Koehn to Receive NPTA’s 2016 Stanley O. Styles Industry Excellence Award

 

The National Paper Trade Association (NPTA), Chicago, Ill., USA, the association for the paper distribution channel, will present the 2016 Stanley O. Styles Industry Excellence Award to Bill Koehn, VP, Printing & Publishing Papers, Domtar. Koehn’s 30-plus years in the industry, dedication to supporting industry-wide initiatives, and commitment to the people he works with make him deserving of NPTA’s highest honor.

 

After graduating from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, in 1980, Koehn began his career as a sales trainee at Consolidated Papers in 1981. He quickly moved into a full-time sales role at Consolidated and moved from Wisconsin to New York City in 1982. He then joined Weyerhaeuser Co. in 1986 and progressed rapidly through the ranks. 

In 2007, Weyerhaeuser’s fine paper business merged with Domtar and Koehm moved into his current role of VP, Printing & Publishing Papers for Domtar. He has achieved many things during his career in the paper industry. The following is just a sampling of the support that he received during the nomination process.

 

"Over the years, Bill has earned a valued and welcomed position in many industry groups because of his unique ability to treat and work with colleagues—regardless of their company—as partners with a common mission of championing the green aspects of paper and the effectiveness of print as a marketing medium. His service as chairman of Two Sides North America and on the AF&PA Printing and Writing Committee are just two current examples of the generous level of personal and professional time Bill has dedicated to the industry over the course of his 35-year career—a career that continues to impact us all so positively and which deserves our recognition, honor, and thanks through this year’s S.O.S. award," said Travis Mlakar, president, Millcraft Paper.

 

"I cannot think of a better or more deserving candidate. Bill has been a vigorous supporter of paper and the entire printing and publishing industry. He has devoted his whole career to the paper industry, holding positions of increasing responsibility at several companies until achieving his current position as VP, Printing Papers for the largest U.S. uncoated paper producer...I enthusiastically endorse Bill’s nomination," noted Kenneth L. Wallach, executive chairman, Central National-Gottesman Inc.

 

"Bill Koehn’s character doesn’t change from his personal life to his professional endeavors. Bill is caring, honest, transparent, and in addition, always lights up the room with his humor and sense of irony. Bill is truly one of the most unique and beloved people in our industry," added Richard L. Thomas, SVP, Domtar.

 

"Without question, Bill Koehn has been a passionate advocate for the paper industry and is viewed favorably by his colleagues and peers. Bill has demonstrated leadership by 

his involvement, engagement. and support for NPTA, Two Sides, BMI, and the AF&PA’s Printing & Writing Committee. These are just some of the outstanding contributions he has made on behalf of our industry. The Stanley O. Styles award would be a wonderful and fitting way to acknowledge his tremendous contributions to our business of paper and print," said Thomas J. Wernoch, director of Printing and Imaging Papers, Glatfelter.

 

"Bill is a mentor and has an unusual gift of recognizing talent and potential within his support team. Many people have benefited because Bill provided an opportunity. Bill Koehn’s distinguished 30-plus years in the paper industry embodies passion, commitment, and service to NPTA and the industry as a whole. He is deserving of the recognition and honor of becoming the next Stanly O. Styles winner," said Sutton McGhee, David McGehee, and Mac McGehee, principals, Mac Papers.

 

Koehn will accept the Stanley O. Styles Industry Excellence Award at the Paper2016 convention, March 8, 2016, in New York at the Tuesday Luncheon. Donations to honor Koehn can be made to the Paper and Plastics Education Research (PAPER) Foundation 2016 Scholarship Program. More information about the annual scholarship program or NPTA is available online.

The National Paper Trade Association, founded in 1903, is the association for the $50-plus billion paper distribution industry. The mission of NPTA is to actively support the success of member firms through the delivery of networking, education, advocacy and industry trends focused on the health of the paper distribution channel.