Micheal Foran, ARC International looked back at the Association and its impact on his business for just shy of 40 years. “In 1984, when I established Anilox Roll Company Inc, the annual FTA FORUM and regional FTA Workshops emerged as invaluable platforms for deepening our understanding of complementary flexographic products, which enhance the anilox roller—the heart of the flexo press. These gatherings also fostered a conducive environment for connecting with experienced industry professionals, contributing to the development of our brand.”
He then stated, “The entire team at ARC International extends heartfelt congratulations to FTA on reaching its 65th anniversary milestone. We hold firm in our belief that as the flexographic sector continues to advance and transform through cutting-edge technologies, FTA will persist as its most prominent advocate, offering education and avenues for both personal and corporate advancement.”
Also pausing to offer congratulations was Jim Laarman of Progressive Recovery Inc. “Congratulations to the FTA on its 65th anniversary! PRI owes much of our success to the FTA and its membership for their guidance and numerous opportunities to work together. As PRI celebrates our 40th year in business, we also celebrate 1,200+ installations globally recovering more than 20 million gallons of solvent per year. Our best estimate, through our partnership with the membership of the FTA over the past 40 years, our customers have saved nearly $11 billion. Cheers to the next 65 years!”
Julian Fernandez, Esko, lavished praise on the organization. “The contribution of FTA to the flexo industry has no precedent in any other graphic industry—FTA contributed through the years to elevate the flexo industry around the world in a way that no other organization did for any other printing methodology. Today, FTA is the No. 1 organization and reference for the entire world!”
Several members kept things short and to the point. Among them, Mike McGinnis, RRD. “FTA has been a great place to collaborate, learn and reconnect with industry colleagues.” Also, Ryan Hansen, Eye C-America, who said, “FTA is a valuable resource for providing insight on the advancements of the packaging industry while offering numerous networking opportunities for its members.”
Kelly Roberts, Canflexographics, spoke to his long-term affiliation with the Association. “As a fresh face in the industry, FTA welcomed me with open arms and offered opportunities to learn, to grow and eventually be directly involved as a judge for print awards and on the board.
“As president of our corporation, both my team and I continue to advocate for FTA and its growth in the Canadian printing industry through participation in superior industry events, utilizing both online and in-person resources and participating in, and promoting, educational opportunities.
“FTA’s provision of educational components that professionalize and regulate printing and packaging in Canada ensures we are leaders on the global stage,” he proclaimed. “For the future, we will continue to lean on FTA for support in training of operators and press personnel as the dynamics of our industry evolve. Cheers to 65 years! Canflexographics is proud to have been involved with FTA for nearly 40 years!”
Heather Buchholz of Sun Chemical confided, “FTA is the true North Star for all packaging companies. It highlights the right process, includes certifications for operators and shares best-in-class access to a community of experts. In today’s challenging packaging environments, having access to a platform or Association that shares insight is now more critical than ever. For 65 years, FTA has continued to evolve to meet the changing landscape for printers and it will continue to evolve to be a vital part of future printing generations.”
On a personal level, she said, “FTA to me has been critical in my professional life. I have been at Sun Chemical for over 20 years, and I have been an active part of the FTA—either as an exhibitor or on a committee (currently on the membership committee and previously on Women in Flexo). I have forged relationships in the industry and had access to further my skills and learn about new trends. Being part of this vibrant community of packaging professionals has enhanced my understanding of the market. …It is important to continue to evolve with changing needs in the market and the annual meetings provide a tremendous opportunity to learn about key trends and obstacles we are facing as a packaging community. The way to continue to evolve is to ensure members embrace the Phoenix Challenge, work on committees and provide valuable feedback by voicing their concerns and inputs. I hope FTA will continue to be an important piece of all packaging companies, partners and suppliers for future generations.”
Others held similar opinions. For example, Mike Agness, HYBRID Software, noted, “In a competitive industry, FTA has been very effective in advancing our cause by instilling a friendly, spirited camaraderie amongst members and vendors. The technical meetings, webinars, awards and social events have helped members and vendors to attain excellence in what they do. FTA is one of the general print and packaging industries’ organizations that has been successful in powerfully showing how groups can team together for one purpose: moving the industry forward. Let’s face it. While we compete between ourselves, we all compete against others utilizing completely different technologies.”
Agness added, “Personally, there have been many sessions that have helped educate me. I have also met a lot of great people in the industry, proving that many of us are friendly competitors who can meet amicably. I hope FTA continues to provide those learning tools and events that help us excel.”
Garrett Taylor, SOMA North America explained, “First and foremost, FTA has been instrumental in standardizing the industry from a best practices perspective. As an organization, FTA drives the conversation about innovation, and brainstorms what may be next. This is done within a healthy collaborative environment. It fosters education and community.”
He contended, “For me personally, FTA was my first memory of the flexo community. Until my first exposure to FTA, I was not as connected in the industry and FTA offered me a much larger world for networking, and talking and learning about advanced technologies. It was my first step into a much bigger ecosystem that I did not even know existed. In the future, I look forward to FTA continuing its leadership role. I hope the Association continues to listen to printer conversations and takes note of their challenges day-in and day-out. They are a great resource for online webinar and event forum topics.”