Tags & Labels Begin 2012 on a High Note

Published: January 12, 2012, By Yolanda Simonsis

What organization would not be grateful to learn it's growing--particularly with "an economy in which organic growth was difficult to achieve," according to Mesirow Financial's "Year-End Review." But growth is exactly what the Gloucester, MA-based Tag & Label Mfrs. Inst. recently reported to the industry in a January 9th announcement.

Within the last few years, gone are the days of double-digit growth for most TLMI converter members. And like its membership, TLMI (along with other industry associations) also experienced a slow down in growth. However, TLMI president Frank Sablone comments with pride, "The TLMI Board of Directors and I are thrilled with the uptake in membership we have witnessed in 2011. Membership is at its highest level in 10 years and reinforces TLMI's position as a prestigious industry association and valuable resource for our converter, supplier, and international members. We are confident that 2012 will bring continued success to TLMI and to the greater narrow web industry."

When I asked Frank Sablone if he could attribute this upsurge to anything specific in the TLMI value proposition, he observed: "In my opinion the uptake in membership is due to a couple of factors: 1: The general improvement of the economy (especially in the manufacturing sector) and companies feeling like they have more discretionary income to allocate to association membership fees. 2: TLMI continues to fine-tune the association's offering and reach. We have 30 companies certified in the TLMI L.I.F.E. Certification, and the program is gaining increased exposure. Additionally, the resources and tools the association offers its members is constantly expanding, and companies are increasingly seeing the real value in becoming a TLMI member."

Of the 13 newly signed members, 12 are first-time members with one, Allen-Bailey Tag & Label based in Caledonia, NY, returning once again to the organization.

TLMI describes itself as member-driven and progressive, providing forums to address issues critical to the success of the tag and label, packaging, and converting industries in the North American marketplace.

PFFC congratulates the following on joining TLMI membership: Continental Data Label, Elgin, IL; The Great Little Box Co. Ltd., Richmond, BC Canada; SKC, Inc., Covington, GA; Graymills Corp., Chicago, IL; CSAT America, Louisville, CO; Italy-based Prati srl, headquartered in the US in Clarksville, IN; ALG Labels & Graphics Corp., Birmingham, AL; Master Impression, Batavia, IL; Roland DGA, Irvine, CA; Alpine Packaging, Inc., North Versailles, PA; Digiflex, Kefar Sava, Israel; and Nova Label Co., Inc., Cheverly, MD