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ADA Compliance for Websites: Stay Accessible & Out of Court

Posted on July 6, 2023July 6, 2023 by admin

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

Posted on June 26, 2023June 26, 2023 by admin

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.

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!
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!
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.
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.
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

Posted on June 26, 2023July 21, 2025 by admin

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.

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.

Business Leaders Meet for New North Summit

Posted on June 19, 2023May 27, 2025 by admin

The Power of Place is the theme of the annual New North Summit which occurred June 8 at the Lambeau Field Atrium, Green Bay. GBIG appreciates all that New North does as a catalyst for regional prosperity. Barb LaMue, President and CEO of New North does a phenomenal job implementing regional strategies for business growth and talent development.

Building Your Brand Through the Interview Process

Posted on June 19, 2023June 19, 2023 by admin

By Diane Mitchell, Managing Partner, Global Recruiters of Green Bay

While we’re hearing news of layoffs in some sectors, the demand for technical skills in manufacturing remains high in Wisconsin. To attract, hire, and retain top talent, it’s worth considering the critical role the candidate experience plays during their interviewing process. A positive experience not only reflects well on your organization’s brand but also increases the likelihood of securing the best candidates. By implementing effective strategies to manage your candidate’s experience, you can build strong relationships, promote transparency, and leave a lasting impression.

Create a welcoming atmosphere – from the first phone screen to the moment the candidate steps foot into your organization, keep in mind that they are interviewing you as a potential boss and employer. Greet candidates warmly, provide introductions, and share information on the role and company to ease nerves while setting a positive tone for the interview.
Provide timely updates – transparent and consistent communication is essential throughout the interviewing process. Clearly communicate the steps and timeline. Provide updates to candidates 24-48 hours after an interview even if it’s to inform them of a rejection. Every candidate has thanked me for letting them know where they stand in the process regardless of whether or not the news is disappointing. Ghosting candidates isn’t just bad behavior, it also impacts your brand. The candidate won’t apply for other roles and will tell their peers to stay away.
Streamline the process – candidates will lose patience and become frustrated if the process takes too long or has too many steps. The best companies can work through their process in two weeks. Carefully consider if you need an extra assessment or interview step. The delay may give another company time to start and finish their interview process, ‘stealing’ your top candidate.

Even if you’ve selected your top candidate, it doesn’t mean the applicant has selected you as an employer. The candidate will most likely consider the recruiting process as a crucial part of their decision. By focusing on creating a compelling candidate experience, companies can be sure to leave a positive impression and enhance their brand image.

GB Chamber Recognizes Businesses & Individuals

Posted on June 19, 2023July 21, 2025 by admin

Three GBIG members were honored at the Greater Green Bay Chamber Business Recognition Luncheon Awards & Showcase. Fiberglass Solutions LLC received the Growth Award; Green Bay Packaging received the Special Accomplishment Award for its Mill Reclaimed Water Project, and Bill Koehne, owner of Packerland Websites, was a Top 3 finalist in the Business Person of the Year Contest.

Table with Business Recognition Luncheon card — Photos by Shayna Marie Wild & Free

Fiberglass Solutions LLC: Ben and Amy Bertram purchased Fiberglass Solutions LLC in 2018, with a vision of growth and expansion. From 2018 to 2021, the company experienced year-over-year, double- digit sales growth before stabilizing in 2022 at $3.24M. Fiberglass Solutions LLC is on pace for almost $4M in 2023.

Green Bay Packaging: When GBP built its new mill, the first in Wisconsin in over 35 years, the company chose to be more water-resilient with reclaimed water use. This avoided the need to direct intake or discharge to the Fox River and reduced water withdrawal from the Great Lakes waterbody. GBP partnered with NEW Water to reclaim municipal wastewater for reuse in papermaking.

Bill Koehne, owner of Packerland Websites, started building websites on a whim and now the company has over 500 website clients. Bill, who serves as a GBIG director, donated over $60,000 in website services to nonprofits in 2022 alone and over a quarter of a million dollars over the past five years. Bill excels as a marketing mentor to businesses and nonprofits.

Nearly 500 attendees honored area businesses and individuals at the annual Business Recognition Luncheon Awards & Showcase held at the KI Convention Center in downtown Green Bay.

The event serves to honor individuals’ and companies’ achievements, growth, innovation, and exceptional business practices in Greater Green Bay. Finalists were recognized and recipients announced in five award categories.

The 2023 award recipients are:

Cornerstone Award: Georgia-Pacific
Entrepreneurial Award: FAVORYT Brand
Growth Award: Fiberglass Solutions LLC
Special Accomplishment Award: Green Bay Packaging
Business Person of the Year: Ben Schill, CEO, Paper Transport

“Today’s gathering was truly enjoyable as we celebrated the remarkable achievements of our thriving business community.” said Eric DeKorne, Chamber Vice President of Development. “The companies and individuals present here have made a significant impact on the community, and their unwavering dedication to success and progress plays a pivotal role in fostering the community’s growth and vitality.”

Swing Big with GBIG with over 150 registered golfers and 25 exhibitors and guests.

Posted on June 19, 2023July 24, 2025 by admin

Swing Big with GBIG was an outstanding event with over 150 registered golfers, 25 exhibitors and guests. We want to thank Steve Van Dyke President of the Green Bay Innovation Group for putting the golf outing together plus all the golfers! We want to thank Packerland Websites for sponsoring a hole to win $10,000 and the other twenty-five-hole sponsors!

The foursome representing CG Bretting Manufacturing Company of Ashland won the golf outing, shooting a 54. Adam Kohlbeck of Basic Metals, Germantown, won $475 in the 50/50 raffle. He participated in Swing Big with GBIG as a guest of McClone Insurance, Menasha.

Thank You,
Green Bay Innovation Group Board of Directors

Quad Plus: Are you familiar with power factor correction and its purpose for avoiding costly penalties?

Posted on June 19, 2023June 19, 2023 by admin

Are you having problems with your power distribution at your plant or factory? It is crucial to get up to speed with power factor correction to avoid costly penalty fees and other inefficiencies for your equipment operation.

It is common for plant maintenance engineers and factory managers to be stumped by penalty fees and how to eliminate them.

Quad Plus’s recent power factor correction study highlighted the importance of understanding and prioritizing power correction.

Read on for everything you need to know about power factor correction, the study, and how to contact a power services expert.

What Is Power Factor?

Power factor is a measure that indicates the ratio of real power (the power equipment needs to operate) to apparent power (also known as reactive power). However, when your power factor is too high or low, it can lead to penalty fees.

For example, if you have a low power factor, you cause strain on the grid. Your utility company instates penalty fees to help you pay attention to your power distribution and consider power factor correction.

Power Factor Correction

Power factor correction capacitors help you avoid paying costly penalty fees and improve the efficiency of your power use. There are a variety of reasons to use power factor correction, including:

Reducing carbon footprint
Avoiding penalty fees
Stabilizing voltage
Reducing maximum power
Increasing useful kW load without risk

There are many benefits of power factor correction. Sometimes it can be tricky to determine the cause of the high penalty and how to eliminate it. This is why it is important to contact a plant engineer to ensure power factor correction is correctly installed.

Power Factor Correction Study

Quad Plus carried out a power factor correction study to help identify the cause of penalty fees and eliminate them for one of our customers. We used data from their recent power bills to understand the charges and rates. We then identified the best solution with power factor correction.

We found that penalty fees were eliminated as soon as the equipment was installed, and the amount of reactive power flow was reduced. The power factor correction equipment also paid for itself within the year due to the reduced cost of power bills from the utility company.

The results also highlighted the need for power education from a power services expert, so companies can begin to take charge of the costs for their plant or factory.

Identify and Eliminate Costly Penalty Fees

Our recent power factor correction study highlighted how quickly penalty fees can be eliminated. However, plants and factories need support from power experts to find solutions.

The best power factor correction depends on the individual case. A power factor correction study needs to be done to find the best solution for your plant or factory.

Are you looking to identify and eliminate penalty fees fast? Contact Jim Woulf from Quad Plus at (920) 515-4155 or via email at jwoulf@quadplus.com to get the assistance you need.

How the State of Wisconsin Can Prosper, Share and Lead the way Supporting the Approval of Building a New Engineering Building at UW Madison

Posted on June 19, 2023June 19, 2023 by admin

The Packaging, Paper, Plastics, Printing, Pulp, Converting, Forestry and Supporting Industries are the backbone of the Wisconsin Manufacturing economy with plants located across the State of Wisconsin in BIG Cities and Small Cities! The combined employment exceeds over 150,000 employees!

The approval of the NEW Engineering Building at UW Madison is critical to support and grow our manufacturing base. We have seen 100% support from the Manufacturing Organizations and other supporting organizations. We are asking the Joint Finance and the State to reconsider the inclusion of this critical project in the 2023-2025 capital budget. We congratulate UW Madison for committing to raising $150 million from Private Gifts and Donations, contingent on state support of the project. Delaying this project would mean additional costs upward of $28 million.

GBIG News: Ashwaubenon Glory Road

Posted on June 19, 2023July 21, 2025 by admin

As we continue taking our tour of the Ashwaubenon industrial areas, we are focusing on companies near or on Glory Road and the concentration of companies that were created from the Paper Industry and very dependent on it.

NPS Holding LLC is focused on sustainable packaging, dispensers, towels, napkins, wipes, tissue, and specialty products selling worldwide.
Green Bay Packaging Coated Products Division offers paper and film pressure-sensitive label stock for a wide variety of labeling applications, including primary package decoration, thermal transfer, and direct thermal printing.
Paper Converting Machine Corporation and BW Converting are in Bag Converting, Tissue Converting, Tissue Packaging, Nonwovens Converting, Flexographic Printing, Digital Printing servicing world base of customers.
Green Bay Nonwovens/Suominen creates innovative and sustainable nonwovens for customers worldwide producing roll goods for wipes and other applications.
Legacy Flexo is a premier printing company with eleven flexographic presses servicing a wide range of capabilities with 10 color printing presses. Legacy prints on film, paper and nonwovens servicing a nationwide base of customers.