Green Bay Innovation Group
GBIG News

Menasha Corporation CEO Named to Wisconsin 275

Jim Kotek

Menasha Corporation announces President and CEO Jim Kotek has been included in BizTimes Milwaukee’s inaugural Wisconsin 275: The State’s Most Influential Business Leaders ranking. The Wisconsin 275 leaders represent a range of Wisconsin’s industries and sectors including for-profit, privately owned, and public companies, as well as nonprofit and government organizations. Leaders were chosen based on research, interviews, company size, presence in Wisconsin, and whether someone is shaping the direction of Wisconsin’s economy.

Kotek was named President and Chief Executive Officer of Menasha Corporation in 2009. He joined one of Menasha Corporation’s subsidiaries, ORBIS Corporation, in 1991 and held successive positions with the company, including his appointment as President of ORBIS in 2004. Jim currently chairs the ThedaCare Board of Trustees and is former chair of United Way Fox Cities.

It’s humbling to be recognized on the list of Wisconsin’s 275 and to be among a group of prominent companies and leaders,” Kotek said. “However, it takes teamwork and dedicated, insightful people to operate a company and help it thrive and grow. Our people — employees across the company — make Menasha Corporation what it is. And for them, I am most proud.”

Joe LeMere Is N-Tech Consulting’s Director Of New Business Development

The N-Tech Consulting team is committed to continually expanding our business and developing our team of IT experts. That’s why we recently added Joe LeMere to our staff as our Director of New Business Development.

Joe LeMere

Joe brings more than two decades of experience with him to N-Tech Consulting. He started his career in the United States Air Force where he was assigned to the communication squadron. When he separated from the service, he continued his career working for a B2B call center by supporting their server-based phone system.

Joe’s IT career continued when he later joined a small IT consulting firm in Green Bay as their systems engineer. In this role, he nurtured his love of working with new accounts and building lasting relationships with them. Later in his professional journey, Joe was offered the opportunity to be a partner for a regional-based MSP. In his nine years as a partner there, he was able to further hone his relationship-building and leadership skills.

“I am excited to be a part of N-Tech Consulting and to have the opportunity to continue the growth of the organization in order to be even a better partner to all our clients,” says Joe.

In this position with N-Tech Consulting, Joe will spearhead our efforts to find new clients, carefully match our capabilities to their needs, and foster long-term partnerships. Joe is a key part of N-Tech Consulting’s future, and we’re excited to have him on board.

Joe is just as active in his spare time as he is while on the job. He coaches basketball and baseball and is an avid golfer. He is the Wisconsin Assistant State Director for the Veterans Golf Association (VGA) and competes in golf tournaments throughout the state.

He has been married to his wife, Sherry, for 25 years. Currently he volunteers, supports, or partners with the following: Freedom House Ministries, Holy Cross Parish, VGA, St John’s homeless shelter, Green Bay Sluggers Baseball, PGA Jr League Golf, Northeast Wisconsin Jr. Golf Tour, and Green Bay Community Church.

Thanks for taking a few moments to get to know Joe better.

Wynnchurch Invests in Decorative Films, Further Growing Appvion Platform

Appvion logo

Rosemont, IL – December 20, 2022 – Appvion, a Wynnchurch Capital, L.P. (“Wynnchurch”) portfolio company, announced the addition of Decorative Films, LLC (“Decorative Films” or the ​“Company”) to the platform. Decorative Films manufactures adhesive decorative, privacy, and functional window films in Frederick, Maryland for commercial and residential use that are sold through a global network of dealer partners. This follows Wynnchurch’s investment in Nekoosa Coated Products, LLC (“Nekoosa”) in November 2022.

“I am honored to partner with the entire Decorative Films team,” said Paul Charapata, Appvion CEO. ​“Decorative Films is a leader in the window films market due to the broad and innovative portfolio of products they have created and strong partnerships they have built. They are first class people running a best-in-class operation.”

Peter Huyser, founder of Decorative Films, said in a statement, ​“We believe that our new partnership will provide exceptional support and resources as well as expand Decorative Films product line with new and innovative films for all of our incredible customers worldwide.”

“We are excited to partner with the Decorative Films team as we continue building the Appvion platform and increase our value proposition to customers,” said Greg Gleason, Managing Partner at Wynnchurch.

This acquisition reflects the Company’s commitment to being a leader in the engineered media and solutions marketplace, and desire to grow through strategic acquisitions that bring value to all our stakeholders.

“With the incredible support of Wynnchurch, we have completed two significant acquisitions and invested nearly $20 million in growth focused capital projects over the last six months. We have a very strong business platform that is positioned for strong growth,” added Paul Charapata.

ABOUT DECORATIVE FILMS:

Founded in 1979 as a glass coating company, Decorative Films serviced the solar control window tinting industry. Today, Decorative Films manufactures decorative window films under registered trademarks, SOLYX®, SimGlass®, UltraCool®, UltraSafe®, UltraAuto® and UltraGlare®. For more information, please visit: www​.dec​o​ra​tive​film​.com.

ABOUT APPVION:

Appvion applies coating solutions to flexible substrates, including products from an FDA-compliant facility. Appvion’s primary product offering includes direct thermal labels and film solutions, and renewable, fiber-based consumer and industrial packaging solutions. For more information, please visit: www​.appvion​.com.

ABOUT NEKOOSA:

Nekoosa is a leading provider of engineered materials in application tapes, specialty synthetics, pressure sensitive films, and sheeted digital and offset grade carbonless paper. Nekoosa now represents the RTape, Catalina Graphic Films, Mojave Digital Media, SYNAPS, ClingZ®, MagneCote® and CET Films brands. For more information, please visit: www​.nekoosa​.com.

ABOUT WYNNCHURCH CAPITAL:

Wynnchurch Capital, L.P., headquartered in the Chicago suburb of Rosemont, Illinois, with an office in New York and an affiliate in Canada, was founded in 1999 and is a leading middle-market private equity investment firm. Wynnchurch’s strategy is to partner with middle market companies in the United States and Canada that possess the potential for substantial growth and profit improvement. Wynnchurch manages a number of private equity funds with $5.3 billion of regulatory assets under management and specializes in recapitalizations, growth capital, management buyouts, corporate carve-outs, and restructurings. For more information, please visit: www​.wyn​nchurch​.com.

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT

Greg B. Gleason, Managing Partner | Wynnchurch Capital

ggleason@wynnchurch.com
847.604.6121

Michael A. Teplitsk, Partner | Wynnchurch Capital

mteplitsky@wynnchurch.com
847.604.6120

Brian R. Riordan, Principal | Wynnchurch Capital

briordan@wynnchurch.com
847.604.6135

GBIG News Billerud Wisconsin Rapids

WE NEED BILLERUD TO OPEN UP THE WISCONSIN RAPIDS PAPER MILL OR SELL IT WITHOUT RESTRICTIONS ON THE PAPER PRODUCTS THE MILL IS DESIGNED TO PRODUCE!  WISCONSIN NEEDS YOUR HELP TO REBUILD THE PAPER INDUSTRY!

embossed golden plaque

I recently received a picture dated September 11, 1974 Consolidated Papers, Inc. Dedicates this converting complex to serve the future growth of the graphics arts industry. My brother was the lead Engineer setting up the facility and I was the Sales and Marketing Manager supporting the Paper Distributors and the Commercial Printing Markets in the Midwest. Consolidated Papers was the leader in the production of coated papers servicing commercial, publication, catalog and direct mail printing industries nationwide. Simply, Consolidated Papers, Inc. made Wisconsin the Printing Capital of the USA. Today, the mill sits idle having a major impact on the State of Wisconsin and our communities! Our 5P industries are in serious trouble finding paper to support their businesses. We need to come up with a solution or become more dependent on Paper from Asia or Europe! The Wisconsin Paper Mill could provide enough paper to supply ALL of American’s needs with capacity to export paper worldwide!

I have had discussions with Billerud and I value the genuine relationship we have built! Billerud is very much like George Mead, the past President of Consolidated Papers, Inc. They are committed to paper production, their communities, sustainability, employees and growth in North America. Like Consolidated Papers, Inc. Billerud goes back 150 years in the Paper Industry!

  • We have seen St. Paper, LLC. Duluth: A $42.1 million project to reopen a paper mill in Duluth is among the big winners in the latest round of job creation grants from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.
  • The Michigan Strategic Fund approved a 15 year Forest Products Processing Renaissance Zone estimated to be worth $29.4 million in support of the project for Billerud’s Escanaba Mill Transformation Project.

The Green Bay Innovation Group is putting together a panel of industry experts to discuss the issues to rebuild the paper industry in Wisconsin which will include WEDC, the Wisconsin Paper Council and ALL interested in BUILDING BACK the Wisconsin Paper Industry. If you are interested, please contact me at:
608-698-3333 cell and text or martinpochs@gmail.com

Holly Jolly Year for Packerland Websites, Thanks to You

As we reflect on 2022, the staff of Packerland Websites would like to call attention to what gives us the most satisfaction – giving organizations the strategies and tools they need to reach their goals. We love helping businesses and nonprofits move to the next level by providing exceptional writing, design, Search Engine Optimization (SEO), and ingenuity. Please allow us to do a little bragging.

Packerland Websites' Bill and Joan

The Packerland Websites’ team manages over 550 websites, offering the latest in cybersecurity and web design. We support the business community with memberships in five Chambers of Commerce: Pulaski, Green Bay, Oconto, Oconto Falls, and Peshtigo and the Howard Suamico Business Association. Owner Bill Koehne serves on the Oconto Falls Chamber Board of Directors. He understands the challenges of operating a business because he co-founded and co-owned a multi-million-dollar home construction company before opening Packerland Websites.

Packerland Websites’ prices are fair and competitive. Plus, nonprofit organizations get the VIP treatment, with up to half-price discounts. Additionally, Packerland Websites greatly reduces hosting fees for nonprofits, and on occasion, waives hosting fees altogether. It’s just another way to give back to the community. Packerland Websites is a proud supporter of Artists for the Humanities, Society for Faith and Children’s Education, Abrams Spotlight Productions Inc., the Volunteer Center of Brown County, and other nonprofits.

Bill is a 30-year member of the Brown County Home Builders Association, having served on the Showcase of Homes committee and other BCHBA committees. He also serves on the board of Green Bay Innovation Group, a Northeast Wisconsin business-to-business consortium of manufacturing and converting companies and supporting industries.

In addition to his professional affiliations, Bill is president of Abrams Spotlight Productions Inc., a local community theater organization. Most recently, Bill was assistant director for “White Christmas” and performed as Harry the Horse in “Guys and Dolls.” He helped organize the Green Bay Walleyes for Tomorrow fundraiser for many years and serves as committee chairman for Windjammers Sailing Club. At St. Pius Catholic Church, Bill is a music minister, Eucharistic minister, and lector who volunteers at Anchor of Hope TEC youth retreats. He’s a busy guy who’s committed to his faith, family, and community.

As Packerland Websites concludes its 11th year in business, we’re thankful for all of the businesses and nonprofits that helped make us who we are today. We appreciate your loyalty and trust in 2022 and look forward to serving you all in 2023. Happy New Year!

GBIG NEWS | 84 Stories and Links on the Internet 12/21/2022

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.

GBIG News Banner

Wisconsin

Events

Forests

Plastic

Industry

Printing

Corrugated

Sponsor

December 21st, 2022 Newsletter

GBIG logo

Read the December 21st, 2022 Green Bay Innovation Group Newsletter here.

Read newsletter

2023 Business Trends: Inflation & The
Economy Ahead – Northeast Wisconsin

You’re invited to an interactive, engaging presentation revealing economic trends nationally and in Northeast Wisconsin from First Business Bank experts.

How will national and international economic trends affect Northeast Wisconsin’s economy in the coming quarters? Join us at Butte des Morts Country Club where Nancy Johnshoy, CFA, Senior Vice President – Portfolio Manager & Market Strategist, will present national and regional economic data. A panel of local business leaders will discuss inflation, interest rates, employment, and more.

This event is designed for local business and organization leaders who rely on proven, timely data to make critical budgeting and operations decisions. Seating is limited, so please register now to reserve your spot. We look forward to seeing you there.

Susan Finco (Moderator)

Owner & President –
Leonard & Finco Public Relations

Susan Finco

Nancy Johnshoy (Presenter), CFA

Senior Vice President –
Portfolio Manager & Market Strategist
First Business Bank

Nancy Johnshoy

Rick Hearden (Panelist),

President –
Northeast Wisconsin Market
First Business Bank

Rick Hearden

Cory VandeWettering (Panelist)

President/CEO –
Keller, Inc.

Cory VandeWettering

Bret Salscheider (Panelist)

President/CEO –
YMCA of the Fox Cities

Bret Salscheider

Komal Mehta (Panelist)

Co-Owner –
Triangle Manufacturing Company

Komal Mehta

Stop Outsourcing! Own Your Hiring Process for Great HR Results

15 Dots logo

When outsiders started commenting on a dramatic uptick in the organization’s talent, management took notice. That’s what happened for Bill MacPherson, of the Mercer Celgar pulp mill and 30-year veteran of the pulp and paper industry. While working for a previous employer, Bill received positive feedback from customers, vendors, and suppliers who noticed a remarkable shift in talent at the organization. What brought about the transformation? Game-changing employee selection. Instead of outsourcing the recruitment and hiring process to a consultant, the organization took ownership of the process.

‘You Can’t Outsource Thinking’

“You can’t outsource thinking,” is one of Bill’s principles. Consultants play a role in certain scenarios, but not in every circumstance. Definitely not in hiring. Instead, organizations gain the most by using the talent, leadership, and teams inside their walls to own their problems and solve them together. Organizations should be as engaged as possible in attracting and hiring talent. In Bill’s experience, employee performance was noticeably better a couple years after implementing the 15dots® hiring techniques. New hires were naturally acclimated to work in an environment that was collaborative, team-based, and problem solving. Very quickly, people inside and outside the organization began to see a shift.

Employees as Interviewing Experts

The 15dots® Selection Process trains employees to be interview experts. Employees gain the knowledge and tools to repeatedly and reliably choose the right match(s). There’s nothing more important than selecting the people who are going to be your teammates and colleagues. 15dots® helps organizations eliminate bad hires and performance nightmares.

Developing Leaders Ready for Promotions

By engaging in the hiring process, organizations create a development opportunity for their people. Interviewers learn the skills necessary to become future leaders and managers. Learning how to hire in a complex 21st Century manufacturing environment is an important skill to acquire. Leadership skills are even more critical due to the massive retirements occurring in the pulp and paper industry. Whereas it previously took 20-25 years to go from entry-level to top-level position, now it happens in 4-5 years. Employees’ rapid rise requires an enormous amount of learning. To advance in the organization, employees must be active learners and problem solvers. The previous generations didn’t have the pressure to advance as quickly. So, that’s another huge reason to use an effective and reliable selection process. Organizations don’t want to mismatch people and set them up for failure in the workplace.

Cost-Effective Alternative to Recruiters

In addition to maximizing human potential, the 15dots® Selection Process is cost effective. Bill estimated that hiring cost about one-quarter of the expense of outsourcing. Recruiters and consulting agencies typically charge high-priced retainers. Plus, by outsourcing the hiring process, organizations let somebody else do all their thinking. Finding the right talent lays the foundation for an organization’s long-term success.

2023 INDA Calendar of Events

INDA logo
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
Subscribe to Newsletter


© 2021 Green Bay Innovation Group

LinkedIn
Share