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Tissue Summit North America Announces Inaugural Edition in Green Bay, Wisconsin

Tissue Summit North America

Atlanta, Georgia – Tissue Summit, an internationally recognized conference and networking platform for the tissue and paper industry, is proud to announce the launch of Tissue Summit North America, taking place on November 2–3, 2026, in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

The event is being organized by Tissue Online North America, the North American division of Tissue Online, a specialized media and business platform dedicated exclusively to the global tissue industry. Through industry news, market insights, technical content, and international networking initiatives, Tissue Online North America connects tissue professionals, suppliers, manufacturers, and decision-makers throughout the region.

Designed as a highly focused business and technical gathering, Tissue Summit North America will bring together industry leaders, manufacturers, converters, suppliers, technology providers, and decision-makers from across the tissue sector for two days of networking, innovation, and knowledge exchange.

The event will feature:

  • Technical conferences and keynote presentations
  • Integrated tabletop exhibition areas
  • Industry networking opportunities
  • Market and technology discussions
  • Supplier and manufacturer engagement

Unlike traditional large-scale trade shows, Tissue Summit North America is designed to create a more connected and efficient environment, combining conference sessions and exhibition spaces into a single integrated experience that encourages continuous interaction among attendees.

Green Bay was selected as the host city due to its strong industrial heritage, strategic location within the Midwest manufacturing corridor, and proximity to key companies and professionals in the paper and tissue sectors.

“We are excited to bring Tissue Summit North America to Green Bay, a city with deep connections to the paper industry and an excellent environment for business-focused events,” said Brian Uzcategui, Co-Founder of Tissue Online North America. “Our goal is to create a high-value experience where meaningful conversations, technical learning, and industry partnerships can happen naturally. Tissue Summit North America was designed to foster real connections and deliver practical value to professionals across the tissue supply chain.”

The event is expected to attract participants from across the United States and Canada, reinforcing Green Bay’s position as a destination for industrial and professional events.

Registration is now officially open, and tissue manufacturers, converters, and industry professionals from across North America are warmly invited to participate in this inaugural edition.

For more information, sponsorship opportunities, and attendee registration, please visit: https://tissuesummitnorthamerica.com/

About Tissue Online North America

Tissue Online North America is a specialized media and business platform focused exclusively on the tissue and paper industry in North America. The company provides industry news, market intelligence, technical content, digital communication solutions, and networking opportunities that connect professionals and companies across the tissue supply chain.

About Tissue Summit

Tissue Summit is a business platform dedicated to connecting professionals and companies from the tissue and paper industry through conferences, networking experiences, and specialized industry events. The organization promotes collaboration, innovation, and market development across the global tissue sector.

AI, Growing Fast In Industrial Manufacturing

By Susan Stansbury, Industry Consultant

Every day we hear about what AI can do in our lives and businesses. In manufacturing, we are most focused on efficiency, now being delivered by AI with new break-through results.

“The number one thing in this month’s meeting with Chinese Premier Xi has to be AI.”

– Sean Patrick
Maloney, attorney-politician; current president of Coalition for Prediction Markets.

According to pundits, the U.S. still leads in advanced chips for AI where China’s competitive strength is in rare earth minerals. As artificial intelligence transforms manufacturing, the need for high-performance chips built specifically for AI rollouts has exploded.

Across industries and countries, manufacturers are investigating what AI can do for their business. According to Matthew Putman writing in Forbes last year, “Manufacturers know automation is the future but the path to get there isn’t always clear. What does it actually take to transition from manual operations to AI-driven automation? he asks. Putman outlines, steps that any company, large or small, can follow. It begins with reviewing your operations to identify opportunities, such as:

  1. Looking at repetitive, resource-intensive tasks that can benefit from AI.
  2. Quality, where products fall short of perfection, and manual aspects.

According to Putman, starting with specific efforts is a good way to begin, such as: “Implementing AI for visual inspections can significantly reduce defects and waste, paving the way for broader adoption. Early wins not only build momentum but also familiarize teams with AI’s capabilities.”

Higher productivity, superior input tools in real time, fewer defects, and an improved safety environment are major benefits of automation-driven AI.

Manufacturers are leveraging AI-driven process control systems to analyze batches of products at various processing stages. AI systems identify opportunities in equipment performance, allowing companies to monitor and observe indicators such as productivity, waste, energy use and uptime.

Thinking of the longer term, manufacturers are looking at scalable investments in AI. New AI systems can interface seamlessly with existing equipment, controls and sensors. According to Enerlligence Analytics, with 5000 Linkedin followers, “Industrial AI becomes far more valuable when it is embedded directly into the workflows engineers already use. Combining…can shorten development cycles, reduce operational risk and help skilled teams achieve more without adding headcount.”

AI Growing Fast in industrial manufacturing

Transitioning to an AI-driven factory requires communications across employee departments a simultaneous commitment. Understanding advanced manufacturing with automated-AI is actually a partnership realized through employee training.

Intelligence around AI worldwide and industry-wide is occurring right now. For example, INDA (International Nonwovens Disposables Association) is conducting a survey aiming to gather insights from companies and professionals across the nonwovens value chain. The findings will help identify key trends, challenges, opportunities, and priorities shaping the future of the industry worldwide, including the status of AI.

Worldwide, the leaders are the U.S. and China. Alex Nubla, writing for the AI Council says:

Framing the US-China AI dynamic as a race to the top misses the bigger picture. We are not just witnessing a race – we are witnessing a divergence in strategy.
The US is heavily focused on Frontier AI – pushing the absolute boundaries of what is computationally and theoretically possible. The US focus is on building the “tip of the spear” models with massive parameter counts, immense reasoning capabilities, and general-purpose versatility.
China is heavily focused on Applied AI – industrializing, optimizing for cost, and embedding it into daily lives….

Connect: Meet the Buyers at Lambeau Field! – September 16, 2026

Meet the Buyers booth

On Wednesday, September 16, Green Bay Innovation Group (GBIG) had the opportunity to spend the afternoon at Lambeau Field for CONNECT: Meet the Buyers & Ask the Experts, part of the Green Bay Packers Mentor-Protégé Program.

It was a great afternoon of making connections, sharing ideas, and learning from businesses throughout our community. We especially enjoyed meeting local small-business owners, entrepreneurs, and regional suppliers who stopped by the GBIG table to learn more about who we are and how we can help businesses connect and grow.

The event also featured a buyer panel with representatives from Michels Corporation, Schreiber Foods, and the Green Bay Packers, who shared valuable perspectives and insights. The interactive Business Huddles gave attendees the chance to have more focused conversations with experts on topics like marketing, legal, accounting, and supply chain strategy.

A big thank you to everyone who stopped by to say hello and learn more about GBIG! Events like this are a great reminder of what makes our region special — businesses supporting businesses, building relationships, and creating new opportunities together.

GBIG is proud to be part of a community that supports manufacturing, innovation, and growth right here in Northeast Wisconsin.

Meet the Buyers expo

Print Pro Inc. Celebrates 25 Years of Making Good Impressions

Print Pro Inc. celebrated 25 years in business with an Open House on Thursday, Sept. 17, welcoming customers, vendors, business partners, employees, family, friends, and members of the community to celebrate this important milestone.

Founded in September 2001, Print Pro Inc. is a family-owned, flexible packaging printer and converter located just south of Green Bay in Wrightstown, Wisconsin. For 25 years, the company has combined craftsmanship, innovation, and a genuine commitment to its customers, employees, and community.

Tom Eiting (Founder/CEO) with his sons Mitchell Eiting (left) and Jake Eiting (right)
Tom Eiting (Founder/CEO) with his sons Mitchell Eiting (left) and Jake Eiting (right)

This milestone was made possible by the trust of Print Pro’s customers, the support of its business partners and, most importantly, the dedication of its employees.

The Open House was an opportunity to open the doors and celebrate with the people who have been at the heart of Print Pro’s journey. Guests were invited to enjoy food and refreshments, tour the facility, learn about the company’s history, and see firsthand the people and processes behind the products Print Pro produces every day.

What started in 2001 with two employees and a one-color press has grown into a company of over 130 employees. Today, the company produces billions of impressions each year and offers one- to ten-color flexographic printing solutions.

As the company has grown, so has its capabilities. Print Pro continues to invest in technology, innovation, and its people while maintaining the reliability, service, and quality that customers have trusted since day one.

At the heart of Print Pro is its mission Because We Care. More than just words, it reflects the way the company approaches its work, its relationships, and its commitment to customers and employees. It is a reminder that the people behind Print Pro are what truly make the difference.

After 25 years, Print Pro is proud of where it started, grateful for the people who helped it get here, and excited about what lies ahead.

25 years of making good impressions — and still going strong.

Loupe 2026 Overview

Marty with the team from Totani
Totani

Loupe 2026 was an excellent event where I connected with many Green Bay Innovation Group members, exhibitors, and Sponsors.

LOUPE Americans 2026 is the event formerly known as Labelexpo Americans. According to the organizers, the shift from Labelexpo to LOUPE represents a sharper focus on delivering insights and innovation, paired with a wider lens that now explicitly includes labels, Flexible Packaging, and inline Carton Converting. Visitor attendance surpassed 12,000 industry professionals.

The event remains organized by Informa Markets and continues to use the tagline Stronger focus.

Amundsen Davis Event – Breakfast Briefing Series: Mental Health at Work – Navigating Accommodation Requests and Employer Obligations

Former Amundsen Davis Logo

Amundsen Davis is having a complimentary webcast, and we thought this may be something you or your members would be interested in. You can find the details below, as well as a link to register:

Why Is Machine Safety Important in Heavy Industries? Protecting People and Equipment

machine-safety-industrial-control-system-testing

Why is machine safety important? Heavy industrial equipment is built to perform demanding work, often involving powerful motors, moving components, high forces, and automated processes. With that capability comes significant risk when hazards are not properly identified and controlled.

A strong machine safety program helps protect employees from injuries. It also reduces the risk of equipment damage, unexpected downtime, and production disruptions. A structured safety program helps facilities identify hazards and address them before an incident occurs.

Start by Identifying Machine Hazards

The first step is understanding where hazards exist and how workers may be exposed to them. A machine risk assessment evaluates equipment and operating tasks to identify potential hazards and estimate the level of risk.

Potential hazards may include:

  • Moving machinery
  • Pinch points
  • Unexpected startup
  • Electrical energy
  • Stored energy
  • Hazardous area access

The results help facilities prioritize safety improvements based on risk level. Teams can determine which hazards require immediate attention and which safeguards or other protective measures are appropriate.

Use the Right Safeguards for the Equipment

Machine guarding is an important part of preventing workers from reaching hazardous areas during normal operation. Physical guards, interlocks, safety devices, emergency stops, and control-system safeguards may all play a role. The right solution will depend on the machine and its application.

The goal is not to use as many safeguards as possible. It is to select the appropriate safeguards for the identified hazards and risk levels. Those safeguards must also function properly and remain effective as equipment, processes, and operating conditions change.

Following applicable machine guarding standards and established industrial safety protocols provides a framework for selecting, implementing, and maintaining effective safeguards.

Make Safety Part of Equipment Maintenance

Some of the best practices for machine safety continue long after safeguards are installed. Regular inspections and preventive maintenance can uncover damaged guards, malfunctioning safety devices, worn components, or equipment changes that introduce new hazards.

Facilities should also reassess safety when machinery is modified, relocated, upgraded, or integrated with new equipment. These changes can introduce hazards or affect existing safeguards. Mechanical or electrical problems can also compromise safe operation. Qualified industrial machine repair services can correct equipment issues before the machine returns to production.

Build Machine Safety into Daily Operations

Why is machine safety important? Because protecting workers and equipment is essential to keeping heavy industrial operations running safely and reliably.

Machine safety is most effective when it becomes part of how a facility operates rather than a one-time project. Risk assessments, proper guarding, employee training, documented procedures, maintenance, and periodic reviews all contribute to a safer working environment.

A comprehensive approach to industrial machine safety supports consistent, efficient operations. When hazards are identified early and safeguards are maintained over time, safety and productivity can work together rather than compete.

To learn more about improving machine safety and reducing equipment risks at your facility, contact Adam Kahler at akahler@quadplus.com or call (815) 210-9885.

Empowering Women and Crafting Success: Inside the Wi5P Carbliss Event with Amanda Kroener

Amanda Kroener of founder of Carbliss

The recent Wi5P Carbliss event brought together a dynamic group of over 60 women to connect, network, and draw inspiration from a remarkable local success story. The highlight of the event was hearing directly from Amanda Kroener, the co-founder of Carbliss, who shared the incredible journey of building a powerhouse beverage brand
from the ground up.

Amanda, a proud Midwesterner, began the venture alongside her husband in the most humble of settings: their own kitchen. Driven by a vision to create a high-quality, refreshing product, without the heavy carbs & sugar, the couple experimented and refined their ideas at home before introducing it to the world. Amanda shared several
personal touches that make the brand unique, including the heartfelt detail that the distinctive Carbliss script featured on every can is actually her daughter’s own handwriting.

The brand’s retail debut was a whirlwind. Carbliss initially launched in Festival Foods with a modest inventory of just two cases for each of their original flavors. Demonstrating immediate consumer demand, the product completely sold out on its very first day on the market.

While Carbliss has grown tremendously since then, Amanda emphasized that their success is still built on community and real relationships. Sponsored by GBIG, the evening was a wonderful celebration of local entrepreneurship and connection.

Exhibit Resource by Skyline

Exhibit Resources material

Exhibit Resource, located in De Pere, WI, is your local “Brandscaping” expert specializing in powerful visual communication solutions for trade shows, retail spaces, and workplace interiors. From portable displays—like premium retractable banners, custom table throws, and outdoor flags—to striking custom exhibits for rental or purchase that are fabricated onsite, they bring any brand’s vision to life.

To make event marketing completely seamless, Exhibit Resource offers a smart Warehousing & Asset Management portal. This online technology lets clients easily view their stored inventory in real time, place on-demand orders to ship specific booths or signage directly to a trade show, and rely on their turnkey logistics team to handle the return transport and secure storage until the next big event.

By taking the guesswork out of event logistics, the team at Exhibit Resource allows your staff to focus strictly on networking and closing deals. Whether you are preparing for a local expo or a major national convention, their local team is ready to scale your physical presence with unmatched speed and service.

For more information, visit www.exhibit-resource.com or call 920-347-1700.

Exhibit Resources materials

October 1st, 2026 Newsletter

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Read the October 1st, 2026 Green Bay Innovation Group Newsletter here.

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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.

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info@greenbayinnovationgroup.com
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