Asian Paper and Pulp Seminar – Tuesday, August 11

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What’s Next for the U.S. Paper Industry? Hear from Leaders Who Helped Shape It

The paper industry is navigating numerous changes that are reshaping the market. Global competition, evolving customer preferences, sustainability initiatives, and emerging technologies are transforming the industry. For executives and decision-makers, understanding these changes is essential. That’s why the Green Bay Innovation Group invites paper and pulp professionals to an exclusive seminar on Tuesday, Aug. 11, featuring three industry leaders whose careers have influenced some of the world’s most recognized paper organizations.

Asian Pulp and Paper Seminar August 11th, 2026

Asian Paper and Pulp Seminar
Time: 11:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Date: Tuesday, Aug. 11
Place: Urban Hub 340 N. Broadway, Green Bay, WI
Lunch: Provided
Cost: $60.00

Gain an Insider’s Perspective on Asia Pulp & Paper

Asia Pulp & Paper has grown into one of the world’s largest pulp, paper, and packaging companies, serving customers in more than 150 countries. Its influence extends far beyond Asia, impacting global markets, supply chains, innovation, and competitive strategies that affect manufacturers throughout North America. At this seminar, attendees will hear directly from two former APP executives who helped lead innovation and research during periods of tremendous growth.

Jeffrey D. Lindsay
Dr. Jeffrey D. Lindsay brings decades of leadership in intellectual property, innovation, and paper science. As the former Head of Intellectual Property for Asia Pulp & Paper (China) and Corporate Patent Strategist at Kimberly Clark, Lindsay has worked at the intersection of technology, innovation, and competitive strategy throughout his career.

Recognized annually since 2015 as one of the world’s leading intellectual property strategists by IAM Media Group, Lindsay has advised organizations on sustainable packaging, product innovation, and technology commercialization. His unique perspective offers valuable insight into how one of the world’s largest paper companies approaches innovation and long-term growth.

Pat Chen
Former Global Head of Research & Development for Asia Pulp & Paper’s tissue business, Pat Chen directed R&D and quality systems for one of Asia’s most respected tissue brands.

During more than a decade with APP, Chen led scientists, managed complex regulatory challenges, advanced quality control systems, developed intellectual property portfolios, and oversaw product innovation across global operations. His previous experience with Kimberly-Clark and Scott Paper provides a rare perspective comparing innovation strategies across major international paper manufacturers.

A Look at the U.S. Paper Industry

Understanding global trends is only part of the equation. Attendees will also get a clear picture of what’s happening in the U.S. Speaking about U.S. paper and pulp is Brit Swisher, Area Vice President – Northern Region for Midland Paper, Packaging + Supplies, one of the nation’s largest independent paper and packaging distributors.

With more than four decades of experience in paper distribution and specialty papers, Swisher will discuss the current state of the U.S. paper industry, market trends, customer demands, and opportunities that lie ahead. His perspective from the distribution side provides valuable insight into how manufacturers can position themselves for future success.

Why The Asia Seminar Matters

Whether your organization manufactures pulp, paper, packaging, tissue, or specialty products, today’s business environment requires a broad understanding of global competitors, technological innovation, and evolving market dynamics.

The Asian Paper and Pulp Seminar offers a unique opportunity to hear from professionals who led innovation inside both North American and international paper organizations.

Attendees will gain insights into:

How global paper manufacturers influence U.S. markets
Innovation strategies driving competitive advantage
Research and development trends shaping future products
Intellectual property’s growing role in paper manufacturing
Current challenges and opportunities within the U.S. paper industry
What paper executives should be watching in the years ahead

An Event for Industry Leaders

Designed for executives, plant managers, engineers, R&D professionals, sales leaders, and business decision makers, this seminar delivers strategic perspectives that extend well beyond day-to-day operations. If your business depends on understanding where the paper industry is headed, not just where it has been, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

Join GBIG on Tuesday, Aug. 11, in Green Bay and discover how global innovation, market trends, and emerging opportunities are shaping the future of the paper industry.

Sales Rewired: Turn AI into a Competitive Advantage

AI Isn’t Replacing Great Salespeople. It’s Giving Them an Edge.

Sales Rewired Sept 30 2026

Artificial intelligence has moved far beyond the hype. The question isn’t whether AI will change sales and marketing. It’s whether your organization will lead the change or struggle to catch up. That’s why business leaders and sales professionals won’t want to miss this opportunity to attend Green Bay Innovation Group’s Sales Rewired: Innovative Selling for the 5P Industries. We’ll hear from Matt Seitz, one of the nation’s leading voices on practical AI for business.

Sales Rewired: Innovative Selling for the 5P Industries
7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 30
Miron Construction, 1471 McMahon Drive, Neenah
Lunch Provided
Cost is $100

Learn from UW-Madison’s AI Hub for Business

Matt Seitz has spent his career helping some of the world’s largest organizations turn data and AI into measurable business results. His clients have included industry leaders such as Google, Walmart, Medtronic, Kimberly-Clark, and 3M. As Director of the AI Hub for Business at UW-Madison, Matt works directly with organizations to bridge the gap between emerging AI technologies and real-world business outcomes.

Read Matt’s Full Bio

Gain Insights from a Former Google Executive

Before joining UW-Madison, Matt spent 14 years at Google, helping shape the company’s approach to retail analytics and digital performance. As Director of Performance for Google’s $16 billion U.S. retail search business, he led analytics teams, pioneered Google’s retail insights program, developed omnichannel strategies, and created financial frameworks that helped CFOs better measure digital marketing investments.

His experience gives him a unique perspective on how AI is transforming the way businesses attract customers, understand buyer behavior, and grow revenue.

Get Practical Strategies You Can Use Now

Attendees will gain insight into how organizations are using AI today to:

  • Improve lead generation and customer targeting
  • Personalize marketing at scale
  • Increase sales productivity
  • Make faster, data-driven decisions
  • Enhance customer experiences
  • Create competitive advantages without replacing human expertise

Whether you’re leading a manufacturing company, managing a sales team, directing marketing efforts, or developing business strategy, you’ll leave with actionable ideas you can begin implementing immediately.

Hear from a Nationally Recognized AI Leader

Matt is also the founder of Ground Truth: AI for Business, an annual summit bringing together executives, researchers, and practitioners to tackle the real challenges of enterprise AI adoption. He authors the AI InSeitz newsletter, followed by thousands of business leaders seeking practical insights into artificial intelligence. His expertise has been featured in The Wall Street Journal and the Associated Press, and he regularly delivers keynote presentations to executive audiences across the country.

Register for Sales Rewired: Innovative Selling for the 5P
Industries

Artificial intelligence isn’t replacing relationships, creativity, or strategic thinking. It’s making the best sales and marketing teams even more effective. Organizations that learn how to leverage AI today will build stronger customer relationships, uncover new opportunities, and outperform competitors tomorrow. Don’t miss Green Bay Innovation Group’s Sales Rewired: Innovative Selling for the 5P Industries. Learn from one of the industry’s most respected AI strategists and discover how your organization can turn artificial intelligence into a competitive advantage.

Register Here

Matt Seitz Bio

Executive Director, AI Hub for Business
University of Wisconsin

Matt Seitz

Matt Seitz leads the AI Hub for Business at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where he works with organizations to translate AI into practical business outcomes. He advises Fortune 500 companies including Google, Walmart, Medtronic, Kimberly-Clark, and 3M, and teaches AI strategy to senior executives and MBA students.

He is the founder of Ground Truth: AI for Business, an annual summit that brings together industry leaders, academics, and practitioners to address the challenges of enterprise AI adoption. He authors AI InSeitz, a newsletter on AI in business with over 3,000 subscribers. His perspectives have been featured in the Wall Street Journal and the AP, and regularly delivers keynote presentations on AI and business strategy.

Prior to Wisconsin, Matt spent 14 years at Google, where he served as Director of Performance for the company’s $16 billion U.S. retail search business. He led analytics teams of 35, pioneered Google’s retail insights program, led the company’s omnichannel strategy, and built frameworks for CFOs to drive precision in digital valuation.

Earlier in his career, he held technology leadership roles at McDonald’s and Abbott Laboratories.

Matt holds an MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management and serves as an executive advisor for the Keystone consulting group. An avid endurance athlete, Matt has completed four Ironmans and fifteen marathons. He lives in Skokie, Illinois with his wife and three children.

July 22nd, 2026 Newsletter

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Read the July 22nd, 2026 Green Bay Innovation Group Newsletter here.

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GBIG NEWS | 91 Stories and Links on the Internet 7/22/2026

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 91 Stories and Links on the Internet below.

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Events

Featured Stories

Packaging

AI

China

Paper

Sustainability

Members

Tossing for Inclusion 2026

Green Bay Innovation Group will co-sponsor Tossing for Inclusion, an inclusive bag toss tournament and fundraiser celebrating community, connection, and belonging. Open to people of all ages, abilities, and experience levels, this event brings participants together to compete as peers while supporting inclusive programs across the Fox Valley.

Tossing for Inclusion benefits VARC, a Fox Valley organization that supports and empowers children and adults with disabilities and other life barriers to build greater independence and community inclusion.

The event takes place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 19, at GameDay Sports Bar, N225 Stoney Brook Rd., Appleton. Registration includes three guaranteed tournament games, an event T-shirt, lunch, and two drink tickets per player.

Individuals of all ages, skill levels, and abilities are encouraged to participate. Casual and competitive brackets are available. No experience is required; just come ready to have fun and toss for inclusion. Be part of a day that makes a difference. Register at Varcinc.com.

GIBG Hosts: UW-Platteville Engineering Visits the Valley

UW-Platteville Engineering Open House updated

GBIG will host “UW-Platteville Engineering Visits the Valley,” giving manufacturers an opportunity to meet college leadership, network with alumni, and learn about engineering partnerships with the college. Register today for the event, 3-5 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 8, at Holidays Pub and Grill, 3950 N Richmond St, Appleton. Drinks and appetizers will be provided.

Register Here

Dura-Fibre: Paperboard Products

dura-fibre logo

For over 85 years, Dura-Fibre has been manufacturing heavy-duty, attractive, and money-saving laminated paperboard products including packaging, sheets, book binding board, paperboard substrates and specialty products. Dura-Fibre accommodates a caliper range from .008” to .500” up to 96” wide.

See Full Details Here

For more info, visit our website at durafibre.com

GBIG Names Membership & Events Director

Caity Wilhelm

GREEN BAY WI July 14, 2026: Green Bay Innovation Group, a business consortium in the Great Lakes Region, welcomed Caity Wilhelm as Director of Membership & Events. Wilhelm is responsible for leading GBIG’s next chapter of growth through memberships and event planning.

“I’m genuinely honored to be part of an organization committed to growth, meaningful connection, and community impact,” Willhelm said. “I look forward to strengthening longlasting relationships, supporting initiatives that give back, and playing a role in efforts that create positive, lasting change.”

Based in Green Bay, Wisconsin, GBIG is a nonprofit foundation serving the region’s world-class manufacturing industry. As a business-to-business leader in Packaging, Paper, Plastics, Printing, Pulp (5P Industries) and Converting, GBIG hosts industry tours, seminars, a golf outing for charity, and an annual expo.

Wilhelm brings 17 years of hospitality, eventplanning, and management experience to her new role. She previously served as Catering Manager at Oneida Casino Hotel where she contributed to the success of the GBIG Showcase Expo in February 2026.

“I’ve built a career around bringing people together and turning big ideas into unforgettable moments. Whether I’m coordinating a largescale event or finetuning the smallest detail, I love creating experiences that feel seamless, thoughtful, and full of energy,” she said.

Marty Ochs, GBIG founder and executive director, said Wilhelm brings a relationship-first focus to the foundation.

“Caity is naturally friendly and outgoing, and she does a fantastic job connecting with our members, potential members, and others associated with the 5P and Converting Industry,” Ochs said. “GBIG has over 200 members, and our bi-weekly newsletter reaches 7,500 readers. Caity will help to keep GBIG’s momentum going strong.”

Wilhelm, of Green Bay, graduated from Oconto Falls High School and attended Northeast Wisconsin Technical College. She’s the mother of two daughters and two sons. She and her husband, Danny, enjoy attending their kids’ school and sporting events, boating, camping, hiking, and doing just about anything outdoors.

For more information about GBIG events or about GBIG membership, visit
GreenBayInnovationGroup.com or contact Wilhelm at greenbayinnovationgroup@gmail.com.

About Green Bay Innovation Group: Green Bay Innovation Group (GBIG) is a regional business
consortium supporting the Great Lakes Region’s Packaging, Paper, Plastics, Printing, Pulp (5P)
and the Converting industries. GBIG brings together business leaders to collaborate, share
knowledge, and strengthen the community through charitable giving, education, networking,
and events.

Trees for Tomorrow and WPS Foundation Celebrate Nearly 80 Years of Partnership

EAGLE RIVER, Wis. — Trees For Tomorrow (TFT), an environmental education center, recently hosted its 60th annual Natural Resources Careers Exploration Week (NRCEW) for high school students. This milestone weeklong program equips students with the tools, real-world knowledge, and professional networks needed to confidently explore career paths in natural resources. At a time when young people are making critical decisions about their futures, NRCEW provides vital guidance through expert advice and highly engaging, hands-on activities.

As part of this career-readiness initiative, industry professionals from Wisconsin Public Service (WPS) volunteered their time to connect directly with participants. These experts shared their industry knowledge, giving students a firsthand look at how renewable energy resources, including solar and hydro systems, safely power local communities. Students engaged in meaningful dialogue with the energy professionals, gaining invaluable insights into day-to-day operations, safety protocols, and future career, job, and internship pathways.

 Fueling the future generation: Industry professionals from WPS volunteered their time with NRCEW high school students on safety, sustainability, and career pathways in natural resources.
Fueling the future generation: Industry professionals from WPS volunteered their time with NRCEW high school students on safety, sustainability, and career pathways in natural resources.

“The experience of learning directly from practicing professionals adds an invaluable layer to presentations about careers in natural resources,” said Casey Sprotte, TFT NRCEW Coordinator, extending gratitude to all the speakers who volunteered their time. “This is a life-changing week, with everyone, from chaperones to students, being impacted by the event. It’s incredibly rewarding to see professionals explain their passion and form relationships with youth who share a love for nature during this week each year.”

This mentorship highlights a historical connection: the WPS Foundation is among Trees For Tomorrow’s longest-standing partner, with a relationship that spans nearly eight decades.

“We are pleased to continue nearly 80 years of support of Trees for Tomorrow by providing real-world environmental learning for children and young adults across Wisconsin,” said Beth Straka, president — WPS Foundation. “Trees for Tomorrow’s immersive work inspires students to better understand their impact on their environment and how they can help it thrive for years to come. This enduring partnership is another way we are committed to building a bright, sustainable future.”

While WPS professionals enrich high school experiences like NRCEW with their expert knowledge, the WPS Foundation provides vital annual funding that supports TFT’s core K-12 educational programming. Most notably, the foundation provides annual financial support to sponsor regional schools within WPS territory, allowing them to participate in TFT’s School Outdoor Learning Experiences (SOLE) journeys.

Each year, this funding directly benefits 7 to 8 regional schools and more than 200 students. Sponsoring these immersive outdoor experiences allows students from schools such as Three Lakes Middle School, St. Germain Elementary, Mosinee Middle School, Florence Middle School, John Dewey Academy, Lombardi Middle School, and STEM Academy to build a foundational connection to environmental science and sustainability.

The enduring collaboration between Trees For Tomorrow and the WPS Foundation continues to cultivate the next generation of environmental stewards, combining expert professional mentorship with critical funding to ensure Wisconsin’s youth are prepared to lead a sustainable future.

John Dewey Academy students study forest ecology up close during a Trees For Tomorrow SOLE program, thanks to the ongoing sponsorship and support of the WPS Foundation.
John Dewey Academy students study forest ecology up close during a Trees For Tomorrow SOLE program, thanks to the ongoing sponsorship and support of the WPS Foundation.

About Trees For Tomorrow

Trees For Tomorrow’s campus, located in Eagle River, Wisconsin, includes National Forest property under permit from the USDA Forest Service. Private property owned by Trees For Tomorrow (TFT), the Wisconsin Newspaper Association and Tara Lila LLC are also utilized for education and outreach purposes. TFT is an accredited nonprofit environmental center specializing in overnight environmental education programs for K-12 school groups with facilities that include dormitories, a full-service dining hall, and classrooms. Trees for Tomorrow annually serves 14,000 youth and adults with the mission to promote sustainable management of our natural resources through transformative educational experiences.

Green Bay Innovation Group

Bringing Green Bay Companies Together. Green Bay Innovation Group is committed to building an authentic networking experience where innovation can thrive.

Contact Information

Phone: 608-698-3333 
martinpochs@gmail.com
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