TLMI Sees Growth In Green
- Published: November 10, 2008
PALM BEACH, FL | Members of the Tag & Label Mfrs. Inst., Naperville, IL, gathered at The Breakers Resort October 19–22 to celebrate the association’s 75th anniversary. More than 170 companies were represented at the 2008 annual meeting themed Celebrating our Legacy and Meeting the Challenges of our Future.
Meeting chair Dan O’Connell (UPM Raflatac) provided topics and presenters both newsworthy and noteworthy. Michael Treacy, Treacy & Co. Inc., discussed corporate strategies for growth in poor economic times. Sustainability was well covered by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., named one of the “Heroes for our Planet” by Time magazine; Chuck Leavell, a forestry conservationist who just happens to play keyboards for the Rolling Stones; and Joel Makower, called “the guru of green business practices” by the Associated Press.
In his talk “Growth in Tough Times,” Treacy stressed customer value as the foundation of growth. He recommends choosing an area that’s going to be your signature in the market and selling results and expertise.
In the keynote address, “A Contract with our Future,” Kennedy, senior attorney for the Natural Resources Defense Council, spoke passionately about nature’s ability to enrich our lives, adding, “Good environmental policy is identical to good economic policy.” He discussed rebuilding the national energy grid to take advantage of solar and wind power, saying decarbonizing can lead to prosperity.
Makower, executive editor of GreenBiz.com, said “green” as a business strategy creates value. In his session, “From Here to Sustainability,” he said there’s money to be made, the supply chain is gaining steam, and political will is emerging. More companies are telling their stories, so be innovative; there’s a long way to go.
Leavell manages 2,500 acres of southern pine in Georgia and helped write forestry management practices. He said stewardship and partnership are keys to providing certified wood to industry, a heritage that must be passed forward. His session, “Forever Green,” turned into a jam session as he entertained attendees on the piano.
During the annual business meeting, TLMI introduced its Initiative for the Environment: Project L.I.F.E. Tailored to label converters with an emphasis on matrix and liner waste and label design issues, the project was established by 12 industry leaders whose mission was to develop a program of best practices for environmental responsibility throughout the industry. John McDermott, Label World, explained how members can implement the system and become certified participants. According to TLMI chairman John Hickey (Smyth Co. Inc.), “This will be one of the defining programs we’ve ever done.”
Printing awards were presented at the banquet (see PFFC November issue p28) where a number of other honorees were named. They include Converter of the Year, Frank Gerace, Multi-Color Corp., and Supplier of the Year, Cheryl Caudill, Multi-Plastics Inc. The Environmental Award winner for Technical Innovation is Avery Dennison, Fasson Roll North America, and for Process Improvement, Lauterbach Group. Clive Smith, Tarsus Group, was recognized for his contributions to the industry through Labelexpo. He was named honorary member.
It was not all business however, as TLMI offered members an opportunity to sail, kayak, play tennis, and golf. PFFC’s Mike Derda was on a team that placed second in the golf tournament along with Phil Henderson, Label Technology, and Tim and Mary McDonough of Flexo-Graphics.
Visit www.tlmi.com for more information.
