by Nicole Mitchell, editor, Plastics Business Manufacturing companies across the US are struggling to find the right new business opportunities for their teams – and those new opportunities have to be weighed against current capacity due to labor shortages, increased product cost, transportation issues and more. In the last two years, manufacturers have had to step back and … [Read more...] about Finding and Assessing New Business Opportunities
Culture
It’s Time to Intentionally Connect
by Dianna Brodine, vice president, editorial, Plastics Business I’m traveling more these days – to tradeshows, conferences and plant tours – and it feels GOOD to connect with people again. From hugs with old friends to handshakes with new acquaintances, these relationships are filling my tank with energy, ideas and purpose. However, it’s not easy for everyone to reach out and … [Read more...] about It’s Time to Intentionally Connect
View from 30: A Higher Meaning to Work at Belmont Engineered Plastics
by Dianna Brodine, vice president, editorial, Plastics Business Two years ago, just before the COVID-19 pandemic began impacting the United States significantly, the owners of Belmont Engineered Plastics sat down for a meeting. Among conversations about profitability and planning, the conversation turned to the “why” – why were these four individuals in business, and what … [Read more...] about View from 30: A Higher Meaning to Work at Belmont Engineered Plastics
15 Years of Plastics Business Magazine
by Dianna Brodine, managing editor, Plastics Business I love a good celebration, and this issue of Plastics Business gives us a reason to break out the confetti – it’s our anniversary! Over the last 15 years, the Manufacturers Association of Plastics Processors (MAPP) and Peterson Publications have published 60 issues of Plastics Business. When it began, each quarterly … [Read more...] about 15 Years of Plastics Business Magazine
Building a Culture of Gratitude through Social Media Interaction
by Brittany Willes, contributing writer, Plastics Business There is no denying that with technological advancements come great benefits. However, there often are unintended drawbacks as well. When it comes to communication mechanisms like social media, the very platforms that are meant to bring people together often result in users being less present in their daily lives. This … [Read more...] about Building a Culture of Gratitude through Social Media Interaction