Monday, December 29, 2008

Lots to be Thankful for in 2008!

Since September, I have been on assignment, so I have been negligent on my blogging. It has been a busy and great first year for me and my business. In March of 2008 I had an idea that maybe I could bring to design firms and consumer goods companies, the packaging philosophies and strategies that I developed while working at Cadbury Schweppes Americas Beverages as a packaging manager and CCL label as an art director. 

I spent the year going on press all over the country and managing color for design firms by helping with paperboard cartons, six-packs & 12-packs, paper, foil labels and corrugate trays. I even went to an aluminum can company for a beer can approval. When their design managers couldn't attend the press run, they called me and I travelled on very short notice with my wife Ava acting as my travel agent. 

I attended five packaging shows including the Packaging Summit, Eastpack, InnobevUS, HBA, and the PackExpo in Chicago. I also had the opportunity to attend OI's glass university. At these shows and conferences, I had the opportunity to talk to hundreds of people, companies and learn about packaging trends while focusing on sustainability issues. I joined the IOPP and am working towards becoming a CPP. (certified packaging professional) The goal is to stay current on packaging trends, materials and ideas. 

Since September as mentioned above, I have had the privilege to help a major cosmetics company with an important packaging project. 

The key here is that in this tough economy, there is still room for an individual with experience to make a difference with companies through outsourcing. I would like to take a moment here to thank all of my former colleagues at CSAB, the SBA and the design firms who have either hired me or given me advice to help me get my start. I would also like to thank my family who has been supportive through the transition from employee to business owner.

2009 will be an exciting year for me as I continue to build and, I hope that everyone reading this message has a safe, healthy and happy new year!

All the best,