It’s probably no secret, but Wisconsin produces more cheese than any other state. Wisconsin is home to 1,200 licensed cheesemakers who make more than 600 types of cheese. The result? Wisconsin produces more than 3.4 billion pounds of cheese each year.
Producing this much cheese requires a sophisticated infrastructure that includes suppliers, such as this month’s cover subject, Masters Gallery Foods, which services private label, retail and food service customers across the country.
Second-generation president and CEO Jeff Gentine says the business’s recent growth has been fueled by the rise of private label products in the dairy case, as well as a commitment to quality that has resulted in some industry‑leading practices for the Sheboygan County employer. Turn to page 22 to learn more about the Plymouth cheese supplier that is celebrating 50 years of doing business in the “Cheese Capital of the World.”
This month’s Personalities subject, Lynn Coriano, talks about a piece of infrastructure that is critical for doing business — child care. As executive director of the Basic Needs Giving Partnership, Coriano views child care as being as necessary as roadways when it comes to getting to work. Learn more on page 14 about how the Basic Needs Giving Partnership and Greater Fox Valley Child Care Alliance work to support organizations on the frontlines of increasing child care accessibility and affordability.
On page 50, Insight contributor MaryBeth Matzek takes a look at the economic impact of some startling data — 1 in 3 Wisconsin adults has prediabetes, and several New North counties have the highest percentage of adults with diabetes; Menominee County leads the state. Read this month’s Insight Insider to find out how insurance companies and medical providers are working to manage costs through prevention programs.
Also in this month’s issue you will find our second-annual 40 Under 40 Awards section, featuring profiles of the honorees who were celebrated at a ceremony May 29. The awards event, held at The Weidner in Green Bay, was an energetic evening honoring the impressive accomplishments of this year’s recipients. Thank you to everyone who was able to join us in making it a memorable and inspiring evening. Even if you couldn’t make it in person, you can still get to know the 2024 class starting on page 30. Stay up to date with all of Insight’s events and awards programs at insightonbusiness.com/events.
As always, thank you for reading, sharing your stories and offering feedback.
Wishing you an extra cheesy June Dairy Month.
