Swing Big With GBIG on June 18, 2026

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Swing Big With GBIG: Golfers and Sponsors Instructions

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

How Technology is Revolutionizing Manufacturing: Expert Insights from Rockwell Automation

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

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.

Sign Up Now for the Swing Big GBIG Golf Outing on June 18th, 2026

Swing Big golf outing with GBIG

The Swing Big with GBIG Golf Outing is filling up fast. We have 160 golfers signed up with room for 216
with just fifty-six spots still available. This is a SELL-OUT Event so please REGISTER NOW!
We have 49-hole sponsors signed up with sixty available for you!
We do have a FREE Networking event starting at 3:00 p.m. so register so we can get a count for planning
purposes!

Golf Outing Schedule for June 18:

  • 8:30 a.m. Registration
  • 9:15 a.m. Instructions
  • 9:30 a.m. Shotgun Start
  • 3 p.m. Awards and Socializing

Mid Vallee Golf Course, 3850 Mid Valley Drive, De Pere, Wisconsin.

Go to: greenbayinnovationgroup.com/events/ to sign up to golf, sponsor, and attend Swing Big with
GBIG. We are expecting close to three hundred people to attend.

If Your Goal is to Lead, Then Register for the Manufacturing Summit

Sign Up Today to Participate in Manufacturing Summit

GBIG logo

If your goal is to lead, not to follow, then register today for the Wisconsin Drives Manufacturing Summit June 1-2 at Lambeau Field, Green Bay. The Summit brings together manufacturers, innovators, researchers, and technology leaders to tackle the challenges shaping the future of American manufacturing. View the agenda, speakers, and speaker profiles on the Summit’s website.

Day 1 (Monday, June 1) features an Innovation Showcase from 3-6 p.m. Day 2 (Tuesday, June 2) features keynotes, panels, and breakout sessions from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

This isn’t a conference you attend; it’s a platform you work within. GBIG is proud to co-sponsor this event and encourages GBIG members to register.

Scan the QR Code to Register

Wisconsin Drives summit register QR Code
Wisconsin Drives 2026 Manufacturing Summit

GBIG is Proud to Co-Sponsor: Wisconsin Drives Manufacturing Summit June 1-2

Wisconsin Drives Manufacturing

The Wisconsin Drives Manufacturing Summit brings together manufacturers, innovators, researchers, and technology leaders to tackle the challenges shaping the future of American manufacturing. This isn’t a conference you attend; it’s a platform you work within. The summit takes place June 1-2 at Lambeau Field, Green Bay. GBIG is co-sponsoring this event.

GBIG pledged its support because we believe in providing opportunities for mutually beneficial collaboration. As a business-to-business consortium, we understand the importance of relationships in the business world. By interacting with powerful allies, companies set themselves up for success. Wisconsin Drives Manufacturing opens the door to building relationships in the 5P Industries (Paper, Pulp, Plastics, Printing, Packaging) and Converting.

The summit also brings together some of the best minds in manufacturing. We’ll learn from industry experts as they share strategies to improve operations and solve industry challenges.

The Manufacturing Summit drives innovation forward with featured topics including:

  • Technology adoption and workforce needs
  • Upskilling for industry 4.0
  • Navigating the PFAS pivot in manufacturing
  • A manufacturer’s guide to the bio-health ecosystem

See you at the Wisconsin Drives Manufacturing Summit June 1-2 at Lambeau Field, Green Bay.

Full Summit Information

Swing Big With GBIG on June 18, 2026

Swing Big golf outing with GBIG

Register today for Swing Big With GBIG, a golf outing sponsored by the Green Bay Innovation Group and First Business Bank.

Swing Big with GBIG is a 4-person scramble on Thursday, June 18, at Mid Vallee Golf Course, 3850 Mid Valley Drive, De Pere, Wisconsin. The golf outing starts with registration at 8:30 a.m. and ends with a FREE NETWORKING event at 3:00 p.m. Join us for a day of golf and camaraderie for a worthy cause. The golf outing raises money to support local food pantries and nonprofit organizations.

In addition to golf, we will have raffles and contests on the course. Try your luck at sinking a hole-in-one to win $10,000 from contest sponsor Packerland Websites.

Swing Big with GBIG offers opportunities to promote your organization by sponsoring a hole ($300) or donating raffle items. Hole sponsors can register at the GBIG Events webpage. Email a high-resolution logo to Marty Ochs at martinpochs@gmail.com to make signs for you!

Golf Outing Schedule for June 18

  • 8:30 a.m. Registration
  • 9:15 a.m. Instructions
  • 9:30 a.m. Shotgun Start
  • 3 p.m. Awards starting and Socializing

Registration Information

Registration includes 18 holes of golf with cart, two drink tickets, and lunch on the course.

  • Single player: $150
  • Foursome: $600
  • Hole Sponsor: $300

Do not miss out! The registration deadline is June 5 for the June 18 outing. We have room for 216 golfers, and we sold out last year. Let us make this golf outing a tremendous success. GBIG is a 501(C)3 nonprofit organization, and all of the profit goes right back to the community to support local charities. Sign up today as a golfer or hole sponsor.

REgister Now

For more information, contact Marty Ochs, martinpochs@gmail.com or (608) 698-3333.

Check out the full brochure

Joan and Bill at 2025 Swing Big event
Group of 4 at Sing Big 2025 event
2 groups in golf carts at 2025 Swing Big event

The 5p Showcase Expo in Green Bay on February 24, 2026, With 103 Exhibitors – Booth Map Featured

5P Showcase Expo 2026

The 5P Showcase Expo is on February 24, 2026, at the Oneida Casino Hotel in Green Bay with 103 exhibitors for the one-day event. We will add an additional ten display tables outside the exhibit hall to accommodate the demand to exhibit. The cost will be: $500.00 and go to: www.greenbayinnovationgroup.com/events – The Premier 5P Showcase to register online.

The Green Bay Innovation Group brings together a wide variety of companies that support the 5P, Converting, and Food Related Industries, creating a strong network of suppliers, manufacturers, and service providers.

Check-in time is at 7:30 a.m. and our guest speaker Laura Bix Associate Director of the Michigan State University School of Packaging will speak at 9:00 a.m. and at 1:00 p.m. Sun Chemical will have three speakers starting at 1:00 p.m. The exhibit hall is open from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. followed by a networking event in the exhibit hall from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. with FREE BEVERAGES and Hors d’oeuvres.

Go to: www.greenbayinnovationgroup.com/events – The Premier 5P Showcase to register online.

Thanks for ALL your support in 2026.

Marty Ochs
Executive Director
Green Bay Innovation Group

See Full Booth Layout

SolutionsX Showcases ERP Solutions for Plastic Manufacturers at 5P Expo

SolutionsX

SolutionsX, a leading provider of advanced ERP solutions, will exhibit at the 5P Showcase Expo to demonstrate how a modern ERP solution streamlines operations and drives growth for the plastic manufacturers. For over 20 years, SolutionsX has leveraged its firsthand industry experience to deliver tailored, cutting-edge technology solutions and industry-leading business practices that accelerate the flow of accurate, relevant information and enable employees to make data-driven decisions.  

Expert ERP for Plastic Manufacturers 

Plastic manufacturers need precise capabilities to compete and grow. Infor’s solutions support multi- concept “to order” manufacturing and seamless engagement across production and back-office tasks helping to reduce waste, improve quality, and manage costs.  Infor CSI’s industry-specific functionalities help: 

  • Improve supply chain agility, resilience, and responsiveness 
  • Manage quality control to ensure regulatory compliance 
  • Control costs and drive profitability 
  • Drive decisions through live machine data

Brentwood Industries, a leader in plastics manufacturing, modernized its workflows with Infor CSI after previously experiencing inefficiencies in critical operations. Watch the video here to learn more about how Brentwood Industries integrated siloed systems, unlocked real-time insights, and streamlined processes.  

Visit SolutionsX during the 5P Showcase Expo to learn how we can help you achieve seamless manufacturing operations. Learn more here: https://www.solutionsx.com/

SolutionsX Showcases ERP Solutions for Printing & Packaging at 5P Expo

SolutionsX

SolutionsX, a leading provider of advanced ERP solutions, will exhibit at the 5P Showcase Expo to demonstrate how a modern ERP solution streamlines operations and drives growth for the printing and packaging industries. For over 20 years, SolutionsX has leveraged its firsthand industry experience to deliver tailored, cutting-edge technology solutions and industry-leading business practices that accelerate the flow of accurate, relevant information and enable employees to make data-driven decisions.

Chris Bridleman, Senior Vice President at Vonco Products, a manufacturer of consumer and healthcare packaging solutions, shared about his experience working with SolutionsX, “SolutionsX took the time to understand our business inside and out–from our part numbers and quoting process to how we run our plant. That deep understanding means we can get answers quickly, without having to explain our setup every time. It’s like having an internal ERP or IT resource we can rely on.”

Expert ERP for the Printing & Packaging Industries

Few industries have been disrupted by new technology as much as printing and packaging. Infor CSI delivers an ERP solution purpose-built for printing and packaging companies, giving you the confidence, connectivity, and insight needed to drive positive impact to the bottom line.

Infor CSI helps organizations:

  • Quote jobs accurately to maximize profitability
  • Align people, equipment, and material resources with demand
  • Reduce inventory costs without risking shortages
  • Guarantee order accuracy and production feasibility
  • Adapt quickly to new threats and opportunities

Oliver Packaging & Equipment, a leading manufacturer of premium food equipment and meal packaging systems, leverages Infor CSI with AI to optimize inventory 30 times faster, boosting customer and employee satisfaction. Watch the video here to learn more about how Oliver Packaging & Equipment is meeting industry demands with Infor CSI.

Visit SolutionsX during the 5P Showcase Expo to learn how we can help you transform your printing and packaging operations. Learn more here: https://www.solutionsx.com/

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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