Chair’s Message
- Eric Bernath
Greetings RIPA Members!
Our recent annual convention in Tucson, Arizona, proved to be one of the most successful gatherings in years. Over the course of two sunny days, more than 80 members from across the country came together to share knowledge, greet new and old friends and make plans for the future of our association. The desert landscape and wonderful hotel provided an ideal setting for our convention. Many members took advantage of pre- and post-conference opportunities to explore the area's unique attractions, from the stunning Sonoran Desert to the city's diverse culinary scene.
The enthusiasm was evident from the opening reception through the closing session. This year's keynote speakers delivered thought-provoking presentations about the economy and the emerging world of in-plant robotics that challenged us to think differently about the opportunities and challenges facing our industry. In one of the more lively sessions, members debated the merits of a plan the association is developing to educate our customers about their legal responsibility to properly empty containers. When this plan is finalized, we hope to partner with other trade associations and EPA to distribute this plan nationwide.
Importantly, the association elected new officers for the 2026 - 2027 biennium. David Levine, Ted Levine Drum Co., will become RIPA Chair this coming January. David is well known to the membership and a proven leader - he will do a great job leading RIPA forward. Dean Ricker, Skolnik Industries, Inc. and Frederik Wenzel, Schuetz Container Systems, Inc., will serve as Vice-Chair and Treasurer, respectively.
Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of the meeting was the Morris Hershson Award ceremony, during which our colleague, Tim O’Bryan, was recognized for his years of service to the association and the industry. Nobody left the room that evening without wiping a few tears from their eyes. Congratulations, Tim.
As I look back on my two years of service as RIPA Chairperson, I am filled with gratitude for the support I received from the Board, the members of this wonderful organization and our excellent staff. RIPA is as much a family as it is a trade association, and that is why we are able to achieve so much. I have learned much and gained a greater appreciation for the work RIPA does on behalf of the membership. I had one goal in mind for my term, and that was to leave RIPA in better shape than I found it. This was a lofty goal, but together we achieved it, and I have no doubt that the next slate of officers will deliver even better results.
To every member who attended, participated in sessions, and engaged with fellow attendees—thank you. Your presence and contributions made this convention truly special. For those who couldn't join us this year, we missed you and hope to see you at next year's Spring Technical Conference in Savannah, Georgia.
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RIPA Annual Conference Wrap-Up
For attendees going to the 84th RIPA Annual Conference in Tucson, Arizona, there may have been some trepidation about how the government shutdown might impact the program, the offerings and, perhaps, the attendance. Afterall, there were predictions of major airline delays or even cancellations.
But we needn’t have worried. Most everyone got to Tucson without delay, and even though our top government speaker, PHMSA’s William Quade, had to cancel, we secured replacements and the meeting went off without a hitch. And once everyone got to the amazing Lowes Ventana Canyon Hotel, any troubles were forgotten amidst the wide blue skies and stunning Catalina Mountains.
The conference was once again co-located with IPANA’s annual conference. The proceedings kicked off with a joint RIPA – IPANA reception featuring the Suppliers Exposition; 14 exhibitors drawn from both groups set up some rather impressive displays. Plus, there were a record number ( 7 ! ) conference sponsors drawn from RIPA’s Supplier Members. We heartily thank the sponsors for their generous contributions.
And no one who was there will ever forget the festive and moving Morris Hershson Award Ceremony – this year honoring Mr. Tim O’Bryan, Co-President of O’Bryan Barrel Co., Inc. and former RIPA Chair 2022-2023. Congratulations, Tim! (See full story in this edition of RIPA E*News.)
Attendees were also treated to a new means of delivering conference materials - via an easy to download App, humorously called “YAPP.” The “App” contains information on Attendees, Educational Sessions, Exhibitors, Sponsors, the Next Generation “Rising Stars” and the Accompanying Persons tour and luncheon. Going forward, RIPA will be using this App for all future conferences. Even if you were not at the meeting, you can download the App (here) and access the materials available to attendees.
Featured speakers included renowned Economist, Bernard Baumohl (see presentation here). Matt Casella, President, Richtech Robotics, whose company provides “robotic” solutions for industrial operation including reconditioners and manufacturers, spoke about the benefits of using robots for repetitive or difficult tasks. Also presenting, Mr. Drew Maddox, Motive, which offers high-tech solutions, including A.I., and forward and backward viewing cameras to trucking and driver operations.
RIPA President, Paul Rankin, described RIPA’s planned response to U.S. EPA’s efforts to examine empty container management (see here). Attorney, Duke McCall III, presented a history of RIPA’s interaction with EPA on this vital matter. RIPA Counsel, Rick Schweitzer, offered a useful tutorial on managing DOT audits, among a number of other regulatory issues (see here).
 Former U.S. DOT leaders, Mr. Ryan Pacquet and Mr. Duane Pfund, both former PHMSA executives, shared with attendees insights into how the regulatory process works “from the inside”. And two attorneys with expertise in international trade described several features of recent tariffs and how some entities might delay or avert difficult impacts.
And this being Arizona, and because some of the events were held on a grand patio with fantastic views, we were repeatedly visited by an inquisitive (and hungry) road runner. Not only that, but one of our more intrepid members came across a sinister looking rattle snake, just next to the hiking trail. We have pictures!
And finally, a special Thank You to out-going RIPA Chair, Eric Bernath, of Advance Drum Service, Inc. in Georgia. Eric has been hands-on and forward looking in all aspects of the association’s charter and mission. Thank you, Eric!
RIPA’s 2026 Spring Technical Conference will be in Savannah, Georgia, with details coming soon. Also, the next chapter in RIPA’s Next Generation program is in development and a second gathering of the Next Gen’ Class is being planned, which will include a plant tour.
And don’t forget that there is an International Conference to be hosted by RIPA in Las Vegas in October 2026. Many thanks to the Planning Committee Chair, Noah Flom, for keeping the ball rolling towards an exciting and unique event!
All in all, the Annual Conference was a rousing success and we are looking forward to the upcoming spring meeting in Savannah!
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Tim O’Bryan Accepts the Morris Hershson Award
In a moving ceremony before nearly 100 RIPA members and three generations of the O’Bryan family, former RIPA Chairman Tim O’Bryan graciously accepted the Morris Hershson Award of Merit last week in Tucson, AZ. The ceremony took place at the Lowes Ventana Canyon Hotel during the recent RIPA Annual Conference. (A gallery of professional photos will be available very soon.)
RIPA President Paul Rankin began the ceremony with a brief explanation of the purpose and meaning of the Hershson Award. He noted that Mr. Hershson led RIPA for over three decades and was one of the driving forces behind the creation of what is now called the International Confederation of Container Reconditioners. Rankin said, “The Hershson Award honors the memory of Mr. Hershson and reminds us of the men and women who embody the national and global values he represented, and who give time and energy to bettering this industry.”
Tim’s son, Brandon, followed Rankin to the podium. He gave a heartfelt talk about his father’s rise in the company, and how Tim, working alongside his brother and father, grew the business from an idea into large and important reconditioner and steel drum manufacturer. “I have learned many lessons from my dad over the years - lessons about the value of hard work and the meaning of family. I am very proud my dad has been recognized by his peers in the industry for all his accomplishments both in business and in the association,” said Brandon.
Former Hershson honoree Calvin Lee gave a wonderful presentation, balancing the seriousness of the moment with a bit of levity. He kidded Tim about his upbringing in Indiana, but reminded everyone that over the years, Tim and his family have created a strong, efficient and highly respected business. He also congratulated Tim for putting in the work on behalf of the industry, serving on numerous committees, on the Board of Directors and, recently, as association Chair. “Congratulations, Tim; you deserve all the recognition you are receiving this evening,” concluded Lee.
After accepting the Award, Tim said he was “…humbled and filled with gratitude…” to be the 2025 recipient of the Morris Hershson Award of Merit. He talked about some of the people in RIPA who helped him along the way, including Mike Stephen, Brian Evoy, Spencer Walker, Howard Skolnick and many others. “You all have shown me what it means to care not just about the work and the association, but most importantly about the people you meet along the way.”
He thanked his son, Brandon and daughter Kelly for their unwavering support over the years. And he talked briefly about his six grandchildren who remind him every day that his legacy is about more than work - it’s about the values that are passed along to each succeeding generation.
The Morris Hershson Award of Merit recognizes individuals who give of their time and expertise to the association over the years. Tim O’Bryan embodies both the spirit and meaning of the Award. Congratulations, Tim.
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International Conference ** October 2026 ** Las Vegas, Nevada
 SAVE THE DATES! October 11 -15, 2026 for the International Conference on Industrial Packaging. This event happens only once every 9 years in North America. Once every three years, the International Conference rotates to Europe, Japan and North America.
In 2026, RIPA and the U.S. and North American industry will be the official hosts once again. In recent years, RIPA and its colleagues hosted the event in San Francisco, CA (2006) and Vancouver, Canada (2015). Both were amazing.
Next year, 2026, the International Conference will be in Las Vegas !
RIPA has already assembled a team of industry leaders, together with RIPA staff, to map-out all the events, the program content and a Suppliers Exposition. Of course, input from our overseas friends and colleagues is part of the process.
You don’t want to miss this. It will include some sessions that comprise a RIPA Annual Conference for RIPA members, as is traditional and necessary.
More news is coming soon.
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RIPA Board Elects New Officers
The RIPA Board of Directors has elected officers for the 2026 - 2027 biennium. The new officers will begin serving their two-year terms on January 1, 2026.
“I could not be more delighted with the officer selections made by our Board,” said current RIPA Chair Eric Bernath. “I particularly want to thank Nominating Committee Chair Randy Speights and committee member Tim O’Bryan for all the work they did to put together a truly outstanding slate of officers.”
The new officers are:
- David Levine, Chair (Ted Levine Drum Co.)
- Dean Ricker, Vice Chair (Skolnik Industries, Inc.)
- Frederik Wenzel (Schuetz Container Systems, Inc.)
“I am honored to have been selected by the Board to lead the association in the coming two years,” said David Levine. “I want to thank them and the members of RIPA for their confidence in me and the incoming leadership team,” he said. Levine stated that he plans to lead the association with integrity and will always keep the interests of the entire membership in mind going forward.
Levine is excited about the next two years. “Dean, Frederik and I have much to do these next two years and are lucky that we can build upon the great work of Eric and his team,” said Levine.
At the top of Levin’s “to-do” list are two major issues; developing a national empty container education program and planning for the 2026 International Conference on Industrial Packaging.
“I'm excited about the road ahead, and I am looking forward to building on our successes, tackling key challenges, and continuing to strengthen this association we all care so deeply about,” said Levine.
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Contact RIPA at 301-577-3786 or admin@ripaus.com
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