VPI announces historic merger
The Appleton-based nonprofit VPI, Inc. has announced it will merge with VARC, Inc., a nonprofit based in Viroqua, in November. By joining forces, officials say, VPI and VARC will enhance their contract packaging services, broaden their reach and strengthen support for individuals with disabilities across Wisconsin.
By combining complementary strengths — which range from licensed child care, adult day services, supported employment, early intervention services, trauma-informed mental health care and school-to-work transition programming — the new-look organization will provide a comprehensive continuum of care to more individuals throughout the state, with a presence in 14 counties (Vernon, La Crosse, Richland, Sauk, Juneau, Columbia, Adams, Racine, Outagamie, Calumet, Winnebago, Waupaca, Fond du Lac and Brown).
Officials said it also will amplify the voice to advocate for disability rights, promote inclusion and support families at every stage of life.
“This merger is a natural alignment of two organizations that share a deep commitment to service, innovation and person-centered values,” said Tim Riebau, president and CEO of VPI. “Together, we are building on our strengths to ensure long-term sustainability, greater opportunities for those we serve and continued positive impact in our communities.”
VPI is well equipped to spread its wings after nearly 70 years in the Fox Cities, Riebau says.
“We’ve been around a long time,” Riebau told co-hosts Kate Bruns and Ann Franz on the Sept. 4 episode of the NEW Manufacturing Insights podcast. “It’s really evolved. We still give people with varying abilities job opportunities. We help people find jobs in the community; we place them in the community; we job coach them. We’re a formal 501(c)3 really helping people integrate into communities, whether it’s socially or vocationally.”
VARC, which stands for Vernon Area Rehabilitation Center, this year is celebrating its 50th anniversary serving Southwest Wisconsin and currently works with more than 850 clients.
“VPI has built a remarkable legacy in the Fox Valley, and we’re honored to move forward together,” said Liz Filter, VARC’s president and CEO. “This merger enhances our ability to deliver exceptional services and creates new pathways for collaboration, advocacy and innovation across the entire state.”
Workers comp insurance rates set to drop
The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development and the Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance announced last month that average workers’ compensation insurance rates for employers will drop 3.2% statewide effective Oct. 1. This year’s cut marks the 10th straight annual decrease in Wisconsin workers’ compensation premiums.
Coolest Thing voting opens Sept. 22
Voting opens Sept. 22 for Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce’s 10th annual Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin competition. A popular vote will determine the Top 16 products that will be placed in a bracket-style tournament called Manufacturing Madness this fall. Manufacturers, consumers, employees and other Wisconsinites are encouraged to vote once per day, per email address through the rounds of voting. Northeast Wisconsin companies have won the award six of nine years, including the last four in a row. This year’s winner will be announced at WMC’s Business Day event in Madison Oct. 23. Learn more at madeinwis.com.
Eye on innovation
Two Northeast Wisconsin companies are among the Wisconsin Technology Council’s 27 finalists for the 2025 Wisconsin Innovation Awards: precision components and assemblies manufacturer Technova Industries in Green Bay, and supply chain pricing and risk software developer Vadar Alpha in Sturgeon Bay. Winners will be announced Nov. 4 at the Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center in Madison.
