Issue link: http://www.insightdigital.biz/i/1148323
w w w . i n s i g h t o n b u s i n e s s . c o m A u g u s t 2 0 19 • I NSIGH T | 9 W e're heading into the last month of summer and that usually means vacation time for my family. When people ask where we're from, my canned answer has always been "30 miles south of Lambeau Field" since nearly everyone knows about the Green Bay Packers. Depending on the person, the next comment may be, "You have a lot of snow and cows up there." at's when I usually jump in and start talking about the region's outstanding manufacturers, name dropping Oshkosh Corp., Kohler, Sargento, among others. But in addition to those giants, the region also is home to many small- and medium-sized manufacturers that make items used around the world. One of those smaller gems is BPM Inc. — the subject of this month's cover story. As someone who has covered the region's paper industry since the late 1990s, I recall when BPM's predecessor declared bankruptcy and closed its Peshtigo mill, putting more than 100 out of work. Aer it was purchased and reopened, returning employees took on the Herculean effort of turning the business around. Today, the company makes a variety of confectionery wrappers for several well- known candy brands in addition to other food packaging wrappers. BPM's unusual ability to make, print, coat and convert paper sets it apart from the competition since it provides customers with more flexibility. To learn more about the company and its amazing comeback, turn to my cover story on page 24. When researching the subject of this month's Personalities feature, Amy Hansen, I was struck by the vacancy rate in downtown Fond du Lac — an astounding 4 percent. Hansen, the executive director of the Downtown Fond du Lac Partnership, says the key to Fond du Lac's success is finding the right mix of businesses, retail and entertainment — basically creating a place where people want to be. To learn more, turn to page 12. Now it's time for a little self-promoting. Insight took home three national awards at the Alliance of Area Business Publishers 2019 Conference in Atlanta in late June. We won Gold Awards (first place) for our Reader Recommended feature in the best magazine regular feature category and for Insight on Technology in the best auxiliary publication (the August issue of IOT should have arrived with this month's Insight). We also won a Bronze Award (third place) in the best magazine cover category for the April 2018 issue of Insight. All of us at Insight are grateful to our advertisers and partners who help make what we do possible so we can deliver a high-quality magazine to our readers each month. More than meets the eye FROM THE EDITOR AN EXTRA DOSE OF INSIGHT Listen to BPM Inc. General Manager Jim Koronkiewicz share his thoughts on how the Peshtigo specialty papermaker plans to grow, including working with customers to develop new products. Koronkiewicz' interview is just one of many you will find online at insightonbusiness.com/home/cover-story-videos. Look for Insight on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. Facebook and LinkedIn: Insight Publications LLC Twitter and Instagram: Insightpubs YouTube: InsightMagazineWI COMING UP Cyberattacks are becoming more prevalent in today's technology-driven world and businesses need to be prepared. The Cybersecurity Symposium on Sept. 10 at the Red Lion Hotel Paper Valley in Appleton will provide business owners with the information and tools they can use to protect themselves from cyberattacks. Visit insightonbusiness.com/events/security to learn more. Mergers and Acquisitions Forum The M&A market is hot right now, but how can you ensure your deal's success? The 2019 Mergers & Acquisitions Forum on Oct. 9 at Lambeau Field Atrium's Legends Club Room in Green Bay will provide the advice and insight you need. The event features a keynote address, a panel discussion with M&A thought leaders and breakout sessions. Visit insightonbusiness.com/events/ma for more information.