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Wi5P Presents: Leadership Series. Susan Stansbury: Evolution Not Revolution

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Set to talk about her decades in industry and the debut of her e-book 14 Dinners and a Lunch, Susan Stansbury will speak in Green Bay August 30. “Her career is unique with so many assignments as the lone woman in management, and with her breadth of experience,” says Marty Ochs of Green Bay Innovation Group, co-sponsor along with Women in the 5P group. 5P chairs Cassie Diedrick and Emily Haines will act as co-hosts.

Wi5P logo

“While I did not set out to work in the manufacturing world back in the 70s, the markets and incidents along the way are the stories of my book,” says Stansbury. “I used 14 Dinners and a Lunch as occasions to reveal certain happenings and surrounding times; I was often determined, sometimes distressed, occasionally amusing. I kept many of the details to myself, believing in evolution, not revolution.” Her August 30 speech will include comments on business methods and mechanisms that led to career growth.

A skilled speaker, Stansbury has been a presenter for many years at industry conferences throughout the U.S. as well as in Europe. She plans to include some strategies that served her well during her career. Her working career included jobs at major paper producers, specialty work on healthcare products, flexographic printing, and packaging. She had stints leading a quality process, strategic planning, and product development. During the pandemic, she worked on mask and wipes products as well as materials sourcing. She also originated and owned the Converters Expo at Lambeau for several years. More recently she consulted with clients across the U.S.

Hosts for the Green Bay event:

  • Cassie Diedrick: Cassie. Diedrick@robinsoninc.com
  • Emily Haines: ehaines27@gmail.com

Diedrick and Robinson represent today’s Women in the 5P (Packaging, Printing, Paper, Pulp, Plastics). They will lead with questions after the speech.

For more information about Stansbury’s book release, contact via email: Details@14Dinners.com. Susan R. Stansbury’s short bio is on LinkedIn.

Swing Big with GBIG netted $15,000 with the proceeds to be donated to Food Pantries, Homeless Shelters and other Non-Profit Organizations

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The Green Bay Innovation Group netted $15,000 from our SWING BIG with GBIG Golf Outing in 2023. We will be donating ALL the proceeds to food pantries, homeless shelters, and other non-profit organizations. We want to thank our one hundred fifty golfers, twenty-six sponsors and all of you for providing additional donations and gifts supporting the event.

Swing Big golf outing with GBIG

The mission statement of the Green Bay Innovation Group is to bring together and create opportunities. for networking between Wisconsin companies involved in the Paper, Printing, Pulp, Plastics, Packaging, Converting and Supplier Industries! GBIG creates an open dialog between companies. At GBIG webinars and meetings, we talk about current and new products, technology, innovation, sales, marketing, and social media/web design and new equipment. GBIG is looking to create new products, new markets and expand the presence of our industries in Wisconsin. We are here to help you push the norm and Challenge one another to help make our companies and our communities better! Finally, we are bringing financial support to our communities, especially to those most in need through the donations from our Sponsors!

5P SHOWCASE September 26th in Green Bay at the Radisson Hotel & Conference Center

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On September 26, learn about the businesses that set the region apart for its manufacturing strengths. From printers to paper, plastics, and roll goods converters, this Showcase event expands in its second year. Hosted by Green Bay Innovation Group (GBIG), the full day takes place at Green Bay’s Radisson Hotel & Conference Center.

5 P Showcase

“This expo features companies with industry updates in several categories and provides outstanding networking opportunities,” says Marty Ochs of GBIG. “We live at the center of innovation, technology, and production capabilities. We have planned for a larger expo and visitor attendance this year.”

Aspects include:

  • Paper, pulp, and related producers where Wisconsin still dominates.
  • Packaging and printing on substrates including paper, film, and nonwovens materials.
  • Providers of analytic data services and equipment where growth continues.
  • Technologies to increase volumes on production lines in converting and packaging.
  • Suppliers who assist with branding strategies, marketing, and promotions.
  • Testing companies who assist in meeting quality and processing specifications.
  • Breakthroughs in digital, 3D Printing, and flexographic printing for packaging.
  • Innovation in the nonwovens industry with fabrics that wipe and filter viruses/Covid.

“We plan to spotlight exceptional exhibitors as they come back this September, and we’re offering a forum for new companies coming on board,” says Susan Stansbury co-host. “You can find these companies at national shows, but they appreciate showing off their wares in their home territory. This area is ‘the converting corridor.’”

Notes Marty Ochs, “Over the next couple of months, we will be reporting on a cross-section of exhibitors and plans, including a keynote speaker from the Flexible Packaging Association. In addition, a panel of other speakers on innovation is on board.”

The location at the Radisson Hotel and Conference Center represents an expanded space for exhibitors. The cost to attend for the day is $50.00 including lunch and refreshments. The Expo Hall will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. followed by networking until 6:00 p.m.

Look for more news to come.
Interested attendees can sign up at: www.GreenBayInnovationGroup.com and go to EVENTS to register.

To exhibit, call or email: Marty Ochs, GBIG, 608.698.3333 martinpochs@gmail.com
Susan Stansbury, Industry Consultant, 920.265.6407 SusanRStansbury@gmail.com

This event is hosted by Green Bay Innovation Group, providing news and platforms for paper, packaging, printing, plastics, and converting industries.

Hurckman Mechanical Industries Celebrates 1,000,000 Hours with Zero Lost Time

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HMI Hurkman Mechanical Industries, Inc 1,000,000 Hours Zero Lost Time

Hurckman Mechanical Industries (HMI) is proud to announce a significant safety milestone as they reach one million hours without any lost time incidents. This achievement highlights HMI’s commitment to creating a safe work environment and marks a significant step toward establishing a strong safety culture within the company. HMI has also achieved a remarkably low EMR (Experience Modification Rate) and TRIR (Total Recordable Incident Rate) numbers, solidifying their position as one of the safest mechanical contracting companies in the Green Bay area. At HMI, safety is the responsibility of every employee, from top management to the individual worker.

HMI would like to take this opportunity to express their gratitude to Marty at the Green Bay Innovation Group (GBIG) organization for their invaluable support. The association with GBIG has been highly beneficial, and HMI looks forward to continuing their partnership with this esteemed organization.

As a family-owned business, with 70 years of experience specializing in commercial and industrial Plumbing, HVAC, Piping, Insulation, Sheet Metal, and Refrigeration services, HMI has built a strong reputation for innovation, efficiency, and customer satisfaction. With a moto of “No Empty Promises,” the company strives to deliver end-to-end solutions, from project management to ongoing support, while prioritizing long-term client relationships. By embracing excellence and a forward-thinking approach, HMI has become a trusted partner in providing high-quality mechanical services. HMI is committed to maintaining its position as a leader in the mechanical contracting industry.

Wisconsin Paper Council 2023 Annual Meeting

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Annual meeting of Wisconsin Paper Council

On June 20 th , 2023, the Wisconsin Paper Council (WPC) held its Annual Meeting at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. This event had a turnout of around 100 attendees that included paper industry professionals, supply chain businesses, workforce development agencies, and community organizations. Thank you to our Annual Meeting sponsors and exposition participants for making this year’s meeting a success.

Women in Forest Products Scholarship Fund

WPC Board of Directors and employees of Ahlstrom holding seed money check for Women in Forest Products Scholarship Fund
WPC Board of Directors and employees of Ahlstrom holding seed money check for Women in Forest Products Scholarship Fund

The meeting began with introductions and the announcement of a new scholarship initiative for women in the forest products industry. This scholarship is intended to support Wisconsin women coming out of high school who want to enter the forest products industry, as well as fund women currently in the forest products industry who want to further their education. The scholarship has been established with an initial gift of $20,000 from Ahlstrom.

“Ahlstrom recognizes the need to have more women in the paper industry and this scholarship is designed to encourage high school young women to enter different fields in the paper and forest products industries, and to encourage women leaders already in the field to grow their leadership skills through education,” said Addie Teeters, Head of Marketing Communications & Public Affairs for Ahlstrom, and current Vice Chair of the Wisconsin Paper Council Board of Directors. “The forest products industry is an innovative and strong industry, and we need to empower our diverse voices and encourage unique talent to join us.”

Applications will open early 2024 and scholarships will be awarded Spring 2024. WPC challenges other companies to donate to the scholarship fund, but individuals can also contribute. The scholarship is housed by the Women’s Fund for the Fox Valley Region and donations can be made here: https://cffvr.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=4663&sorg_id=1002.

Staff Updates

WPC staff provided updates on successes, initiatives, and committee information. President Scott Suder announced that the USDA Forest Service Wood Innovations Grant has been awarded to WIST in partnership with WPC. Vice-President of Environmental and Regulatory Affairs & General Counsel Patrick Stevens provided updates ways in which WPC is involved with regulation in the environmental front.

Director of Operations Shawn Brantmeier announced the upcoming WPC Women’s Leadership Adventure Series intended to connect women in the forest products industry together and provide education on leadership skills. Another initiative aimed at breaking barriers for women in the traditionally male-dominated field is the Women’s Leadership Conference in coordination with Mid-State Technical College. This event will occur Spring 2024 and more information is coming soon.

Communications & Development Analyst Mykaela Chaffin announced the progress of WPC’s new Workforce Relations Committee, the success of the annual WPC Sustainability Report, and the opportunities available for members through the WPC podcast, The Paper Files. Information on the Sustainability Report and The Paper Files can be found on WPC’s website, www.wipaper.org.

Expert Panel

Expert Panel discussion at WPC Annual Meeting
Expert Panel discussion at WPC Annual Meeting

In lieu of a singular keynote speaker, WPC hosted a panel of industry experts to discuss sustainability, talent attraction, and economics. Panelists included:

  • Dustin Delsman, Business Representative, Plumbers & Steamfitters UA 400
  • Paul Endter, Lead Teacher, Appleton Technical Academy
  • Christa Kananen, Program Manager & Consultant, Wisconsin Sustainable Business Institute
  • Heather Berklund, Chief State Forester, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
  • Julie Ballweg, Research Economist, Forest Products Laboratory
Mark Kjorlie, WPC Energy Committee Chairperson and Ahlstrom employee, holding a Leadership Recognition plaque in honor of his retirement
Mark Kjorlie, WPC Energy Committee Chairperson and Ahlstrom employee, holding a Leadership Recognition plaque in honor of his retirement

Thank you to our panelists for providing insight on the paper, pulp, and packaging industry!

WPC looks forward to next year’s annual meeting, as well as our upcoming Golf Outing on October 3rd, 2023 at Bullseye Golf Club in Wisconsin Rapids. For questions or comments, please contact Mykaela Chaffin at chaffin@wipaper.org.

Quad Plus: Limitations of Nuclear Gamma Backscatter Sensors

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Man bending down to fix a piece of machinery

Nuclear gamma backscatter sensors have been used in the past for making product weight measurements in coating applications due to their ability to do so no matter the coating type and provide accurate readings of coating weight. However, these sensors come with several limitations that hinder their effectiveness in this application.

Firstly, they pose significant safety concerns due to their radioactive nature, which can result in health hazards if not handled correctly. Secondly, nuclear isotopes have an effective lifespan due to the half-life of the isotope used. This leads to the need for replacing the source material and disposing of the old source material, and this can be costly. Additionally, these sensors require significant maintenance and calibration to keep them functioning correctly. This adds to the overall cost of using them. As a result, many companies have shifted to using non-nuclear sensors such as near infrared methods for measuring coating thickness.

Near Infrared (NIR) Gauging System

Introducing near infrared (NIR) gauging system for coating thickness measurement is a game-changer. This technology allows for accurate and real-time measurements of coating thickness across various substrates. With the help of the NIR gauging system, variations in coating thickness can be identified and remedied, ensuring the production of uniformly coated surfaces.

Advantages of NIR gauging system over nuclear gamma backscatter sensors

If you are in the business of measuring coating thickness for converting web-based applications, you might be using nuclear gamma backscatter sensors to achieve precise measurements. However, these methods have some limitations and potential safety concerns.

Nuclear-based sensors, for instance, use radioactive isotopes to measure coating thickness. This method presents several limitations, including regulatory and safety requirements in handling radioactive materials, the need for trained personnel, and the risk of contamination.

A safer and more reliable alternative to nuclear gamma backscatter sensors is using a near infrared (NIR) gauging system. This technology utilizes light waves in the near-infrared spectrum to measure coating thickness, offering several benefits for accurate cross-web distribution profiling.

Safer and Easier Operation

NIR gauging systems are safer and easier to operate since they do not require radiation sources. The instruments can be easily integrated into your production line, and calibration can be quickly adjusted. This allows for smoother operations, fewer safety measures, and greater process efficiencies.

Non-contact Measurement

NIR gauging systems offer an excellent solution for non-contact measurement of coating thickness. Without touching or impacting the coated surface, the system can measure the coating thickness for flexible substrates, flat substrates, and individual sheets with consistent, defect-free results.

Real-time Measurement

The NIR gauging system can measure coatings in real-time, allowing for immediate monitoring of any variations in coating thickness and quick adjustments to maintain the desired thickness levels.

Complex Surface Capabilities

The system can accurately measure the thickness of coatings on complex surfaces, making it suitable for coating applications that might require specialized rolls, extrusion coating, or gravure coaters.

Cost-effective Alternative

NIR gauging systems offer a more cost-effective solution for thickness measurement than nuclear-based or other alternative measurement methods. The system reduces the cost of maintenance that results from radioactive disposal and significantly reduces the training time required for personnel to use the equipment.

Nuclear-based Gauging System Replacement

Quad Plus helped a coating company upgrade their nuclear-based coating gauge system. The old system had problems like poor roll gap control and limited data points. The upgrade to a near-infrared gauging system solved these issues. Quad Plus removed the nuclear sensors safely and in compliance with regulations. They supplied and installed a new scanning gauge system that implemented roll gap control. The new system improved safety and allowed for accurate measurements of cross-web distribution and coating thickness control. Quad Plus’ expertise and advanced technology helped the client achieve better results.

Measuring coating thickness is crucial for ensuring product quality and consistency in a cost effective and safe manner. The advantages of using an NIR gauging system versus nuclear gamma backscatter sensors include improved safety, consistent performance, real-time monitoring, reduced cost, and greater versatility in measuring complex surfaces.

For assistance with replacing your nuclear gamma backscatter gauging system, please contact Jim Woulf at Quad Plus. You can reach him at (920) 515-4155 or via email at jwoulf@quadplus.com.

Support Education In Wisconsin

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UW Madison College of Engineering logo

As Citizens and Businesses, we must decide to support education at UW Madison and the UW Wisconsin System of Public Universities! It is one of the largest public higher education systems in the USA enrolling more than 174,000 students and employing approximately 39,000 faculty and staff statewide. Wisconsin is highly respected for our educational institutions with an economic impact of $24 Billion! We ALL recognize the importance of the outstanding diverse programs offered to support our industries and communities. We want to keep our students in Wisconsin by providing education to find job opportunities in Wisconsin.

UW Madison is Wisconsin’s leader in Education. We must support the Construction of the new Engineering Building to show our commitment to Education and supporting the State of Wisconsin! Our legislators approved FOXCONN which cost the Wisconsin Taxpayers over $1 Billion plus dollars and these same legislators cannot support the University of Wisconsin and the citizens of Wisconsin!

As a voice for the Packaging, Paper, Plastics, Printing, Pulp and Converting Industries, we need educated employees to run our businesses. Wisconsin has a large concentration on manufacturing, and our Education is critical to our success of building and supporting our business communities.

Currently. Wisconsin has outstanding programs supporting the 5P and Converting Industries:

  1. University of Wisconsin Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering
  2. University of Wisconsin Industrial Engineering
  3. University of Wisconsin Civil Engineering
  4. University of Wisconsin Chemical Engineering
  5. University of Wisconsin Agricultural Engineering
  6. University of Wisconsin Mechanical Engineering
  7. University of Wisconsin Materials Engineering
  8. University of Wisconsin Wildlife, Fish and Wildlands Science and Management
  9. University of Wisconsin Nuclear Engineering
  10. University of Wisconsin Forestry and Wildlife
  11. University of Wisconsin Bio-Chemistry
  12. University of Wisconsin Bioenergy – Wisconsin Energy Institute
  13. UW Stevens Point Paper Science and Chemical Engineering
  14. UW Stevens Point Forest Management and Natural Resources
  15. UW Stout Packaging and Plastics Engineering
  16. UW Green Bay College of Science, Engineering and Technology
  17. UW Platteville Mechanical, Civil, Electrical, Engineering Physics, Environmental, Industrial and
    Software Engineering.

ADA Compliance for Websites: Stay Accessible & Out of Court

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blind man and woman walking with a cane

A man wearing dark glasses walks into an optometrist’s office and says to the doctor, “Doc, I’m blind.” The doctor looks at him and says, “I see that,” to which the blind man responds, “Gee, you don’t have to rub it in!” This little joke innocently introduces you to a topic that’s no laughing matter. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ensures individuals with disabilities have access to public services and public places. In addition to the obvious ADA features like ramps, elevators, and closed captioning, ADA regulations also cover websites. Our clients, as the owners of their websites, are ultimately responsible for making sure their website is accessible under the ADA guidelines, and therefore not vulnerable to legal action.

ADA Compliance: The Ethical and Business Benefits

Our team at Packerland Websites believes that following ADA guidelines doesn’t just help website owners avoid costly, cumbersome court cases. ADA compliance also is the right thing to do, ethically and business-wise. Complying with ADA guidelines gives people with disabilities the same opportunities as everyone else to engage with your website. Isn’t that what you want for your business or nonprofit?

Real-Life Consequences: Messy Legal Trouble

The following story really drives home this point. Recently, an Upper Michigan e-commerce company contacted us for advice. A New York attorney took advantage of an opportunity to sue the company for having an ADA-noncompliant website. Basically, the attorney argued that the website’s owner refused to work with people with sight impairments. However, the e-commerce company would have been willing to work with individuals who are sight-impaired and correct the noncompliance issues on the website, but they were unaware of these issues until the lawsuit was filed. By then, it was too late, and the UP company was required to pay a legal settlement and legal fees.

Quick Check: Is Your Website Required to be ADA Compliant?

Because of this ADA-noncompliance legal action, Packerland Websites is stepping up its messaging about ADA-compliant websites. So, you’re probably wondering, “Does my website need to be ADA compliant?” Most likely, the answer is Yes. Websites that are required to be ADA compliant:

  • Government websites and any organization receiving government money
  • Websites connected to businesses of public accommodation (hotels, stores, movie theaters, etc.)
  • Websites that sell goods or services
  • Websites intended for us by the general public
Taking Action: Bringing Your Website Up to ADA Standards

Your website probably falls into at least one of these categories. Surprisingly, less than 3 percent of today’s websites are ADA compliant. However, this statistic isn’t a strong defense in the event of an ADA lawsuit. Thus, we strongly encourage website owners, including our clients, to bring their websites up to ADA compliance levels. One primary goal of website design is to ensure that individuals with sight impairments and other disabilities have access to the material on a website in a way they can understand. Read about the four tools we recommend to check website accessibility and ADA compliance, then contact us to request ADA services.

Packerland Websites: Offering ADA Services

The Packerland Websites team can evaluate your website using our ADA-accessibility Report Card and recommend any remediation.

ADA Compliance: A Matter of Equality and Rights

The Americans with Disabilities Act isn’t a laughing matter. The ADA is serious protection, granting people with disabilities the same opportunities and rights as everyone else.

Support Needed for New Engineering Building

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UW Madison College of Engineering logo

UW-Madison is conducting exceptional research, and GBIG is involved in two high-impact UW-Madison initiatives. GBIG is collaborating with professors involved with the Center for Chemical Upcycling of Waste Plastics (CUWP) and an experimental fusion machine which produces sustainable, locally generated process heat.

What breakthroughs are on the horizon? UW-Madison needs a new Engineering Building to continue its outstanding work. However, Wisconsin legislators aren’t supporting a proposal to construct a much- needed Engineering building to support the citizens and businesses of Wisconsin. This will have a major negative impact on the State of Wisconsin with UW graduates and businesses moving out of Wisconsin!

As a State, we are facing numerous challenges. Industry and our Universities will have to work together to come up with solutions.

  1. PFAS has become a major issue with more and more cities finding PFAS in our wells, rivers, and lakes. The UW-Madison Chemical Engineering Department, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and several Non-Profit Associations are doing extensive research on it. UW-Madison has partnered with Iowa State University plus several other Universities researching PFAS and Plastics!
  2. Wisconsin can anticipate a growing number of large lawsuits against our State, Municipalities, and Industries! We need to approve funding for research on PFAS or pay the price for it!
  3. Wisconsin has over 43,000 people involved in the Plastics Manufacturing Industry and 25,000 in the Flexible Packaging Industry with a large converting Industry and supporting Industries! UW-Madison Chemical Engineering Department has been working with the Flexible Packaging and Plastics Industries with a large coalition of Industry Partners. We want to protect our industries and employees by coming up with new products and solutions.
  4. UW-Madison Chemical Engineering Department under George Huber has done extensive research on converting biomass into gasoline, diesel jet fuel on a clean technology format from renewable cellulosic biomass. With our vast forests and logging, Wisconsin has the potential to become a large energy producer utilizing our resources.
  5. We have witnessed large fires burning out of control in Canada and Western United States. UW-Madison Forestry Department is a national leader in forest science, wildlife, research, teaching, and training our students to support and protect our valuable resources. Wisconsin’s forests cover over 40% of the total land area, encompassing nearly 17 million acres plus our 15,000 lakes and rivers!

As citizens, we must decide our fate by supporting the new UW-Madison Engineering Building to keep engineering students, graduates and companies in Wisconsin!

Maximize Your 5P Industry Network with GBIG’s New Member Webpage

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People smiling and shaking hands sitting at a desk

Networking with others in the 5P Industries just became easier. Green Bay Innovation Group updated its GBIG Member Directory webpage https://greenbayinnovationgroup.com/gbig-sponsors/ to be more comprehensive, providing company overviews and clickable contact information. Plus, the member database is searchable by category and keyword, so organizations can quickly identify the companies with the capabilities they seek or the people they want to contact. By typing a keyword or category into the search box, users gain access to a list of specific organizations to fit their needs.

Search GBIG Member Database by Keyword & Category

With nearly 150 GBIG Members in the directory, the search capability ensures that you can be found easily by other members and the general public. Website visitors can find your company and your industry by category or keyword.

Search directory

The GBIG Member entries include:

  • Company name
  • Contact Person
  • Business Address
  • Phone number
  • Email
  • Website

Confirm the Accuracy of Your GBIG Listing & Submit Notes

Thanks to the team at Packerland Websites for creating this useful database of members. The team encourages members to check their entries to confirm the accuracy of your listing. In addition, please provide a couple paragraphs about your company. Include industry keywords, like flexographic printing, coating, machining, etc. These paragraphs will further educate the audience and enhance searchability and facilitate more connections. The paragraphs will display in the “Show Notes” directory section. Send the information paragraphs to Bill@packerlandwebsites.com, and use the subject line GBIG Member Page.

Connect with Members to Conduct Business in the 5P Industry

GBIG members find and conduct a good deal of business through their involvement with our organization. The updated GBIG Member webpage is just one more way to provide value to members. The member directory makes it easier than ever for 5P Industry representatives find what they’re looking for to be successful. The updated Member webpage uses innovative technology to improve the user experience, so members and non-members alike can connect and work together to achieve their business goals.

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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Contact Information

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