The new executive director of Grow North Regional Economic Development Corporation brings a unique background to the job.
Brittany Beyer most recently was director at The Warehouse Art Center in Eagle River. Beyer is a native of Illinois and spent almost two decades in New York City working within the arts and culture field before relocating to the Northwoods in 2016.
Her husband is a native of the Northwoods...
"....Knowing the Northwoods started 11 years ago when I met my husband who was a native of Rhinelander and visited at that point. As we were living in New York, we always had the thought in the back of our heads that we would love to come back here...."
Beyer says she has served in company management and fundraising capacities in many arts-based non-profits. She says she began thinking about economic development while at The Warehouse. She says there are some priorities to focus on as she begins the new job..
"...wood and rail, those two industries working together and expanding those and supporting those because it's such central focus in our workforce. Broadband has been going very strongly in the area. People have been doing wonderful work in the area and expanding that and making sure everyone has access to that. Shifting to cell coverage is how people can stay connected and safe up here...."
She says workforce development is a big issue as the workforce needs to be trained for 21st century jobs.
Grow North began in 2004 and is dedicated to economic development in the Forest, Florence, Marinette, Lincoln, Langlade, Oconto, Oneida, and Vilas counties.
