Generations and Futuring

 Dave Wegge, Foresight Committee

Scholars have long tried to identify and explain generational differences.  Classic theories tend to focus on major events as the primary explanatory factors. As we study the future and apply Strategic Foresight to identify plausible futures, we need to pay attention to these generational differences. I have found a new book on that topic that I highly recommend. Learn about the book on generational differences.

Zero Emission Trucking

Nan Nelson, Economic Transformation Signals Team

In late 2023, Schneider President and CEO Mark Rourke noted that the biggest problem to solve along the way to becoming the first carrier with one million zero-emission miles was high capacity, high speed charging for the battery-electric fleet based in California.  The range is only about 200 miles, and weather is a big factor in holding a charge. Now the company is exploring a move to hydrogen fuel. Read about Schneider’s progress.

We Take our Training to the Next Level

Jeanne Stangel, President and CEO, Curative Connections

For more than 75 years Curative Connections has been helping individuals and families seeking with support and care due to aging, dementia, brain injury or disability. Most recently, we enrolled a leadership team in Strategic Foresight training through Envision. When it concluded, we asked Garry Golden to train our directors and entire leadership team. He has helped us think about what Curative Connection can be in the future. Read about Curative Connection’s work.

Seeking Signals of Well-Being

Natalie Bomstad, Health and Well-Being Signals Team

The foundation of a vibrant, thriving future is one in which our people and places are both healthy and well. Envision’s Health and Well-Being Signals Team takes a multi-dimensional, holistic approach to health and well-being, similar to the World Health Organization’s definition. Our domain map focuses on five core elements that seek to build a proactive culture of health and well-being across Northeast Wisconsin. Read about signals of local well-being.

Where’s the Juice

Tom Schumacher, Housing and Safety Signals Team

How do you keep the lights on during the next big power outage? The answer might be right in your refrigerator. Factors converging in the direction of distributed energy storage might one day make your home more energy resilient. Batteries are taking centerstage in this transition, and advances in battery technology are making the scenario more feasible. Read about whole-house batteries.

Pain in the Workforce

Jim Golembeski, Upward Mobility Signals Team

Recently I had the pleasure of getting a root canal. The experience was not as bad as I thought it would be, but the real problem was that the oral surgeon kept up a one-sided conversation to which I was unable to reply.  He kept talking about people unwilling to work. I wanted to say, “show me where they are,” but, under the circumstances… Read about Pain in the Workforce.

From Disney to Green Bay

Beverly French, Arts, Culture and Entertainment Signals

In 2015, our local Green Bay Convention and Visitors Bureau wanted to build a visitor center – a welcoming front door to our community. But, to create a welcome center that would require fundraising, building design, content creation, and programming. The Chamber needed the right leader to make it happen. Read about Cameron Teske and Discover Green Bay!

Thriving Neighborhoods

Fr. Paul Demuth, Housing and Safety Team

We constantly hear of the increased need for housing. At the same time, office and business space sits empty or half-used. Then, from an isolated, cost prohibitive lifestyle comes an affordable, inclusive living space that used to be a shopping mall  Read about this housing match made in heaven.