Curated news, events and signals exclusively for 
Envision's Strategic Foresight graduates

October 2025

Through this network of trained futurists, we hope to make strategic foresight

part of the DNA of Northeast Wisconsin, driving our preferred

futures rather than simply reacting to what happens.

Meet Our Fall 2025 Cohort

Here are the future-focused organizations participating in the

Fall Strategic Foresight training cohort! 

They are learning about the art and science of thinking like a futurist.

Fall 2025 Cohort

Will you take this opportunity to build and strengthen your trained team?

Workshops will begin with Garry Golden in March 2026.


Here are the Spring 2026 dates:

March 13 – 8:00 a.m. to 4 p.m.

March 27– VIRTUAL 8 to 10 a.m.

April 17 – VIRTUAL 8 to 10 a.m.

May 1– VIRTUAL 8 to 10 a.m.

May 15 – 8:30 a.m. to noon

Making Your Trends and Drivers Local

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As you map out the domain of strategic foresight for your organization, you’ll note that national and even global trends and drivers will impact your future. But all of us are also embedded in our local region and communities, and are affected by local economies, local governments, local workforce, etc. Looking at local trend data and monitoring local drivers is important. How to do that?


Good trend data on Northeast Wisconsin is collected, curated, and presented online by groups like the Greater Green Bay Chamber, Greater Green Bay Community Foundation, Brown County United Way, etc. If the strength of the local economy and the workforce supporting it is important to your foresight project, take a look at trends followed by NEW Manufacturing Alliance.


The Alliance (NEWMA) is a group of manufacturers, educators, workforce development, chambers of commerce, and state organizations that promote manufacturing in the Northeast Wisconsin region. Its vision is that “every Northeast Wisconsin manufacturer will find the talent it needs.”



The Alliance’s 2025 Aging Workforce Study found that the average age for the production workforce is 38, which is younger than the national average of 44 years. The average age for engineers is 42, similar to the national average. Average tenure for production workers of 9 years was significantly higher than the national average of 4.9 years. The engineering workforce’s tenure of 10 years is higher than the national average of 4.9 years. The study asked how many people were 56 years and older in key occupations. Respondents said that 44% of their machinists were 56 years and older; as well as 45% of engineers 40% of plant managers and 33% of welders. Continue reading here

World Futures Day Save the Date

Friday, February 27, 2026

8:00 a.m.-Noon

Oneida Hotel and Casino


Keynote Speaker -

Futurist Garry Golden


Watch for more details soon. Sponsorship information here

Resources from the Foresight Community

Most of today's shocking realities were yesterday's forecasts. So why do organizations keep getting blindsided? In "Strategy in the Age of Chaos," Institute for the Future's Marina Gorbis and Lyn Jeffery explain the failure points: we cling to the present, avoid "forbidden futures," and protect outdated structures. The solution? Master quick improvisation for survival and bold imagination for the future. 

Their toolkit: flip your assumptions, run "signals swarms," engage everyone in futures thinking,” and more.

When the deck is stacked against change, ambiguous actions can change the game. In the November 2024 issue of Stanford Social Innovation Review article 

"The Strategic Art of Ambiguity," movement strategist Kyle Crawford examines how social innovators can operate effectively in hostile environments. By embracing ambiguity — crafting messages open to multiple interpretations — organizations can navigate opposition, reach diverse audiences, and protect their intentions. Crawford shares diagnostic questions to help leaders decide when ambiguity is advantageous, unlocking new strategic possibilities. This approach offers changemakers a dynamic way to turn challenges into opportunities for impactful action.

Why Foresight Matters

Envision Greater Green Bay is helping communities look ahead—identifying early signals of change and working with local leaders to co-create a future rooted in innovation, sustainability, and inclusion.


Strategic foresight allows us to ask better questions, challenge assumptions, and prepare for multiple possibilities. It empowers communities to build the future before it arrives—and to ensure that future works for everyone. Because thriving communities don’t wait for change. They shape it. Together.


In a world where the future isn’t a straight line, the smartest move we can make is to embrace uncertainty, invest in people, and lead with purpose.

-What assumptions about our region’s future are you ready to challenge?

-What roles should we start preparing for now?



Help Envision make Greater Green Bay a community of choice!  Donate today!

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