When the Green Bay Packers and Microsoft announced their plans for TitletownTech and their goal to turn the region into a startup hub, I’m sure a few people had their doubts. The Frozen Tundra as a tech startup hub? But Craig Dickman and Jill Enos — the managing directors of TitletownTech — and the rest of their staff have proved any naysayers wrong. Green Bay is quickly becoming known as a place where entrepreneurs can come to take their businesses to the next level.
TitletownTech is more than just a venture fund, as you’ll find out when reading Jessica Thiel’s cover story on page 22. It’s also a place where startups can get hands-on help and perspective from people who have stood in their shoes. Since opening nearly 18 months ago, TitletownTech has funded 20 startups that are now on the path to even more growth. TitletownTech and the many startups it invests in will be a story to watch in the months and years to come.
With the winter holidays right around the corner, there’s that natural urge to gather with loved ones and friends. But with a pandemic going on, that’s not the best choice right now, as Heather Schimmers, chief nursing officer for Ascension Wisconsin, says in this month’s Personalities on page 12. While she is concerned about the community’s overall health, she’s also worried about the health care workers fighting the pandemic on the front lines and keeping them emotionally and physically healthy.
Imagine looking for a job or trying to hire someone during a pandemic. It’s not easy, but HR specialists and companies are looking for ways around it, whether it’s doing interviews via Zoom or holding a drive-thru job fair to reach as many people as possible about job openings. Turn to page 14 to read Sharon Verbeten’s article in this month’s New North feature.
With more of us working from home, Renita Robinson, CEO of the YWCA Greater Green Bay, says more people are looking into virtual learning programs that they might not have attended in person. One such program is the YWCA’s Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI), which aims to create solutions for the advancement of cultural competence and intercultural conflict resolution. Turn to page 20 to read Verbeten’s article on IDI training and why it’s resonating with so many.
As you celebrate Christmas with smaller groups this year, you may want to consider bringing home a Sea Salt Caramel Pecan Kringle from Uncle Mike’s Bake Shoppe in De Pere, which is featured in this month’s Home Made on page 54. Your family will definitely thank you.
Cheers to a new year and wishing you a brighter and healthier 2021!
An extra dose of Insight
Watch Jill Enos, managing director of TitletownTech in Green Bay, discuss how the venture fund chooses which startups to back.
Enos’ interview is just one of many you will find online at insightonbusiness.com/home/cover-story-videos.
