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June 7, 2011 — Alexandria, Virginia ‹ One of the most successful trade associations serving the packaging industry is broadening its membership by actively reaching out to recruit additional categories of packaging manufacturers. Starting in April of this year AICC began actively recruiting and accepting members from the folding carton and rigid box sectors of the paperboard industry. The key factor is that the new members be privately-held, independent companies. Equipment and consumable suppliers to this market segment are also being added.
łThe strength of our organization has always been our focus on independent, entrepreneurial businesses. This sets them apart from their larger, integrated competitors,˛ stated AICC President Steve Young. łThere is a commonality of purpose among Independents that generates their uniquely high level of energy and engagement. In this regard we have found very little difference between the needs and interests of converters of a broad range of products. We have found that the concerns of independent packaging manufacturers are extremely similar no matter which process or substrate.˛
Adaptability and creativity are also brought up as key attributes of Independents. Their focus is on finding new ways to serve their customers and providing solutions rather than just commodities. Evidence of this is perhaps most noticed in the design departments of many independents. It is typical for an independent packaging manufacturer to employ five to seven times the number of designers and structural specialists per location as their integrated counterparts. According to Young, łIt's our belief that its the Independents who are providing the majority of innovation, whether it be packaging for shipping, point-of-purchase, retail-ready shelf items and many other areas which they first conceive and then generate solutions which serve their customers and advance our industry.˛
In explaining the broadening of the associationąs focus Young stated that, łA number of our corrugated members have already been producing products for their customers in a diverse range of business areas. Over the years many have added folding carton, rigid box, foam, plastics, product pack-out and fulfillment, and even wood to the product mix they provide their customers. In that respect we have embraced serving the needs of these segments for quite some time, so this is just a formal recognition of that fact ‹ a creation of a new division, if you will.˛
This expansion to include additional manufacturers of paper-based boxes and related products began as an idea developed during a long range planning meeting. This spring current association members expressed their strong support in favor of including folding carton, rigid box and their suppliers. Within the first few weeks AICC had attracted four new members from the folding carton and rigid box business sectors along with two supplier companies serving their needs. The addition of several additional members is anticipated going forward.
Every two years AICC has conducted a corrugated design competition as part of its fall annual meeting. This year the newly expanded and re-named Independent Packaging Design Summit will feature competitions in multiple categories, including traditional corugated, folding carton and rigid box. Additionally the very popular Designerąs Workshop will be held wherein teams of designers from member companies are given a specific product specification and two days to develop solution prototypes using design and sample making equipment from the supplier community.
About AICC
AICC was founded in 1974 in Chicago in response to what was then a critical shortage of containerboard, the raw material from which corrugated boxes are made. Independents came together to form a collective voice, and AICC was born. The first national meeting was held in St. Louis in November of that year. At that meeting the following Statement of Purpose was adopted:
1. To provide a forum for the independent converter on matters of mutual interest.
2. To improve the professionalism of the independent converter in the operation of his or her business.
3. To implement democratically determined goals, both civil and governmental, that will have a positive effect on independent converters and their business.
All of AICC's programs and services are built upon this statement of purpose.
Membership Structure
AICC's members (regular members) are independent corrugated converters. We define łindependent˛ as privately held and not having a majority interest in a paper mill that sells a substantial portion of its product in the open market. AICC has also opened its membership to converters of folding cartons and rigid boxes.
Currently our łregular corporate members˛ represent more than 500 plant locations. In addition, we have approximately 175 łassociate,˛ or supplier, members, and these companies are defined as any company which provides machinery, equipment, products or services to the converting industry.
Board of Directors/Governance
AICC is a non-profit, 501 (c) (6) trade association. It is governed by a Board of Directors elected from the member companies. In addition to our officers, we have 13 Regional Directors and five Directors at Large.
Rotated through many US and Canadian cities, AICC annual meetings are held in the fall and spring. The next fall meeting will be held in Salt Lake City, October 26 through 28th.
For additional information contact Nick Griffin (410) 296-7777.
Source: AICC
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