Read the September 25th, 2024 Green Bay Innovation Group Newsletter here.
September 25th, 2024 Newsletter
Month: September 2024
GBIG NEWS | 84 Stories and Links on the Internet 9/25/2024
GBIG News
Get links to the latest news, events, stories, and interviews from our 5P news sponsors. Our goal is to remind the decision-makers in Wisconsin of the importance of our industry both historically, and more importantly, into the future.
Read the latest 84 Stories and Links on the Internet below.
Events
- Wisconsin Economic Summit October 15-16 LaCrosse
- First Business presents Manufacturing Expo October 30th.
- New North investor appreciation night
- NEW MANUFACTURING ALLIANCE: Join us at the Meyer Theater October 1
- UW Madison Sustainability Symposium
- Wisconsin Sustainability Conference 17th Annual Event
- Trees For Tomorrow upcoming events for you and your children.
Featured Stories
- Georgia-Pacific $550 million expansion adds 100 employees and new paper machine & converting lines.
- Microsoft continues amassing Racine site.
- Strides in Pulp and Paper sustainability in food packaging
- How microplastics get into the food chain and the Impact on our bodies.
- Wisconsin Rapids issues razing and demolition permits for portions of paper mill.
- Scientists invent pfas filter for battery technology
- P&G accelerates efforts to address global Water scarcity with three killer strategy.
- Amcor appoints Peter Koniecny as CEO.
- The reason wood pulp is added to shredded cheese?
- BiOrgin in Wisconsin: Producing Paper with less Power.
- Duluth City Council backs papermill subsidy.
- Sonoco Launches strategic review.
- With $75 million gift for new UW Madison Engineering Building Building Brothers spans generations.
- Does Hemp battery company have the energy to replace lithium.
- Procon appoints Claudio Munoz VP of Sales and Marketing
- Wisconsin Packaging companies expansion of new facilities. Wisconsin is the leader in Packaging.
- Appleton declared as best drinking water in Wisconsin
- Dan Li UW Faculty safeguards manufacturing systems from cyberattacks
- Sofidel confirms converting and warehouse investment at Duluth.
- New North named accredited economic organization by IEDC. We thank Barb LaMue and her incredible team.
- Billerud appoints Doug Schwartz as President of North America
Manufacturing
- Redline Plastics Nick Murray 2024 Plastics News rising star.
- Manufacturers face cyber threats cyber resilience culture.
- USA Manufacturing is growing a real success story!
- The World’s Top 25 companies with the USA leading the way. The USA needs support and Invest in the USA Manufacturing instead of sending our Manufacturing jobs to China.
Plastic
- US has its first national strategy to reduce plastic pollution
- How Brands Can Help Solve the Macro Problems of Microplastics
- Plastics: Innovation A New Dimension of Printing – 3D
- Disposable plastic pollution
- Small pieces of plastic are invading human brains
- Transforming Plastic Waste into Asphalt: Paving the Way for Sustainable Roads – Dow Chemical
- Compostable plastic is garbage.
Packaging
- Food company saves millions in re-packaging
- Packaging films market worth $159.7 billion by 2033
- Rigid plastic packaging is set to grow from 2034-2028 from food and beverage industry.
- Van Holten debuts brand refresh with new packaging design for pickle in a pouch.
- Flexible Packaging market size exploring the unknown and finding success.
- Digital innovation power label marketing at a 3.8 CAGR rate with food packaging leading the way.
- Transformation of Labels and Packaging with great growth projections.
- Packaging films market worth $159.7 billion by 2033
Forest
- Sustainable Paper production helps preserve North America Forests
- UW Stevens Point Forestry Center
- Paper Mills and Sawmills impact on local small communities.
- Upper Michigan has a number of Foreign Companies owning our forests.
- How does Michigan manage nearly 4 million acres of state forest.
- Big hike in US duties on Canadian lumber shifts more weight of weak market to Canada
Education
- Michigan Tech University becomes new Engineering service provider for the American Center for mobility.
- Washington monthly ranks UW Madison as number one public university
- UW Madison effort to advance fusion energy with machine learning
- UW Madison name best value college
- UW Green Bay celebrates completion of new $38 million.residence hall.
East Side Green Bay Tour
Sponsors
- Inland: Best dressed beer labels.
- First Business Bank building sustainable value for clients communities and employees.
- Sustana: Consumer behavior challenge in circular economy with a focus on paper.
- WSI Supply Chain Solutions second to none.
- McClone 75 years of making a difference every day.
- eco3 Acquisition UK service company
- Zeta Group Engineering cyclops over and under conveyors
- Schumann Printers: Beating rising postal rates.
- Robinsons integrated energy storage system offers more than iso containers
- ark: Secure cloud services
- Domino launches automated printing and labeling verification technology
- Elisa Ortega promoted to inside sales at Anderson-Vreeland
- JP Morgan/Chase: What is Venture Capital.
- 75 years of growing serving area communities – McClone Insurance
Join Us: St. Johns Ministries – Honoring Dignity, Restoring Hope and Creating Lasting Change
Join the Green Bay Innovation Group for the 10 th ANNUAL RESTORING HOPE Gala Annual Signature Fundraising Event on October 12, 2024, at the Oneida Hotel in Green Bay. The Green Bay Innovation Group purchases tables as a donation and we ask you to join us for FREE with dinner provided. If you and your spouse want to join us at our tables, please contact Marty Ochs and we will sign you up. It is an outstanding networking event. It is a night to appreciate and remember.
The Green Bay Innovation Group is committed to bringing together our Business and Communities by building strong relationships. The Green Bay Innovation donates to a number of nonprofits on an annual basis.
Save the Date: 5P Showcase Expo at Fox Cities Exhibition Center
For immediate release. For more information, contact Marty Ochs, 608-698-3333 martinpochs@gmail.com; Steve Van Dyke, 608-451-2554 Steve@greenbayinnovationgroup.com; or AJ Buran 262-370-9563 AJBuran@outlook.com
Discover the Future of Packaging at the 5P Showcase Expo
GREEN BAY WI Sept. 1, 2024: Green Bay Innovation Group (GBIG) and International Dairy Deli Bakery Association (IDDBA) will partner for a premier Packaging Showcase Expo. This event is set to take place February 25-26, 2025, at the Fox Valley Exhibition Center, formerly known as The Paper Valley Hotel, 355 W. Lawrence St., Appleton, Wisconsin. The expo promises to unveil the latest innovations in packaging technology, focusing on sustainability and high-tech solutions tailored for the food, dairy, deli, bakery, and retail markets.
“This expo is a must-attend for anyone involved in the food packaging industry who wants to stay competitive in a fast-evolving market,” said Marty Ochs, GBIG Executive Director.
IDDBA Vice President Jeremy Johnson agreed.
“We are excited to showcase revolutionary technologies and materials that not only meet the needs of modern food processors,” Johnson said. “Co-fillers and brand owners, but also address the pressing environmental challenges of our time.”
Attendees will have the unique opportunity to explore a variety of cutting-edge materials and technologies, including recyclable films, sustainable packaging materials, advanced printing capabilities, and the latest in converting technologies. The expo will feature interactive exhibits and demonstrations, providing an in-depth look at the newest trends and developments in food packaging for retail.
Highlights of the Packaging Showcase Expo include:
- Recyclable and Sustainable Materials: Discover new ways to enhance environmental sustainability through innovative packaging solutions like biodegradable films and compostable containers.
- Advanced Printing and Converting Technologies: See how updated printing techniques and converting technologies are creating more efficient and flexible packaging options, reducing waste and energy usage.
- 2D Barcodes and RFID Technology: Learn about the latest trends in 2D barcodes and RFID technology that enhance tracking, inventory management, and consumer engagement.
- Networking Opportunities: Connect with industry leaders, innovators, and decision-makers with keynote presentations and panel discussions led by experts in the packaging industry.
- Trending Packaging Products: Experience the latest trending packaging products that are setting new standards for quality and innovation in the food and retail sectors.
The cost to attend the two-day event is $60.00, which includes lunch and refreshments. The cost to exhibit is $1,500, which includes 2 FREE tickets for exhibitors for an 8’W x 10’D booth. Corner exhibits are available for $1,700. (Set-up is on February 24). The Expo hours: Tuesday, 2/25 – 9:00a.m. to 4:00p.m. followed by networking. The Expo hours Wednesday, 2-26 – 9:00a.m. to 3: 00p.m. followed by networking.
SPECIAL SPONSORSHIPS ARE AVAILABLE!
Register at www.greenbayinnovationgroup.com/events – 5P Showcase Expo. Hotel rooms are available at a discount for early sign-up.
The event host is Green Bay Innovation Group, which provides news, events, and collaboration opportunities for the paper, packaging, printing, pulp, plastics and converting industries.
The co-host is the International Dairy Deli Bakery Association, a nonprofit trade association for food retailers, manufacturers, wholesalers, brokers, distributors, and other industry professionals.
GBIG Calendar of Events Reminder 2024-2025
Driving the Future of Packaging
September 24, 2024 8:00am – 4:00pm
Hilton Gardens Inn 1160 W. Park Place, Milwaukee, WI
Cost: $50.00
Driving the Future of Packaging hosted by the Green Bay Innovation Group & Wikoff Color
with six outstanding speakers.
Investing in Manufacturing
October 29, 2024 8:00am – 4:00pm
Miron Construction 1471 McMahan Dr. Neenah, WI
Cost: $50.00
Investing in Manufacturing hosted by Cornerstone Business Services with six guest speakers
supporting and helping manufacturers investing into their companies.
Sponsorship Recognition Night
November 14, 2024 3:00pm – 6:00pm
Automobile Gallery 400 S. Adams St. Green Bay, WI
Cost: Free
GBIG wants to thank all our sponsors for your support.
5P Showcase Expo
February 25-26, 2025 8:00am – 4:00pm both days.
Fox Valley Exposition Center, formerly known as The Paper Valley Hotel, 355 W. Lawrence St., Appleton, WI
Cost: $60.00 for the two-day event includes lunch and beverages.
Cost to Exhibit: $1,300.00
Green Bay Innovation Group and the International Dairy Association will present the inaugural
premier Packaging Show Expo. The showcase offers a view of cutting-edge technologies,
innovation, manufacturing for the 5P, Converting and Food Industries.
The De Pere tour of Packaging Companies
April 10, 2025 starting at 8:00am – 4:00pm
De Pere site to be determined.
Cost: Free
We will tour De Pere concentrated Packaging Company followed by a free networking event.
Swing Big with GBIG
June 19, 2025
Mid Valley Golf Course De Pere, WI
Cost: $150.00 per person and $600.00 for a foursome.
We have reserved room for 216 golfers which will be a sellout event. Register early.
St. John’s Ministries: Hope Gala Sneak Peek
Join us on Saturday, October 12, for an evening of support and community as we raise funds and awareness for St. John’s Ministries and prepare for the upcoming emergency shelter season.
Since November 1, 2023, St. John’s Ministries has served more individuals than ever before. There have been 716 individuals served in shelter, and 1,319 visitors to Wellspring and the Micah Center. Your unwavering support and awareness make all that we do possible, and we hope to thank you, in person, at this year’s event!
- 5:00-6:00 pm: Check-in opens. Reception at the Oneida Hotel inside 3 Clans Conference Center
The pre-registration option allows you more time to enjoy the company, drinks and place bids or buy raffle tickets. Please try and pre-register to save yourself time on the night of. - 6:15 pm: Prayer, dinner, live auction, Restoring Hope Gala program, raffle winners, presentation by St. John’s Ministries Executive Director and Restoring Hope Gala awards.
This year’s program includes an exciting guest speaker:
Bob Dalton is an entrepreneur, TEDx speaker, and the founder of Sackcloth & Ashes, a company that donates a blanket to local homeless shelters for every blanket sold. He is recognized for inspiring local action and has been named a Forbes Changemaker and a CNN Champion of Change. As an advocate for localism, Bob aims to inspire people to get involved in their communities through his foundation, Love Your City.
We will also be hearing from Romelle, a previous guest of St. John’s who will be sharing her story with us. You can read more about her from a previous blog post.
Local musicians Nick Gonnering and Brent Felchlin are bringing their blues-inspired and soul-infused folk sound to the stage at this year’s Restoring Hope Gala. Drawing inspiration from bluegrass, funk, and rock music, this duo creates powerful, insightful, and inspiring original music.
Each year, in our live auction, we have an item that’s been handmade by the guests of St. John’s. This year, a donor hosted us in his woodshop, and we spent a day building a bistro table and 4 stools. Here’s a sneak peek of this beautiful item.
- 8:30 pm: Silent auction closes.
VPI: Tossing for Inclusion – Thank You, GBIG
September 12, 2024
Dear Marty,
On behalf of all of us at VPI, Inc., we are excited to share the incredible success of our second annual Tossing for Inclusion Bag Toss Tournament and Fundraiser! Thanks to your enthusiasm and support, and the generous presenting sponsorship from Green Bay Innovation Group, we raised $30,418.72 to support our community programs that serve individuals with disabilities and/or disadvantages in the greater Fox Cities area.
We extend our deepest gratitude to GBIG for not only being our presenting sponsor, but also for their generous raffle basket sponsorship. Your partnership and commitment to our mission made this event possible, and we are truly thankful for your continued support.
The event was a true celebration of inclusion, fun, and community, with participants of all abilities coming together for a fantastic day of competition, raffles, and connection.
From all of us at VPI, and on behalf of those we serve: Thank you for your generosity, participation, and dedication to our mission. Together, we are making a difference.
Sincerely,
Tim Riebau
President and CEO
Allie Lucht
Marketing and Development Manager
Click the play button to see a short Tossing for Inclusion Recap Video:
VPI, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides early intervention programming, education programs, employment services, mental health services, and social enrichment opportunities to remove barriers for community members, increase community inclusion, and bridge the gaps related to lack of education, disabilities, post-incarcerated circumstances, poverty, and other obstacles. To learn more, visit us at vpiwi.org.
Quad Plus: The Future of Safety in Manufacturing Emerging Trends & Technology
Safety in manufacturing is critical for protecting workers’ health and well-being. Effective safety procedures and a culture of safety in the workplace also contribute to employee morale and efficiency. Unsafe conditions can also lead to damaged equipment and an unplanned halt in production.
Manufacturers must consider many factors when planning and implementing safety protocols and procedures, but taking the time to get it right will pay off. Plus, new trends in technology are helping us all to be safer every day.
Your Safety Responsibilities
The Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) defines several responsibilities employers have when it comes to keeping their workforce safe. Most people are probably familiar with the OSHA posters found in breakrooms and employee areas, but these are only one requirement.
Employers are also responsible for ensuring workers are informed of all hazards in the workplace. This information must be provided in words that people can understand, using a variety of methods, including labels, alarms, color-coded systems, training, and information sheets.
Along with record-keeping and notification requirements, OSHA also requires employers to first try to reduce hazards by making changes to working conditions. This can include changing ingredients or enhancing ventilation systems in addition to personal protective equipment (PPE). New technologies are making it easier for employers to implement processes that meet this requirement.
Three New Technologies for a Safer Workplace
Reducing manual processes and implementing new technologies are the keys to creating and maintaining safe, productive work environments. Here are three new technologies for manufacturers to consider for the future of their operations.
Smart PPE
Personal protective equipment is a critical component of every workplace safety plan. Improvements to basic items such as helmets, gloves, goggles, and other wearable devices include the ability to detect a person’s movement and location. Collecting and processing this data can help prevent repetitive movement injuries and other hazards.
Computer vision and AI technology can use cameras to detect possibly unsafe movements or conditions and alert the worker in real-time. Supervisors can also receive alerts when falls or collisions are detected and pinpoint a worker’s location to send help.
Data Collection & Processing
Manufacturers’ ability to collect data from their equipment and processes is increasing at lightning speed. The new technology provides real-time data collection and processing of thousands of data points throughout a production line. This allows for immediate, often automatic, adjustments to improve not just safety, but also quality, efficiency, and profitability.
This data, along with new software to process it and deliver information that engineers and planners need when developing new systems, has long-term uses, too. Long-term data collection can also show trends and allow for proactive improvements.
Virtual & Augmented Reality
Recent improvements in virtual technology platforms and devices for the wearer now provide experiences that are totally immersive and nearly real-life. The potential for this technology in training and simulations is limitless as workers can practice working with hazardous materials and dangerous, expensive equipment in complete safety.
Augmented reality includes things like glasses that overlay visual elements into the environment. For example, support staff can provide on-site guidance to a worker, present visual instructions or procedures, or provide visual warnings of hazards.
Periodic Risk Assessment
A machine risk assessment is a good place to start when understanding how to use new technology in your operations. By identifying potential hazards and how frequently people may be exposed, you can implement new strategies and technologies and deliver safer processes.
Quad Plus puts its industry experience to work every day to integrate new technologies and help manufacturers enjoy safe, profitable operations. When you’re ready to boost the safety and profitability of your operations, contact Jim Woulf at jwoulf@quadplus.com or call (920) 515-4155.
Investing in Wisconsin Manufacturing
Why invest in Wisconsin Manufacturing:
- Stable Returns over a long term with a minimum of risk.
- Diversification of investments reducing overall risk.
- Economic Growth Potential: The Manufacturing sector has been very steady and consistent regardless of the economy. We have seen significant growth potential driven by technological advancement, innovation, and market demand for high quality products. Wisconsin is the second leading manufacturing state in the USA.
- We see strong Strategic Partnerships: Financial Institutions leverage their expertise, resources, and networks to support manufacturing. They provide capital, guidance and access to financial markets supporting manufacturing companies.
- Sustainability: Wisconsin is a leader in developing sustainable products, responsible resource management and outstanding business practices.
- Wisconsin has an exceptionally considerable number of USA and International Companies with Manufacturing facilities across the State of Wisconsin.
Investing in Wisconsin’s manufacturing sector presents financial institutions with the opportunity to generate attractive consistent returns, diversify their portfolios, support economic growth, foster innovation, and create positive social and environmental impact. Company Executives and Government Officials are working to bring back Manufacturing to the USA or re-shoring by developing stronger relationships with friendly partners.
The Benefits to invest in the Wisconsin Paper, Pulp and Manufacturing Industries
- Wisconsin has a rich manufacturing heritage especially in Paper, Pulp, Plastics, Printing, Converting, Manufacturing, and Food Processing. Manufacturing is the single largest segment of employment in Wisconsin.
- Wisconsin needs Job Creation in rural areas that need high paid jobs. The Paper, Pulp and Forestry Industries are located across the State of Wisconsin in smaller communities!
- Wisconsin has a skilled workforce in the Paper, Pulp and supporting industries, especially in Manufacturing.
- By investing in local economic growth in Paper & Pulp Manufacturing, it is said: One job in the Pulp and Paper industry creates up to seven jobs in the community and surrounding areas!
- With the shift and focus of sustainable packaging, Wisconsin can rebuild its paper and pulp manufacturing to meet the demand of Sustainability with paper products.
- We are seeing investments across the globe especially in China, Asia, and South America! We see a worldwide demand for paper products with estimates of 2.2 – 4.5 CAGR growth. We have witnessed the push to use paper in packaging shifting away from plastic.
- Wisconsin has had the advantage as the USA leading position as a paper and pulp manufacturing state with a well-established infrastructure to support it!
- Wisconsin is situated in the heart of the Midwest with strategic access to major markets and customers in the 5P and Converting Industries.
- Wisconsin is the HUB of the Packaging, Paper, Printing, Plastics, Pulp, and the Converting Industries in the United States!
- Wisconsin has access to natural resources with forests and water necessary to make pulp and paper. A healthy Paper and Pulp industry will support our Forestry and Logging Industries with Sustainable of Forestry Management! It will limit the risks of damaging forest fires, support fresh water, improve wildlife habitat, reduce carbon, and support our recreation and tourism industries.
- Wisconsin has a well-developed transportation infrastructure with major transportation companies supporting Paper, Pulp and Manufacturing.
- Wisconsin has the technology and manufacturing innovation supporting Paper and Pulp Manufacturing. Wisconsin has a number of Manufacturers shipping their products worldwide! Wisconsin has short supply chains with a strong network of suppliers!
- Wisconsin has diversification in Paper Products that we produce serving a wide market of consumers!
- Wisconsin has world-class research institutions with outstanding collaborative partnerships with industry: UW Madison, UW Platteville, UW Stevens Point, UW Green Bay, UW Milwaukee, and UW Stout. UW Madison has a number of patents to support the Manufacturing Industry of Wisconsin.
- Wisconsin has become pro-business with competitive tax rates, business incentives and the State of Wisconsin has a number of outstanding organizations supporting business growth and retention.
September 11th, 2024 Newsletter
Read the September 11th, 2024 Green Bay Innovation Group Newsletter here.
