New Job for John Konkel

John Konkel, the Department of Commerce's Outreach Consultant for the northern part of Wisconsin, has retired from state service to take a position in the private sector. Mr. Konkel joined the State's international division in June of 1998 and worked one-on-one with firms seeking to initiate or expand their export efforts. He worked tirelessly to build partnerships between the business, community, and academic groups in northern Wisconsin and promoted the resources that were available to firms seeking to succeed in international markets. Prior to working for the Department of Commerce, he spent twenty years in international sales as a product manager, marketing manager, and vice president - marketing and sales, working in various industries including medical/plastics, HVAC, fire/safety, and high technology products.

Mr. Konkel has been named International Marketing and Sales Director at Kretz Lumber Co., Inc. of Antigo. John will be missed by his colleagues and associates, but we are happy that he will remain an active member of Wisconsin's international business community.

-- Stanley Pfrang