Paper 360
Every fall, the ASPI Customer Alignment meeting is hosted by a leading pulp, paper, or packaging company, which gives attendees the rare chance to network with their customers’ senior executives. At press time, WestRock was set to host the ninth ASPI 2016 Fall Customer Alignment meeting November 16-18, 2016, in Peachtree Corners, GA. Attendees will have the chance to learn more about the 2015 merger between RockTenn and MeadWestvaco that formed WestRock, hear about trends in the packaging industry, and gain insight into effective leadership from a customer point of view.
JOINING FORCES
It was late in 2014 when the formal announcement came that RockTenn Company and MeadWestvaco Corporation had entered into a definitive combination agreement to create a new company that would be a leading global provider of consumer and corrugated packaging. The new, then still-unnamed company, would have a combined equity value of US$16 billion and combined net sales of US$15.7 billion. The agreement was unanimously approved by the boards of directors of both companies.
In the announcement, Steve Voorhees—then CEO of RockTenn and now CEO of WestRock—said, “This transaction brings together two highly complementary organizations to create a new, more powerful company with leadership positions in the global consumer and corrugated packaging markets.”
WestRock officially began operations on July 1, 2015, and is headquartered in Norcross, GA. The company has about 39,000 team members and more than 250 manufacturing facilities, design centers, research labs, and sales offices around the world, and provides a comprehensive array of paper and packaging solutions in consumer and corrugated markets.
As a world-leading paper and packaging company with a strong culture of supplier partnerships, WestRock is the perfect host for the ASPI 2016 Fall Meeting. Customer Alignment meetings give ASPI members an excellent opportunity to network with their customers’ senior executives. With a program focused around strategic directives, discussions go beyond day-to-day issues and provide a better understanding of broader customer issues and priorities.
The program kicks off on Wednesday, November 16 with a welcome reception and dinner, which gives new ASPI members a chance to meet their fellow executives in a relaxed setting. Thursday and Friday, information sessions will feature presentations from WestRock personnel who will share information about WestRock’s policies, governance, and recent business activities. Past Customer Alignment meetings have included panel discussions, financial overviews, and time for attendees to ask targeted questions—giving ASPI members an opportunity to gain insight into a customer’s business and industry.
Only ASPI members may attend the 2016 Fall Customer Alignment meeting. To learn how your company can become an ASPI member, visit www.aspinet.org.
Spring Meeting set for Sarasota
The 2017 ASPI Spring Meeting will be held February 22-24, 2017, in Sarasota, Florida. The host venue will be the Ritz-Carlton hotel in Sarasota.
Located on Florida’s southwest coast, Sarasota is a city with a storied history and a vibrant arts and culture scene. The Ritz Carlton Sarasota is located near the city center of Sarasota and features 266 guest rooms with private balconies, as well as a full-service spa. Hotel guests may also access The Beach Club on Lido Key, an exclusive oasis of beachfront services located three miles from the main hotel; and the golf club, featuring an 18-hole Tom Fazio-designed championship golf course.
Spring Meeting attendees will receive special rates on room reservations—mention the ASPI meeting when booking your room. Please join your fellow ASPI members for another stellar Spring Meeting experience!
