PPC Outlook and Strategies Conference Sets Attendance Record

It wasn't easy getting from Philadelphia to Cincinnati to participate in the Paperboard Packaging Council (PPC) 2010 Outlook and Strategies Conference. My direct flight to Philly was cancelled but Delta re-booked me automatically, although now my journey took me through Atlanta. But anyone who has flown through Atlanta knows that as far as airports go, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport rocks—especially the Delta terminal.

I did make it though, thanks to several standby passengers not being where they needed to be and made it here in plenty of time for the conference's Awards Dinner. Besides great food and better company, this dinner features the presentation of the Volunteer Leader of Excellence Award and the PPC's Safety Boxscore Awards.

Of particular note is the attendance at this year's event. Ben Markens, PPC president, proudly asked all first time attendees to stand during the dinner, noting that this year's event set attendance records.

The PPC's Safety Boxscore Awards recognize members who had exemplary safety records during the previous year in which no OSHA-reportable accidents were reported. Winners boasted up to 380,000 hours without a reportable accident.

Also recognized for her dedication to the PPC was Ann Piper, of Joe Piper, Inc. She was the original Associate Member of the PPC to sit on its board and has been a mainstay in council activities.

The evening culminating with the presentation of the Volunteer Award of Excellence to Richard E. DePaul. The award is given to individuals who have shown exemplary dedication and service to PPC, its members and mission, and the paperboard packaging industry.

From the 1950s until 1986, DePaul was the Container Corporation of America’s (now Graphic Packaging) corporate representative to PPC and served on PPC’s Technical Committee. Since 1994, DePaul has participated as a judge for PPC’s national Paperboard Packaging Competition and later, helped judge PPC’s Student Carton Competition. In 2000, he authored PPC’s successful publication Ideas and Innovation, a comprehensive handbook for designers, converters, and buyers of paperboard packaging. In 2004, he expanded the handbook into a second edition.