83rd RIPA Annual Conference and
Suppliers Exposition
Nearly 100 RIPA members traveled to the “Lone Star State” of Texas for the association’s 83rd Annual Conference. By all accounts, the Conference was a smashing success. It was packed with great presentations, wonderful social events and a Supplier’s Exhibition featuring several new product offerings.
Texas is the largest producer of oil (43 percent), natural gas (25 percent) and wind-powered electricity (26 percent) in the nation. So, perhaps it was not surprising that conference-goers seemed energized by the opportunity to greet friends and colleagues from around the country.
Despite reports that the industrial packaging business was in a holding pattern in the run-up to the election, members were generally upbeat about business prospects for the coming year.
The conference, which was co-located with the Industrial Packaging Alliance of North America (IPANA), got off to a great start on Wednesday evening with the Supplier’s Exhibition and Reception. Thirteen members of RIPA and IPANA exhibited their products to an estimated 150 members of the two groups. The food was good, drinks plentiful and spirits were high.
On Thursday morning, the joint RIPA / IPANA plenary session featured four outstanding speakers talking about the U.S. economy, energy policy and the upcoming election. RIPA Chair Eric Bernath and IPANA Chair Kevin Kling welcomed attendees and indicated strong support for the co-located conference format. Both said that their associations have agreed to continue this beneficial partnership going forward.
Mr. Bernard Baumohl, Chief Global Economist, The Economic Outlook Group, Inc., offered insights into today’s complex and rapidly changing economy. He cautioned that even his short-term predictions were subject to almost daily revisions because “…the geopolitical pot is in full boil.” Baumohl believes the U.S. economy remains the strongest in the world and, baring a major military or health event, should stay strong through 2025. He analyzed both Presidential candidate’s positions on the economy and agreed with the Wall Street Journal that both would increase the deficit. However, Baumohl is concerned with Trump’s promise to impose a range of new tariffs on imports from China and other nations. “Tariffs are just consumer taxes in disguise,” he said.
Stephanie Perdue and George Fibbe, partners at the law firm Baker Botts, compared and contrasted the energy policies of Ms. Harris and Mr. Trump. Purdue believes Ms. Harris is likely to double down on President Biden’s anti-oil positions, and limit or eliminate fracking in the U.S. and limit new exploration by aggressively promoting the use of Environmental Justice strategies to slow down the permitting process. Trump, she believes, will do just the opposite. He is expected to fast-track the energy permitting process and promote exploration. Fibbe believes Harris will continue to delay permits for LNG exports, even for our own trading partners, and could seek to impose a carbon tax on imported and exported goods.
Speaking just before the U.S. election, Tim Gould, Director of National Affairs with the National Association of Manufacturers, said “..the Presidential election is a ‘toss up’ “. Mr. Gould has visited 30 states this past year studying Congressional races for the U.S. House and Senate. His analysis reveals that the House is likely to tip over to the Democrats while the Senate appears to favor a one or two vote margin for Republicans. Once again, “..we are likely to see a divided Congress, which will make it difficult for the President to pass budgets and controversial legislation,” concluded Gould.
On Thursday evening, RIPA’s Chair’s Reception was a great success. Sponsored by Caribbean Containers (thank you, Yana!), members were treated to wonderful music, excellent food and easy access to the exhibits and the refreshments.
Friday’s breakfast, sponsored by Drum Parts Midwest (thank you, Steve!), was followed by a very positive “State of the Association” report from RIPA Chair Eric Bernath. Bernath advised that RIPA is in excellent financial condition and is likely to add several new members in the coming year. The association has launched an exciting “Next Generation” program designed to familiarize younger members of RIPA, as well as individuals that are relatively new to the industry, with the association and ensure that tomorrow’s leaders are comfortable and prepared. Bernath also noted that RIPA has created a Recycling Committee, Chaired by Mr. Bryan Wallace, Coastal Container Services. The Committee will raise member awareness of recycling issues and help members expand opportunities in this space.
Attendees heard from a recycling industry legend, Becky Proler, Southern Core Recycling, to start the afternoon program. Ms. Proler’s grandfather invented the automobile shredder, an accomplishment that has been recognized by the Smithsonian Museum, which is exhibiting parts of the machine. Proler gave members key insights into the global business of scrap metal and plastics recycling, as well as some tips on how to get the best value for scrap material.
The Dangerous Goods Advisory Council’s President Mr. Vaughn Arthur presented a wonderful seminar on how to navigate the complex world of “49 CFR” (where the U.S. hazmat regulations reside). Arthur explained the structure of the regulations and how to find what you are looking for when you need answers to your regulatory questions.
Mr. Alex George, U.S. PHMSA Senior Investigator, introduced members to the Agency’s Systems Integrity Safety Program (SISP), which was created to provide risk-free consulting services to company’s regulated by PHSMA. “Reconditioner’s that take part in the SISP program will work with agency inspectors to identify and correct any actual or potential compliance problems,” said George. “And the best part is that while you are working with PHMSA, absolutely no enforcement actions will be taken against your company.” George said the only exception to the “no enforcement” rule is if life threatening situations are encountered.
During the break, which was sponsored by CDF Corporation (thank you Jim!), several members spoke with Mr. George about possibly participating in the SISP program.
Following the break, Mr. Prakash Iyer, Inhance Technologies, presented an overview of federal and state efforts to regulate “PFAS”, which are a class of chemicals considered by some to be of significant concern. Some of these chemicals are alleged to form in the use of certain barrier technologies inside some plastic packagings. EPA and several states are seeking to regulate the presence of these “forever chemicals”. The Agency may further its efforts to examine the occurrence of these chemicals in industrial settings and other uses.
RIPA Chair Eric Bernath said, “This was one of the best and most informative conferences in years.” Thanks to EMP (Enterprise Marking Products), Mike and Jennifer, for also sponsoring the Conference with the branded name-badge lanyards!
Anyone also interested in sponsoring an individual event? Just contact the RIPA office.
Presentations
1. Comprehensive Economic Outlook October 2024 by Esteemed Economist
2. Regulatory Update and Outlook by RIPA President Paul Rankin October 2024
3. Navigating U.S. DOT HazMat Packaging Regulations – An Expert’s Guide
4. U.S. DOT Presentation on “SISP” – Systems Integrity Safety Program