Cooperative Educational Service Agencies and nonprofits are doubling down on YA as a way to introduce high school students to careers, build hard and soft skills, and ultimately encourage them to stay in the region to pursue many promising opportunities. Turn to my Insight Insider feature on page 30 to learn what makes YA an effort worth pursuing.
When it comes to attracting and retaining workers, transportation is one barrier that can arise. Many of us take for granted the ability to get to and from work, but it’s not so easy for some workers. Transportation can bring high costs beyond just purchasing a vehicle, including paying for insurance and maintenance. Workers who rely on busing may have to travel great distances to the nearest stop, and service may not always be available when they need it. Check out Katrina Marshall’s feature on page 35 to learn how organizations are addressing transportation barriers.
We are about two weeks away from the deadline for submitting Women of Influence in the New North Region Award nominations. Last year’s honorees blew me away with their stirring messages, and I came away from the event inspired to become a stronger leader myself. Please nominate a deserving woman — including yourself — by the March 15 deadline, and I hope to see you at the awards event Aug. 2 in Green Bay.
