January/February 1988
PSI Conference Coverage
The 26th Annual Paper Stock Institute Conference underlined the interdependency of PSI and ReMA in a world of fluctuating markets and increasing environmental regulations.
By Paul Green
Paul Green is director of membership services for the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries, Washington, D.C.
The Paper Stock Institute (PSI) became an even stronger entity within ReMA during the 26th Annual PSI Conference November 11-15 at the Arizona Biltmore in Phoenix. The conference, co-chaired by Nini Krever, Traders International Corporation, North Palm Beach, Florida, and Jim Taft, William Goodman & Sons, Inc., Portland, Maine, offered participants an exciting variety of social and informational activities.
PSI President Philip Alpert, of National Fiber Supply Co., Chicago, Illinois, in his remarks to the General Session of the Institute, said PSI had a busy and interesting year with the merger of NARI and ISIS and the activity levels of domestic and foreign markets.
Alpert noted that markets in various grades had improved steadily over the last 16 months and that market conditions should remain constant through the beginning of the first quarter. However, he felt that PSI members should keep watchful eyes on whether small independent paper mills can continue to be viable.
Alpert also spoke about meeting paper mills' quality requirements and about using Statistical Process Control (SPC).
In addressing PSI's role in ISRI, Alpert suggested that the challenges ahead can be viewed as positive forces if PSI Division members are willing to commit time and energy to increasing the division's viability within ISRI. He further suggested that this could be done by increasing the number of members in the PSI Division. He urged every member to actively pursue companies that would be eligible to join.
Alpert noted that he was addressing his last general session as president of PSI and thanked the membership for the opportunity to have served them as president. He concluded his speech by saying "I hope you feel that I have served our industry in a manner that you can be proud of."
After his remarks to the general session, Alpert introduced ReMA Executive Director Herschel Cutler. Cutler's remarks centered on ISRI/PSI current programs and future activities. He pointed out that current programs that individuals might perceive as being "just for the metals industry" are not necessarily so. Most of the programs and activities, he said, are relevant to PSI as well as all the other segments of the merged ReMA association.
As an example, Cutler cited the successful ReMA workers compensation/general liability program, which is being studied for extension to paper companies that qualify for the program. He mentioned, too, the award-winning safety program and providing advice on rail, motor, and ocean shipping.
Cutler also covered the work ReMA is undertaking on every member's behalf within the legislative and environmental areas' subjects that, he said, can have a profound impact on a company's ability to do business. To demonstrate how the association can be helpful in this area, Cutler stated, "ISRI has developed expertise in the environmental area, expertise second to none. It has become a trade association requirement because this industry-your industry-is uniquely affected by the plethora of laws and regulations now effective which challenge your viability each and every day of your business life."
In conclusion, Cutler said, "I extend the official welcome of the association to you, PSI. ReMA is you, and you help make up the great organization known as ISRI."
A variety of committee meetings and work sessions attracted overflow attendance. Following are highlights from the committee meetings.
Executive Committee Meeting
Chaired by Philip Alpert.
The Executive Committee discussed the framework for an upcoming document that will outline the objectives of PSI for its members and potential members.
The Committee also announced the people who take office in January: Chairman--Richard Foohey, Great Eastern Packing & Paper Stock Corp., E. Weymouth, Massachusetts; Vice-Chairman--Lloyd Shikany, Consolidated Fibres Inc., Oakland, California; Vice-Chairman--William Nielsen, Nielsen & Nielsen, Inc., Pomona, California; Treasurer--John Gold, North Shore Recycled Fibers Corp., Salem, Massachusetts; Secretary--Wayne DiCastri, Pioneer Fibers Inc., Minneapolis, Minnesota; Executive Committee Members-at-Large--Victor Storelli, Durbin Paper Stock Co. Inc., Miami, Florida, and Steven Zamkov, The Marcus Paper Company, West Haven, Connecticut.
The two National Board seats held by PSI, in addition to the chairman of the division, will be filled by Philip Alpert, immediate past president, and William Nielsen, vice-chairman.
Standards and Practices Committee
Co-chaired by David Berkowitz, Hancock-Lehigh, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Steve Vento, Durbin Paper Stock Co., Miami, Florida.
The committee acted on recommendations from a subcommittee co-chaired by Wayne DiCastri, Pioneer Fibers Inc., Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Chuck Cyra, Donco Paper Supply Co., Cincinnati, Ohio.
The subcommittee reviewed the Specialty Grade List within PS-86 and recommended that the following listings be removed: #10--Boxboard with foil; # 19--White Glassine; #20--Chocolate Glassine; #21--Red Glassine; #22--Printed and or mixed colored Glassine; #24--Manifold ledger containing carbon; #29--Solid fiber container.
The subcommittee suggested that the following listings be added: Carbon Mixed; File Stock; New Computer Printout; Ruled White; Insolubly Glued Free Sheet, Paper, or Board; Contaminated Board.
The subcommittee also discussed changing the name of 26S to Unsorted Tab Cards.
After discussion, the committee accepted the recommendations of the subcommittee by an overwhelming margin.
Production Committee
Co-chaired by Jerome Lucey, Consolidated Fibres Inc., Richmond, California, and Leonard Englander, Sunbright Waste Paper Co., Waco, Texas.
At the request of the committee, Floyd Tuominen, Harris Press and Shear, Minneapolis, Minnesota, spoke on product liability and ways to reduce insurance premiums by minimizing risks through good maintenance and safety programs.
Foreign Trade Liaison
Co-chaired by Alfred Michelson, Paper Fibers Inc., Los Angeles, California, and Mike Millis, Omega International Corporation, Jenkintown, Pennsylvania.
After reviewing language in the Foreign PS-86 Specifications document, the committee heard a review of activity in the markets of Pacific Rim countries (Asia), Europe, and South and Central America.
Convention Committee
Co-chaired by Nini Krever, Traders International Corporation, North Palm Beach, Florida, and Jim Taft, William Goodman &Sons, Inc., Portland, Maine.
The committee began discussing programs and activities for the 1988 Conference, which is planned for November 9-13 in Boca Raton, Florida. They are looking into improving existing programs, expanding workshops, and providing a brunch or luncheon for spouses.
Special General Session
Planned and moderated by Stan Litman, Dal-Tex Waste Material Company, Dallas, Texas.
This session covered topics on improving plant productivity and profitability
Participating in the workshop were: Mel Arata, Arata-Western, San Jose, California; David Berkowitz, Hancock-Lehigh, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Celia Garrett, V. Monteleone & Company, Bronx, New York; and Louis Monteleone, also of V. Monteleone & Company.
The participants explained how they optimize their operations. A question-and-answer period followed.
The 26th Annual Paper Stock Institute Conference underlined the interdependency of PSI and ReMA in a world of fluctuating markets and increasing environmental regulations.