Board Converting News, October 4, 2021

Graduates Bring Passion (CONT’D FROM PAGE 22)

to packaging and chemical engineering, everyone’s back- grounds and perspectives were vastly different. But all col- lided in an inspirational way around our shared interest in corrugated packaging. This nurturing and expressive en- vironment was the opposite of the many career fairs and interrogation-like interviews from my past. The next day we all attended ICPF’s Teleconference broadcasted live from WKAR PBS studios that included an additional 500 students from across the nation. A pan- el of executives, that included Bryan Hollenbach (Green Bay Packaging) and Rich Ford (PCA), spoke and answered questions to help students learn about the business side of corrugated, its unique sustainability, new developments, and its career opportunities. I learned that over 90 percent of products in North America are delivered or displayed in corrugated packaging at some point in their life cycle. It is

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the most frequently used shipping material because it is cost-effective, lightweight, functional, innovative, versatile, and sustainable. With over 1153 corrugated manufacturing and design facilities worldwide, there are endless loca- tions to pursue a career. I felt like these people, that this industry was exactly where I was supposed to be. It was like I found a career path that seemed to be a no-brainer! After ICPF’s 2020 Teleconference, I communicated to Mr. Flaherty how much I learned and was inspired by my experiences that week. I transparently explained how I had an internship offer that I was prepared to accept before attending this event. However, I expressed that I would much rather pursue internship opportunities in the corrugated industry that made me feel excited and mo- tivated all week. Mr. Flaherty assured me that ICPF had many resources to help make that happen. The excitement, support, and confidence ICPF showed in me that winter was contagious. I was astonished that Kelsea Potthast, lower right, joined Richard Flaherty along with fellow Travel Grant recipients at ICPF’s Teleconference Breakfast in East Lansing, Michigan, in February 2020.

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24 October 4, 2021

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