The results of a comprehensive, two-year collaborative study of the workforce challenges and future needs of Wisconsin’s papermaking industry will be shared Wednesday, March 30.

The event will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. at Ahlstrom-Munksjö, 211 Thilmany Road in Kaukauna.

This strategic framework final report was developed by the University of  Wisconsin Oshkosh’s Center for Customized Research and Services (CCRS) and the Wisconsin Paper Council (WPC). The effort was funded through a WiSys IGNITE! Applied Research grant.

CCRS and the WPC have employed an innovative engagement process and collaborated with undergraduate student researchers to capture feedback from company leaders, industry expert, and young professionals through surveys, focus groups, stakeholder sessions and individual interviews.

Copies of the finalized report entitled “A Strategic Framework for Wisconsin’s Paper Industry”  will be available at the event.  The report will be then be presented to both state and federal policymakers in order to develop common-sense, bipartisan policy solutions to assist this industry in retaining and creating jobs in order to remain the number one in papermaking production in the United States.

CCRS is recognized as an important driver of regional economic development through the strategic connection of UW Oshkosh talent, intelligence and innovation to Wisconsin businesses and organizations.

The Wisconsin Paper Council is the premier trade association which advocates for Wisconsin’s paper, pulp and forestry industries before state and federal elected officials and regulators. The WPC promotes the positive economic, environmental, and social contributions of our industries throughout our state and nation. The Wisconsin papermaking industry employees over 30,000 highly skilled men and women whose efforts continue to make Wisconsin the number one papermaker in the United States.