HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Hello everyone, We are just about to come to the end of another calendar year and the beginning of a new decade. TAPPI will celebrate its 100TH anniversary this decade in 2015.

I am proud of our members, board of directors, contractors, and our collaborative partners with other associations and our staff. TAPPI just completed our fiscal year in the black for the third year in a row. We picked up more than 1,000 new members this past year and have had ever increasing attendance numbers at our events and training courses. Our TAPPI Press products are enjoying increased sales in many categories as well.

Next month, January 14 - 17, we will hold our 14th Student Summit in Kingsport, Tenn., USA. Domtar will be our host this year. We are experiencing a record number of sponsorships from companies who are willing to make job offers to students from paper engineering programs.

The industry net earning's summary, reported by PricewaterhouseCoopers, shows that both the 10 largest European-based and U.S. based forest and paper companies reported significant growth in net earnings in the third quarter of 2010 compared with the same period in 2009. We are not out of the woods yet (no pun intended); however, we are seeing signs of improvement.

TAPPI is ever evolving to add more value to our members and the industry. We continue our efforts in the areas of pulp and paper while spreading our wings into many areas in the world of packaging, such as corrugated, folding carton, and flexible packaging. We are also heavily involved in nanotechnology, biomass, biofuels, sustainability, nonwovens, tissue, specialty papers, and printed electronics. Our ambition is to expand in the areas of consulting, industry management, safety, human resources, and managing other associations in the next few years.

During recent times our industry has experienced a major "sea change" in ownership of companies, raw material supplies, international competition, and non-traditional competition from the world of electronics. Things such as electronic readers, on-line news, e-banking, e-tickets, etc., have changed the way we conduct business. Our industry has even been attacked during church services. I was singing away at a church service recently when I realized that I was reading the music on a screen from a company named The Paperless Hymnal.

I have been in this industry for 30 years now and somehow, someway, the human spirit seems to rise to the occasion by continually reinventing itself not only to survive, but to thrive. I remember the edited words of a CEO I reported to in years past—"This ain't a job for the weak of heart." He was correct; however, I wouldn't want it any other way.

I love this industry and the families who work in it every day. We are great stewards of our natural resources. In the U.S. our industry is among the top 10 employers in 40 states. For every tree harvested in managed forests we plant three to four in its place. Our industry counts for 6% - 9% of the GDP. We provide jobs for rural America and rural areas around the world.

To the naysayers, let me know how it all works out for you when the battery runs out or the power goes off, or how important this industry really is to you personally when it's time to blow your nose or visit the restroom. I would also like you to reflect on how difficult it would be for you to exist without paper and packaging in your everyday lives. From the clothes that we wear to the toothpaste we use, to the roof over our heads, we have paper and packaging to thank for bringing these items to us in a clean, efficient, recyclable manner. We can coexist with new technologies. We always have.

Thanks for listening. Now go spread the positive word about your industry.

Larry
Larry N. Montague
President and CEO
TAPPI

Rich Lapin, TAPPI marketing manager, will retire December 21. After 25 years in the paper pigments industry followed by several years of marketing and media consulting assignments, Lapin joined TAPPI as a marketing contractor in February 2006 and went full time in August of that year as an account manager, handling several of the association's major events, including the TAPPI coating and nanotechnology conferences.

A native of Charleston, S.C., Lapin graduated from Washington University in St. Louis with a B.S. degree in Business Administration. He joined Anglo-American Clays (a precursor to Imerys) in January 1974 and left in September 1999. While there, he held roles in export distribution, domestic customer service, marketing services, and marketing communications.

After Anglo-American Clays, Lapin joined an Internet company (WorldWideTesting.com) as marketing manager, and subsequently did contract work for several technology firms, before migrating with a former boss into consulting assignments and then into an Atlanta-based media company (Field Media). He later rejoined the consulting arena by working as a business manager for Grisanti, Galef & Goldress, a corporate renewal ("turnaround") firm.

Married for 37 years, Rich and his wife Gloria have two daughters, Michelle and Sharon. He is an avid recreational bicyclist and is also active with the Georgia Prostate Cancer Coalition as a board member. While at TAPPI, Lapin developed the following document, now a framed display in the lobby of TAPPI's headquarters in Norcross, Ga.:

It's All about Our Volunteers

1. Volunteers are our customers. Meeting their needs is essential.
2. Look internally for answers before asking volunteers. Our volunteers' time is limited; help them make the most of it.
3. Work to build trust and partnerships with volunteer groups. Take the time to learn about the business environment in which the volunteers work. Volunteers can be great teachers.
4. Understand that volunteers sometimes have little time to commit to volunteer activities.
5. Work to understand our volunteers' various needs and expand the value they receive from TAPPI. They participate for a wide variety of reasons.
6. Remember: volunteers who retire from the workforce don't necessarily retire from a desire to "give back."
7. Actively seek the opinions of volunteers – every day, with every interaction. Volunteers want to participate and, like all of us, they want to be HEARD.
8. Respond to ALL volunteer communication within 24 hours of receipt – sooner if possible.
9. It's your job to find ways for volunteers to get the most out of their volunteer time with TAPPI.
10. Don't surprise volunteers with changes or announcements. Seek "buy-in" first.
11. Prepare for meetings, anticipate volunteer needs and respond proactively.
12. Avoid saying "no" to a volunteer suggestion, commit to study it. Consider whether alternative solutions or funding sources can meet everyone's needs.
13. Be positive about your job – don't complain.
14. Always, Always, Always do what you say you will do and never push "your" work onto volunteers.
15.  Volunteers are TAPPI's heroes! Providing public recognition in front of their peers is often one of the greatest awards they can receive.

Total U.S. kraft paper shipments were 126,600 tons, an increase of 1.6% compared with November 2009, and 1.7% compared with October 2010, according to the American Forest & Paper Association's (AF&PA), Washington, D.C., USA, November 2010 Kraft Paper Sector Report released yesterday. Total year-to-date shipments rose 11.0% over last year. Total inventory was 75,700 tons.

Additional key findings from the report include total unbleached kraft shipments and total bleached kraft shipments.

North American domestic market pulp prices fell $5 - $10/metric ton in December and the overall trend remains downward, reports Mark Wilde, senior analyst with Deutsche Bank. The exception is NBSK in China, as dissolving pulp customers in the rayon market are reportedly adding NBSK to their mix.

Domestic NBSK prices on the West Coast are being aided by robust Chinese demand. In the Mid-West and East, there are reports of spot deals, Wilde says. Overall, North American NBSK prices are down $10/metric ton to $960/metric ton in December.

In China, export NBSK prices are up $10 - $30/metric ton and could rise further by $10 - $20/metric ton in January. NBSK price in the local Chinese markets is also rising. Hardwood fundamentals are much weaker and prices are declining in all the major regions, according to Wilde. Brazilian producers cut BEK prices by $50/metric ton in Asia and by $20/metric ton in Europe in December. In North America, BEK prices fell $10/metric ton to $890/metric ton. North American fluff pulp was down $10/metric ton to $1,030 - $1,050/metric ton. In Europe, pulp prices were down $5 - $25/metric ton, depending on the grade.

In regard to U.S. containerboard, Wilde notes that "it is becoming quite clear that producers can't rely on exports to absorb increased U.S. output. Lower prices in many export markets suggest a combination of too much incremental supply/too little demand. The upshot? We think market downtime will be required in December and January to keep inventories lean and markets balanced. We believe some major producers are already throttling back production to avoid inventory building."

Wilde adds that on the cost side, domestic OCC (December = $166/ton) rose for the fifth consecutive month, up $43/ton since July. In the near-term, this is apt to squeeze margins for recycled mills and could create some cost-push pressure on prices. Specialty Paper Mills started a 72,000 tpy recycled medium machine in Santa Fe Springs, Calif., he reports.

North American coated free sheet list prices in November were static, Wilde says. Reports suggest that some customers are paying $40/ton higher (announced = $40-60/ton for mid-September/early October). However, he adds, customers with fixed price contracts through year-end will see price increases only beginning in January of next year.

CFS is becoming the center of a global trade war, Wilde notes. Following an earlier U.S. move, the European Commission imposed provisional anti-dumping duties of 39.1% on imports of coated fine paper from China (excludes APP), he reports. Brazilian producers are making similar claims as well. "All of this suggests the oversupply situation for Chinese producers will get even uglier. On a recent tour of China, we saw first-hand evidence of chaotic CFS supplies," Wilde says.

In the U.S. coated groundwood papers arena, market dynamics have been improving and prices are rising, according to Wilde. Last week NewPage announced plans to close a 250,000 tpy LWC mill in Whiting, Wis., by late February. In November, list prices were flat with October levels.

There are reports that some customers are paying $60/ton higher (announced = $60 - $75/ton for mid-September/early-October). However, customers with fixed price contracts through year-end will see prices increases only beginning in January. NewPage has also announced a $20 - $50/ton price increase on coated grades for early-January. October shipments were -6.6% y/y, according to Wilde. "The figures are somewhat disappointing considering strong backlogs reported by mills. Last October, LWC was down 2.7% y/y, suggesting that volumess remain well below 2008 levels," he adds.

Ahlstrom, Finland, reportedly has agreed to exit its Sealing & Shielding business unit through the sale of Ahlstrom Altenkirchen in Germany to Interface Solutions, a portfolio company of Pennsylvania, USA--based Susquehanna Capital equity fund. The Altenkirchen operations were acquired for some EUR 6.5 million.

A part of Ahlstrom's Label and Processing Business, Altenkirchen operates two paper machines producing gasket and heat shield materials for the automotive industry and calender bowl materials for the paper industry. It has about 130 employees.

Appleton, Appleton, Wis., USA, producer of thermal papers often used in cash register and credit card receipts as well as entertainment and transportation tickets, lottery and gaming tickets, and tags for airline baggage and retail applications, is reminding customers that it does not use the controversial ingredient bisphenol A (BPA) in any of its products. The company's BPA-free alternative comes on the heels of an independent report just issued by Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families, and Washington Toxics Coalition, which found high levels of BPA in 50% of thermal paper receipts sampled from major U.S. businesses and services in 20 states and Washington, D.C.

Appleton notes that it dropped BPA from its thermal paper formulation in 2006 out of growing concerns about the safety of the chemical. The company currently supplies approximately half of the thermal receipt paper used in the North American market.

"The findings of Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families, and Washington Toxics Coalitions, as well as a similar report issued by the Environmental Working Group in July, highlight the growing concerns over the safety of BPA. The findings support the toxicology reports and available studies that prompted us to remove BPA from our thermal paper four years ago," said Kent Willetts, Appleton's VP of strategic development. "Removing BPA was consistent with our commitment to product safety and was simply the responsible thing to do."

In early November, Appleton began embedding red fibers made of rayon, a recyclable cellulose fiber, into its BPA-free thermal receipt paper to help consumers and retail workers quickly identify the kind of thermal receipt paper they are handling. Appleton's thermal receipt paper with red fibers recently began appearing in some retails outlets throughout the U.S and Canada. Appleton expects to have the red fibers in all of its thermal receipt paper before the end of first quarter 2011.

Canfor Corp., Vancouver, B.C., Canada, this week announced that, following a review with its board of directors, the company will be proceeding with a 2011 capital spending plan for its lumber business of $145 million, of which $120 million will be for improvement projects to its sawmilling facilities. The balance will be for maintenance projects. This is part of a three year strategic plan that calls for total investment in sawmill improvement projects of $300 million. "This level of investment will secure our position in the top tier of competitiveness, and marks an exciting new chapter for Canfor," said Jim Shepard, president and CEO.

A 10-day strike by the Federation of Professional and Managerial Staff in the Finnish paper industry ended this past Monday (December 13). The strike, which resulted in no apparent actions, had no direct affect on production within the industry. The Finnish pulp and paper industry employs some 3,000 professional and managerial staff workers.

Munksjo AB, Stockholm, Sweden, will acquire ArjoWiggins' specialty paper unit for EUR 95 million on a debt free basis. Munksjos says the acquisition is a natural step in its strategy to grow within specialty paper. The company notes that the acquisition includes production plants in Arches, France, and Dettingen, Germany. Munksjo will have net sales after the acquisition of some EUR 600 million, with about 1,750 employees.

Myllykoski, Finland, reportedly will eliminate up to 140 jobs at its Kouvola, Finland, mill. Negotiations with the mill's approximately 450 employees are set to begin early next week.According to news reports, the company estimates that the 140 job reduction will allow it to improve overall performace to the tune of some EUR 30 million per year. In November Myllykoski temporarily idled one paper machine at Kouvola,  possibly extending through this year.

Rottneros AB, Sweden, reported late last week that its mill at Rottneros, Sweden, has been idled for some 10 days, corresponding to a production loss of approximately 2,500 metric tons. The company says the downtime is due to the combination of extremely high electricity prices and high timber costs, resulting in sales of marginal volumes being unprofitable. The strong Swedish kronor also contributes to reducing export margins, Rottneros adds. Production during the remaining days of December depends on how these factors develop, the company notes.

The production line for groundwood pulp at the Rottneros Mill has not been affected by the stoppage. The group's other manufacturing unit, Vallvik Mill, which produces chemical pulp, is not as sensitive to electricity prices and is being run at full capacity, the company advises.

Rottneros Mill produces two grades of mechanical pulp—groundwood and CTMP pulp. The mill has a production capacity of around 170,000 metric tpy. In 2009 131,500 metric tons were produced, a reduction of 9%. The mill employs 125 people. Vallvik Mill produces two grades of long-fiber sulfate pulp—fully bleached ECF and unbleached—and UKP (unbleached kraft pulp). The mill has a permit to produce 220,000 metric tpy. In 2009, it produced 193,400 metric tons, a reduction of 4%.

Stora Enso, Helsinki, Finland, this week said the company is investing EUR 30 million in its newsprint machine at Sachsen Mill in Germany. This project to improve paper quality is scheduled to be completed by the end of the second quarter of 2012.

"This investment will enable Sachsen Mill to satisfy its customers' increasing quality demands, especially for lower grammage grades. The paper quality and productivity improvement will further enhance the mill's overall competitiveness in the challenging newsprint market situation in Europe," says Juha Vanhainen, EVP, Publication Paper Business Area.

Södra', Sweden, reports that its board of directors has approved an investment to produce dissolving pulp at its Södra Cell Mörrum pulp mill in Sweden. This will involve converting pulp line 1, which is currently used to produce paper pulp.

At full capacity, Södra Cell Mörrum will produce 170,000 metric tpy of dissolving pulp based on hardwood. The production of dissolving pulp will gradually increase to compensate for lost paper pulp volumes as a result of the development of digital media.

Södra syas it "strongly believes" in the potential of the dissolving pulp market, and especially in the textile fibers segment. "The demand for renewable, wood-based textile fiber will increase as it replaces cotton fiber and oil-based synthetic fiber," said Gunilla Saltin, CEO of Södra Cell. The investment at Mörrum will give Södra competitive dissolving pulp production based on hardwood. However, Södra will also continue to produce paper pulp based on birch at its mill in Mönsterås, Sweden.

Work on the conversion will begin immediately with production expected to start by the end of 2011. Existing production will not be affected during the construction period.

Tamil Nadu Newsprint & Papers Ltd (TNPL) has ordered from Andritz, Graz, Austria, a three-loop deinking plant for its mill in Kagithapuram, India. This will be the first three-loop deinking plant to be commissioned in India. Startup is planned for the end of 2011.

The deinking plant, with a three loop and two disperser configuration, has a capacity of 300 metric tpd and is part of a program to extend the paper production capacity of the TNPL mill from 245,000 to 400,000 metric tpy. Raw materials used in the DIP line are 80% sorted office waste and 20% magazine grades. The deinked pulp will be used to produce high-quality writing and printing papers.

Andritz will also supervise project erection work and startup.

For the thirteenth straight month, U.S. containerboard production rose over the same month a year ago, according to the November 2010 U. S. Containerboard Statistics Report released this week by the American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA), Washington, D.C., USA. Total production saw an increase of 33,800 tons or 1.2% compared with November 2009.

Production fell compared with October 2010; however, the month-over-month average daily production was flat, down just 0.9%. Year-to-date 2010 production has increased 7.8% over 2009. The containerboard operating rate for November 2010 was up 5.4 points over November 2009 to 94.9%. Additional key findings from the report include:

•  Linerboard production was up over November 2009
• Corrugating medium production was flat compared with the same month last year
• Containerboard operating rates were up.

Graphic Packaging International, Marietta, Ga., USA, a subsidiary of Graphic Packaging Holding Co., has approved a plan to expand utilization of biomass energy in its Macon, Ga., paperboard mill with an estimated cost of up to $80 million. The project, which will include a high-efficiency biomass boiler and a 40 MW turbine generator, will begin immediately.

The objectives of the biomass project are to further the company's sustainability strategy, reduce energy costs, and improve profitability of the Macon mill in advance of expected increases in electricity costs. The mill currently produces approximately 1,600 tons of paperboard per day.

The company intends to complete the project and begin operations by mid-year 2013. The new biomass system is expected to make the Macon mill self-sufficient from an electrical power and steam generation standpoint, thereby stabilizing and reducing energy costs and dependency on fossil-fuel based alternatives. The mill expects to become a net producer of electricity.

Expected biomass system benefits:

• Will provide energy from biomass– a carbon neutral, renewable energy source.
• Will generate approximately 40 MW of power per hour from a renewable energy source – or enough electrical power to support approximately 27,400 homes per year.
• Will reduce the Macon mill's fossil-fuel based greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 200,000 tpy through the substitution of biomass--the emissions equivalent of approximately 35,000 passenger cars.
• Will generate power from approximately 400,000 tpy of logging residuals (tops and branches of trees). An estimated 3.3 million tpy of residuals are currently available in the Macon area.

"Graphic Packaging is committed to engaging in more sustainable manufacturing processes," said President and CEO David Scheible. "This biomass project will not only make use of untapped renewable resources, but it will also add value to the Macon, Ga., community as a whole."

Stora Enso's Fors Mill in Sweden, one of the world's largest producers of cartonboard for consumer packaging and for printing purposes, has ordered an upgrade of its BM 2 coating section from UMV Coating Systems in Sweden. UMV Coating Systems is a business unit within the Swedish Mattssongruppen.

DuPont Titanium Technologies, Wilmington, Del. USA, has introduced a new high performance titanium dioxide grade for the laminates industry. The company notes that Ti-Pure® R-796+ titanium dioxide pigment "maximizes process flexibility and provides superior performance across a variety of decorative paper types and papermaking chemistries," adding that the new grade "delivers a highly desirable combination of opacity, light stability, and high brightness together with consistent quality."

Guclu Turkoglu, global segment manager for DuPont Titanium Technologies' laminates business, explains that "through discussions with customers, we learned that there was a need for a higher performance titanium dioxide. Ti-Pure R-796+ delivers benefits at all levels of the laminates value chain, including furniture and flooring consumers, who appreciate the higher quality and durability of laminate products." DuPont Titanium Technologies operates U.S. plants at DeLisle, Miss., New Johnsonville, Tenn., and Edge Moor, Del., as well as plants at Altamira, Mexico, and Kuan Yin, Taiwan, all of which use the chloride manufacturing process. The company also operates a mine in Starke, Fla.

Voith Paper, Germany, recently introduced its latest sensor innovation for tissue production—the LSC TecoSens. The new sensor provides simultaneous online measurement of fiber weight and moisture based on an infrared spectroscopic measurement. It allows fiber weight and moisture measurement to be done with just one sensor and without the need of radioactive sources. With the absence of radioactivity, Voith explains, there is no need for special training of the service and maintenance staff. It also eliminates the health risk of working next to the radioactive sources. Furthermore, it creates no need to replace the sensor from time to time due to the limited life time of the radioactive source, Voith adds.

The sensor measures the absorption of infrared light at four characteristic wavelengths. In combination with optimized optics and sophisticated algorithms, the sensor provides exceptional signal to noise ratio and sensitivity. It is only available in combination with the Voith LSC TecoScan measurement system. It is part of the Voith LSC QCS family and can be fully integrated into Voith Paper Automation's quality control and distributed control system.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Washington, D.C., USA, announced this week that it is accepting applications—for up to $30 million in total funding—for small-scale process integration projects that support the development of advanced biofuels. The biofuels could replace gasoline or diesel without requiring special upgrades or changes to the vehicle or fueling infrastructure. The funding opportunity announcement (FOA) provides up to $30 million over the next three to four years to support as many as five projects.

The projects will focus on optimizing and integrating process steps that convert biomass into biofuels and bioproducts that will eventually be used to support hydrocarbon fuels and chemicals. These process improvements could include pretreatment methods that alter the biomass to improve the yield of sugars in subsequent process steps, less costly and more efficient enzymes that produce sugars, and fermentation organisms and catalysts that convert the sugars into fuel and chemical intermediates. Successful applicants will demonstrate the research potential to improve the economics and efficiency of their proposed process.

A complete description of the FOA solicitation, eligibility requirements, and application instructions can be found on the FedConnect Web site that lists public opportunities. Applications must be submitted by no later than 11:59 p.m. EST on Feb. 7, 2011.

AbitibiBowater, Montreal, Que., Canada, has announced that David J. Paterson will step down as president and CEO on January 1, having successfully led the company through the most far-reaching restructuring in its history. He will be succeeded by Richard Garneau, currently a member of the board of directors and the former president and CEO of Catalyst Paper Corp.

Paterson has agreed to stay on in an executive advisory role through January 2011 and a non-executive advisory role through July 31, supporting a smooth transition and continued positive momentum for the company. As announced last week, AbitibiBowater has emerged from creditor protection.

"Throughout this time of transition, I have been inspired by the desire of all employees to create the right conditions to take AbitibiBowater back to profitability, build strong market presence, promote sustainability, and position us for future success," said Paterson. "Today, after three years of very demanding work, the foundations for that success are clearly in place, and I feel it is the right time to turn my time and attention back to the other people in my life who inspire me - my wife and family."

According to Richard Evans, chairman of the board, "there is no doubt that Dave Paterson was the right person at the right time for AbitibiBowater. He set an example through his dedication and hard work. He gave us a new vision and a drive to succeed, and motivated everyone to believe in our future. AbitibiBowater today is a testament to his commitment, and the board and employees of the company are extremely grateful to him for his decisive leadership."

Garneau joined AbitibiBowater as a member of the board in June 2010. He served as president and CEO of Catalyst Paper from March 2007 to May 2010. Prior to his tenure at Catalyst, he held a variety of roles in the forest products industry.

"AbitibiBowater is a company with a long history, skilled and dedicated employees, and a determination to succeed as a profitable and sustainable enterprise," Garneau noted. "Dave Paterson and his team have laid the foundation for a future success story, and I'm excited for the opportunity to help write its next chapter."

Sonoco, Hartsville, S.C., USA, this week promoted Allan McLeland to VP, Human Resources, effective January 1. McLeland will replace Cindy Hartley, SVP, Human Resources, who is retiring effective March 1.

In his new position, McLeland will have global responsibility for the company's Human Resources efforts, including staffing, organizational development, diversity, employee relations, compensation, and benefits. Prior to this appointment, McLeland was staff VP of Human Resources, Industrial, and has held several leadership positions within the company Human Resources Department, each with progressively more responsibility, in the areas of organizational development, staffing, employee relations, and compensation. Before joining Sonoco in 1993, McLeland worked in human resources management with Marriott Corp. in Columbia, S.C.

Crown Holdings Inc., Philadelphia, Pa., USA, has elected power industry executive James H. Miller to its board of directors. The board now has 11 members.

Miller is chairman, president, and CEO of PPL Corp. He was named PPL's chairman and CEO in 2006, having been promoted to president and elected to its board of directors a year earlier. Prior to that, he served as COO and EVP at PPL. Miller joined PPL in 2001 as president of PPL Generation, its subsidiary that operates power plants in the U.S.

Earlier in his career, Miller was EVP of USEC Inc., an international supplier of enriched uranium to nuclear utilities. Before that he was president of two ABB subsidiaries, ABB Environmental Systems and ABB Resource Recovery Systems. Previously, he was president of UC Operating Services, an unregulated subsidiary of Constellation Energy and Louisville Gas and Electric Co. Miller began his career in the power industry at the former Delmarva Power & Light Co. where he held various engineering and management positions.

Happy holidays! Now's the time to order your TAPPI and PIMA logo items for 2011 and show your pride as a TAPPI member or to support your PIMA division. Choose from unstructured brushed twill caps, knit polos and microfiber windshirts with either the TAPPI or the PIMA logo.

You'll want to wear your TAPPI and PIMA logo merchandise to:
• Show your pride in the industry
• Great to wear at TAPPI conferences and events
• Super gift idea to give a student in the industry or a co-worker

Wearing your TAPPI or PIMA logo merchandise makes a positive and lasting impression in the industry.

Visit the website to order TAPPI merchandise or PIMA items.

Which industry segments trend upward? How is your company doing compared with competitors? Need a one-stop benchmark for industry performance and forecasting?

Then you need the 2010 TAPPI Industry Outlook Report: Performance Improves But Caution Remains

Save 10 percent on the TAPPI Industry Outlook Report, the most comprehensive strategic industry report of its kind! 407 companies, 15 market segments, complete data covering five and a half years, plus two years of forecasting.

Available NOW with up-to-date industry data you can't get anywhere else in a single report!

Filled with industry data, the TAPPI Industry Outlook Report is your key to a successful future in the paper and forest products industry. More than 400 publicly traded industry representatives participated in this comprehensive report that analyzes market segments, reviews growth trends and predicts how your company can be ahead of the curve as the market rebounds.

Commissioned by TAPPI, this 482-page report has been compiled using the latest data by FairValue Advisors LLC, a leading firm in analysis of performance measures including company size, growth projections, asset turnover, profitability, rates of return, investments and risk.

Just off the presses, the 2010 TAPPI Industry Outlook Report is a must-have for forward-thinking companies who want to lead the accelerating rebound in paper and forest products.

To order:

Save 10 percent off the price until January 15.

List Price: $670
Member Price: $445

Order online at www.tappi.org/bookstore or contact TAPPI's Member Connection Center at 1-800-332-8686 (US), 1-800-446-9431 (Canada) or +1 770-446-1400 (Worldwide) or by email at memberconnection@tappi.org.

List price after January 15 is $745 and $495 for members.

Here's an impressive holiday gift idea to consider for several of your employees or yourself. The popular TAPPI Best Practices on the Corrugator course is a terrific opportunity to build upon skills and knowledge for anyone working within or alongside the corrugated industry.

The course takes place February 15-18, 2011 at TAPPI's new training facility in Norcross, Ga. You could present the Preliminary Course Schedule and confirmation of registration inside an envelope for a much-appreciated year-end gift.

Operators of corrugators, production managers, box plant supervisors, engineers – even those who provide products or services for corrugators -- can all benefit from the content offered during this short course.

Participants will:

- Learn how to increase productivity, improve quality and minimize waste;
- Take home new ideas and operational methods to improve production; and
- Share specific questions with the experts who'll be onsite to answer them.

This course offers 2.4 CEUs during the comprehensive 3.5-day session. Register by January 14 for an early-bird discount. Happy holidays from TAPPI!

Every company, regardless of how large or small, struggles with the same HR dilemma – attracting qualified candidates. Hiring the wrong candidate can be an expensive venture with long-term repercussions. In the pulp, paper, and allied industries, there is finally a resource to make this process less cumbersome. The TAPPI Career Center provides employers direct access to qualified paper and packaging industry professionals. With its focus on the paper and packaging industry companies and professionals, the TAPPI Career Center, offers its members—and the industry at large—an easy-to-use and highly targeted resource for online employment connections.

High Visibility and Job Posting Management w/ a Niche Job Board

The truth is that the continued demand for online job boards show a better than 20 percent gain over last year. Job seekers are already using online services and want more visibility to top employers. Recently, the Wall Street Journal Online reported that employers are flocking to niche job boards and moving away from commercial job boards for a lack of qualified candidates. Unlike commercial job boards where hundreds of unqualified job seekers apply, the TAPPI Career Center directly connects qualified paper and packaging industry candidates to employers. On average, jobs posted on the TAPPI Career Center are viewed 240 times by industry job seekers. This means for every job posted, an average of 240 qualified job seekers have viewed the job posting!

Posting your job with a talent filled niche job board is one of many features to help employers save time and hiring cost. Using TAPPI's Career Center's Resume Agent feature, employers can:

• specify particular skills and search for the right candidate through the resume search
• have unlimited access to resumes
• activate features such as candidate notification
• save to favorites to help manage potential interviewees

For more information please contact David Bell at dbell@tappi.org.

Do you know a fellow TAPPI member whose work in the pulp and paper industry deserves a moment in the spotlight? If so, why not help them get the recognition they deserve by nominating them today for TAPPI's special online feature, Member Spotlight.

This unique and popular monthly website segment profiles individual members, their career highlights and contributions to our profession, and offers otherwise unknown tidbits about their personal interests and accomplishments. Members featured thus far include Chuck Klass, Rick Croker, Richard Olsen, Max Moskal, Sandy Sharp, Dick Target, Jeff Smith and Andy Jones. Isn't it time for that special member to shine?

Nomination forms are available via the TAPPI website and can be emailed to MemberSpotlight@tappi.org for consideration.

Have questions? Simply use the same email address and we will get back to you promptly.