Swing Big With GBIG on June 18, 2026

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VARC Builds on VPI Legacy to Expand Packaging

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VARC Builds on VPI Legacy to Expand Packaging and Assembly Capabilities Across Wisconsin

VPI Assembly

VIROQUA, WI. — Following its January 1 merger with Fox Valley-based VPI, VARC, Inc. is expanding its packaging, assembly, and fulfillment operations to better serve manufacturers and distributors across Northeast Wisconsin and beyond. By building on VPI’s long-standing reputation in the region, VARC is strengthening its ability to deliver flexible, high-quality production solutions while increasing capacity for business partners.

The integration brings together complementary expertise, combining VPI’s experience in large-scale packaging operations with VARC’s established assembly and fulfillment services. As a result, VARC now offers a broader range of subcontract services, including kitting, sealing, labeling, inspection, inventory control, and warehousing.

VARC’s operational footprint has also significantly expanded, with locations spanning Viroqua, La Crosse, Reedsburg, Mauston, Racine, Burlington, and Appleton. This expanded network provides increased capacity, improved logistics, and greater responsiveness for partners throughout the Fox Valley and across Wisconsin.

“Our focus has been on building stronger operations and expanding opportunity,” said Elizabeth Filter, President and Chief Executive Officer of VARC. “By aligning our capabilities and investing in growth, we are better positioned to serve our business partners while continuing to create meaningful employment opportunities in the communities where we operate.”

Tim Riebau, who previously served as President & CEO of VPI and now serves as Chief Operating Officer for VARC, added, “This next chapter allows us to build on VPI’s strong foundation in the Fox Valley while expanding the resources and capabilities available to our customers. Together, we are creating greater efficiency, increased capacity, and more opportunities for growth.”

Filter, who has led VARC through a period of significant organizational growth, continues to guide the combined organization’s mission-driven approach to workforce development. Under her leadership, VARC connects business needs with a reliable, inclusive workforce while delivering high-quality results and creating employment opportunities for individuals of all abilities.

As VARC continues to grow, the organization remains committed to strengthening partnerships across Northeast Wisconsin and the broader region, supporting local manufacturers, enhancing supply chain solutions, and driving both economic and community impact.

About VARC

Founded in 1975 in Viroqua, Wisconsin, VARC serves over 2,500 individuals with varying abilities across 18 locations, including eight production facilities. Guided by its mission “to support and empower children and adults with disabilities and other life barriers to build greater independence and community inclusion,” VARC provides a wide range of services including licensed childcare, adult day services, supported employment, early intervention services, trauma-informed mental health care, and school-to-work transition programming. Its production facilities partner with commercial businesses to provide co-packaging and co-assembly services, blending mission-driven impact with sustainable revenue. With a presence across much of Wisconsin, VARC empowers individuals to build independence, engage in their communities, and access meaningful, choice-driven experiences. For more information about VARC, visit varcinc.com.

Swing Big With GBIG: Golfers and Sponsors Instructions

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Swing Big golf outing with GBIG

The Green Bay Innovation Group Foundation thanks all golfers and hole sponsors for supporting Swing Big with GBIG Golf Outing. Proceeds from the event will be donated to six outstanding nonprofits that support our communities and education.

We have attached a list of the companies participating in the golf outing. Please review it to confirm whether you are listed! The event is close to being sold out. At check-in, please go to the pro shop and provide your company name. In cases, we have arranged foursomes for players to join, as noted on the attached list. Mid Vallee will assign carts.

I have attached for the hole sponsors assigned a hole identified as the White, Red, Blue, and a number. Pick up a map at the Pro Shop to help you find your hole. We ask that you bring your own table, chairs, tents, etc. We will have the signs set up around 8:30 a.m. and tee off is at 9:30 a.m. Mid Vallee and volunteers will be able to provide transportation.

Finally, we have a FREE NETORKING event starting at 3:00 p.m. for guests. We are expecting close to three hundred people at the event. Bring your business cards too!

Thank You,
Marty Ochs
Green Bay Innovation Group Foundation
608-698-3333

List of Golfers List of Sponsors

How Technology is Revolutionizing Manufacturing: Expert Insights from Rockwell Automation

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By Joan Koehne
GBIG Board Secretary
Writer to the Rescue

Wisconsin’s manufacturing industry came together for a two-day summit on June 1 and 2 at the Lambeau Field Atrium in Green Bay. The Wisconsin Drives Manufacturing Summit attracted academic and industry leaders who talked about the challenges and opportunities manufacturing companies face today. The UW-Madison Grainger Institute of Engineering organized the event, and Green Bay Innovation Group signed on as a co-sponsor. Nearly 700 people registered for the summit.

Attendees of the Manufacturing Summit sitting at tables

Rockwell Automation: The Next Era in Manufacturing

Bob Buttermore, Senior Vice President and Chief Supply Chain Officer of Rockwell Automation, told the audience that we create a stronger Wisconsin together. “We need to work together across the organization as one team to drive innovation,” he said. Manufacturing is a key economic generator in Wisconsin. “Manufacturing has been a heart of our communities,” he said. “What you do in this room matters.”

Bob said it’s an exciting time to work in manufacturing, especially with technology transforming the industry. Today’s manufacturers deal with market disruption and volatility, driving the industry to rewire the global supply chains. AI automation is revolutionizing the supply chain, giving the industry opportunities to combat the shortage of labor and transform manufacturing in the U.S. As a result, manufacturers can provide a better customer experience and still remain competitive.

“Transformation has to happen with ROI,” Bob said. He challenged manufacturers of small, medium and large manufacturing companies to empower their workforce. “Perform and deliver for your customers every single day,” he said.

Integrating Automation, Robotics and AI

Bob spoke about world-class manufacturing facilities in Singapore and how Rockwell Automation is bringing this advanced technology to the company’s Wisconsin facilities. The Singapore site uses automation, robotics and AI extensively. He described four ways to optimize end-to-end processes across the supply chain.

  1. The Singapore facility used a digital twin, a virtual replica of a physical asset.
  2. The facility automated some processes that it had never automated before. Innovative use of robotics decreased labor by 33%.
  3. The facility also reduced its carbon footprint with the aid of energy management software.
  4. AI-integrated training programs made training 67% faster. Technicians learned to troubleshoot and repair systems in 4 months instead of 9-12 months.

Developing a Highly Skilled Workforce

In addition to developing technology, Bob emphasized the importance of developing people. “Technology is driven by people,” he said. He also recommended redundancy, advising manufacturers to build the same product in two different locations to maintain a resilient supply side. Tight cyber security protections were another recommendation. He also promoted disciplined innovation, advising manufacturers to come up with one or two use cases, then develop and scale. He spoke about partnering with schools, government agencies, and other organizations to attract more people to the manufacturing industry. The future of manufacturing depends on a skilled workforce.

The Rockwell Automation presentation was one of dozens of presentations focusing on the next era in manufacturing.

How To Build Customer Loyalty Like Harley-Davidson

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By Joan Koehne
GBIG Board Secretary
Writer to the Rescue

Green Bay Innovation Group took its place among the leaders of Wisconsin’s manufacturing industry at Wisconsin Drives Manufacturing Summit at Lambeau Field in Green Bay on June 1 and 2. Nearly 700 people attended the vent which featured keynote speakers, break-out sessions, networking opportunities, and expo booths. GBIG co sponsored the event, organized by the UW-Madison Grainger Institute of Engineering. GBIG board members interacted with Summit participants in the Lambeau Field Atrium, exchanging information about GBIG and other topics related to manufacturing.

Marty Ochs, GBIG Executive Director, said the Wisconsin Drives Manufacturing Summit was in a class all its own. “I’ve never seen a manufacturing event this impressive. The summit brought manufacturing and education together, with world-class presenters and cutting-edge manufacturing technologies,” he said. “We had a tremendous opportunity for learning and networking at an exceptional venue, Lambeau Field.”

GBIG Board

Wisdom from the Harley-Davidson CEO

Artie Starrs, President and CEO of Harley-Davidson, presented the first keynote address on June 2. Drawing from his experience at the Wisconsin-based motorcycle company, Arnie encouraged attendees to understand their customers’ needs. “Do your best to walk in the shoes of your customers,” he said. He also emphasized the importance of maintaining brand integrity. Everyone working at a Harley dealership wears the company logo on their shirt. “It was a powerful statement,” Artie said.

Artie described the company’s humble beginnings in a 10 X 15-foot shed in Milwaukee to its rise as an international icon. People can see a replica of the shed at the Harley-Davidson Museum where William Harvey and Arthur Davidson designed their first motorcycle in 1903.

William and Arthur built their first factory in 1907 with the help of a $170 loan. Just 17 employees worked at Factory No. 1, and the company quickly took off. In 1913, the young company built and sold more than 17,000 motorcycles. In 1963, Harley-Davidson opened a manufacturing facility in Tomahawk, Wisconsin. It became the sole supplier of body work, with the level of craftsmanship only Harley-Davidson can achieve. Meanwhile, the world-class manufacturing facility in Milwaukee continually adapted over the decades, thanks to its highly skilled workforce.

The iconic motorcycle, designed by engineers in Wisconsin, is one of the state’s most well-known brands. Plus, Harley owners are one of the most loyal groups of riders. “We see this all around the world, people who have tattooed this brand (on their arms),” Artie said.

Harley-Davidson is a Wisconsin manufacturing success story, one of many successes showcased at the Wisconsin Drives Manufacturing Summit.

June 3rd, 2026 Newsletter

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Read the June 3rd, 2026 Green Bay Innovation Group Newsletter here.

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GBIG NEWS | 73 Stories and Links on the Internet 6/03/2026

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GBIG News

Get links to the latest news, events, stories, and interviews from our 5P news members. 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 73 Stories and Links on the Internet below.

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Amundsen Davis: Navigating Remote & Hybrid Workplace Challenges

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Ann Barry Hanneman
Ann Barry Hanneman

Remote and Hybrid Workplaces have been in turbo-drive since COVID. GBIG member Amundsen Davis recently presented a webcast to examine employers’ legal responsibilities for remote workers. Attorneys Ryan Young and Ann Barry Hanneman of Amundsen Davis presented “Navigating Remote & Hybrid Workplace Challenges.” This webcast is the fourth of the five-part Amundsen Davis Supervisor and Management Training Series.

Wage and Compliance for Remote Workers

Ryan Young
Ryan Young

The attorneys discussed wage and compliance in a borderless office, noting that employers are responsible for paying for hours worked. We live in an always-on digital culture with informal conversations happening after working hours. The company can be liable to pay for these unapproved overtime hours. Thus, employers should establish black-out windows so employees aren’t working off hours and use employee discipline to stop them from working unapproved overtime. It’s important for employees to track their hours, clocking in and clocking out.

If employers underpay overtime, the employers may have to repay the wages and pay double the wages in damages. In addition, employers may be responsible for attorney fees and court costs, and these can be significant. If employers underpaid overtime for multiple employees, employers may face a class action suit. Attorney fees are much higher for class action suits, getting exponentially out of hand. Again, employers should implement a remote timekeeping policy and off-hours blocks.

Commuting & Breaks for Hybrid Employees

Attorney Young also talked about commuting. Standard travel from home to work is an unpaid commute, even for hybrid workers or remote workers when they need to report to a physical office. The time they spend commuting to and from work is not compensable.

Concerning meal and rest breaks, Wisconsin does not require employers to provide these periods. If rest breaks are voluntarily provided, short periods (under 30 minutes) must be paid, even if the employee is taking breaks in their own home.

Handling ADA Accommodations Requests

Employers also should consider the Americans with Disabilities Law guidelines for remote work. Some employees may request remote work as a reasonable ADA accommodation. Companies need to make a thorough, factual determination of the job before approving the request. The employers also should examine job responsibilities that can or can’t be performed at home.

Employers should look at the employee’s medical condition and discuss alternative accommodations for the employee to continue to work on site, if onsite work is preferred.

Anti-Harassment Policies & Investigations

The more casual tone of remote working can lead to claims of harassment, Attorney Hanneman said. Sometimes, remote working leads to more microaggressions and an increase in harassing jokes through email, phone, videoconferencing and chatting apps. Company anti-harassment policies apply to these situations, and these policies should be adapted to remote workers. Just because someone is working remote, it doesn’t mean employers can disregard harassment claims. They still have a duty to investigate claims. It’s important to set expectations for videoconference meetings for appropriate dress code and proper conduct.

Next Webcast: Managing Performance Issues

The Remote and Hybrid Worker webcast is the fourth of the five-part Amundsen Davis Supervisor and Management Training Series. The final presentation in the series will be “Managing Performance Issues Without Creating Legal Exposure” at 12 p.m. Tuesday, June 9. Attorneys Jeff Risch and Sara Zorich will be the presenters.

Ahlstrom launches advanced glass microfiber media offering energy efficiency and longer lifetime for HVAC systems

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AHLSTROM OYJ, PRESS RELEASE, MAY 26, 2026 at 10:00 EEST

Ahlstrom

Ahlstrom, a global leader in fiber-based specialty materials, announces the launch of a new generation of glass microfiber media for HVAC filtration, designed to meet the growing demand for responsible, high-performance air filtration solutions. Produced in Turin (Italy), this new platform is made without any intentionally added PFAS while maintaining the durable water repellent properties essential for HVAC systems, enabling manufacturers to rely on safer materials without compromising functionality.

Leveraging advanced fiber engineering, the media delivers measurable performance gains – achieving up to 20% lower initial pressure drop and improved pressure buildup compared with standard glass media on the market. This contributes to better energy efficiency while maintaining stable filtration performance throughout the filter’s lifetime.

Engineered for industrial reliability, the media offers excellent processability and pleatability, helping reduce waste and limiting the risk of defects during converting. Covering particulate efficiencies from ePM1 65% to ePM1 80% (ISO 16890), the range is suitable for a broad set of HVAC applications, from residential and commercial systems to more demanding industrial environments. By combining reliable moisture management with improved energy performance and robust converting behavior, this new glass microfiber family provides a future-ready solution aligned with evolving regulatory requirements and increasing sustainability expectations.

“Our new HVAC glass microfiber platform demonstrates how performance and sustainability can be integrated from the earliest stages of development,” says Stéphanie Pigeot-Rémy, Head of Global R&D and Product Development. “With this new development, we support our customers in their transition toward responsible filtration solutions, fully aligned with our purpose to Purify and Protect with Every Fiber for a Sustainable World.”

Read more: https://www.ahlstrom.com/products/filter-media/air-filtration-for-industrial/hvac-and-high-efficiency-air-filter-media/

For more information, please contact: Stéphanie Pigeot- Rémy, Head of Global R&D and Product Development, stephanie.pigeot-remy@ahlstrom.com

Ahlstrom in brief

Ahlstrom is a global leader in combining fibers into sustainable specialty materials. Our purpose is to Purify and Protect, with Every Fiber, for a Sustainable World. Our vision is to be the leading Sustainable Specialty Materials Company for all our stakeholders. Our three Core divisions, Filtration & Life Sciences, Food & Consumer Packaging, and Protective Materials, address global trends with safe and sustainable solutions. Our net sales in 2025 amounted to EUR 2.9 billion and we employ some 7,000 people. Read more www.ahlstrom.com.

M3 Insurance: Meet Tim Lisowe

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Tim Lisowe

Tim Lisowe is a Business Development Executive at M3 Insurance and a firm believer that his roots on a dairy farm outside Chilton, Wisconsin taught him more about work ethic, problem-solving, and showing up for others than any classroom ever could.

He earned his Bachelor of Science in Human Resources Management from Western Governors University and has built a career grounded in those same values. Before joining M3, Tim served as Vice President of Human Resources at a logistics company, where he led a team of 13 and supported approximately 500 employees across 15 locations in five states. During his tenure, he played a key role in helping the organization manage an impressive 275 percent growth in headcount.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Tim helped co-found a nonprofit in 2015 that has raised more than $1.4 million to support local communities. He also holds both SHRM-CP and PHR certifications.

M3 Insurance is now a platinum sponsor of GBIG and Tim is excited to be able to share his deep expertise in workers’ compensation, captive insurance programs, risk strategy, and employee benefits with GBIG members. His focus on building meaningful relationships, helping organizations navigate risk, and taking a long-term approach to growth aligns well with GBIG’s purpose. Like the farmers who shaped his early years, Tim believes in planting seeds, tending relationships, and playing the long game.

He is always looking to connect with businesses and leaders across the community and would welcome the opportunity to start a conversation. His email is tim.lisowe@m3ins.com and his cell phone number is 920-251-3226.

Three Recipients Selected for Wisconsin Paper Council’s 2026 ‘Women in Forest Products Scholarship’ Awards

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Wisconsin Paper Council logo

May 27, 2026 – Madison, WI: The Wisconsin Paper Council (WPC) is proud to announce the recipients of its ‘Women in Forest Products Scholarships” for 2026. This marks the third year of WPC’s scholarship program and the organization’s continued commitment to supporting women pursuing careers in the forest products industry.

WPC’s Women in Forest Products Scholarship Fund provides financial support to female graduating seniors in Wisconsin who are pursuing a career in the forest products industry or a related field, as well as develops women currently in the forest products field as future leaders.

“The strength of our industry depends on the people coming into it and those choosing to grow within it,” said Kelly Guay, Plant Manager from Ahlstrom. “These recipients reflect both. Each brings a different perspective and path forward, which is exactly what our industry needs.”

This year, three scholarships were awarded to individuals representing different stages of their education and careers, reflecting the program’s goal of supporting both emerging talent and those already working within the industry. The scholarship awardees are as follows:

Emily Demchik, a lead Product Scientist at Kimberly-Clark, was awarded a leadership scholarship to support her continued education through the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. Emily has developed strong expertise in tissue engineering and product development and is pursuing further education in process control to support her growth into future leadership roles within the industry.

Elisabeth Van Schyndel, a graduating high school senior, was awarded a scholarship as she prepares to attend the University of Wisconsin-Madison to study environmental science. Elizabeth has demonstrated strong academic engagement, leadership, and a clear passion for sustainable forest management and environmental stewardship.

Pa Yeng Yang, an Electrical Engineer at Ahlstrom Thilmany Mill, was also awarded a leadership scholarship to support her pursuit of an Advanced PLC programming certificate at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College. Her continued focus on advancing her technical capabilities reflects her commitment to strengthening automation and control systems within mill operations.

The Wisconsin Paper Council will formally recognize this year’s scholarship recipients at its Annual Meeting at Lambeau Field in June, where award checks will be presented. The ceremony offers a chance to highlight their accomplishments and connect their success to the broader future of the industry.

“These scholarships are about removing barriers and helping women take the next step in their careers,” said Eden Lorbiecki, Communications and Planning Specialist at Wisconsin Paper Council.

The Women in Forest Products Scholarship Fund provides financial support to women in Wisconsin who are pursuing careers in the forest products industry or related fields, while also encouraging leadership development within the existing workforce.

The Wisconsin Paper Council founded the scholarship in coordination with Ahlstrom, a fiber-based specialty materials company with operations in Wisconsin. Ahlstrom provided the initial $20k seed funding to launch the program.

Now in its third year, the scholarship continues to grow both in reach and impact, reinforcing the importance of building a strong, skilled, and diverse workforce across Wisconsin’s forest products industry. The scholarship fund is housed with the Women’s Fund for Fox Valley Region, Inc., which continues to serve as a key partner in administering and supporting the program.

  • About The Wisconsin Paper Council
    The Wisconsin Paper Council (WPC) is the premier trade association advocating for Wisconsin’s paper, pulp, and forestry industries before state and federal policymakers. WPC also works to educate the public on the importance of the forest products industry to the state’s economy and communities.
  • About Ahlstrom
    Ahlstrom is a global leader in combining fibers into sustainable specialty materials, serving a range of markets including filtration, food packaging, and healthcare.
  • About The Women’s Fund for the Fox Valley Region, Inc.
    The Women’s Fund focuses on creating and expanding economic opportunities for women and girls through education, leadership, and community investment.

For more information about the Women in Forest Products Scholarship, please contact Eden Lorbiecki, Wisconsin Paper Council at Lorbiecki@wipaper.org or call 608-467-6025.

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