Grow North Regional Economic Development Corporation has recently entered into an agreement with Sarah Humphrey of Wabeno to provide executive director services to the organization. Beginning July 1, 2013, Humphrey will assume the duties of the current executive director, Joe Hegge, who is retiring.

Humphrey, a Wisconsin native, has been invested in entrepreneurship from early on in her career. She has worked for small businesses in several capacities and moved into economic development in 2001 with Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corporation (WWBIC). She has experience working with small and micro businesses in business planning, start-up and expansion as well as grant applications, women and minority business enterprise certifications, and micro loan applications. Humphrey also has 18 years of experience in service, non-profit and corporate industries, including roles in learning and development, human resources and program management.
Grow North Regional Economic Development Corporation was created in 2004 to foster cooperation among economic development partners and foster economic growth in Forest, Langlade, Lincoln, Oneida and Vilas counties. Most recently, three additional counties-Florence, Marinette and Oconto-have joined Grow North to development solutions for the Northwoods of Wisconsin.

Grow North is a non-profit organization that exists to create, sustain and promote an environment conducive to regional economic development and prosperity. Grow North’s partners include private-sector businesses, regional service providers, educational institutions, local economic development organizations and others interested in supporting the mission.

Grow North is a membership-driven organization comprised mainly of private sector businesses throughout the five-county region. Members recognize the importance and value of collaboration to ensure that the Grow North region remains competitive in the global economy. Members determine the actions of the organization and the primary source of funding is the annual dues paid by each of its members. Annual dues range from $100 to $2,000 per entity, and entitle each paying member entity to one vote at the annual meeting and one vote on all issues that come before the corporation at regular membership meetings. Membership helps support the mission of growing the Northwoods economy and ensuring that the region is able to sustain vibrant businesses and communities.

For more information, visit grownorth.org.