By Andrew Carlsgaard, analytics director, MAPP In the competitive and dynamic landscape for hiring and retaining skilled employees, US manufacturers, particularly the small- and medium-sized businesses, face significant and unique challenges when providing healthcare and other employee benefits. These challenges are intensified by industry-specific factors, such as an aging … [Read more...] about Healthcare and Benefits to Strain Industry Resources at Increased Rate in 2025
2025 Issue 2
Building Better from Within: A Lean Startup Mindset for Internal Product Lines
By Karissa Kopecky, marketing manager, Falcon Plastics Most manufacturers focus the bulk of their new program startup energy on customer programs – and rightly so. But when a manufacturer launches an internal product line, like Falcon Plastics’ High Plains Trays, the same startup discipline still applies. In fact, it becomes an opportunity to test and refine best … [Read more...] about Building Better from Within: A Lean Startup Mindset for Internal Product Lines
The 9 Core Traits of High-Performing Companies
By Susan Quinn, CEO, circle S studio In today’s business landscape, competition is relentless. Disruptions emerge overnight. Customer expectations rapidly evolve. Talent is harder to retain than ever. Yet, some companies consistently outperform their peers – growing faster, attracting top talent and building unshakable customer loyalty. What sets these companies … [Read more...] about The 9 Core Traits of High-Performing Companies
Building Flourishing Organizations
By Matt Lesser, author, keynote and owner, Uniquely Normal, LLC In 2017, the idea for the “Flourishing Life Model” 1 was born; however, it was incomplete. The first four levels – diminishing, surviving, striving, thriving – were developed, but it was not for another three years, in 2020, the top of the model – flourishing – finalized. The “Flourishing Life Model,” first … [Read more...] about Building Flourishing Organizations
Recyclability Beyond the Numbers: The Impact of Labels on Plastic Packaging
By Ruben Nance, program director – preferred design recognition, Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) Recycling can be confusing. Consumers must compare both the resin identification code and format of a package to their municipalities’ list of accepted items to correctly determine what should be placed in the bin. The municipalities acceptance list is representative of … [Read more...] about Recyclability Beyond the Numbers: The Impact of Labels on Plastic Packaging