Tragedy in Japan

Published: April 15, 2011, By Yolanda Simonsis

Since March 11, I’ve been alternately sickeningly horrified and addicted to the news about the devastating tragedy that has struck Japan as the world’s third largest economic power. Aftershocks continue to plague the island nation, and media coverage steadily mounts covering the brave efforts of workers trying to stem the release of radiation resulting from the 32-ft tsunami that damaged the Fukushima Dai-Ichi Nuclear Power Plant. As one person, I have been at a loss as to how I can help in some capacity. . . any capacity. Finally, a corporation from our industry–probably one among many–has stepped forth to make a positive impact

Read more ...

Reported Live at ICE USA!

Published: April 07, 2011, By Yolanda Simonsis

HELLO CONVERTERS! Your “roving” reporter is in balmy–and sunny–Mickey Town (a.k.a. Orlando, FL) where the first edition of ICE USA, organized by Mack Brooks Exhibitions is being staged.

Read more ...

Recorded Live at Converters Expo!

Published: March 20, 2011, By Yolanda Simonsis

On March 3, I visited Converters Expo in Green Bay, WI. It was held at Lambeau Field, home of the Super Bowl XLXV Champions. It was a little scarry to enter Packer territory for this Bear fan, but visiting Converting Influence’s fourth edition of Converters Expo was worth the ride. My husband Bob even came with me to help shoot some video at the show.

Read more ...

Packer Fans Get a Bye at ICE USA

Published: March 17, 2011, By Yolanda Simonsis

I live in Chicago, so I’m a Bears fan (duh). Call me naive, but when I received a press release, from Tim Ward (another Chicagoan) of H+A Intl., about ICE USA offering Green Bay Packer fans free entrance to the expo that debuts on April 6-8 in Orlando, I figured it must have left a bad taste in Tim’s mouth to write such a press release. Turns out, Tim’s a Rams fan. Go figure!

Read more ...

Plastic Trash Becomes Treasure?

Published: February 23, 2011, By Yolanda Simonsis

Some people, despite imposing the “retiree” label on themselves, just can’t quit. That’s the case of my friend Dave Markgraf, who many of you may remember from his previous affiliations with Pinnacle XL and Enercon Industries. He, like several other retiree friends I keep, stays in contact with me when the muse strikes him. While we often trade personal photos or family updates, Dave keeps up on converting and allied industries as well. This time Dave forwarded me a YouTube link to a plastics recycling process that either is the among the biggest hoaxes I’ve ever seen, or it actually may have some merit. See for yourself!

Read more ...

Busy Day Judging AIMCAL Competition

Published: January 20, 2011, By Yolanda Simonsis

Today was a busy one of six judges (including myself) and competition chairman Steven Sedlak of Metallizing Systems Inc., who met today at PFFC’s offices to evaluate entries submitted for the Assn. of Intl. Metallizers, Coaters & Laminators (AIMCAL) metallized or coated product competition.

Read more ...

Check Your E-Mail for Critical Trends Survey

Published: January 19, 2011, By Yolanda Simonsis

PFFC needs your response to our annual Critical Trends survey. For that matter, the INDUSTRY needs your response! Please check your e-mail for a message from PFFC with the subject line: PFFC Critical Trends Survey - Courtesy Reminder.

Read more ...

CPP Expo Boasts Record Attendance

Published: November 30, 2010, By Yolanda Simonsis

While most of the kid in me long ago matured, I found it hard to understand why any show organizer would opt to start a show on Halloween of all days. I may never learn why, but the co-located exhibitions of Pack Expo, organized by the Packaging Machinery Mfrs. Inst. (PMMI), and H.A. Bruno’s Converting & Package Printing Expo (CPP) must have had their reasons. So the shows had a slow start to what what ultimately turned out to be one of the best shows I’ve attended in a very long time. Exhibitor personnel–and even editors such as me–forgave all once Monday, November 1, came along. What a turnaround!

Read more ...

An Unusual and Urgent Personal Request

Published: November 18, 2010, By Yolanda Simonsis

Don’t think I’ve pulled the “personal” card many times asking anyone through any of my columns to honor a request. . . but I am this time. A dear friend of mine–and many of you as well–needs your help. Her name is Suzanne Zaccone of GSI Technologies LLC in Burr Ridge, IL. She has been an active member of the printing community as a converter, a past Tag & Label Mfrs. Inst. (TLMI) president, and advisory board president of DiTrolio Flexographic Inst. in Broadview, IL. She recently added to her list of accomplishments: published author of A Random Interruption and breast cancer victor. Now here comes the personal request. . .

Read more ...

What GOOD Trade Shows Are Made Of

Published: November 04, 2010, By Yolanda Simonsis

Pack Expo/CPP, held October 31–November 3, was an undeniable success. Just look at the traffic–both going and coming–on the third day of the show at Chicago’s McCormick Place! Co-hosts PMMI (Packaging Machinery Mfrs. Inst.) and H.A Bruno had to have been pleased.

Read more ...