News Release: August 2023 Update on our Guest Speaker and a Panel of 3 Speakers on Innovation.
- Sam Schlaich Council of Government Affairs at the Flexible Packaging Association.
- Rodney Pennings Sales Director Paper Converting Machine Corporation.
- Dr. Rebecca Mick, Amcor Innostream Program Manager
- Dean F. Benjamin Director of Product Development Pixelle Specialty Solutions
On September 26, learn about the businesses that set the region apart for its manufacturing strengths. From printers to paper, plastics, and roll goods converters, this Showcase event expands in its second year. Hosted by Green Bay Innovation Group (GBIG), the full day takes place at Green Bay’s Radisson Hotel & Conference Center.
Rodney Pennings is the sales director for the printing, coating, and laminating division of Paper Converting Machine Company. He has a Master’s of Science degree in engineering and more than 27 years of industry experience. Rodney has held roles at PCMC in engineering, operations leadership, and commercial leadership, all primarily focused on the printing industry. In his current role, Rodney is responsible for global sales of printing presses (central impression and inline), digital printing solutions, and laser anilox roll cleaners.
Sam Schlaich is a government affairs professional with over 10 years of experience in both the private and governmental sectors. He is currently Counsel, Government Affiars at the Flexible Packaging Association (FPA), the association representing U.S. converters of film, foil, paper, and other materials into packages for food, medical device, and industrial products. Prior to joining the FPA in 2021, he served as an analyst in the Office of Governor Larry Hogan.
Other employment experience includes the Maryland Chamber of Commerce, the Maryland General Assembly, and multiple political campaigns. Sam has his BA in Political Science from Salisbury University and his JD from the University of Baltimore School of Law.
Dr. Rebecca Mick, Amcor Innostream Program Manager will represent Amcor on our Panel Discussion on Innovation at the 5P Showcase on September 26, 2023, starting at 1:30 p.m.
Rebecca Mick, PhD combines her passion for polymers and the environment as the Technical Sustainability Lead in the global Core R&D group at Amcor. She applies her technical expertise to the entire sustainable package lifecycle: from pellet to package. Rebecca is currently leading Amcor’s flexible R&D sustainability program, helping to leverage Amcor’s sustainability developments around the world. She looks forward to educating customers about these efforts and the ever changing recycling landscape. Rebecca has a PhD Chemical Engineering specializing in polymer rheology from the Illinois Institute of Technology.
Dean Benjamin received a B.S. degree in Paper Science and Engineering from the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point and then went on to earn a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Minnesota. While at Minnesota, he studied computational and experimental fluid mechanics of the roll coating process under Professor L.E. Scriven.
Upon graduation, Dean joined Avery Dennison as a Research Engineer at the Avery Research Center in Pasadena, CA where he led projects to develop coating processes for the production of pressure sensitive labels and tapes.
Dean then joined Consolidated Papers, Inc. as a Senior Research Engineer at their R&D facility in Wisconsin Rapids, WI. His research focused on developing new coating and finishing equipment and he eventually became the manager of the Coater Research & Engineering Department. He also worked in the areas of coating color preparation, paper finishing technology, high-speed coaters, fountain applications, corrosion engineering, kraft chemical recovery systems and product development. Dean then became the manager of the Product Development – Publication Papers where he worked on a variety of product developments including high bulk paper, alternative finish paper and high brightness, carbonate based paper coatings, and later was appointed as Director of Research for NewPage. Dean then served as the Director of Product Development for Verso Corporation and is now the Director of Product Development for Pixelle Specialty Solutions.
“This expo features companies with industry updates in several categories and provides outstanding networking opportunities,” says Marty Ochs of GBIG. “We live at the center of innovation, technology, and production capabilities. We have planned for a larger expo and visitor attendance this year.” Aspects include:
- Paper, pulp, and related producers where Wisconsin still dominates.
- Packaging and printing on substrates including paper, film, and nonwovens materials.
- Providers of analytic data services and equipment where growth continues.
- Technologies to increase volumes on production lines in converting and packaging.
- Suppliers who assist with branding strategies, marketing, and promotions.
- Testing companies who assist in meeting quality and processing specifications.
- Breakthroughs in digital, 3D Printing, and flexographic printing for packaging.
- Innovation in the nonwovens industry with fabrics that wipe and filter viruses/Covid.
“We plan to spotlight exceptional exhibitors as they come back this September, and we’re offering a forum for new companies coming on board,” says Susan Stansbury co-host. “You can find these companies at national shows, but they appreciate showing off their wares in their home territory. This area is ‘the converting corridor.’”
Notes Marty Ochs, “Over the next couple of months, we will be reporting on a cross-section of exhibitors and plans, including a keynote speaker from the Flexible Packaging Association. In addition, a panel of other speakers on innovation is on board.”
The location at the Radisson Hotel and Conference Center represents an expanded space for exhibitors. The cost to attend for the day is $50.00 including lunch and refreshments. The Expo Hall will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. followed by networking until 6:00 p.m.
Look for more news to come.
Interested attendees can sign up at: www.GreenBayInnovationGroup.com and go to EVENTS to register.
To exhibit, call or email: Marty Ochs, GBIG, 608.698.3333 martinpochs@gmail.com
Susan Stansbury, Industry Consultant, 920.265.6407 SusanRStansbury@gmail.com
This event is hosted by Green Bay Innovation Group, providing news and platforms
for paper, packaging, printing, plastics and converting industries.
