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GBIG is Growing, Active & Grateful
As we look back at 2025, we say thank you to our Sponsors, Members, and Exhibitors for their support. In 2025, we grew our membership base by 25% with projections to continue our growth in 2026.
We had outstanding events in 2025
· 550 people at the 5P Showcase Expo
· 108 at the De Pere tour and networking event
· 300 at Swing Big with GBIG golf outing. We raised $22,000 and donated it to multiple nonprofits.
· 160 at the Specialty Paper Conference in Appleton, a sold-out event with exceptional speakers
· 100 at the Octoberfest networking event
In 2025, the Green Bay Innovation Group contributed more than $75,000 to nonprofit organizations. We will continue to support our Business Partners and our communities!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year,
Marty
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GBIG is Hiring a Membership Director
GBIG is growing and is seeking to hire a motivated and relationship-driven Membership Director.
If you enjoy engaging with local businesses and organizations and have experience in the 5P Industries and marketing, check out this part-time contractor position.
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A Bold Vision for the Industry
The GBIG 5P Showcase Expo brings together industry experts and highlights leading innovations in the 5P Industries, converting, and food packaging. Don’t miss your chance to attend or exhibit at 5P Showcase Expo on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at Oneida Hotel and Conference Center in Green Bay.
Register today. The cost is $1,000 to exhibit and $50 to attend the one-day event.
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2026 Economic Forecast
First Business Bank will present "2026 Economic Forecast: Expert Insights From Industry Leaders" from 7:30-9:30 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 21, at Holidays Pub & Grill in Appleton.
Nancy Johnshoy, CFA, Senior Vice President - Portfolio Manager & Market Strategist, will break down economic data. A panel of leaders from Northeast Wisconsin will speak. Seating is limited, and registration is required.
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AI in Action
Small business owners, managers, and entrepreneurs looking to use AI confidently are encouraged to attend AI in Action for Small Business Owners. The online event, presented by the Green Bay Packers Mentor Protégé Program, is from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 22.
Attendees will learn how to translate content for bilingual customers, summarize Excel data, create SOPs and flow diagrams, and brainstorm new product ideas.
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Graduate Certificate
Wisconsin Paper Council, in partnership with UW-Stevens Point, will hold a webinar to introduce UW-Stevens Point’s Process Control Graduate Certificate Program.
Designed to upskill today’s manufacturing workforce, and in response to industry demand, this program will be focused on real-world application and will prepare students for the Process Control PE Exam.
The free webinar is 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 17.
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Breakfast Briefing
Amundsen Davis will present a complimentary webcast in its Breakfast Briefing Series: “Staying Afloat in the ‘Bermuda Triangle': Insights on FMLA, ADA, and Workers' Compensation.”
The webcast begins at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 17. Heather Bailey will explain requirements and interactions of FMLA, ADA, and workers' compensation in the U.S. workplace.
The Breakfast Briefing Series takes place at 8:30 a.m. on the third Wednesday of every month.
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Menasha Corp: Vets Ready Employer
Menasha Corporation is one of 25 Wisconsin employers recognized by the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development for exceptional commitment to hiring and supporting vets. The company received a Gold Certification in the large employer category of 2025 Vets Ready Employer Initiative which recognizes organizations that excel in veteran recruitment and retention.
| | PACKAGING STORIES AND UPDATES | | SUSTAINABILITY STORIES AND UPDATES | | PAPER STORIES AND UPDATES | | FOREST STORIES AND UPDATES | | 5P EXPO EXHIBITOR STORIES AND UPDATES | | |
Sebright Products
In this Case Study, Sebright Products’ High Density Extruder addressed a complex waste management issue of a paper mill regarding OCC rejects like plastics, metals, tape, and other nonrecyclables, along with wet-strength and paper fiber by-products. Sebright Products’ High Density Extruder significantly reduced the amount of loads each month by 71% and average annual savings by 72%.
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Business Acquisition
Spartan Products Inc. announced the acquisition of the water-based division of FasTech Adhesives of Streamwood, IL, following FasTech’s recent sale to Chemline Inc. of St. Louis, MO. The acquisition allows Chemline to focus on the reactive polyurethane chemistry that aligns with its existing business and allows Spartan Products to focus on the water-based adhesive and coating products.
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Expansion Project
Keller has been selected to design and build a 22,153-square-foot addition to Sico America Inc. in Belleville, Wisconsin. This is Sico America’s second expansion project with Keller in one year.
A standout aspect of this project is the accelerated 75-day virtual design and estimating phase, which allowed the client to move quickly from planning to construction. Construction is scheduled to begin in early 2026.
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Charter NEX Facility
Hoffman was selected to provide planning, design, and construction services for Charter NEX’s new blown film production facility on a greenfield site located in South Carolina. The 78’ high 10 MW load production facility is a single-story structure with four levels of mezzanines. With spaces such as a production area, warehouse, offices, and support space, the facility is roughly 193,500 square feet. The design required coordination of a new adjacent railroad spur for distribution.
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Packaging Trends
With nearly four in five consumers thinking more favorably of brands with prominent packaging, according to Macfarlane’s Unboxing Survey 2024, brands are keen to exploit the power of packaging to boost brand perception and connect with consumers on a deeper, more personal level. Russell Weller, Head of Digital Products, Domino Printing Sciences, shares insights on how converters can leverage digital printing to stand out from the competition and meet evolving consumer expectations.
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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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