* Photograph by Shane Van Boxtel / Image Studios
New North, Inc.
Barb LaMue starts each day with a simple prayer.
“My mom would always say, ‘Bobby, don’t pray to win; pray that the dear Lord allows you to use your God-given talents to the best of your ability,’” LaMue says. “That always stuck with me and helped me get through.”
Whether it was navigating her mother’s cancer diagnosis, earning a college degree while working full time and raising three children, or leading an economic development startup, LaMue says this prayer for wisdom has helped her handle life’s most pivotal moments.
“Nothing is guaranteed, and you make the best of every opportunity,” says LaMue, herself a three-time cancer survivor.
Prior to joining New North, Inc. in 2019 as president and CEO, LaMue served as the vice president of business and community development for the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, supporting all nine regions of the state.
Through her previous roles, including as executive director of a five-county economic development startup in central Wisconsin and vice president of economic development for the Greater Green Bay Chamber, LaMue worked to attract new companies and support company expansions. But LaMue found special satisfaction in supporting startups — while at the Green Bay Chamber, she helped establish the Business Assistance Center, now The Startup Hub.
LaMue’s passion for startups began on her family’s dairy farm, where she worked alongside her five sisters.
“The whole family worked really, really hard,” she says. “It was truly a small business. My father also started an auction service, so that’s where I really got a love for startups.”
LaMue’s commitment to the startup economy can be seen in New North, Inc.’s business community strategy. The organization established the NEW Launch Alliance in March 2020 to build a stronger startup ecosystem by helping founders gain access to capital and connecting them with mentors.
“Barb has done an exceptional job leading and developing the reach of the New North organization,” wrote nominator Bill Bohn, who has served on the New North, Inc. executive committee. “She has significantly expanded [New North’s] investor base, reach, programs and impact since assuming her role and as a direct result has helped many organizations grow and thrive as part of our community.”
LaMue’s influence is widely recognized and admired.
“Her influence extends far beyond our region; Barb commands immense respect from business, community and educational leaders across all 18 counties of New North and enjoys widespread admiration from leaders and organizations statewide and beyond,” wrote nominator Kathi Seifert, former co-chair of the New North, Inc. board of directors. “Through her collaborative approach and unwavering dedication, she has played a pivotal role in attracting increased investments to our region and has stimulated business growth throughout Northeast Wisconsin.”
LaMue has worked in economic development for 28 years and next summer plans to retire. She hopes to continue supporting nonprofit organizations such as American Cancer Society, the Green Bay Packers Mentor-Protégé Program and the Wisconsin Procurement Institute.
Reflecting on her career spanning Wisconsin, LaMue believes the New North region offers certain advantages.
“The New North stands out in the power of our collaboration. [New North, Inc.] is a small but mighty team of seven people that covers 18 counties. The reason we’re able to do that is because we’re connecting with our local partners and bringing them in on projects.”
LaMue says the same spirit of collaboration has been vital to her personal journey.
“I’ve been able to be successful in my career,” she says, “but it’s only been because of the people I’ve surrounded myself with.”
