Economic Impact

Clearwater Paper Invests $23 Million in New Tissue Converting Line

Astolt — Wed, 30 Oct 2024 18:52:15 +0000

Clearwater Paper Invests $23 Million in New Tissue Converting Line

Astolt Wed, 10/30/2024 - 14:52

Clearwater Paper

Clearwater Paper is investing $23 million in a new, state-of-the-art facial tissue converting line in Shelby, North Carolina.

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/clearwaterpaper_we-are-proud-to-announce-that-cl…

Industry Priorities

Sustainability

Economic Impact

Growing Industry Leaders Through Mentorship

SManger — Tue, 29 Mar 2022 15:15:05 +0000

Growing Industry Leaders Through Mentorship

SManger Tue, 03/29/2022 - 11:15

Mentorship is an essential part of any career path. It’s usually a two-way street of people working together and offering life-long learning and partnership.

Environmental Health and Safety Manager Diane Hardison is one example of a leader and mentor in the paper and wood products industry.

She works at Domtar’s Plymouth, North Carolina mill, and later this year will retire after more than three decades in the industry. Looking back on her career now, she recognizes the support of others.

“I’m inspired by our field operators, electricians, mechanics, roll wrappers, equipment operators, lab analysts, boiler operators and the rest of our labor force. Because of what they faithfully do, day after day,” Hardison said. “There are so many who have and still do inspire me in life, for different reasons. I’m grateful for each of those people.”

Kari Cahoon and Diane Hardison of Domtar

That includes Kari Cahoon, a Plymouth mill engineer who will be promoted to Hardison’s current role as environmental manager. She has worked at Domtar for 25 years and across the mill on several different projects and in various roles.

“I’ve been challenged and stepped outside my comfort zone many times, and I am better for it,” Cahoon said. “I feel prepared to make this next step because of those opportunities. They were offered to me, and I accepted. It’s important for leadership to offer opportunities to be challenged and grow even when a person is highly valued and productive where they are.”

Cahoon credits Hardison’s support and recognizes the ways in which her mentorship has left an impact.

“I’ve learned many lessons from Diane over the years,” Cahoon said. “She’s taught me to demonstrate caring, to look people in the eye, and to take the time to formulate thoughtful responses. She’s also taught me to look at issues from all angles before arriving at a conclusion and to utilize the expertise on my team.”

Together, these two women have led through partnership. When Hardison goes to work, she is reminded, “to appreciate and value people first, give back with every opportunity, and to be willing do whatever it takes to get a job done.”

Both women recognize there is opportunity for other women to be leaders in the paper and wood products industry. They also acknowledge the role the industry plays in supporting local communities.

“Pulp and paper manufacturing provides exciting work environments and opportunities to continue to grow skills and knowledge and progress into leadership roles. In my personal experience, the industry cares for and invests in its employees and operates with a high degree of integrity,” Hardison said.

Cahoon added, “being a woman is an asset to the industry because we bring another perspective to the table. My dream for women in manufacturing is to stay engaged in the industry, perform well and aspire to bigger roles within an organization.”

By intentionally mentoring and learning together, both women have found a life-long and fulfilling career.

“My dream or charge to any of us is to fulfill our purpose,” Hardison said. “Put to work and multiply the talents and abilities created in each of us. To remember that none of us is a complete package, but together, we can accomplish what needs to be done.”

Women Enhance the Culture of the Paper & Wood Products Industry

SManger — Thu, 17 Mar 2022 12:33:48 +0000

Women Enhance the Culture of the Paper & Wood Products Industry

SManger Thu, 03/17/2022 - 08:33

Community is at the core of the paper and wood products industry. As a top 10 manufacturing employer in 45 states, the forest products industry employs nearly 950,000 people with more than 2 million jobs supported throughout the supply chain.

Forest products industries are often the largest employer in a community. Places like Ashdown, Arkansas, a town with a population of about 4,400 people. That’s where Alondria Hamilton works as the Human Resources Generalist and Diversity & Inclusion Advocate for Domtar.

Her experience with the industry can be traced back to her childhood.

“The industry has been a part of my life ever since I was a little girl,” Hamilton said. “My father has been employed in the paper and wood products industry for 42 years, so I’ve seen and experienced the stability the industry can provide.”

More than stability, Hamilton said Domtar has helped her grow as a leader.

“Domtar has created opportunities that allow me to grow professionally, and joining this team is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made,” she said. “Domtar Ashdown has a great workforce, and I enjoy being able to provide guidance to assist and support them. We truly have a great team.”

People are the best part of the job, Hamilton said. And the job has an impact on the people surrounding the community. One way is providing jobs at the mill and for those who support the industry. Another, and just as important, is building relationships and partnerships.

“Domtar Ashdown is definitely community-driven,” she said. “Several of our employees are from Ashdown and the surrounding communities. We partner with numerous local non-profit organizations, such as Harvest Regional Food Bank, United Way and the Ashdown Community Foundation, to provide assistance to those in our area.”

In addition to her job, Hamilton is a member the Ashdown Mill’s EarthChoice Ambassadors. This team focuses on promoting sustainable business practices. The focus is three-fold: customers, employees and community. The Ambassadors help pick up trash alongside highways and host a First Book Event where the team reads to local elementary schools.

Hamilton added being part of an organization that makes products people depend on every day is truly a rewarding experience. She’s proud of her contributions. And even more proud of what she and other women in the industry are uniquely able to bring to the table.

“Women in the industry enhance the culture of the organization by promoting diversity and inclusion. Being a woman is an asset as I am able to bring a different viewpoint, compassion and a sense of creativity to the company,” she said.

She draws her inspiration from her family. Hamilton said her husband and her son motivate her to be her best self and reach for ambitious goals.

And she has big dreams for women in the industry.

“While we are seeing more women being recognized and acknowledged for their talent, we still have a long way to go. I would love to see more women in leadership roles, taking on more responsibility and being an example for both females and minorities, who wish to achieve the same goals,” Hamilton said.

Paper and Wood Products Industry Invests in Local Communities and Its Neighbors

CCozort — Mon, 24 Jan 2022 14:22:25 +0000

Paper and Wood Products Industry Invests in Local Communities and Its Neighbors

CCozort Mon, 01/24/2022 - 09:22

Our industry makes an impact in many ways throughout local communities. Our member's facilities often serve as the largest employer in these towns and counties.

For Jon Peterson, the paper and wood products industry does more than provide a well-paying job for him and his family.

“I was Scoutmaster for decades in a local community and continue in leadership roles in my church and community. My wife is called ‘Mama Janet’ by many in the area due to her roles as a mentor and leader for women,” he shared. “This direct involvement by company employees is multiplied by countless others who’ve come before I arrived, are here now, and will follow in years to come.”

Peterson joined the industry in 1977, choosing a profession that was a match between his interests and the STEM skills he earned from the University of Minnesota. He currently serves as the Technical/Engineering Manager at Resolute Forest Products' Coosa Pines, Alabama Mill.

After being in the industry for almost 45 years, Peterson shared the importance of mills in the community's life.

"The direct economic impact can't be understated, which normally translates to remarkable improvements to community services and quality of life, such as education, healthcare and family services," Peterson said. "The indirect impact of workers and their families influences generations through their involvement in volunteer organizations, as teachers and coaches, and in other community leadership positions."

Resolute Forest Products is actively involved in the local community where Peterson and his family live. Peterson noted the broad legacy of support the mill has given to not only the local community but also to others when needs have arisen.

“The company supports planned activities like the Coosa River Cleanup, Log a Load for Kids, Christmas gift drives and distributions. Many others have been helped by the company’s safety awards given to the mill when we reach safety milestones, but then “paid forward” to non-profit organizations we desire to support. The company also has a ‘real-time’ heart, coordinating collections for hurricane and other disaster victims," Peterson shared.

At the end of the day, this is still the industry he loves and is passionate about because it’s about people. Peterson wishes that everyone understood that people are at the heart of the industry’s operations.

"[I wish] people knew the focused time and effort our industry spends every day on sustainability, environmental performance, safety, education, quality products and improvements to the economy. Then I think they would appreciate that next piece of tissue or that next piece of lumber more personally as a special and very important item made by us just for them," Peterson said. Learn how the paper and wood products industry plays a role in your state.

Visit our Economic Impact page for a detailed look at job, manufacturing output and total compensation rates.

Graphic Packaging $600 million Michigan Investment

JTiralla — Fri, 13 Aug 2021 18:51:52 +0000

Graphic Packaging $600 million Michigan Investment

JTiralla Fri, 08/13/2021 - 14:51

Graphic Packaging

In 2019, Graphic Packaging invested $600 million into its coated recycled board platform. The investment delivers value to the local community in Kalamazoo, MI and expands Graphic's commitment to deliver sustainable packaging.

https://www.graphicpkg.com/news/gphc-announces-kalamazoo-michigan-mill-for-new-…

Industry Priorities

Sustainability

Economic Impact

Marketplace Sustainability

Our Impact - Forest Products Industry Jobs

superuser — Thu, 05 Aug 2021 14:51:10 +0000

Our Impact - Forest Products Industry Jobs

superuser Thu, 08/05/2021 - 10:51

The U.S. forest products industry is one of the largest manufacturing industries in America. Industry jobs create additional wealth in local communities and facilities produce essential products.

Download

AF&PA Economic Impact Methodology

superuser — Wed, 04 Aug 2021 01:17:22 +0000

AF&PA Economic Impact Methodology

The AF&PA Congressional District Impact model measures the employment, wages, and value of shipments for each of the 435 congressional districts and for the District of Columbia’s delegate district.

superuser Tue, 08/03/2021 - 21:17

See the Report

AF&PA 2020 Sustainability Report

superuser — Tue, 03 Aug 2021 23:07:58 +0000

AF&PA 2020 Sustainability Report

AF&PA members have met or exceeded many of the sustainability goals we set in 2011. See our progress in the latest Better Practices, Better Planet 2020 Sustainability Report.

superuser Tue, 08/03/2021 - 19:07

See the Report

Resolute Presents Scholarships

superuser — Wed, 28 Jul 2021 18:31:03 +0000

Resolute Presents Scholarships

superuser Wed, 07/28/2021 - 14:31

Resolute

Resolute’s Coosa Pines (AL) pulp mill proudly presented $3,000 to the Talladega-Sylacauga Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Scholarship Foundation, helping 3 graduating high school seniors for their future education plans.

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/resolute-forest-products_resolutes-coosa-pines-a…

Industry Priorities

Sustainability

Economic Impact

Rand Whitney Focused on Growth

superuser — Wed, 28 Jul 2021 18:24:28 +0000

Rand Whitney Focused on Growth

superuser Wed, 07/28/2021 - 14:24

Rand Whitney

Rand Whitney is focused on continuous growth and improvement at their mills. Over the past decade, they have remained committed to adding new facilities and upgrading machinery to better serve our customer base.

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/rand--whitney_rand-whitneys-continuous-investmen…

Industry Priorities

Sustainability

Economic Impact