Madison – Calling her a “uniter for economic development in Wisconsin,” the Wisconsin Paper Council (WPC) has named State Treasurer Sarah Godlewski (D-Madison) as the organization’s 2022 “Policymaker of the Year.” Sarah Godlewski was presented the award at the trade association’s headquarters in Madison.
“State Treasurer Sarah Godlewski has served as a uniter for economic development and the papermaking industry – benefiting our members across Wisconsin,” stated John Corrigall, WPC Board of Directors Chairman. “Sarah has worked with key stakeholders to bridge the political divide and advocate for the hardworking employees in the papermaking, pulp, and forestry communities. Her ability to bring together government agencies and stakeholders was a major asset for the Wisconsin Paper Council-led Build Back Better Regional Challenge proposal.”
The Wisconsin Paper Council and coalition partners were named earlier this year as one of 60 finalists for the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s $1 billion Build Back Better Regional Challenge. Treasurer Godlewski played an integral role in providing resources and information to the coalition, in order to ensure this critical Wisconsin project was in a strong, competitive position.
The coalition led by the Wisconsin Paper Council includes the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin, Mid-State Technical College, Sustainable Resources Institute, UW Stevens Point, the Department of Natural Resources Division of Forestry, and Great Lakes Timber Professionals Association.
“I am incredibly honored to receive this award and recognition from the Wisconsin Paper Council. I’m proud that our work together has resulted in the Wisconsin Paper Council-led coalition securing Phase 1 funding as part of the national Build Back Better Regional Challenge,” said State Treasurer Sarah Godlewski. “Working together we will continue to pursue state and federal opportunities to help promote and grow our resilient paper industry as well as support thousands of Wisconsin jobs.”
Wisconsin is the #1 papermaking state in the United States and its members provide family supporting jobs for over 30,000 employees throughout Wisconsin. Papermakers are dedicated to providing their employees competitive wages as well as being environmentally responsible community partners.