Issue link: http://www.insightdigital.biz/i/621384
w w w . i n s i g h t o n b u s i n e s s . c o m J a n u a r y 2 0 1 6 • I NSIGH T | 9 FROM THE EDITOR EVERY NOW AND THEN YOU COME ACROSS something that make you wonder, "Who the heck thought of THAT?" Just when you think you've heard about all the great products made right here in the New North, another one pops up. Although the companies may have been around for a while and the names might be familiar to many, it's fun to discover that such unique ideas launched in our region are successful nationwide and sometimes, globally. So it is with Bay Tek Games, this month's cover story. Who would know that some of the most popular arcade- style games are developed, engineering and manufactured in … Pulaski? If you've visited a family entertainment center like Badger Sports Park in Appleton, Chuck E. Cheese or Dave & Busters, you've seen or played some of Bay Tek Games. ey're the big, bright units with flashing lights, moving parts and the chance to win prize tickets. Founded 40 years ago, Bay Tek Games is one of the top two manufacturers of such games in the industry. Insight Associate Editor Sean Johnson had a lot of fun researching the $24 million company, which employs 115 people, from engineers to assemblers. Aer "fun" (it's all about the "wiggle") the next most important company value is innovation. Competition both in the industry and with other forms of entertainment demands that Bay Tek continually innovate, trying new ideas for games — and taking risks that some ideas won't make it. "One of the things we always need to work on is learning how to fail quickly," says Tom Diedrich, director of product development for Bay Tek Games. "Rarely are you going to tweak a five into a 10. You have to learn to let it go and move on." Another innovative company featured in this issue is Green Bay-based Carnivore Meat Company, our Small Business profile by Staff Reporter Andrew Schaick. In business for 30 years, the company in 2009 changed ownership and focus, establishing an independent brand that provides raw pet food for dogs and cats. Vital Essentials takes an obvious concept — that dogs and cats thrive on raw meat — and caters to pet owners with a keen interest in their pets' health. e new brand prompted the company to invest more than $2 million, double its workforce and realize tremendous growth. e story appears on page 34. Innovation nominations due Jan. 22 Innovation is something we at Insight enjoy celebrating. We are accepting nominations for our third annual Insight Innovation Awards through Jan. 22. If you know of a deserving company — or think your own company is worthy — please let us know! Nominees will be asked to fill out an application form by Feb. 19. Winners will be named at our fih annual THINC! event on May 19 in Appleton. To nominate a company, visit our website, www. insightonbusiness.com and click on the THINC! logo. Also coming up: Our seventh annual InDevelopment conference. Catering to economic and commercial real estate developers, Insight will host this event March 23 at the Radisson Paper Valley Hotel. For a glimpse of what our keynote speaker will discuss, check out this month's Connections feature on page 17. As we celebrate the New Year, our sights turn to the economic climate. To that end, chambers of commerce in our region will share insight on business trends that offer clues to what's to come at their annual economic outlook breakfasts. Both the Fox Cities and Oshkosh chambers host their events on Feb. 9 (If you like to go to both, you'll have to divide and conquer this year!) In early February, the St. Norbert CEO Breakfast & Strategy Series resumes Feb. 2 with Dan Ariens and then Feb. 16 with Kim Bassett. As a sponsor of the series, we hope you consider attending. For more information, see page 42. Here's to a happy and prosperous New Year! Always 'wiggle room' for great ideas