50 Years of AICC: 2014–2024

August 30, 2024

Always Do More

AICC begins offering annual Xperience conferences to dig deep into critical topics for independents such as e-commerce, digital printing, and artificial intelligence. (Photos courtesy of AICC.)

Plant tours are always educational, and
clearly members
also have fun
along the way.

From 2014 to 2023, AICC embarked on a transformative journey, spearheading initiatives that reflected its dedication to empowering industry professionals and advancing the packagaIn 2014, AICC inaugurated its Emerging Leader Program under the visionary leadership of Chairman Mark Mathes. This initiative underscored AICC’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of packaging leaders, creating board slots specifically designated for their representation and fostering an environment of mentorship and growth.

In 2024, the AICC Emerging Leader program celebrates its 10th anniversary.

AICC hosts several golf tournaments every year across the United States.

The inaugural Independents’ Cup Charity Golf Tournament, held during the 2014 Spring Meeting in Nashville, Tennessee, exemplified AICC’s spirit of camaraderie and philanthropy. Led by Mathes, this event not only showcased the industry’s commitment to giving back but also served as a platform for networking and collaboration among members.

Starting in 1981, AICC is proud to recognize, showcase, and reward those independents who have met and exceeded their customers’ expectations of their packaging designs and displays. This was done initially with the Packaging Design Competition and is now with TAPPI in the Box Manufacturing Olympics, which takes place every four years in conjunction with SuperCorrExpo^®.

During AICC’s 50th anniversary celebration, AICC Chairman Matt Davis and AICC President Mike D’Angelo show that independents together are unbreakable like a bundle of sticks, reenacting the scene from the first AICC meeting.

In 2015, the AICC board of directors adopted the “Destination Model” for long-range planning and measuring success under the leadership of Chairman Greg Tucker. This forward-thinking approach provided a road map for strategic initiatives and organizational growth, ensuring alignment with AICC’s overarching mission and vision.

Ralph Young has helped numerous AICC members as the corrugated technical advisor for decades.

The ongoing partnership between AICC and the Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry (TAPPI) flourished with the co-sponsorship of the fifth SuperCorrExpo® in 2016, reaffirming their commitment to driving industry innovation and collaboration under Chairman Mark Williams’ guidance.

In 2017, under the leadership of Chairman Tony Schleich, AICC’s board of directors invested in building an online education platform, reflecting the Association’s commitment to leveraging technology to enhance member engagement and professional development opportunities.

Board Chairman Al Hoodwin challenged the AICC staff to disrupt their ideas and revamp the design and format of national meetings, which led to the additional learning and networking opportunities members enjoy today.

In 2019, AICC realized a long-standing vision with the chartering of the Foundation for Packaging Education under Chairman Joseph M. Palmeri, reflecting its dedication to investing in the development of industry professionals and fostering collaboration across the sector.

AICC continued its legacy of leadership with the appointment of Mike D’Angelo as president in 2019, succeeding Steve Young. Under Palmeri’s guidance, this transition underscored AICC’s commitment to continuity and effective leadership amid a changing industry landscape.

In 2020, AICC navigated the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic with resilience and adaptability under Chairman Jay Carman’s leadership, leveraging broadcast video calls and enhanced communication among members to ensure continued collaboration and support.

AICC hosts an East Coast and a West Coast ski meeting annually.

Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, AICC forged ahead in 2021, becoming the first association in the industry to hold an in-person national meeting. Held in Amelia Island, Florida, this meeting brought a much-needed sense of normalcy to the membership, and the event was a huge success.

The partnership between AICC and TAPPI was further solidified with the co-sponsorship of the sixth SuperCorrExpo® in 2021, delayed one year due to COVID-19, highlighting their shared commitment to driving industry innovation and excellence under Carman’s guidance.

In 2022, AICC extended its partnerships with like-minded organizations by creating microsites for the National Wooden Pallet & Container Association and the Asociación de corrugadores del Caribe, Centro y Sur América to access relevant AICC online education programs. Led by Chairman Gene Marino, this initiative underscored AICC’s commitment to collaboration and knowledge-sharing on a global scale.

In 2023, AICC continued its tradition of fostering industry talent and promoting corrugated industry careers through a partnership with Ben Barber technical high school in Mansfield, Texas, under the guidance of Chairwoman Jana Harris, reaffirming its commitment to nurturing the next generation of packaging professionals.

In 2024, under Chairman Matt Davis, AICC celebrated its 50th anniversary with an epic meeting in Palm Desert, California, and the 7th SuperCorrExpo® in Orlando with TAPPI. His theme of the “Independent Advantage” continues to push the Association forward.