Issue link: http://www.insightdigital.biz/i/140775
"They have played a significant role in helping deliver for the wind industry," says Connie Loden, executive director of the Economic Development Corporation of Manitowoc County. "Things are starting to cycle back up in that industry." Doubling down in Two Rivers The Two Rivers area received a boost this spring when Architectural Forest Products announced it was shifting production to its facility there from a similar plant in Canada. The merger is expected to double production at the Two Rivers AFP plant. The move should also double sales and add 18 new jobs in Two Rivers. AFP manufactures veneered products for buildings, stores, homes and yachts. Products include veneer for furniture, wall panels, doors, ceiling panels, elevator panels, equipment, lockers, movable partitions, millwork and cabinetry. The move is the result of a merger Keeping the Badger sailing is more than just nostalgic – it is estimated the ferry service generates $45 million in economic activity for Wisconsin and Michigan during the season. between AFP and Architectural Wood Products in Vaudreuil, Canada, which is owned by Krueger International. "This merger is allowing us to become more efficient by eliminating redundant costs and reducing freight expense," says Jason Krings, president of AFP. The expansion of the Two Rivers facility will be financed in part by a $565,000 loan guarantee from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation. Flipping for birds They are flipping for birds in Manitowoc and it could mean as much as $7.5 million more a year in tourism spending for the area. Birding, along with biking and the region's back roads, could play a key role in an effort by Lakeshore tourism officials to convince visitors to stay an extra day. Those extra days could bring an additional $7.5 million a year by 2018, according to the Lakeshore Industry Cluster Initiative's latest updates. The Lakeshore Industry Cluster Initiative was launched in 2012 to find ways to help related industries located in the region work together to build relationships that could lead to new opportunities and potential partnerships. For the lakeshore region, the industry clusters include energy, tourism, agriculture and [continued] » One Master of Business Administration Degree. Two Paths. Professional and Executive. Choose the path that fits your level of experience, career goals and time commitment. Visit uwosh.edu/cob/graduate, call (920) 424-3199 or call us toll-free at (800) 633-1430 for more information. Stephen Nunn, MBA Student, Graduating '14 Operations Manager, Kimberly-Clark Corporation, Neenah, Wis. w w w. i n s i g h t o n b u s i n e s s . c o m J u l y 2 013 • Insight | 37