Human resources and the regulatory climate are two of the greatest challenges facing the ink industry today, and the 2017 National Association of Printing Ink Manufacturers’ (NAPIM) Annual Convention offered attendees plenty of information on these issues and more.

The convention, which was held from March 10-13 at PGA National Resort & Spa, Palm Beach Gardens, FL, covered these issues as well as emerging opportunities. NAPIM’s leaders were pleased with how the convention turned out.

“The convention went very well,” said NAPIM executive director John Copeland. “We had excellent content, and the feedback we received on our speakers was very good. I think we had a nice spirit here.”

“I’m really pleased with this year’s convention,” said George Fuchs, NAPIM’s director, regulatory affairs and technology. “We got excellent feedback on the business sessions and the program.”

“Turnout was very good, and the sessions were very informative,” said NAPIM president Pat Carlisle, who is the president of Joules Angstrom UV Printing Inks. “Everyone seems more involved. It seems like we are more like a family.”

Presentation Highlights

The convention got off to a fast start with Frank McKinney, a self-described real estate artist, giving the keynote talk, discussing how he arrived in Florida with $50 in his pocket, turning hard work into a career developing multi-million dollar mansions.

“I worked everyday on my goals,” McKinney said. “My overnight success took 25 years.”

Fuchs then presented “NAPIM Overview and Compliance Update,” a look at regulatory issues. He noted that the Sonoco Institute at Clemson University will be the new home for the National Printing Ink Research Institute’s (NPIRI) Annual Summer Course.

“The Sonoco Institute is an excellent venue,” he said. “They have excellent gravure and offset equipment, as well as packaging and digital. They are also pretty strong in electronic inks.”

Jim Leitch, CEO of Braden Sutphin, and John Jilek Jr., VP of sales for Inksolutions, presented the State of the Industry report. Leitch mentioned that the US gross domestic product is rising, which is a good sign, with 2.6% growth anticipated in the first quarter of 2017.

On the raw material side, titanium dioxide (TiO2) is a major issue, due to plant closings and a recent fire at a Huntsman plant. “TiO2 is a big concern as there are serious supply issues,” Jilek said.

The March 12 session focused on human resources, beginning with Lisa Ryan of Grategy, who covered “Mastering the Millennial Mindset: Smart Strategies to Keep Your Top Talent From Becoming Someone Else’s.”

Ryan discussed the differences between the typical employees from the Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials and Gen Z, and how companies can reach out to younger workers.

“You have to invest in your employees and your emerging leaders,” Ryan said. “The number one thing Gen Z employees are looking for is the opportunity to advance. Taking time to connect to your employees changes the culture. Show gratitude and appreciation, and how they contribute to the organization.”

Richard Chapman of Clark Hill Plc analyzed “Employment Law in the Trump Administration - What Can NAPIM Members Expect?” Trish Kapinos, Joy Rising, Inc., followed with “Wish It Could Be Easier?” How Breaking Up with Antiquated Systems Can Increase Your Performance and Profit.”

Dustin Intihar of Lubrizol Corporation closed the human resources session with “Attracting Top Talent to The Lubrizol Corporation,” a look at how Lubrizol approaches hiring.

“The market is competitive. You have to define your value proposition and your target market,” said Intihar. “You have to set the bar high for quality and never compromise.”

Mark Nuzzaco of the NPES began the final day’s business session with his talk, “What Manufacturers Need to Watch for Now that Donald Trump is President.” He discussed the lack of bipartisanship, although there is some hope.

“We have arrived at a point that is unfortunate due to its partisanship and acrimony,” Nuzzaco said. “Still, there are things that are going on behind the scenes that are positive. Postal reform is a bipartisan issue. Meanwhile, we have to get our corporate tax rates in harmony with competing nations.”

Bo Forbes, Ironside Press, focused on “A Print Provider’s Story of Diversification,” and how his family-owned company changed to serve its customers so much better.

“We learned to see ourselves from the outside in, and worked hard to help our customers improve their bottom line. You cannot lead if you are continuously looking behind you,” Forbes concluded.

In his talk, “The Journey To A Smart Factory,” Joe Ellis, Seeit Solutions, talked about Industry 4.0 and the Internet of Things (IoT). He noted that the IoT allows people to connect to so many things, from their thermostats or their front doors, and industry is using these technologies to gather data.

“We are in the Fourth Industrial Revolution, and it is accelerating” Ellis said. “Industrial IoT gives tremendous opportunities to connect, and you can use analytics to study your return on investment. However, the Smart Factory isn’t just technology. You have to present it to your people at the right time to implement it.”

C. Dale Pritchett, publisher of Ink World and Coatings World, closed the business session with his talk, “Emerging Ink Opportunities.”

“The ink industry is underappreciated,” Pritchett said, and discussed key growth markets such as digital, conductive and low migration inks. “I see incredible opportunities for growth in the coming years.”

The Ault and Pioneer Awards

One of the highlights of the annual NAPIM Convention is the black-tie awards. This year, NAPIM presented James La Rocca, retired COO for Superior Printing Ink, with the Ault Award, the industry’s highest honor.

La Rocca joined Superior Printing Ink in 1970, beginning as a color matcher and rising to COO. He previously received NAPIM’s 2014 Printing Ink Pioneer Award, and served as a member of NAPlM’s Board of Directors.

In addition, NAPIM presented nine Printing Ink Pioneer Awards during the ceremony. The honorees are:

• David Aynessazian, VP technical and marketing, Kustom Group.

• Kevin Bergeson, global category manager – packaging raw materials, Flint Group.

• Jim Felsberg, field marketing manager, Sun Chemical.

• Jim Garner, director of technical services, Flint Group Pigments.

• Jack Powers, marketing manager, Sun Chemical.

• Luigi Ribaudo, purchasing manager, Sun Chemical.

• Dan Shevkun, director manufacturing services, Superior Printing Ink.

• Dave Waller, North American VP for rigid packaging and offset sales, INX International Ink Co.

• Ami Youhana, technical manager of sheetfed inks, Sun Chemical.

Next year’s annual convention will be held April 20-23, 2018 at the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn and Spa in Sonoma, CA. For more information, see www.napim.org.