August 5, 2016
Throughout history, nations and entire continents have ended wars, achieved peace, and allied with each other through the use of treaties. Examples abound, from the minor Treaty of Nystad, which ended the war between Sweden and Russia in 1721; to the Treaty of Versailles in 1919, effectively ending World War I; or the Treaty of Rome, which established the European Common Market in 1957. Why do I bring up diplomatic history in relation to SuperCorrExpo®?
Nearly 20 years ago, an alliance was formed in similar fashion between AICC and TAPPI, though perhaps not through such a grand instrument. Rather, the two associations, seeking to exploit synergies and leverage their clout, came together to create a corrugated industry trade show for North America—for the Americas, really—so that more members of our corrugated industry could have a firsthand look at a wide array of operating machinery, equipment, products, and services to improve their businesses. At the time, the only real opportunities for this were in Europe—at Drupa in Düsseldorf or the short-lived “Corrugated” show in Paris. And here, while AICC and TAPPI each had their own “trade fair”-style exhibits, neither was considered a “world-class” event.
The answer came when Wayne Gross, then the executive director of TAPPI; Dale Dill, its president; Joseph R. Palmeri, then-president of AICC; and I met in May 1997 in the U.S. Air Club at Pittsburgh International Airport to sign the deal for the very first “SuperCorrExpo®,” held in 2000 in Atlanta. Hearkening back to diplomatic history, I
“The Pittsburgh Accord,” May, 1997: Signing the first SuperCorrExpo® agreement at the U.S. Air Club in Pittsburgh. Front, from left: Dale Dill, president of TAPPI’s board of directors, and Joseph R. Palmeri, Jamestown Container and AICC president. Rear: Wayne Gross, executive director of TAPPI, and Steve Young, executive vice president of AICC.
called it the “Pittsburgh Accord,” and it began a unique and successful partnership to create a “show for the Americas.”
For members, SuperCorrExpo® makes it possible to see an operating machinery show in our hemisphere and on our shores. It makes it possible to bring production supervisors, machine operators, and senior managers to a low-cost venue. It is an opportunity for suppliers to get in front of more customers in one place. Beyond this, because it is a show owned by the two associations, proceeds from the show benefit the associations and further their ability to serve their members.
This is why SuperCorrExpo® is so good for our industry—it’s good for the members, it’s good for our suppliers, and it’s good for our associations. I look forward to seeing you in Orlando in October.
Steve Young
President, AICC
