Peter J. DeWitt, Vice President, DeWitt Barrels, Inc., Marne, Michigan, was presented with the 2011 Morris Hershson Award of Merit on October 14, 2011. The Reusable Industrial Packaging Association (RIPA) presents the award annually to an individual for “distinguished and longstanding service” to the reusable industrial packaging industry. Mr. DeWitt received the award at the Association’s 70th Annual Conference in St. Petersburg, Florida.
The Morris Hershson Award of Merit commemorates Morris Hershson who was president of RIPA (then called the National Barrel and Drum Association) for 35 years until his death in 1985. Hershson is credited with developing the association into a leading advocate for the reconditioning industry in North America and around the world.
DeWitt Barrels, Inc. was founded 118 years ago as a wooden drum reconditioning company. Over the decades, the company gradually expanded their business to include steel drums and intermediate bulk containers. Today, the firm is one of the most highly respected industrial packaging reconditioners in North America. Recently, DeWitt Barrels moved from their original site in Grand Rapids and opened a new plant in Marne, Michigan.
Peter DeWitt first attended RIPA meetings as a young man, and over the years became increasingly active in the association. He served as a member of the RIPA Executive Committee in 2000 and was elected to the Board of Directors in 2003. DeWitt was elected RIPA Treasurer by the Board in 2004, having served previously as Chair of the Finance Committee. Two years later, in recognition of his exceptional leadership skills, DeWitt was elected Chairman of the Association. He served for two years in this capacity and an additional two years on the Board as an ex-officio member. Mr. DeWitt has since been re-elected to the Board and has remained active as a member of the Finance and Nominating Committees.
During his tenure as association Chair, Peter DeWitt worked diligently to improve the association’s accounting procedures and overall financial position. In addition, through the Steel Drum Council, he reached out to his colleagues in the new container manufacturing business seeking common ground on a range of topics, including drum thickness and sustainability. DeWitt is particularly proud of his successful effort to secure approval from the U. S. Department of Transportation for use of ultrasonic leakproofness testing technologies. DeWitt worked closely with DOT enforcement and management personnel, and even travelled to Washington, DC to meet with Agency officials. His hard work was instrumental in gaining DOT approval for implementation of the new technology.
DeWitt earned a B.A. Degree in Mathematics from Grand Valley State College in 1968, and served as Vice President of Union Bank and Trust from 1968 to 1978 before leaving to join his family business DeWitt Barrels Inc.
During his career, Peter DeWitt has made significant contributions to his community. He is a past member of the Grand Rapids Jaycees where he was awarded a life membership in the Grand Rapids Jaycees. He is also a past officer and director of the Michigan Jaycees and was awarded a JCI Senatorship by Jaycees International, the highest individual award given by JCI.
In May of 2011 Mr. DeWitt was appointed to the Dean’s Advisory Board of the Seidman College of Business at Grand Valley State University.
DeWitt recognizes that his professional and community achievements have been made possible by the constant support of his family, most notably his wife Galene, and his brothers Mike and Tim. This family “team” secured recognition of DeWitt Barrels by the U.S. Small Business Association as the Michigan Jeffrey Butland Family Owned Business of the Year. The company was also designated “Clean Corporate Citizen” by the State of Michigan for the company’s commitment to protecting the environment.
DeWitt Barrels Inc. is owned by 5th generation DeWitts: Peter, Michael and Tim DeWitt and is operated by the three brothers along with 6th generation family member Peter Jason DeWitt.