Fall 2006                    return to newsletter contents page

Another Successful Year for FPPA

Jan Noller

FPPA President

As 2006 comes to a close, we can look back on a successful year for the association, coming off a successful Management Workshop this Fall in Chicago; the completion of the Industry Survey; and our first-ever Plate Material Testing project.

FPPA held this year’s Management Workshop in Chicago in October, in conjunction with Associated Independent Corrugated Converters’ (AICC) Annual Meeting. The co-location was a success – providing an

opportunity for our members to network with the converters, many of whom are our customers. The workshop included a panel of tradeshops and converters discussing our impressions of one another and how we can improve workflow and the process on both sides.

The 2006 Industry Survey was conducted this summer by MacKay Research, an independent consultant. The results were very interesting. It has given me the opportunity to look introspectively at my company, based on the aggregate information the report provides. All participating companies were sent complimentary copies of the comprehensive report. It is available for purchase by other FPPA members, via our website.

FPPA’s Technical Committee conducted an in-depth plate material testing project with Clemson University – the results of which were presented at our Annual Convention in March. I’m pleased to report that Phase 2, the follow-up testing program, is underway with the results scheduled to be presented in February at our Annual Convention in Scottsdale. We’ve modified the tests based on feedback we received last year. Participating suppliers this year include MacDermid, Flint Group and DuPont. I’m looking forward to the findings at this year’s meeting.

I hope you are planning to attend our upcoming 10th Annual Convention, being held in Scottsdale, Arizona on February 18-20. The Program Committee has developed a strong program with a good mix of innovative technical information, and perspective about how to address some of the challenges we are all facing in the industry. The program provides an excellent venue for analysis and strategy. I always think of the FPPA Convention as an opportunity to talk to my peers to find out what they’re doing to make them successful in their markets and to learn from my suppliers about the tools they are offering to help me grow my business.

I hope to see you all in Scottsdale!