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TLMI Inspires Members to Roll On

NAPLES, FL, USA—Having enjoyed the benefits of double-digit growth in the roll-to-roll tag and label business in the 1980s and ’90s, converters are now facing the realities of single-digit growth in the new millennium. During the Tag & Label Manufacturers Institute's annual converter meeting, held March 3 through 6 at the Registry Resort in Naples, the focus was directed at finding the inspiration and motivation to manage successfully in a new economic era.

"My Pie’s Getting Bigger…and I’m Running Out of Fingers: Managing the Fruits of the Entrepreneurial Spirit" was the theme of the meeting. Speakers offered words of inspiration, motivation, and encouragement to rekindle passion, creativity, and imagination in the audience’s business as a means to success and a sound future.

Dan Clark, a former professional football player who was paralyzed after being tackled during a game, shared his experience in overcoming adversity through sheer will and determination to completely conquer his paralysis. Frank Maguire, a leadership and communications expert famed for his work with FedEx and Kentucky Fried Chicken, among others, explained how feelings, attitudes, and relationships define truly great workplaces. The best way to predict the future in any business, Maguire emphasized, is to invent it!

During the evening activities, an awards dinner honored eight TLMI members as recipients of the 12th World Label Association Awards Competition, held jointly by TLMI, the Japanese Federation of Label Printers, and FINAT. Winners included: Tapp Technologies, Mail-Well Label, CALabel, Label-Aid Systems, Spectrum Label, and McDowel Label & Screen Printing. Also at the dinner, the Eugene Singer Best Managed Company honors were bestowed on Belmark, Los Angeles Label, Graphic Solutions, and Amherst Label.

On the closing day of the meeting, Robert Hutchison of Hutchison Miller addressed supply chain management, while Laura Moutin, global supply manager—flexible packaging for Unilever (France) shared her frank and helpful advice on how label converters can improve their businesses through their relationships with their customers. Bashing a previously ingrained perception of how converters believe their customers view them, Moutin was applauded when she explained: "Contrary to your own opinions, you are never too small if you’re innovative!"

Rounding out the meeting, attended by 143 members with their guests or spouses, the trade industry’s leading editors provided their own observations on "What’s Ahead for the Industry." Mark Spaulding of Converting Magazine addressed the 80/20 Rule and performance improvement; Yolanda Simonsis of PFFC spoke on profit erosion and who really are your competitors; Jack Kenny of Labels and Narrow Web covered in-house training; Mike Fairley of Labels & Labeling Consultancy detailed opportunities in security and anticounterfeiting; and Sue Friedman of Package Printing outlined product expansion opportunities.

For more information contact TLMI at 630/357-9222 or vist TLMI on the web at tlmi.com.


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