Initiatives

Grow North Initiatives

Broadband Expansion

With a ever-changing world, having high speed internet services available is a requirement for modern business.

Workforce Development

Our goal is to stimulate business in the Northwoods through government grants and local sponsors.

Forestry & Rail

We actively work on sustaining the forests of Northern Wisconsin – stimulating business in the process.

Capacity of the Organization

Broadband update: 3/7/2023

The PSC's calendar of events can be found here:

https://apps.psc.wi.gov/APPS/eventscalendar/calendar.aspx

 

Broadband Equity UPDATE: 2/22/2023

A new communication has come out from the PSC based on expressed interest in further clarification relating to grant program deliverables, eligible expenses, performance period, etc. For more information, please go to :

https://psc.wi.gov/Pages/ServiceType/Broadband/GrantLocalPlanning.aspx

Additionally, if there are questions you would like to address directly to the PSC, they are holding office hours :

BEAD Local Planning Grant Program Office Hours 2
Wednesday, February 22, 2023 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. CST
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86135689646
Dial in: +1 312 626 6799 with Meeting ID: 861 3568 9646

 

In addition, please see this draft list of deliverables that was sent out by the PSC on 2/21/2023:

Deliverables

 

Update from 2/7/2023

Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Local Planning Grant enables eligible entities to opt-in to receive formula funding to participate in broadband planning activities that will inform the state 5-year broadband action plan which will guide implementation of the BEAD program.

On February 7th, 2023 letters were sent out to County Executives, Administrators, and Administrative Coordinators asking for the submittal of a letter of intent by March 7th, 2023. Grow North Regional Economic Development Organization (REDO) has been named in the letter as an eligible applicant for counties that want to work together on their local planning process. The letter of intent must declare whether the County or Tribe elects to:

    • Participate in the BEAD Local Planning Grant Program collaboratively with a Regional Economic Development Organization (REDO)

    • Participate in the BEAD Local Planning Grant Program collaboratively with the Great Lakes Inter-Tribal Council (Tribes only)

    • Participate in the BEAD Local Planning Grant Program independently

    • Not participate in the BEAD Local Planning Grant Program

As of Tuesday, February 8th, 2023 we are still unclear on the process and requirements involved in being a regional applicant. We are waiting for further guidance and direction from the Public Service Commission.

Please see the recording of the webinar discussing this program from Monday, February 6th, below and visit the PSC Community Broadband Planning Resources and Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Local Planning Grant Program pages for more information.

 

 

Along with the above initiatives and projects we also work with regulation, legislation and infrastructure issues.

Grow North follows four main strategies to accomplish our mission and has developed actions to move the organization forward in development of the economy of the region.

  1. Strengthen relationships and two-way communication so as to understand economic development issues and be able to act on those issues. Leverage, collaborate and coordinate efforts for the region on Federal, State, and Local levels.
  2. Monitor issues that impact economic development in the region, and be a voice to advocate for change.
  3. Market the economic strengths and natural assets of the region to those within and beyond the region.
  4. Continue consistent presence and dialogue with Federal and State Agencies and Officials.

Regional Data + Demographics

The biggest difference about building a future in the North is our long history of offering a friendly helping hand!