AICC, The Independent Packaging Association, held its Annual Meeting at the Marriott Louisville Downtown, September 18-20, in Louisville, Kentucky, with more than 500 registrants in attendance.
AICC members had the opportunity to explore the box plants of Premier Packaging, Independent II, and Greif CorrChoice.
The AICC Annual Meeting kicked off with a Focus Session that included the State of the Industry address delivered by Timothy Bergwall, Group President of Paper Packaging & Services at Greif, Inc.
George Staphos, a Managing Director at Bank of America Merrill Lynch, followed with a Paper & Packaging Economic Update, equipping participants with the latest market trends and financial perspectives.
Gene Marks, CPA, author and columnist, and Small Business Owner, shared top tactics and strategies that leaders should employ to navigate and thrive in 2024 and beyond.
Keynote speaker Stephanie Stuckey, CEO of Stuckey’s Corporation, presented “Looking Back to Move Forward,” prompting attendees to reflect on the past and draw valuable lessons for the future during a general session and went on to discuss “Keeping the Family in Family Business” and “It Takes Creativity: DIY Marketing” during subsequent workshop presentations.
In another workshop session, Tim Connell, A.G. Stacker, moderated a panel discussion with Jeremy Cohen, Acme Corrugated, Keith Thomas, Michigan City Paper Box Co., and Dennis Wood, Premier Packaging, on “Automation vs. Semi-Automation in the Plant.”
Andrew Hurley, Clemson University, presented a four-phase program for sustainable packaging development during a workshop and discussed carbon neutrality during a general session while Abigail Sztein, AF&PA, provided insights into legislative developments affecting the industry.
During the Meeting, Evelio Mattos, host of Package Design Unboxd, also explored the implementation of AI in manufacturing.
AICC Emerging Leaders participated in a discussion on leadership development and authenticity in leadership with panelists Cassi Malone, Corrugated Supplies Company, Josh Sobel, Jamestown Container Companies, Danny Lopez, Haire Group, and Simona Georgescu, Adduco Communications, Inc. and moderator John McQueary, CST Systems Inc.
During the Meeting, AICC recognized Greg Jones, SUN Automation Group, and Greg Tucker, Bay Cities, as the recipients of the AICC Champion Award.
Cascades took home the AICC/ BCN Innovator of the Year Award for their 100 percent recycled SBS alternative used for color applications on packaging.
Student Design Competition winners and Troll Scholarship recipients were also recognized during the meeting.
Additionally, AICC members elected a new slate of officers and directors during the Annual Meeting, with Matt Davis, Packaging Express, succeeding Jana Harris, Harris Packaging and American Carton Co. as Board Chair.
The event concluded with a closing keynote from Dakota Meyer, a US Marine and Medal of Honor recipient, who shared insights on mastering life’s toughest battles and discovering one’s purpose.
