MONEY

Packers events continue in offseason

Richard Ryman
USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

Ted Thompson's frantic free agent activity notwithstanding (said with tongue firmly in cheek), this is a slower time of year for Packers activities. But there are a few things which could be of interest to fans while they await the release of the NFL schedule, the draft and beginning of training camp.

For those who want a shot at personal interaction while doing some good, the 12th annual Green Bay Packers Tailgate Tour begins April 4 with a stop in Medford, followed by Ashland, Houghton, Mich., Rhinelander and Iron Mountain, Mich. All of the money from each stop will go to the hosts to support local nonprofit organizations.

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The tour lineup includes Packers players Brett Hundley, Aaron Ripkowski and Jake Ryan; Packers alumni Robert Ferguson, Ahman Green and Ryan Longwell, and President/CEO Mark Murphy. Food, giveaways, question-and-answer sessions and autograph opportunities are available for $30 a ticket. General admission tickets, which include the Q&A and some other activities, are $10.

The bus also makes announced stops at various locations, such as at schools.

The Medford, Ashland, Houghton and Rhinelander events are from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The Iron Mountain party is from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Insiders pre-draft party

The Press-Gazette's own Insider pre-draft party is scheduled for 6 p.m. April 25 at Hinterland Brewery in the Titletown District. Hinterland will open in early April, making it the first of the district's anchor businesses to open. The Insider event includes a panel with Packers reporters Pete Dougherty, Ryan Wood and Richard Ryman, and editor Stu Courtney.

The event is open to Insider members. Seating is limited. For information or to become an Insider, go to greenbaypressgazette.com/insider.

Packers celebrity bowling

It's down the road, but another Packers fundraiser, Packers Give Back Celebrity Bowling Event, is scheduled for June 7 at Ashwaubenon Bowling Alley. The Packers will raise money for the Northeast Wisconsin Technical College Promise Scholarship.

Teams of four can buy one of 50 lanes for $1,000. They will be paired with a Packers player, coach or alumni. Also included is a gift, team photo, shirts, a company or group sign at the lane and access to the Nestle Family Fun Night Buffet. Information at http://bit.ly/2lUMUIm.

Ticket photo deadline near

Wednesday is the deadline for photo submissions to the Packers Ticket Takeover Contest. The contest is online only, and photos can be submitted at pckrs.com/tickettakeover. The site also will allow entrants to see what the photo would look like on a ticket.

The winner, chosen from among team-selected finalists by a fan vote, will see their photo on 80,000 Fan Appreciation Game tickets in addition to receiving two tickets to the game, airfare and a two-night hotel stay.

Badger State Brewing honor

Badger State Brewing Co. was named Wisconsin Ale Brewery of the Year at the 2017 New York International Beer Competition.

Four Badger State products were awarded medals, including gold for Walloon Witbier, silver for Bunyan Badger Brown Ale, and bronze for Dubious Ruffian Stout and Chile Gordo Smoke Jalapeno Porter.

Judges included retail buyers, restaurant owners, beverage directors, distributors and importers.

Badger State Brewing Co. is at 990 Tony Canadeo Run, Green Bay. Owners are Sam Yanda, Andrew Fabry and Mike Servi.

Independent Printing sale

Independent Printing Co., 1801 Lawrence Drive, De Pere, was acquired by Ennis Inc. of Midlothian, Texas.

Independent, which has four locations in Wisconsin, manufacturers presentation folders and checks, and does wide-format and commercial printing. It reported sales of $37 million for 2016. Founded in 1935, the business will continue to operate under the Independent name.

Ennis is a manufacturer of business forms and business products and is one of the largest private-label business products supplies in the country. Ennis is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the EBF symbol.

Contact rryman@greenbaypressgazette.com and follow him on Twitter @RichRymanPG, onInstagram at rrymanpgor on Facebook at Richard Ryman-Press-Gazette. Or call him at (920) 431-8342