Independent Carton Group’s August membership meeting a resounding success

Members of the Independent Carton Group (ICG, Newtown, Connecticut) came together last week for a membership meeting that offered exceptional opportunities for education and camaraderie. The group, comprised of independently owned and operated carton manufacturers, meets three times annually and members rotate hosting. Colbert Packaging hosted the August meeting at the Grand Geneva Resort in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. The venue was selected in part for its proximity to two Colbert facilities. ICG members were bused to Colbert headquarters and offset folding carton plant in Lake Forest, Illinois, then to the company’s new flexographic printing facility in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
Those who arrived in Lake Geneva early and departed late were given the option to golf on one or both of Grand Geneva’s two championship courses. Some ICG members and suppliers elected to extend their stay and bring family members (see photo above), as the venue – with its golf courses, spa and fitness centre, pools, water park, arcade and more – is a treat for business travelers and vacationers alike. The general membership meeting, during which time ICG members gather to discuss the business and buying aspects of the group, featured notable guest speakers from ICG supplier companies. WestRock CEO Steve Voorhees got the morning underway with a presentation on the value of paperboard packaging as a branding vehicle. He spoke of his admiration for family-run businesses, like many of those in the ICG, and of WestRock’s continued commitment to all ICG members. Voorhees was joined at the meeting by WestRock Senior VP of Sales for North American Paperboard Kevin Sullivan, and Sales Manager Roberto Balaguer.
Rickard Österlindh, President of Iggesund Americas, thanked the ICG for the opportunity to be a supplier to its members. Iggesund is the ICG’s newest supplier, but likely the oldest company on the supplier roster. (It was established in Sweden in 1685.) Österlindh and Regional Sales Manager Paul Weibel introduced the group to Iggesund’s Invercote brand. Clearwater Paper’s Richard Dreshfield, VP of Sales and Marketing, and Randy Stewart, Director of Converting Solutions, led a discussion about their on-site services aimed at helping carton manufacturers optimize operations and drive innovation. Dreshfield and Stewart were joined by Sales Director Robbin Rodgers and Sales Manager Amy Redden.