Members logging in over the past two weeks to read AICC's Weekly Bulletin were engaged by a series of questions that members have been asking Ralph. Where else but AICC can you get free consulting from an industry Expert.

Who's Ralph? Ralph Young spent his entire corporate career in the forest products industry investing the last 23 year in the paper and corrugated packaging segment. He has worked in the woodlands, primary manufacturing, sales and sales management, marketing, business planning and communications, and three different assignments in product development. He was there when the industry moved to ECT from mullen. His companies have included Champion International, Georgia-Pacific, International Paper and Mead Containerboard.

He is a well known speaker and expert on the technical aspects of corrugated packaging and box engineering. He is also a often requested writer for trade publications. His current consulting company has taken him into the areas of technical expertise in legal cases, economic research, product placements for foreign manufactures, mergers and acquisitions, developing process improvement programs, and connecting with non-profit organizations.

He earned a BS in Forest Management and an MBA. He consumes life with his wife of forty years in Roswell, GA where together they invest in the lives of their three granddaughters, and he ministers as an Elder in the Presbyterian Church of America.

Click here to read the answers to the numerous questions Ralph has received. This is THE 2007 Member Benefit of the Year.

AICC has established a RFID Pilot Project Task Force to determine the feasibility of RFID tags in corrugated environment and to build a business case for internal usage of RFID. Click here for more information.

AICC strongly encourages your company to participate in the upcoming 2006 Coorugated Container Industry - Annual Report of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses, and Safety Awards Program.

In some recent surveys published by Shelf Impact! You may be surprised to hear some of the comments made by your customers.  Not all may apply to the corrugated product, but it may help you spot trends in packaging. How might their thoughts affect your products?

A completely sustainable package should be sourced responsibly and designed to be effective and safe throughout its life cycle. Begin the Journey

What if "Green Technology" were brought in-store for environmentally conscious brands? A growing number of consumers want products that support environmental efforts. Click here to read more.

The Annual FVTC Graphic Arts/Printing Career Night and Open House will be held Tuesday, January 30, 2007 from 5:30pm - 8:30pm. Click here for more information.

On Tuesday, January 23, AICC will present its first audio/web conference of the year called "Negotiating From Strength: Power through Planning", presented by industry trainer and consultant Mark Neely. Click here for more information.

Fundamentals of Improved Flexo Printing on Rotary Die Cutters is Now Accepting Registration!

"Fundamentals of Improved Flexo Printing on Rotary Die Cutters" is a four-day seminar held February 5-8 at Fox Valley Technical College in Appleton, WI. Click here for more information.

Advanced Production Supervisor Training is Now Accepting Registration!

"Advanced Production Supervisor Training", presented by industry trainer and production management expert Dean Mitchell of THE Mitchell Group, Denver, Colorado is being offered February 15-16 at Sumter Packaging in Sumter. Click here for more information.

Upcoming AICC Training:

• Renewing Your Sales Force: Beginner Level Available throughout the year as computer based training.
  
  
• Audio/Web Conference – Negotiating from Strength, Power Through Planning Tuesday, January 23, 2007
  
  
• Fundamentals of Improved Flexo Printing & Rotary Die Cutting Monday through Thursday, February 5-8, 2007
  
  
• Advanced Production Supervisor Training Thursday and Friday, February 15-16, 2007