Words can’t begin to express how excited we are by this remarkable and timely turn of events. Rarely have two organizations ever been more uniquely suited to complement each other. PMMI recognized that Summit’s firmly established and highly regarded print and digital presence is a perfect vehicle to support PMMI’s expanding portfolio of world class exhibitions, including the upcoming Pack Expo International 2014. As for Summit, having the considerable resources of PMMI behind us will help us reach a whole new level in terms of what we can offer the entire packaging community, from subscribers to customers to PMMI members.
“PMMI’s strategic vision is to create opportunities where businesses and people along the packaging and processing supply chain can convene to network, problem solve, and do business,” says PMMI Chairman Bill Crist. “The robust platform Summit brings to the table will enhance our ability to do that. It will help us to build a year-round community around the Pack Expo trade shows. We’re looking forward to a very bright future.”
“I think it’s more than fair to say that PMMI’s greatest competitive advantage lies in the strength of our trade shows, programs, and services,” says PMMI President & CEO, Charles D. Yuska. He, too, believes that Summit’s multimedia platform will greatly strengthen PMMI’s position. “This platform will help connect our Pack Expo exhibitors with the trade show attendees year-round and will support the expanding group of expositions.”
Enthusiasm for the acquisition was echoed by a number of PMMI members who attended the September 15-17 Annual Meeting in Rosemont, IL, including Rockwell Automation’s Mike Wagner, who also serves on the PMMI Board of Directors. “I think it’s the most exciting thing to happen in packaging in a very long time,” says Wagner. “This will give PMMI a better handle going forward on members’ needs and opportunities. Packaging World and Summit have their hand on the pulse of the industry. And they have a proven digital platform, which is so important to PMMI.”
Also on the PMMI Board of Directors is Pro Mach President and CEO Mark Anderson. He, too, was at the annual meeting, and here was his take on the acquisition: “Pro Mach is no stranger to making acquisitions, and I know from experience that the best ones are real partnerships where both companies benefit. This is one of those acquisitions. I see terrific opportunities for Summit to deliver value and content to PMMI, especially from a digital platform standpoint.”
So there you have it, a match so rich in possibilities it makes the head spin. Hard work and a clear focus on priorities will be necessary before those possibilities can be realized. Don’t worry, our sleeves are rolled up and our focus couldn’t be more firmly fixed. But in the meantime, on behalf of all employees here at Summit Media Group, we thank you, the vibrant packaging community, for engaging with us so loyally these 20-plus years. Bill Crist couldn’t have said it better: “We’re looking forward to a very bright future.”
