Plastics News Executive Forum 2012
Plastics industry executives from all across the country converged at the Saddlebrook Resort in Tampa last Jan. 29-Feb. 2 to learn about new trends, hone their management techniques, network, and witness the PN Processor Award ceremonies.
PN Conference Producer Angie DeRosa kicks off Executive Forum 2012. The conference program focused on the economy, resin markets, management best practices, design and innovation, M&A trends and more.
Russ Riendeau, a Chicago-area businessman and a behavioral scientist, coached the audience in his energetic and entertaining style, on how to find and keep top talent in tough economic times.
Christof Heisser, president of SIGMA Plastic Services, makes the case for injection molding process simulation.
Jon Bemis, Manager - Management Systems, for growing global processor Bemis Manufacturing explained how the company's playbook management system facilitates communication among its 1,600+ employees and customers.
A panel discussion debunking the latest in M&A trends featured (L-R) Tom Blaige of Blaige & Co., Mike Huff of Citadel Plastic Holdings, John Chrysikopoulos of Mesirow Financial, and Vern Boersma of Engineered Plastic Components Inc.
(L-R) PN's Frank Esposito moderates a panel with Styron's Paul Moyer and IHS's Nick Vafiadis on what's hot and what's not with regard to resin.
During breaks in the conference program, C-level attendees mixed and mingled with other top leaders to share best-practices.
Recycler Envision Plastics is one of the country’s largest recyclers of HDPE bottles. Its VP of sales, Tamsin Ettefagh, shared her perspective on how more energy savings can be realized using recycled content.
The agenda allowed for plenty of time for audience questions and comments throughout the conference sessions.
A panel dicussion featuring (L-R) Jeff Applegate, president of Blackwell Plastics; Lee Fain, Design Manager at 3M; and Tim Dell, VP-Innovation & Sustainability for Eastman Chemical, explained how some companies are teaming up with partners to push product design and innovation to a new level.
Attendees were provided with the opportunity to speak directly with Forum presenters during Conversation Station sessions throughout the agenda.
Troy Nix helped start the Manufacturers Association for Plastics Processors over 15 years ago, and at the PN Executive Forum he gave his perspective on the plastics industry and the future for MAPP.
Two Kindle Fires were raffled off from among the completed speaker evaluation forms. Shown here on the right is Sam Smith of Everbank - the company that sponsored the drawings - with Kindle Fire winner Graham Pervier of Rockingham County N.C. Partnership.
An attendee visits the Routsis Training booth during a break in the conference sessions. Twenty exhibiting companies had booths set up in the back half of the conference hall, affording attendees easy access to them during breakfasts, breaks, lunches and an evening reception.
Plante Moran's Jeff Mengel takes the mic during Q&A.
PN VP/Publisher Tony Eagan kicks off the procesesor award ceremonies which took place at a gala reception during the last night of the Executive Forum.
An asian-themed, upscale evening reception was the setting for the PN Processor Award ceremonies which included the crowning of three Excellence Award winners and the Processor of the Year.
Michael Araten of POY Finalist company Rodon Group graciously addresses the crowd after accepting a runner-up award. Steinwall Inc. took the top prize as Processor of the Year.
PN named the winners of its three Excellence Awards in various categories. (L-R) PN's Tony Eagan; Excellence Award sponsor Milacron's Jim Moore; Scott Balogh of Mar-Bal Inc. (winner, customer relations); Tom Houdeshell of ATEK (winner, employee relations); Peter Bemis of Bemis Manufacturing (winner, industry & public service); and PN's Bob Grace.
Peter Bemis, co-chair and CEO of POY Finalist company Bemis Manufacturing, is escorted to the stage to accept one of two runner-up awards. Bemis Manufacturing won a PN Excellence Award earlier in the evening for Industry & Public Service.
Steinwall Inc., a people-oriented custom injection molder based in Coon Rapids, Minn., was the big winner of the Processor of the Year Award. President Maureen Steinwall accepted the award from PN's Bob Grace (left) and Bill Carteaux, president of The Society of the Plastics Industry. SPI was the exclusive sponsor of the award.
