A Total Community Package: How VPI Expanded Its Impact with Fox
When two organizations come together to help people in our communities, good things happen. And that describes the relationship between Fox Communities Credit Union and VPI, Inc.
Packaging with a Purpose
Founded in 1956 by retired human resources director L.C. Smith, VPI (then called Valley Packaging Industries) began as a packaging vendor to Kimberly-Clark.
Over the years, VPI has become a significant player in providing companies throughout the Fox Valley with packaging and light production services, while consistently expanding its operation to create programs and opportunities for community members in need of specific services.
“The history of our organization is to give people with disabilities or disadvantages work experiences and viable job opportunities,” says Tim Riebau, VPI president and CEO. “We also place individuals in the community. We provide job coaching. We work with school districts and young people coming out of school––mostly out of special education programs––to identify and meet the needs of students and parents.”
A New Chapter Requires the Right Financial Partner
In March of 2025, VPI opened a new, state-of-the-art facility to provide day services for adults with disabilities in a welcoming, activity-rich environment. And Fox Communities Credit Union has played a key role in that expansion.
But VPI’s first contact with Fox was on a community level. “I think it was Bike to the Beat,” Tim says, referring to Fox’s annual bike ride to benefit the Fox Cares Foundation. “So, it really started as a community relationship before we started doing business together.”
And when it came time for VPI to find a dedicated local financial institution, as well as its new facility, Tim knew where to turn. “I didn’t have to look any further than Fox,” he says.
VPI’s new building, located at 2350 N. Casaloma Drive, Grand Chute, is a two-story facility that accommodates a wide range of VPI community programs and services, including Early Intervention, Adult Day Services, and Education Programs, all under one roof.
“The building was owned by the Business Lending Group, which is affiliated with Fox,” Tim says, “and through this process, we used Fox as our banking partner. So, we got to know everybody from the lending officer up to the CEO.”
Two Businesses, One Shared Mission
For Tim and VPI, business relationships are more than just transactions. They represent a deeper, shared commitment to the community. “The Fox folks knew what we were trying to do; they understood the mission,” he says. “This is two community-based organizations trying to figure things out together versus people trying to protect their own interests.”
In Fox, VPI has found a partner it can trust.
“The people at Fox have been involved in our ribbon cuttings, our grand opening, and right away, they asked how they could volunteer and become more involved. Together, we’re empowering the community.”
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