Empowerment and Reflection Highlight TLMI Annual Meeting

The Tag and Label Manufacturers Institute traveled to the Rocky Mountains for this year's annual meeting. The meeting, held at The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, Colorado, from Thursday, Oct. 8 to Sunday, Oct. 11, was highlighted by a touching tribute to outgoing president Frank Sablone, enriching keynote speakers and several award presentations.

On Friday morning, each TLMI committee met briefly prior to the annual business meeting. During the meeting, four new board of director members were announced. The new converter board members are Brian Gale of ID Images, Tim McDonough of Flexo Graphics and William Muir of Grand Rapids Label. Rob Hutchison of Hutchison Miller Sales was announced as a new supplier board member.

TLMI's officers were also announced as Chairman Dan Muenzer of Constantia Flexibles, Chairman Elect Craig Moreland of Coast Label, and Vice Chairman Michael Ritter of Superior Business Associates. Kathy Alaimo of Syracuse Label & Surround Printing was chosen to finish Ritter's term as director.

Throughout the meeting, multiple presenters provided their insights on how to thrive in business. On Friday morning, Peter Sheahan, founder and CEO of Karrikans Group, discussed the ways businesses can grasp change as an opportunity. Saturday's speakers included John Foley, a former Blue Angel pilot, and Robert Kriegel, a leading sport psychologist.

One of the themes of Foley's presentation was the Blue Angels' mantra of "Glad to Be Here." He explained that the Angels use this phrase frequently to express their gratitude for each other and the opportunity to be among the chosen few who rise to the ranks of the Blue Angels. Clearly inspired by the presentation, several meeting attendees worked in "Glad to be here" in their conversations throughout the weekend.

Kriegel's presentation also focused on how to react to a changing industry. The key, Kriegel said, is not to react to change as it is happening, but to be the force that is actually driving the change.

The meeting concluded on Saturday night with an awards ceremony and a tribute to Frank Sablone, who will be retiring after 17 years as president of TLMI. This year's award winners included Converters of the Year Randy and Geri Wise of Hyde Park Label, Supplier of the Year Daryl Hanzal of Ritrama and Environmental Leadership Award Winner, the Lauterbach Group. The 38th annual Label Awards Competition winners were also announced. WS Packaging earned the Best of Show award for its label for Meguiar's Paint Protect.

The tribute to Sablone included reflections from past chairmen of the board including Frank Gerace, Suzanne Zaccone and Thomas Cobery. Members of FINAT, the European sister organization of TLMI, paid tribute to Sablone in a presentation complete with light-up sunglasses, inflatable guitars and a pink flamingo. Julie Sablone, Frank Sablone's wife, was also commended for her contributions to TLMI, which includes her coordination of TLMI's Project L.I.F.E. As a fitting send off for an avid golfer, the Sablones were presented with a parting gift of a trip to Scotland for the 2016 British Open.

TLMI's next event is its annual converter meeting, which will be held from March 6 to 8, 2016 in Koloa, Hawaii. The 2016 annual meeting will be held from Oct. 16 to 19 in Palm Beach, Florida.