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Domtar's Edwards Receives ASPI 2012 Excellence in Leadership Award

The Association of Suppliers to the Paper Industry (ASPI), Norcross, Ga., USA, has named Mike Edwards, Domtar's SVP, Pulp and Paper Manufacturing, as its 2012 ASPI Excellence in Leadership recipient. Edwards was presented the award at ASPI's Fall 2012 Customer Alignment Meeting with Domtar last week in Charlotte, N.C.

ASPI's Excellence in Leadership Award honors leaders in the pulp and paper industry that have demonstrated exceptional and inspiring leadership. Nominations are made by ASPI members, and voted on by the ASPI Board of Directors. Members specifically commended Edwards on his strategic partnerships with suppliers to improve operational efficiencies at Domtar's mills

"ASPI is extremely pleased to honor Mike Edwards with this award," said ASPI President Carl Howe, VP Sales with Kadant Paperline. "Mike's reputation as an outstanding leader is widely recognized in the pulp and paper industry, particularly in the supplier community. ASPI welcomes this opportunity to formally recognize Mike and his achievements."

John D. Williams, Domtar president and CEO, added that "we're delighted that Mike has been recognized by his peers for his longstanding leadership in the industry. This award couldn't go to a more deserving recipient."

Edwards is responsible for all pulp and paper manufacturing as well as converting operations at Domtar. His career in the pulp and paper industry spans more than 48 years. He started his career in 1963 in Scotland and immigrated to Canada in 1981, working in various pulp and paper positions. In 1997 he moved to the U.S. He was previously VP, Fine Paper Manufacturing at Weyerhaeuser Co., which he joined in 1994 and where he held various management positions in pulp and paper operations.

Edwards has previously been chairman of the North Carolina External Affairs Council (2001-2007) and a member of the board of the North Carolina State Pulp and Paper Foundation (2002-2009) and the Governor's Business Council of North Carolina for Management and Development. In the early 1990s, he was chairman and director of the Ontario Pulp and Paper Makers Association.

ASPI is the leading association of companies that supply products and/or services to the pulp, paper, and board industry. Member participation consists primarily of CEOs, owners, and senior management executives. ASPI's mission is to assist its member supplier companies in providing increased economic benefits to their customers through collective knowledge, initiatives, and efforts.

More information about ASPI is available online, or by contacting Colleen Walker, director of member relations.

In the photo below are (l-r) ASPI President Carl Howe (VP Sales, Kadant Paperline), Mike Edwards (Sr. VP, Pulp and Paper Manufacturing, Domtar), ASPI Board Member Peter Collins (VP, Andritz), and ASPI Past President Bob Gallo (President, Voith Paper North America).