Register now to attend the Shipping, Receiving and Warehousing Workshop, in Nashville, April 12-13, 2011, and learn new ways to improve your bottom line. Discounted registration ends on Friday, March 25, so don't delay if reducing costs is important to you.

Discounted registration for this information-packed event is only $265. And for an additional $65 (a total of $330) you can become a member of TAPPI - normally $174. TAPPI Membership entitles you to news, publications, conference discounts and a directory of members - the most influential people in the pulp, paper, converting and allied industries.

Be a part of this dedicated group of mills, carriers, warehouses and printers as they establish standards to reduce in-transit damage to rolls of paper. You can't learn by sitting in your office!

Program highlights:

• Results from the qMetrixTM pilot project, providing real-time roll damage reports to printers, carriers and paper mills.
• Review of claims processing procedures to assure fast processing and prevention of future damage.
• Workshop on warehouse operations, covering best practice product handling and loading of rail cars and trailers.
• Hear how Verso Paper has achieved a dramatic reduction in damage claims.
• Membership Special - register for SRW and join TAPPI at a 60% savings!

Learn more about TAPPI's Shipping, Receiving and Warehousing Workshop.

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TAPPI and PIMA are pleased to announce the selection of the following individuals for the 2011 PIMA Management Division Awards.

Mike Jackson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Verso Paper Corp., has been selected as the association's 2011 Executive of the Year. The award is PIMA's highest honor and is bestowed on senior-level executives in the pulp, paper or converting industries for excellence in management and outstanding contributions to the industry as a whole.

Mike Bruner, Mill Manager with International Paper's Courtland Mill has been named Mill Manager of the Year. This award recognizes the mill manager who has best demonstrated outstanding leadership, management and organizational skills leading to improved results at the facility for which he or she is responsible. Nominees for the award are judged on four criteria: skill in people development; application of best management practices; effective use of external resources; and change management.

Rodger F. Brzezinski, Mill Supervisor at NewPage's Escanaba Mill has been named the Brookshire Moore Superintendent of the Year. This award recognizes the mill superintendent who has shown high personal standards and professional management qualities that contribute to the betterment of those under his or her management and in his or her company. Rodger will also be inducted into Couch Pit University. Couch Pit University Fraternity (CPU) is an invitation only organization of long-time papermakers. In order to become a member of CPU, you must have been nominated for membership and accepted into the fraternity by the other members or win the Brookshire Moore Superintendent of the Year award.

Jef Howell, Purchasing Manager of Verso Paper Corp.'s Androscoggin Mill in Jay, Maine, will receive the Ray H. Cross Community Service Award. This award pays tribute to pulp and paper industry persons who have rendered outstanding service to their communities by involvement in the activities of local business, educational, civic and philanthropic organizations.

Micki Meggison, Technical Director, Sappi Fine Paper North America, Westbrook, Maine, will receive the Delano L. "Del" Boutin Division Service Award. The Del Boutin Division Service Award is presented to members for devoted service to a TAPPI/PIMA Local Section. The award recognizes long-term dedication of TAPPI/PIMA members at the local level.

Peter R Gaddie, Key Account Manager, Nalco Company, will receive the Thomas F. Sheerin Sr. Service Award. The Thomas F. Sheerin, Sr. Service Award is presented to a supplier for outstanding contributions to the pulp and paper industry and/or the community.

Nicholas Knowlen, A Senior Chemical Engineering student at the University of Maine, will receive the Student of the Year award, which recognizes and supports outstanding students in paper science programs.

The 2011 PIMA awardees will receive their awards during the 2011 PaperCon Conference in Covington, Ky., near Cincinnati, Ohio, May 1-4. See www.papercon.org for more information.

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The Institute of Paper Science and Technology (IPST) at Georgia Tech held an executive conference, led by IPST Director Norman Marsolan, March 9-10 in Atlanta. The conference was titled, "Remaining Competitive in an Evolving Industry: Seizing Emerging Forest Industry Opportunities in Operations, Process, and Product Innovations." Twenty representatives from 14 manufacturing companies and nine people from five supplier companies were on hand, along with six government agencies and industry association representatives including the Agenda 2020 Technology Alliance, TAPPI, the US Department of Agriculture-US Forest Service National Forest Products Lab, and others. Fifteen faculty members of the Institute and Georgia Tech discussed recent research endeavors, opportunities and results. Review the conference highlights.

"It was energizing to have such a gathering of intellectual horsepower to spend some time talking about ‘the possible, the practical, and the imaginable', as one member put it," observed IPST Director Norman Marsolan. "The conference showcased our broad and deep Georgia Tech faculty expertise, and also leveraged the considerable expertise in the audience." Coincidentally, Marsolan became the chair of TAPPI on March 8.

The first day focused on preserving and improving returns from existing assets, with presentations by Professor David Sholl on emerging membrane separation technology and by Professor Preet Singh on advanced techniques to address and prevent corrosion. The changing manufacturing environment due to regulatory requirements, water constraints, and other external demands were explored. An energy session led off by Nobel Laureate Marilyn Brown and including Professor Deepak Divan reviewed the current policy environment, the tools available to respond, opportunities to take advantage of the industry's energy self-generation and utility requirements for renewable fuels. Department of Energy Senior Technology Manager Bhima Sastri challenged the industry to develop bold ideas for radical reductions in energy demands for consideration for Federal research funding.

Day Two moved to opportunities for sophisticated product extensions using fiber modifications and printed electronics, with special emphasis on packaging applications. Professors Art Ragauskas, Bernard Kippelen, and Oliver Brand spoke. Another session, with Professors Ragauskas, Carson Meredith and Mike Harris and moderated by Phil Jones, discussed new products from forest biomaterials and the critical steps required for successful commercialization.

Two presentations by Georgia Tech faculty professors William Rouse and Stylianos Kavadias addressed how companies know it is time to transform (and when to defer), and how to balance the needs of the company in place today with the company that management is striving to create.

A panel made up of a manufacturer, a chemical supplier, and an industry consultant, moderated by Pat McCarthy of the Center for Paper Business and Industry Studies, discussed economic trends in the industry and steps companies are taking to prosper in today's markets.

"I can't say which one session was most valuable," one participant commented. "All of it was—and so was the networking, and the people I've met."

The conference also highlighted IPST's strategic evolution to meet the needs of the forest products industry today. Founded more than 80 years ago, IPST still strives today to provide members solutions to their strategic, economic and technical challenges. And today that occurs through a research collaborative that enables access to world-class research personnel at IPST, across Georgia Tech and globally. Its research thrusts include Operational Excellence, Biofuels, and New Products from Forest Biomaterials. The Center for Paper Business and Industry Studies and the Education platform supporting 50 graduate students complete the portfolio. Key services include focused research (company-directed and consortium), expert consulting, analytical services and education.

For further information, please contact Norman Marsolan or visit the website.

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The Pulp and Paper Safety Association (PPSA) will hold its 68th Annual Safety & Health Conference at the Hyatt Regency in San Antonio, Texas, on June 19-22, 2011.

Program highlights:

• Meet and make valuable safety contacts within Forest Products Industry
• Hear first hand from companies like yours with outstanding safety records
• Find out what the latest OSHA activity and direction is
• Learn new accident avoidance techniques
• Learn about new industry specific training programs
• Find out what is on the cutting edge and currently available from safety suppliers
• Learn from both the positive and negative experiences of others in our industry

For more information download the conference program or visit the website.

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PaperCon's Sustainability Forum to highlight the latest developments in this rapidly evolving field during this one-day event.

Attend PaperCon's Sustainability Forum and discover the latest developments and trends directly from our industry's sustainability leaders - and learn what the future holds in this rapidly evolving field.

The Sustainability Forum, taking place Wednesday, May 4, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. will:

 Focus on the "Science Behind Sustainability" - providing a venue for technically based discussions on sustainability and reviewing the basics of sustainability grounded in science - from providing definitions and interpretations of existing/proposed standards and certifications, to sharing best practices, impacts and assessment of sustainability drivers.

 Share Knowledge Among Paper Manufacturers and Their Customers - and created a technically-focused learning environment for the paper/packaging industry and its suppliers - and bring togehter end users, technical marketers, paper merchants and buyers to enhance their knowledge about paper sustainability.

 Share and Leverage Best Practices and Lessons Learned - enhancing overall industry advancement in sustainability by sharing experiences and initiatives with product development, manufacturing improvements and customer relations.

 Bring Industry Issues to the Forefront - providing a forum to gather industry opinions and develop industry consensus (as appropriate) on sustainability issues and drivers to enhance the industry's performance.

Learn more about the Sustainability Forum and PaperCon, taking place May 1-4, 2011 in Covington, Ky., (Greater Cincinnati area).

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TAPPI's OpEx Maintenance Seminar: Operating Excellence through Advanced Asset Management is an important two-day seminar, taking place May 2-3 during PaperCon 2011. It is designed for mill maintenance and reliability supervisors who are interested in bringing the latest reliability techniques and best practices back to their mill. Organized by TAPPI's Asset Management Committee, speakers include mill personnel, consultants and suppliers.

Attendees will bring practical ideas back to their mill; meet and network with world class asset management experts and suppliers; and attend a roundtable of maintenance superintendants from TAPPI's Ohio Local Section. Up-to-date program information is available.

Learn more about this event and all PaperCon has to offer.

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TAPPI has announced a sell-out of exhibit floor space for PaperCon, the largest and most comprehensive event in the global pulp and paper industry. This year's exhibit floor will be the most extensive since PaperCon's inception in 2008, offering concentrated access to the industry's newest products, services, innovation and expertise. Organized by TAPPI, the leading association for the paper and converting industry, the PaperCon Conference & Trade Fair runs from May 1-4, 2011, at the Northern Kentucky Convention Center in the greater Cincinnati, Ohio, area.

"We've carried the PaperCon momentum, fueled by a 60% increase in attendance for 2010, right into 2011 with an exhibit floor that is now 33% larger than last year," said Scott Springmier, Pulp and Paper Division Manager for TAPPI. "We're absolutely thrilled with the growth of PaperCon and what we are able to provide the industry in terms of technical content and networking opportunities."

PaperCon boasts the largest program of any industry conference, including more than 150 speakers in more than 50 sessions, workshops and seminars. The program is organized by 30 member groups comprising more than 300 volunteers within TAPPI, including PIMA Management, Papermakers and Coating and Graphic Arts. Other highlights include a Sustainability Forum and Tissue Forum, as well as a two-day Maintenance and Reliability workshop.

In addition, the Recycled Paperboard Technical Association (RPTA) has joined PaperCon this year, bringing its Production-Technical Seminar that runs concurrently and is open to all attendees.

"When RPTA approached TAPPI to collaborate on PaperCon, we jumped at the opportunity to bring attendees yet another option for expanding their technical knowledge," commented TAPPI President & CEO Larry N. Montague. "If content is king, then PaperCon wears the crown among industry events by combining the broad expertise of our members, sponsors, exhibitors, and related associations like RPTA."

In addition to a robust program and extensive exhibit floor, PaperCon offers a popular mill program that allows paper mills and corporate offices to send an unlimited number of employees to attend at any time their schedule permits. Registration for this program is still open and details are available at www.papercon.org. For more information, please contact Scott Springmier or call 770-209-7241.

TAPPI has created a waiting list for companies who may want to exhibit or explore the limited sponsorship opportunities still available. To join the waiting list or learn more about remaining sponsorship options, contact Shane Holt or call 1-352-333-3345.

Learn more about this event and all PaperCon has to offer.

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This message comes to you as a friendly reminder from TAPPI that the early registration date for the TAPPI Essentials of Market Pulp course is April 1- only days away.

This course was developed from the growing demand for the most current information on pulp qualities and availabilities in the global marketplace. Three world-renown course instructors are coming together April 30 before the PaperCon 2011 convention to address the questions they encounter in their fields.

"In seminars and my interactions with paper mills, I've found considerable interest in all species of softwoods and for what each is best suited. Acacia, both Acacia Mangium and Acacia Cassacarpa, and cold-weather-resistant Eucalyptus (E.Nitens, E.Dunii) have gained particular attention. In this course, we will discuss these pulp selections, as well as species for specific use, such as Black Spruce, for example, found to be best suited for premium facial tissue; Douglas Fir for towelling; and White Spruce for fast response to refining." - Dave Hillman, Course Instructor and Pulp Expert

Why You Should Attend

This course provides a simple and clear picture of pulp markets for those new to the pulp and paper industry - and an approach to pulp selection and treatment that will provide clarity for seasoned operating, development and supplier technical personnel.

- Gain a broad understanding of current pulp trends in the global marketplace

- Understand the unique nature pulps through study of a large cross-section of samples from all over the world

- Initiate a simple, efficient evaluation process for smart pulp selection

- Network with others and discuss issues one-on-one with experienced instructors

You also will receive with your registration your own copy of the World Market Pulp CD Book (a $295 value), which will be supplemented with new marketplace data and analytical insights. The World of Market Pulp books have been sold around the world and are key reference materials in many libraries, laboratories and companies.

Register before April 1 and save!

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There is no doubt that the forest sector is in economic stalemate, and that one of the leading solutions for revenue diversification is the forest biorefinery. Whereas corporate executives, mill management, leading equipment suppliers and consultants are aware of what the biorefinery potentially offers, there is an important need for identifying viable implementation strategies for such a transformative change.

TAPPI is offering its first week-long course on the biorefinery, May 16-20, 2011 in Norcross, GA, involving leading biorefinery experts from across North America – shedding light on the key issues facing companies considering biorefinery implementation. With a course format designed to facilitate exchange between faculty and participants, it is sure to provide important value for your company.

Six key factors that companies considering a biorefinery implementation must consider (and that will be addressed in this course) include:

1. Which biorefinery products (wood pellets, biofuels, or biochemicals...) will provide sustainably good margins over the long term?
2. Which emerging biorefinery processes are the most promising for making these products?
3. What is their efficiency and operating costs today and what will they be in 5 years from now after the process technologies have matured?
4. How do we best make-use of our existing mill infrastructure when implementing the biorefinery?
5. Can we implement the biorefinery, and at the same time lower the unit costs of our wood, pulp and paper products?
6. What might be the role of government policy relative to key issues such as stumpage fees, biorefinery capital cost reduction, and other incentives such as greenhouse gas reduction policy?

How You Can Benefit From Attending This Course

This course will seek to provide the knowledge and tools for forest industry leaders, technology providers and consultants to develop biorefinery strategies and better understand emerging biorefinery technologies and their design/implementation in a business strategy. The course syllabus will be delivered by more than 20 experts from across North America, treating both strategy-setting and design issues related to transformation to the biorefinery.

Course Instructor

This course will be led by Paul Stuart, Consultant and Professor, Ecole Polytechnique. Paul Stuart has a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from McGill University, after which he worked in process design consulting as Company Associate and Manager of Process Engineering at Beak Consultants Limited, as Partner and Manager of Environmental Services at Simons Environmental Group, and as Director of Process and Environmental Engineering at H.A. Simons Limited in Montreal (later AMEC). Since 2000, Paul has been a Professor in the Chemical Engineering Department at École Polytechnique of the University of Montréal, where he is Chairholder of an NSERC Environmental Design Engineering Chair entitled Process Integration in the Pulp & Paper Industry (www.pulp-paper.ca). Paul is Co-Founder and Principal Consultant of EnVertis Inc, who seeks to be a leader providing strategic and multidisciplinary consulting services consistent with new business paradigms such as the biorefinery that provide sustainable enterprise value in the longer-term, for the forest industry and its partners.

Learn more about this course and register to attend at the TAPPI website.

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The 2011 TAPPI International Conference on Nanotechnology for Renewable Materials is scheduled for June 6-8, 2011 at the Sheraton Crystal City in Arlington, Virginia USA. The comprehensive Technical Program includes over 60 papers and five keynote presentations.

The event's Poster Session will feature findings from the leading researchers from around the world as well as a Student Poster Competition! Abstracts that focus on new and novel uses are highly encouraged. Analysis of challenges and trends in emerging markets for renewable nanomaterials are sought to provide a foundation for new research and industrial activities. Abstracts for the Student Poster Competition must be submitted by April 4. Prizes and certificates will be awarded to the first and second place winner.

Learn more about the event.

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Nominations are being accepted for induction into the Paper Industry International Hall of Fame.
The deadline is March 31, 2011. Please note that this is a change from the past.

Nomination forms are available online. They may also be obtained from the office at 425 W. Water Street, Appleton, WI. 54911 or by calling 920-380-7491.

Nominations need to have two sponsors and those signatures must be on the cover sheet which
must be sent in hard copy to the office address. The balance of the document may be emailed.

The inductee will be an individual(s), who has pioneered and/or helped the world's paper
and allied industries to flourish. Recognition will be based on contributions in these categories:

Academic
Economics
Entrepreneur
Founder
Leadership
Marketing & Sales
Research & Development
Service
Technology

Nominations that have been received in the past four years continue to be eligible; however it is very important that all information contained in the applications be updated. Names and addresses of the candidate and the sponsors need to be current. Please review your copy if you have submitted a nomination and update it if necessary.

SAVE THE DATE

The 17th Annual Induction Ceremony will be held in Appleton, WI. on October 6, 2011.

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