Companies involved in the flexible packaging industry participate in their communities and provide services beyond their business models. Here is a look at some of those efforts, plus a recent appointment, at some companies that are members of the Flexible Packaging Association.
CMD Employees Give Back
Employees at CMD Corporation, a capital equipment manufacturer in the film converting and alternative energy markets, volunteered over 150 hours in the Appleton, Wisconsin, area as part of CMD’s Holiday Giveback Program.
From November 6 to December 31, 2023, employees on every shift had the opportunity to volunteer and get paid for up to four hours of their time, according to a company news release. Four local charities worked with CMD in creating volunteer opportunities for employees: St. Joseph Food Program; Feeding America; the Salvation Army; and COTS, Inc., a charity that helps people who are without housing.
“Our Holiday Giveback Program not only allowed our employees to give back to the community, but it also allowed them to connect with one another and feel a sense of pride in their workplace and community,” said Hans Bachmeier, CMD president, in the release. “Seeing the impact they made on the lives of those in need was truly inspiring, and we look forward to continuing this tradition in the years to come.”
Holiday Give Back is part of CMD’s overall corporate social responsibility program, which includes volunteering, internal employee enrichment and community outreach events, fundraising, and charitable support and advocacy. The objective of the program is to enhance employee opportunities to make a positive difference in communities while supporting positive employee experiences with CMD.
Avery Dennison Foundation Offers Scholarship Programs
The Avery Dennison Foundation awarded $76,000 to 38 students in 2023, according to a foundation news release.
“The Avery Dennison Foundation concentrates on giving across three pillars: education access, environmental sustainability, and secure livelihoods. These three areas of focus help the foundation achieve its vision for diverse, equitable, and sustainable communities around the world that help people thrive,” according to the foundation.
In the education pillar, the foundation provides scholarships for children of employees through its U.S. Scholars program and the Global Children of Employees Scholarship program. Started in 1977, the U.S. Scholars program has provided college scholarships to over 600 children of U.S. employees.
Dow Named Great Place To Work®
Great Place To Work® and Fortune recognized Dow as one of the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For® for the fourth consecutive year. Dow moved up 10 places from No. 89 in 2023 to No. 79.
Dow is the only materials science company to be recognized and the highest ranking of the four manufacturing and production companies to make the list, according to a news release.
The Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For® list is highly competitive, Dow says. Great Place To Work®, the global authority on workplace culture, selected the list using rigorous analytics and confidential employee feedback from more than 1.3 million U.S. employees. Companies are only considered for the list if they are Great Place To Work Certified™ and have 1,000 or more employees in the U.S. Companies are assessed how they create a great employee experience that cuts across race, gender, age, disability status, or any aspect of employee identity or job role.
“This recognition exemplifies our dedication to a more inclusive, diverse, and equitable Dow,” said Alveda J. Williams, Ph.D., Dow’s chief inclusion officer, in a release. “Our unrelenting commitment to create a better workplace for all set us apart in 2023.”
Barry-Wehmiller Names Supply Chain Leader
George Berg has been named vice president of the global supply chain at Barry-Wehmiller. In the new role, Berg will lead and develop a team to serve as the primary contact between Barry-Wehmiller and its suppliers worldwide, according to a company news release.
Under Berg’s leadership, the enterprise supply chain team will establish formal guidelines that govern business transactions with Barry-Wehmiller and outline clear expectations for suppliers. Specifically, they will set global procurement policies and establish global preferred suppliers. He joins Barry-Wehmiller from Robert Bosch, where he worked for 27 years in various supply chain, operation, and finance roles.
Above and Beyond/Transitions wants your news. Please send us information about how your company is giving back to your communities—charitable events, community drives, and other initiatives. We also would like to report when someone is hired or promoted to a senior position. Email Thomas Barstow, senior editor, at thomas.barstow@theygsgroup.com and flexpackvoicecontent@theygsgroup.com.