// A LOOK BACK / A LOOK AHEAD continued from page 5
Fall Technical Conference merges with the International Web Vacuum Conference led by Dr. Robert Bakish. AIMCAL sponsors Release Papers and Films Europe Conference in Amsterdam, organized by AWA Alexander Watson Associates. A refreshed Website debuts, includes new job-posting service. Board formulates strategic plan for 2001-2004.
2002
AIMCAL sponsors publication of Metallized Papers & Films World Sourcebook 2002: Markets, Materials and Technologies by AWA Alexander Watson Associates.
To help develop technical content, I recruited Dr. Edward Cohen, who had recently retired from DuPont, to serve as a technical consultant. I owe much of our early technical success to Ed. We continued to push adding value and recruited a second technical consultant, Dr. Eldridge Mount, a metallizing expert who had recently retired from Exxon/Mobil Films. About mid-way through 1999, finances were stable enough that I could afford to hire the first part-time employee, and Norma Bryant (an IT veteran from Philip Morris and Eastern Airlines) came on board. She took initiative and was just what AIMCAL needed. In no time, I was able to hire her full-time. From this point forward, it was no longer I – it was we. Meanwhile, the Internet was becoming more important. So, we established a Website, www.aimcal.org. In fact, we were committed to the Web long before most other associations. We also had a great relationship with the press and kept in close touch with the editors I had worked with during my days at Rexam. Yolanda Simonsis of PFFC and Mark Spaulding, when he was editor of CONVERTING Magazine, were huge supporters of AIMCAL in those early years.
2003
As time passed, we recruited more consultants and formed the Technical Advisory Panel. Through these efforts, we developed a reputation for meetings that not only offered meaty content but were fun, too. We wanted attendees to have a great experience and come back. I think we’ve been successful with that.
AIMCAL hosts Pavilion at ICE 2003 in Munich, Germany.
Another way to create awareness of the organization and add value to members was to find new ways to partner with other associations and groups. We never took the attitude that groups like SVC and TAPPI were competitors. Partnering opened the doors for both groups to gain access to new information, new markets and new suppliers and play to each other’s strengths in program planning and meeting logistics.
Converting Equipment Manufacturers Association (CEMA) merges with AIMCAL.
2004
AIMCAL hosts first Safety Summit. AIMCAL Summer School adds European edition. John Fenn Jr. begins serving as Technical Consultant in specialty roll coating.
How international was the group when you became executive director?
Sheppard: There were a handful of international members, primarily sales and marketing offices seeking access to the US market. The homeland headquarters really weren’t involved. That began to change about 10 years ago when we started doing events in Europe.
AIMCAL office moves to larger headquarters at 201 Springs St. (Ft. Mill, SC) and expands full-time staff from two to four.
2005
AIMCAL collaborates with the Flexible Packaging Association to organize the 2005 Safety Conference and Environmental Summit. AIMCAL Awards 2010
6
// AIMCAL 50th Anniversary
AIMCAL Awards 2010