While the state has faced significant mill closures in recent years, Wisconsin Paper Council President Scott Suder highlights how $500 million investments in new facilities and a robust supply chain are stabilizing the local economy. The conversation with Stephanie Hoff addresses common misconceptions about the industry, emphasizing that modern papermaking is high-tech, environmentally sustainable, and offers high-paying careers. We also examine the critical role of academic partnerships and state-funded research in developing a roadmap for the industry’s future. Finally, the discussion turns to the complexities of international trade and legislative efforts to protect national security without disrupting the global partnerships that keep Wisconsin’s mills running.