January 23, 2025
It is hard to believe that it has only been for the past eight years that BoxScore has given virtually the entire content of one of its six annual issues to AICC’s supplier members, the Associates. It is hard to believe because for nearly the entirety of AICC’s now more than 50 years of existence, AICC’s supplier members have been an integral part of AICC boxmaker members’ businesses. And Associate members have been a constant at AICC.
Presence. That is what AICC Associate members have. They are a valued part of this industry and of this Association. They are partners in each AICC member’s business and, with the amazing support technology available these days, have a 24/7 relationship.
Independent boxmakers have always been innovators. First to try this or to launch that, open to the latest ideas and ways—agile leaders that collaborate freely with their trusted partners supplying equipment, software, services, and solutions. It has been the independent’s recipe for success and a blueprint for suppliers to continue to push the envelope and deliver the newest and latest developments. Independents and their suppliers are responsible for a multitude of industry firsts. Today, the independent boxmaker is efficient, competitive, and positioned well for the future, results of their decadeslong partnerships with suppliers.
I remember my days as an AICC Associate member and the training I received. Part of that training was that to “know your customer’s business” was the key to success. So many of my colleagues across the spectrum of suppliers, competitors, and colleagues took that lesson to heart. This, along with the open mind to innovation mentioned above, are the keys to a healthy and thriving industry.
Suppliers have also been very generous with AICC over the years. AICC brings members together, providing opportunities for the suppliers. Associate members sponsor so many activities at AICC, from national and regional meetings and golf tournaments to webinars and everything in between. They participate in AICC’s standing committees and its board of directors. They have a voice, and that voice makes a difference in this Association.
AICC is grateful for this support. AICC celebrates its Associate members.
Michael D’Angelo
AICC President
