Colbert Packaging Announces Startup Moxie Program for Students
Wisconsin Eagle/10312423

ELKHART, Ind. - WisconsinEagle -- Colbert Packaging, the leading Midwest independently-owned paperboard packaging manufacturer (colbertpkg.com) is excited to announce participation in Startup Moxie, an entrepreneurship-focused dual credit course connecting high school juniors and seniors from across Elkhart County for daily immersive experiences. Sixteen students toured Colbert's Elkhart facility and engaged in discussions with Colbert management about its business and manufacturing operations.

The educational program provides students with hands-on experiences that include touring local businesses, networking with business owners and leaders, and applying entrepreneurial principles to develop their own startup ventures. Through the program, students learn how to develop a business plan for their envisioned business projects. At the end of the school year, students pitch their business ideas to a panel of judges in hopes of receiving real startup funding to help bring their visions to life.

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After being introduced to the Startup Moxie team at a community event in 2024, Colbert HR Manager Todd Douthit, recognized the value of the program and got Colbert involved. "This is a great way for high school students to get the opportunity to meet with local business leaders and learn how businesses operate, what they produce, how they were built and how they experience growth," states Douthit. "The students asked great questions and provided excellent feedback during their visit to our facility."

Startup Moxie program representative Kris Weimer said, "The students had an eye-opening experience touring Colbert Packaging and meeting members of the leadership team in Elkhart. They were especially inspired about Colbert's journey in becoming a certified woman-owned business, as well as the company's work with well-known major brands in the health and beauty and pharmaceutical markets." Weimer goes on to say, "The students were fascinated by the behind-the-scenes look at the manufacturing process used to create high-quality packaging products. This visit offered valuable insight into real-world business operations and left a lasting impression on these future entrepreneurs."

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The Startup Moxie website (https://startupec.org/) states, "Where the Next Generation of Community Builders Are Fostered." Colbert Packaging supports this concept with its future goal of becoming more involved with the Moxie program in 2026, not only in hosting another group of students at its facility, but to also assist in the judging process when the students present their business ideas. Todd Douthit says, "We look forward to being a part of the Moxie program for years to come. The team at Colbert Packaging makes it a priority to engage the youth of our communities in exploring options for a career path in our industry and to develop our future workforce."

Founded in 1959, Colbert Packaging has grown its repertoire of paperboard packaging solutions into one of the most comprehensive, diverse and inventive portfolios in the industry, serving pharmaceutical, healthcare and consumer goods customers. Colbert's Kenosha, Wisconsin facility produces offset and flexographic printed folding cartons, pressure-sensitive roll labels and package inserts; the Elkhart, Indiana operation includes folding carton production and paper tray forming. Learn more at www.colbertpkg.com.

Photo caption: Startup Moxie students visit Colbert's Elkhart facility and learn about the printing and production of folding cartons.