A Note from Marty Ochs
Wisconsin has the second-highest concentration of manufacturing employment in the nation, with 16-18% of its private-sector jobs in manufacturing. With over 9,000 manufacturers employing more than 465,000 workers, the industry contributed over $70 billion to the state’s economy in 2024.
GBIG invites you to learn more about Wisconsin manufacturing at these events.
1. NEWMA Future of Work Summit April 14 at Fox Valley Tech
2. PFAS Legislative & Legal Enforcement Briefing April 14 webinar
3. The Freshwater Collaborative PFAS Conference April 15 in Stevens Point
4. GBIG Milwaukee Tour April 16
5. 2026 Forum Infoflex, on April 25-28 in Milwaukee
6. Wisconsin Drives Manufacturing Summit June 1-2 at Lambeau Field
7. New North Summit June 9 at Lambeau Field
8. The Wisconsin Paper Council Annual Meeting June 16 at Lambeau Field
Thanks,
Marty Ochs
Executive Director
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Now Accepting New Members
Green Bay Innovation Group (GBIG) is now accepting new members who want to expand their network and business opportunities in the 5P Industries (Packaging, Paper, Plastics, Printing, Pulp) and Converting. GBIG is an active nonprofit foundation and business consortium serving as a catalyst for collaboration across the Great Lakes Region.
The consortium advances the industry and fosters business relationships through education, networking, and strategic partnerships. Check out the member directory to identify organizations you want to do business with and start reaping the benefits of GBIG membership.
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GBIG All Day Tour & Networking in Milwaukee
GBIG invites you to tour Milwaukee-area businesses on Thursday, April 16.
9:00 - 10:15 a.m. Illing Packaging, W204N13125 Goldendale Rd. Germantown
10:45 - 11:45 a.m. Rebel Converting, 11225 W. Heather Ave., Milwaukee
1:00 - 2:00 p.m. Western States Envelope and Label, 4480 N. 132nd St., Butler
2:30 - 5:00 p.m. Big Systems, N59W14053 Bobolink Ave., Menomonee Falls. Tour, networking, food and beverages
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Series: Supervisor and Management Training
Cultivate a thriving culture and drive your business to new heights by transforming your managers into dynamic leaders. Amundsen Davis's Supervisor and Management Training Series is crafted for ambitious mid- to senior-level managers from any sector.
- Master essential leadership qualities
- Accelerate personal and professional growth
- Confidently navigate the intricate world of labor laws
Register for individual sessions or the full 5-Session Series, April 14 to June 9.
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Price Slashed for PFAS Workshop, Stevens Point
Register today for "Solving PFAS Together: Academia + Industry," a one-day mini-conference on Wednesday, April 15, at the Holiday Inn Convention Center in Stevens Point. The workshop plus lunch is just $50 (a $65 discount).
GBIG and the Freshwater Collaborative are co-sponsors. The event is a pre-conference option at the Wisconsin Lakes and Rivers Convention.
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WPC/NCASI Environmental Conference, Neenah
The 2026 WPC/NCASI Spring Environmental Conference is scheduled from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 12, at Miron Construction, Neenah. The event brings together reps from the Wisconsin Paper Council and National Council for Air and Stream Improvement, Inc., including scientists, engineers, attorneys, mill environmental managers, and other professionals.
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Career Exploration Week
Trees for Tomorrow in Eagle River will host its 60th annual Natural Resource Careers Exploration Week from June 7-12. The week-long event is designed for high school students interested in natural resources management.
Applications are due May 1, but apply ASAP before the spots fill up. Scholarships are available.
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Personal Brand Webinar
Women in the 5P (Wi5P) will present “Unlocking the Power of Your Personal Brand” featuring Amanda Miceli, “Camanda in Chief.” She is the founder & CEO of The BOLD Marketing Agency, BOLD Events, and Ask Bold Questions.
The free webinar takes place at 1pm Monday, April 13. Don’t miss this inspiring, high-energy session that will help you connect more authentically with yourself and those around you.
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Manufacturing Summit
Save the date for Wisconsin Drives 2026 Manufacturing Summit on June 1-2 at Lambeau Field, Green Bay. Learn the importance of manufacturing in the U.S. and Wisconsin's role.
The Summit will feature technology highlights and workplace evolution solutions. One of the keynote speakers will be Kyle Crum, President of Infinity EDM in Jackson.
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Thermal School
Appvion’s next session of Thermal School will take place on April 22. Designed for customers, converters, and industry partners, the program provides a deeper understanding of direct thermal technology and its real‑world applications.
Additional sessions will be held at Appvion’s Appleton headquarters throughout the year.
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PFAS Law Briefing
The Wisconsin Paper Council and Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce will host a webinar from 1-2 p.m. Tuesday, April 14, featuring expert analysis on Wisconsin’s new PFAS law.
Participants will learn how the law affects manufacturers and gain insight on future implementation issues and concerns.
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Appreciation Reception
Amundsen Davis will hold a business partnership appreciation reception, Driven by Partnership with Amundsen Davis.
The event is scheduled from 4:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 25 at the Automobile Gallery & Event Center in Green Bay. Registration is due June 11.
| | | PACKAGING STORIES AND UPDATES | | MANUFACTURING STORIES AND UPDATES | | NONWOVENS STORIES AND UPDATES | | FORESTRY STORIES AND UPDATES | | MEMBER STORIES AND UPDATES | |
Switchgear Services
For industrial facility managers, understanding what switchgear is used for is critical. Properly designed and maintained switchgear helps maintain continuous operations. It also reduces risk to personnel and equipment.
If you want to learn more about switchgear services or discuss your system, contact Adam Kahler of Quad Plus.
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Safety Programs
Safety coordinators and EHS managers are constantly balancing compliance requirements, inspections, documentation, and follow-up actions.
When timelines get tight, that workload can quickly become overwhelming. EHSTracks is designed to remove that pressure by streamlining and standardizing the entire process.
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AI in Printing
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping the printing industry, offering a wide range of tools that boost productivity, unlock smarter customer insights, and enhance creativity across converter operations.
Michael Matthews, Product Manager – DP Colour, Domino Printing Sciences, explores AI adoption within label and packaging businesses today and provides guidance for long-term AI success.
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The mission statement of the Green Bay Innovation Group is to bring together and create opportunities for networking between Wisconsin companies involved in the Paper, Printing, Pulp, Plastics, Packaging, Converting and Supplier Industries. GBIG creates an open dialog between companies. GBIG webinars, meetings, etc. talk about current and new products, technology, innovation, sales, marketing, social media/web design, new equipment, etc.
GBIG is looking to create new products, new markets and expand the presence of our industries in Wisconsin. We are here to help you push the norm and challenge one another to help make our companies and our communities better.
Finally, we are bringing financial support to our communities, especially to those most in need through the donations from our Sponsors.
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