December 2024 Tech Upload
| The NEW Digital Alliance would like to thank Great Northern Corp and Heartland Business Systems for their support as a Strategic Level investor! |  |
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NEW Digital News
Season’s Greetings and Heartfelt Thanks from the NEW Digital Alliance
As the year draws to a close, we reflect on the incredible achievements made possible through our Alliance investor’s continued support and partnership. Together, we’ve strengthened the foundation of IT innovation, collaboration and talent in Northeast Wisconsin, empowering businesses, educators, and future leaders to thrive in the digital age.
This year was marked by significant milestones:
- Expanded Engagement: From the success of our Investor Mentorship Program to the impactful discussions at our annual Tech Summit and the newly created NEW Digital Leaders Conference, your involvement has been the key to driving change.
- Collaborative Growth: Our efforts to align industry needs with education and workforce development continue to create opportunities for the next generation of talent.
- Community Impact: With your support, initiatives like our Cybersecurity Roundtables and IT Roundtables have fostered meaningful conversations and resources for our region.
As we look ahead to 2025, our commitment remains steadfast. With your guidance and collaboration, we’ll continue to shape a region where technology and innovation flourish. We wish you and your loved ones a joyful holiday season and a prosperous New Year. Thank you for being an integral part of our journey.
Happy Holidays!
Jason Mathwig
Industry Alliance Director
NEW Digital Alliance
Reflecting on the First-Ever NEW Digital Leaders Conference
The inaugural NEW Digital Leaders Conference was nothing short of inspiring and was a resounding success, bringing together industry leaders, innovators, and professionals to discuss the latest trends and advancements in digital technology. Held at the Kimberly-Clark Conference Center in Neenah (WI), the event featured a series of insightful sessions, engaging discussions, and valuable networking opportunities.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for this transformative event, filled with insights, connections, and actionable inspiration. A heartfelt thank-you goes to Thrivent for sponsoring the day and to Kimberly-Clark for graciously hosting us in their beautiful space. Your support played a pivotal role in bringing this event to life!
We are deeply grateful to our talented presenters, who generously shared their expertise and sparked impactful conversations on the future of digital leadership. The opportunity to empower one another—and the next generation of digital leaders—through collaboration and knowledge-sharing is what makes our work so meaningful.
Together with Women in Technology Wisconsin, the NEW Digital Alliance was honored to bring this vision to reality. We look forward to continuing these conversations and building a strong foundation for innovation, diversity, and leadership in the digital space.
📷 Catch the highlights! Check out some of our favorite moments from the day here: Photo Gallery.
Celebrating the 2024 Investor Mentorship Program
On November 14, we came together to honor the achievements of the 2024 NEW Digital Alliance Investor Mentorship Program (IMP) at a celebration event hosted by Thrivent. This year’s program was a resounding success, exemplifying the power of mentorship, collaboration, and innovation in Northeast Wisconsin.
The program fostered meaningful connections between experienced mentors and eager mentees, creating opportunities for professional growth, knowledge sharing, and creative problem-solving. The evening highlighted the program’s impact on both individuals and our region, showcasing the talent and drive that make Northeast Wisconsin a hub for innovation and development.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the mentors, mentees, and investors who contributed to the program’s success. Your dedication and involvement are the foundation of this initiative, and your efforts continue to make a significant difference in our community.
Relive the Moments
Check out the highlights of our celebration event in our photo album.
Join Us in 2025!
Interested in becoming a part of this impactful program? We are tentatively planning to start our next cohort in March. Learn more about future cohorts of the Investor Mentorship Program on our website.
Free AI skilling for Manufacturing Leaders
Employees of manufacturing companies located in Wisconsin – join the 8-week virtual AI training program, tailored for manufacturing professionals at all experience levels. The free training will guide you through the essentials of AI, from its history to its strategic application in the industry. Equip yourself with the latest AI tools, network with experts, and ignite innovation in your organization. Empower your career with AI—register now!
Actively accepting registrations for upcoming program launching on 2/3/25.
Learn Relevant Topics for Any Role
By participating in the AI accelerator program, professionals can gain the skills and knowledge necessary to tackle industry challenges head-on. You will learn how to implement AI solutions that can lead to increased efficiency, reduced costs, and enhanced innovation, positioning your business for success in a competitive global market.
What to Expect
This program was created to support leaders in manufacturing no matter your role or experience with technology. Each participant can earn industry recognized certifications upon completion of the coursework and exam. This training is specific to employees of manufacturing companies located in Wisconsin.
Who is eligible to participate?
This program is designed to be inclusive of employees of all skill levels within the manufacturing sector in Wisconsin. Whether you’re just starting out or have years of experience, our program offers valuable learning opportunities to enhance your understanding and application of AI technologies. This initiative is part of our commitment to fostering innovation and strategic AI adoption across the industry.
Faith Technologies Incorporated honored with Exceptional Mentor Award
Congratulations to Alliance investor, Faith Technologies Incorporated (FTI), as they were honored by Youth Apprenticeship (YA) Wisconsin with the 𝙀𝙭𝙘𝙚𝙥𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙡 𝙔𝙤𝙪𝙩𝙝 𝘼𝙥𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙘𝙚𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙥 𝙈𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙤𝙧 𝘼𝙬𝙖𝙧𝙙! This award celebrates Faith Technologies’ dedication to guiding the next generation through exceptional mentorship, skill-building, and advocacy for workforce development. By creating pathways that blend technical training with personal growth, Faith Technologies sets a remarkable example in the industry. 👏
Through their mentorship, Faith Technologies provides apprentices with hands-on experience in industry innovations and safety standards, while fostering a culture of learning that encourages each individual to reach their fullest potential. 💪 Their mentors devote time and energy to adapt their teaching to the needs of each apprentice, creating a supportive environment where young professionals thrive.
Beyond mentoring, Faith Technologies also leads by example, engaging with other employers to share best practices and promote apprenticeship opportunities across industries. Their efforts to advance youth apprenticeship are strengthening the talent pipeline and preparing the next generation to meet future workforce demands.
Congratulations to Faith Technologies for this well-deserved recognition and for making a lasting impact on the future of our workforce! 🎉
Other IT News
AI Readiness Challenges for IT Leaders
IT leaders are less AI-ready than they were a year ago, says Cisco report
Organizations feel pressure to deliver on AI as they lack infrastructure, data processing capabilities, and talent
A recent report from Cisco reveals that IT leaders feel less prepared to adopt artificial intelligence (AI) technologies than they did a year ago. Key factors include growing concerns about infrastructure and workforce readiness. Although 77% of respondents consider AI critical to their organization’s success, many lack confidence in their ability to implement it effectively. Challenges cited include a lack of necessary skills, outdated technology infrastructures, and insufficient energy capacity to support AI systems.
To address these challenges, experts stress the importance of updating IT infrastructure, investing in energy-efficient systems, and prioritizing workforce training to close skill gaps. Organizations that proactively plan for these demands will be better positioned to unlock AI’s full potential while meeting sustainability goals.
By ITPro.
A new dawn for the technology officer
As companies strive to create value from AI, generative AI, and other rapidly evolving technologies, enterprise tech officers will make fundamental shifts in the way they operate.
In today’s fast-paced, digital-first world the role of Chief Technology Officer (CTO) is always evolving. Traditionally seen as operational leaders focused on technology systems, the CTO’s responsibilities are now expanding to include strategy, innovation, and organizational transformation. With digital transformation at the forefront of many business agendas, CTOs are now pivotal in driving both technological advancements and cultural change within their companies.
Key themes in the article include the need for CTOs to embrace agility, develop deep tech expertise, and foster collaboration across departments to meet evolving business goals. It also discusses how successful technology leaders are leveraging emerging technologies such as AI and cloud computing to drive growth and improve operational efficiency. Moreover, CTOs are expected to be not just technical experts but also effective communicators and leaders who can translate technology investments into tangible business outcomes.
By Aamer Baig, Jeffrey Lewis, Klemens Hjartar, Sven Blumberg & Rob Cain
McKinsey Digital
What Is Data Classification—and Why Does It Matter?
Data classification is a crucial process for organizations to manage and protect their vast amounts of data effectively. By categorizing data based on its sensitivity, criticality, or value, companies can ensure that sensitive information is secured, compliance requirements are met, and incident responses are swift and effective. Data classification typically involves sorting data into categories like Public, Internal, Confidential, and Restricted. This process enhances security by identifying which data needs the most protection, aids in compliance with regulations such as GDPR and HIPAA, and improves incident response by prioritizing critical data. There are three main approaches to data classification:
- Content-based, which sorts data based on its content like personally identifiable information (PII) or financial details;
- Context-based, which considers the context in which data was created or accessed;
- User-based, which ties classification to the user’s role or access rights.
Effective data classification involves defining clear classification levels, identifying and labeling data using automated tools like Microsoft Purview, and maintaining consistency and scalability.
By Jeff Franklin
Heartland Business Systems
Cybersecurity: Guarding your business from the inside out
In today’s digital age, cybersecurity isn’t just a technical issue—it’s a business imperative. Protecting your company’s sensitive data and maintaining customer trust are crucial for survival and growth. Cyberattacks can lead to significant financial losses, but with the right preventive measures, you can safeguard your business. Think of firewalls and regular system updates as your first line of defense, stopping threats before they even start. And don’t forget about cybersecurity insurance; it’s a safety net that can help mitigate the costs if an attack does occur.
Building customer trust is another key aspect. When customers see that you’re serious about cybersecurity, it fosters loyalty and strengthens your brand. Operational continuity is also vital. Effective cybersecurity measures and disaster recovery plans ensure that your business can quickly bounce back from any attack, minimizing downtime and disruption.
Staying ahead of potential threats is a continuous process. Regular security assessments and leveraging the latest threat intelligence are essential. But perhaps the most important element is your employees. They are your first line of defense. Investing in awareness training empowers your staff to recognize and avoid cyber threats, making cybersecurity a company-wide responsibility.
By taking these steps, you can protect your business from the inside out and ensure a secure future in the digital world.