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A Note from Marty Ochs
Goodbye Plastics, HELLO PAPER. You’re invited to the Specialty Paper Conference on Sept. 16 featuring a lineup of outstanding speakers and a panel with premier paper manufacturers. We will explore PFAS-free paper products, innovative new paper products, barrier coatings, sustainability, and recyclability of paper. Learn about cutting-edge technologies, product design, new product development, and eco-friendly packaging trends.
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Specialty Paper, Printing, Converting, Coating, Packaging
GBIG with its partners and an industry panel will provide a current view of industries crucial to regional and national economies. The Specialty Papers conference is set to take place from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. followed by networking from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 16, at Miron Construction in Neenah. The day offers the latest commentary and innovations in the industry, plus networking with leaders at lunch and a First Business Bank sponsored meet-and-greet later in the day. Check-in is from 7:30-8:30 a.m., and the cost is $100 per person. Register today.
| | THANKS TO OUR PLATINUN MEMBERS | | |
Chinese firm acquires Wisconsin packaging company
TedPack, a Chinese flexible packaging manufacturer, acquired the packaging operations of Fairview International and established its first US subsidiary to better serve American customers across all 50 states from its new headquarters in Port Washington, Wisconsin. The acquisition transferred all flexible packaging business operations previously handled by Fairview International to TedPack, which had been serving the American market from China for 13 years.
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Corporate Report
Menasha Corporation, a sustainable corrugated and reusable plastic packaging manufacturer and supply chain services provider, published its 2025 Corporate Social Responsibility Report.
The report showcases Menasha Corporation’s commitment to corporate responsibility with examples of environmental stewardship, employee programs, and community support.
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Annual Meeting
The Wisconsin Paper Council welcomed a record number of attendees to its 2025 Annual Meeting on June 24 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay. Industry leaders, policymakers, and partners gathered for a day focused on the future of Wisconsin’s paper and forest products sector.
WPC officers were re-elected:
Chairman: Don Guay, Ahlstrom
Vice-Chair: Zack Leimkuehler, Little Rapids Corporation
Treasurer: John Corrigall
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Mural Unveiled
VPI, Inc. unveiled a new community mural on July 24. The mural was created by local artist Neo Medina at its Community Programs Collective. The mural reflects the heart and spirit of VPI’s mission to foster inclusion, opportunity, and independence for individuals with disabilities and other barriers.
The unveiling event also celebrated the successful $750,000 capital campaign for a newly renovated Community Programs Collective.
| | WOMEN IN THE 5P INDUSTRIES | | |
AI Webinar is Aug. 18
Join Women in the 5P for an engaging, one-hour interactive webinar led by AI strategist Josh Huilar from 1-2pm Monday, Aug. 18. You’ll learn what generative AI actually is, how to use it today, and what it means for the future of your work and your business.
Whether you’re a curious beginner or a team leader exploring AI for your organization, this session will provide immediate value — including practical templates, live demos, and real-world case studies from industries already embracing AI.
| | SPECIALTY PAPER STORIES AND UPDATES | | PACKAGING STORIES AND UPDATES | | PAPER STORIES AND UPDATES | | FORESTRY STORIES AND UPDATES | | MEMBER STORIES AND UPDATES | | |
Hurckman Mechanical Industries, a leader in mechanical contracting across Wisconsin, has reached a significant safety milestone: 2 million consecutive work hours without a lost time incident, a feat that took over six years to accomplish.
“This kind of milestone is rare in our industry,” said Safety Director Cory Delwiche. “It shows that the safety culture we’ve built works. When workers go home safe to their families every night, that’s the only reward that really matters.”
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Electrical power testing is a crucial component of maintaining reliable, safe, and efficient operations in all industrial and commercial facilities. Unexpected power system failures can halt production, damage equipment, and create serious safety hazards. By implementing a thorough electrical power testing program, you can detect potential issues before they escalate into costly problems.
To learn more about the value of electrical power testing and how it can support your safety, contact Quad Plus.
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Hi-Tech Plastics, Inc. is a manufacturer of cast, specialty stretch films. Hi-Tech Plastics produces Machine and Hand films ranging from 50-200 gauge in clear, color, uvi, osc and in combinations. The company converts banding and disposables (clear and specialty) in combinations, and offers many colors. Outside of the standard products, Hi-Tech Plastics can do 40" to 82" rolls in varying gauges, clear and additives. | | |
Take action! Any action is better than no action, even if it is wrong, as long as we learn from it. SPL Consulting CEO Brian Van de Water has said this often in his 25+ year career.
Employers are struggling to find and retain employees. SPL Consulting offers ways to take action to overcome hiring challenges.
| | The McClone Insurance Compliance Team recently developed a bulletin offering early insight into how a potential Trump administration nominee might shape the future of employee benefits regulation. The Employee Benefits Security Administration nominee Daniel Aronowitz recently outlined his vision of the agency. The bulletin provides an overview of EBSA, key takeaways from Aronowitz’s written testimony and Senate hearing, and the potential impact on employers. | | Small businesses and nonprofits crave exposure. To prosper, businesses and nonprofits need effective marketing tools that keep their brand top-of-mind with customers, volunteers, and donors. One of the most effective marketing tools is email marketing. In addition to websites and SEO, Packerland Websites creates E-newsletters for nonprofits and businesses. With every edition, organizations see the impact of email marketing. | | |
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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