The Foundation for Packaging Education (FPE) is working to build a stronger workforce in corrugated, folding carton, and rigid box manufacturing plants by providing more educational opportunities throughout the industry.
The packaging industry can help the FPE reach their “$3 million in three years goal” by joining their industry peers and friends during the organization’s second fundraiser event July 16-18 at The Silverado Resort in Napa, California.
“I encourage anyone who believes that knowledge is power and wants to bring forward the minds of our existing and future employees to make a tax deductible gift to support this foundation,” said Greg Tucker, CEO of Bay Cities.
A number of excursions will be offered at the premier event:
The Napa Valley Wine Train will transport you back in time. An evening aboard the Gourmet Express is time well spent. This excursion lets passengers embrace a slower pace while dining in sophisticated comfort. On a roundtrip from Napa to Rutherford, guests can experience the romance of antique train travel aboard a stylishly refurbished Pullman dining car. Three sumptuous courses crafted from locally sourced ingredients will be served.
An extraordinary golf experience awaits on the Silverado South Course. The Silverado’s two PGA courses are surrounded by golden hills with oak-lined fairways, dozens of water crossings and elevation changes.
Take part in a private, hands-on cooking class in the Hestan Teaching Kitchen at the Culinary Institute of America. The session consists of two hours of hands-on instruction by a CIA chef followed by a family meal, where participants enjoy the recipes they created during the program. Wine service is included with the meal. (This event is for those not golfing.)
Chateau Montelena Winery Tour: Its first vintage was in 1886 with the chateau completed in 1888. Unfortunately, the winery fell victim to prohibition and ceased operations for many years. It was not until 1972 that it was revitalized as a full-time winery. In 1976, Chateau Montelena rocked the wine world when its chardonnay won first place over French burgundies in the “Judgement of Paris,” which put California wine on the map as portrayed in the film, “Bottle Shock.”
Beringer Vineyards Winery Tour: Beringer is the oldest continuously operating winery in the Napa Valley, founded in 1876. The Beringer brothers’ foresight in recognizing the quality and potential of grape growing in the region is part of the valley’s living heritage. After a private, guided tour of the grounds and caves, along with a tasting of the current releases, a beautiful luncheon awaits at the historic Hudson House. The group will enjoy a lovely three-course, wine-paired meal prepared by Beringer’s estate chef.
Registration is $3,995 per couple and includes a round of golf, hands-on cooking experience, Napa Valley Wine Train dinner, winery tours and tastings, welcome reception, spouse/guest brunch, and a networking brunch. A portion of the registration fee is tax deductible. Book rooms at the $399 AICC rate before the June 3 deadline.
For more information, contact Cindy Huber at [email protected] or Laura Mihalick at [email protected]. Those unable to attend can still support industry education by making a one-time or multi-year pledge by visiting packaginged.org.
Donations can be directed to support the Steve Narva Memorial Fund and the Troll Scholarship Fund. Steve Narva, CFO of Paige Packaging, passed away in August 2020 and was a valued member of the AICC community and the industry. The fund’s goal is to sponsor four students each year who have shown an interest in the corrugated converting industry.
Each year, the trustees of the J. Richard Troll Memorial Scholarship Fund grant monetary scholarships to three undergraduate students and one graduate student who are majoring in packaging engineering or a related packaging field. The fund was established to honor the memory of the late J. Richard Troll, a founder of the AICC and the International Corrugated Packaging Foundation.
“I believe that donating to this industry-specific foundation will help encourage the young adults who already have careers in the packaging industry to continue to improve their knowledge and skills,” said Jay Carman, President of StandFast Packaging.
Studies have shown that manufacturing companies that can demonstrate investment in industry-related employee education are more likely to fill open positions and retain team members than those that cannot.
Foundation funds will be used, in part, for in-person, goal-based training programs for manufacturing floor teams. The FPE is uniquely positioned to reduce the training expense for AICC member companies and the industry. The Foundation will support educational and scientific research, and in-kind support to educational institutions for curriculum development growing the knowledge base available to everyone.