By Lindsey Munson, managing editor, Plastics Business It's been two weeks since 600 plastics leaders gathered in Indianapolis, and the impact of MAPP’s 2026 Benchmarking and Best Practices Conference continues to hit home throughout the industry. For three days, September 29 through October 1, the conference was centered on the theme of empowerment, engagement and … [Read more...] about #BenchCon26: A First Look
Leadership
A Westec Story: Leading Through the Unexpected
By Lindsey Munson, managing editor, Plastics Business “The biggest lesson I learned during this season is that I can’t do it all and must allow others to do their job – autonomous accountability,” said Tammy Barras, president of Westec Plastics. Since 1969, Westec Plastics, located in Livermore, California, has built a powerhouse in high-precision plastics injection … [Read more...] about A Westec Story: Leading Through the Unexpected
Plastics Business Celebrates 20 Years
By Dianna Brodine, vice president of editorial, Plastics Business Those who know me well have probably heard me tell two stories about the early days of Plastics Business magazine. The first cover story featured Makuta Technics (now Makuta, Inc.), a precision micro molding company in Indiana led by the fantastic Stu Kaplan. While I had writing and interviewing … [Read more...] about Plastics Business Celebrates 20 Years
How Well Do Leaders Know Themselves?
By John Vermeesch, founder and steward, Narrow Road Coaching A Leadership StorySummer 1980-something. West Point. John Vermeesch was an 18-year-old new cadet sweating through New York’s humidity, running the mountains of the Hudson Valley, and learning just how much he didn’t know about leadership. That summer, he always carried a 3"x4.5" book called Bugle Notes, a … [Read more...] about How Well Do Leaders Know Themselves?
New Year. New Mindset.
By Lindsey Munson, editor, Plastics Business January 2026 came and went in a blur. I’m sure, like many of you, we have had little time to pause and reflect on what we’d like to accomplish this year – both professionally and personally. Still, I am someone who appreciates a good plan (hello, Type A), loves to learn and strives to be the best version of myself. Rather than set … [Read more...] about New Year. New Mindset.