As it has been for centuries, the arrival of a new generation into the workforce brings in new uncertainties and challenges for employers.

In Pennsylvania, educators from the Tyrone Area School District, the Altoona Area School District, and the Huntingdon County Career and Technology Center recently joined with representatives from The Challenge Program Inc. (TCP) and visited American Eagle Paper Mills (AEPM).

I recently had the opportunity to speak at a conference on the topic of employee retention and workplace flexibility.  One attendee asked me how it was possible to create “flexibility” in a manufacturing environment where schedules are highly structured and production must be done onsite. 

Experts from Auburn University’s Alabama Center for Paper and Bioresource Engineering (AC-PABE) recently provided 11 paper mill engineers and operation staff with two days of hands-on workshops and lectures.

New Hampshire-based Monadnock Paper Mills Inc. is touting its ability to offer "hundreds of custom grades" in its Astrolite paper line, which in turn is empowering businesses to "push creative boundaries in a market that demands adaptability."

Sustainability experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute have conducted extensive research on eco-friendly wrapping paper alternatives to use this holiday season, vetting numerous products to ensure they live up to their eco-friendly claims.

KFC has launched Lickable Wrapping Paper for the holiday season.

My NPTA Paper Meets LIVE! 2024 conference summary by the numbers:

• 2 days
• 21 meetings
• 1 Emerging Leaders roundtable
• Countless takeaways