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its Shawano facility. The additional space will allow the company to add five more extruders. As part of the expansion, 24 to 28 people will be added to the payroll. Wisconsin Film and Bag creates a range of products such as large polyethylene pallet covers, plain polyethylene film and bags for shrinking products and layflat bags for food and industrial applications. Sengstock says the last remains of the recession appeared to have leſt Shawano and he's optimistic about the future. In the past year, the community caught a break aſter manufacturer Komatsu closed down and two companies filled that empty building, he says. Wisconsin Film and Bag used a $1.8 million low-interest loan from the State Energy Program to open an industrial plastic film recycling center. Big Lug, which assembles custom trailers for vehicles, moved into the other part of the vacant building. E STEPPING IT UP xpect to hear a lot more about Waupaca County. On Memorial Day weekend, a new campaign rolled out to encourage travelers to stop and stay in Waupaca County. The Waupaca County Visitors and Promotion Council (WCVPC), in partnership with eight municipalities, UW-Extension, and the Waupaca County Economic Development Corporation, collaborated on a research project to uncover the Waupaca County brand and develop a strategic marketing plan that will empower the county to leverage its unique identity, says Dave Thiel, executive director of the Waupaca County Economic Development Corporation (WCEDC). The campaign is built around the slogan "It's Your Day! " and looks to raise the county's profile, he says. "The tourism sector is closely connected to the area's retail and restaurant sectors in the county," Thiel says. "Each year, tourists pump $100 million into our economy, and that surprises a lot of people. Since it's such a large sector, we decided it only made sense to grow it more, so that's where the idea of this collaboration came from." Outdoor activities focused around the water are a top draw for the county, which is home to the Chain O' Lakes around Waupaca as well as the Wolf River. Retailers, restaurants and hotels all benefit the most from tourists, who tend to come from southern Wisconsin and Illinois. There's also the hope of drawing people from the Fox Valley, too, especially as gas prices go up; it's an easy getaway. The WCEDC became involved since there wasn't a county-wide tourism organization and only three municipalities – Waupaca, New London and Clintonville – had chambers of commerce. "People who live here sometimes take for granted all of the attractions we have in our back yard. As a whole, the county has a lot to offer," Thiel says. Social media along with a new website are all part of the new campaign, which is funded through a Wisconsin Department of Tourism grant. "Waupaca County's economy is a lot like others across the state as a whole and built on three legs – manufacturing, agriculture and tourism," Thiel says. "Raising awareness about everything we have to offer in Waupaca County is an essential part of this campaign." —MaryBeth Matzek Save up to $1,000 with $399 Offer is subject to change at any time without notice and may not be combined with any other offer. Offer applies to applications taken between March 26, 2012 and June 30, 2012 on purchase money home loans and closed by July 31, 2012. Offer is valid only on single family owner occupied properties. Not all products qualify. Private mortgage insurance (if applicable), pre-paid interest costs, trust review fees and owner's title policies are not included in $399 offer. Loans subject to approval. www. insightonbusiness.com Closing costs on home purchases! It's our housewarming gift to you! www.foxcu.org June 2012 • INSIGHT | 39