Fighter pilots don't look back, and neither does the association

As I write this letter, it is late January and we all have just turned the page on another year. I hope 2006 was good for all of you, and I wish you all the best for 2007. It certainly looks promising.

I was recently invited to play golf in Savannah, GA. The golf course is adjacent to Travis Field, where fighter pilots train for the Air National Guard, Air Force, and Navy. What a feeling it was to stand over a four-foot putt and have not one but two F-18 fighter jets fly overhead—and seemingly almost close enough for me to touch. With the engines roaring, the weapons in clear sight, and the speed and efficiency of watching them do a routine touch-and-go maneuver, it was a truly awesome sight. A great feeling of confidence and appreciation came over our foursome. As we watched and listened to this breathtaking experience, I sank my putt. I am reminded of the saying, “Fighter pilots do not have rearview mirrors.” It makes sense.

In this same sense, your Contract Packaging Association Board of Directors and management team are not looking back on what was a very successful 2006. Instead, we are moving forward with enthusiasm, dedication, and vigor for 2007. We remain committed to our fundamental goals and are breaking new ground with beneficial programs that will strengthen our association and membership.

It’s going to be still another great year. My term as your president will end in June 2007, and I will move to the position of past president. Eric Wilhelm will become your new president. By succession, John Riley will move to vice president and Sean McKeon to treasurer. It is proposed that two additional members join the board—Chris Nutley and Joe Jaruszewski. This group of directors will continue the momentum of the association’s work, as well as bring new ideas to the forefront.

 Our 2007 annual meeting was held March 30 through April 2 at Loews Ventana Canyon Resort in Tucson, AZ. Registration was strong. With yet another stellar program, it was one of our association’s best meetings. We have had good ones, and they continue to improve each year. Thanks to Sean McKeon and members of your meeting committee for the excellent work in putting this event together.

For those association members who were unable to attend, and for those of you who are considering becoming members of our association, I can tell you that our annual meeting is well worth your time. We had an inspiring keynote on “What It Takes to Win” from Mike Clemens, former Canadian Football League great and current coach of the Toronto Argonauts. Associate member representatives from Alcoa and R.A. Jones, along with several other presenters, updated attendees on current topics relative to our businesses.

The networking that takes place at our annual meeting alone is worth the price of admission. You can get all the details on our annual meeting by going to www.contractpackaging.org and clicking on the annual meeting link.

It has been a pleasure serving you as your president these past two years, as well as serving on the board the previous six years. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the current board members, welcome two new board members, and wish our past president, John Mazelin, all the best as he leaves the board after serving relentlessly for more than 10 years. John, you’re one of the best. We will miss you, but never forget you or your contributions.