Finishing Stronger Together - United Group€¦ · Finishing Stronger Together ... Barb Hietpas, Mary Field, ... Group President Tobie McKown served as master of ceremonies once again

FFFFFFFFFFFFiiiiiiinnnnnnnniiiiisssssshhhhhhhhhiiiiiiinnnnnnnngggggggggg SSSSSSSSSSSttttttttrrrrrrrrooooonnnggggeeeeeeeerrrrrrrrrr TTTTTTTTTTToooooooogggggggggeeeeeeeeettttttthhhhhhheeeeeeerrrrrrFFFFFFiiiiinnnnniiissshhhhhhiiiiiinnnnggggg SSSSSSttttttrroonggeerrrrr TTTTTTToooooggggggeeeeeetttthhhhheeeerrrr

IN THIS ISSUE: INDUSTRY NEWS • CONFERENCE WRAPUP • NEW MEMBERS • PRODUCT NEWS

United Connects is published four times a

year by The United Group, 3121 Mercedes

Drive, Monroe, LA 71201. (318) 387-9676

Magazine editor Sarah Harrison may be

contacted at United Group satellite offi ce:

302 Rainbow Drive, Staunton, VA 24401.

(540) 248-0480 [email protected]

VO LUM E 2012, ISSUE I I

TOBIE F. McKOWN

President & [email protected]

JEFF ALBRITTON

Chief Financial Offi [email protected]

DEBBIE NORRED

Senior Vice President Vendor [email protected]

BOB KLIEF

Vice President Sales & [email protected]

STACY JOHNSON

Marketing Allowance [email protected]

SARAH HARRISON

Director of Public Relations &Editor/Publisher of United Connects

[email protected]

TONYA FREEMAN

Accounting [email protected]

CHERYL MUSKUSMuskus Management

Database and Website [email protected]

President’s Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

2012 Conference Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Market Segment Committee Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

Member News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

Product News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

Industry News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34

Listing of Preferred Suppliers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42

Cover photos: dreamstime.com

Index of Advertisers

Berk Wiper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Berkley Square . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Cascades Tissue Group/IFC . . . . . . . . 47

Chase Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

DDI System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

ECi Maytech . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Eco Concepts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Elkay Plastics Company . . . . . . . . . . 32

Golden Star. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

IPG (Intertape) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4, 33

Marathon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

R3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Royal Paper Products . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Saalfeld Redistribution . . . . . . . . . . 45

Step 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

TaraTape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Verizon Wireless . . . . . . . . . 17, 26, 41

Wausau Paper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Wynn Resort, Las Vegas, Nevada Photo by Sarah Harrison

I’ve been thinking a lot about teamwork lately. It’s only natural when you consider the Olympic spirit

and pre-season football excitement in the air. But those aren’t the kind of teams I have in mind. I hope that each of you know that the team here at TUG

is always working on your behalf.

Whether you want help ironing out

an issue with a vendor or have an idea

for a new member benefi t, we want

to hear from you. In fact, we need to

hear from you in order to give our

best performance.

You are also part of our team, you

see, and a very important player. Th e

eff ort that you provide in giving us

honest feedback about the group — your

constructive comments — can improve

the Group experience not only for you

but for all United Group stakeholders.

Even in “individual” sports such as

swimming or track and fi eld, athletes

work as part of a team to contribute

to its overall success. And just as a

superstar center can’t win the basketball

championship all by himself, (bear

with me here) a United Group member

won’t have the optimal membership

experience by looking out only for him-

or herself.

I’ve seen time and again how active

membership — attending the annual

Conference, responding to surveys,

suggesting improvements or additions

to group benefits — contributes to

a member’s bottom line success and

strengthens the Group as a whole. You

can improve your own “performance”

by reaching out to other members, by

serving on committees and attending

events, and by sharing your triumphs

and failures with other members. I know

that member turnover is unavoidable,

natural, and even healthy, but I’d hate to

see anyone leave TUG simply because he

or she can “get more” somewhere else.

President and CEO

Tobie F. McKown

JIM ALLENAllen Packaging Company, Tustin, CA

[email protected](714) 259-0100, ext. 130

DAVID BRACALEBuck Supply & Distribution, Plattsburgh, NY

[email protected](518) 561-4300

JIM CLAYTONClayton Paper & Distribution, St. Joseph, MO


VINCE CLEARY, JR.Cantwell-Cleary Company, Landover, MD


THAD ELLINGTONPFS Sales Company, Raleigh, NC


TOM FIELDTomar Industries, Inc., Adelphia, NJ

tfi [email protected](732) 780-2200, ext. 229

CURTIS HATHAWAYHathaway, Inc., Waynesboro, VA


TOBIE McKOWNTh e United Group, Monroe, LA


RICHARD RIBAKOVEMooney-General Paper Co., Hillside, NJ


T H E UN I T ED G R OUP

The United Group3121 Mercedes Drive, Monroe, LA 71201

(318) 387-9676 • www.unitedgroup.com

Maybe I’m an idealist, but why not stay

and work so we can all get more?

Continuing the team metaphor,

please check page 24 for an introduction

to our newest “teammate” at TUG,

Tonya Freeman. Tonya is putting her

bookkeeping and accounting skills to

work as our new Accounting Specialist,

and we believe she’s a good fi t for TUG.

She is very personable, and I know

that members and suppliers will enjoy

working with her.

TUG’s website taskforce team has

been collaborating for many months, and

we will soon be pleased to unveil our new

and improved website. TUG’s site will

feature greater search functionality for

members and visitors in addition to a

new visual brand strategy. Our developer

partners are award-winners in their

fi eld, and they have worked tirelessly

to meet our every request, including

a geo-location function and complete

integration with TUG’s database. I’m

confi dent you will be as pleased with the

improvements as we are.

Lastly, I’d like to reiterate Bill

O’Meara’s invitation to join the team

that will assemble September 20 and

21 in Lenox, MA for the 21st annual

Northeast Regional Meeting (see page

23). Th is member event is informative,

stimulating and fun, and those who

attend get a sneak peek at the latest news

and developments from TUG. So step

up to the plate; who knows, you might

hit a home run! ❚

Scan me!

800-474-8273itape.com • [email protected]

IPG’s ‘Made in America’ products give our customers peace of mind in knowing

that they purchased a high qual i ty product that wi l l have a posit ive effect on the

American economy. IPG® has seven manufactur ing faci l i t ies across the country

that produce a wide range of products, including shr ink and stretch f i lms, air

pi l lows, painter’s masking tape, duct tape, packaging tape, foi l tapes and a host

of specialty tapes l ike double-coated and specialty f i lament tapes. Buying IPG’s

American-made products gives jobs not only to workers on the plant f loor, but

also to those in research and development, product and process engineer ing and

design, operat ions and maintenance, transportat ion, and test ing.

Contact your IPG® sales representative for more information about our complete line of American-made products!

ADVERTISEMENT

President Tobie McKown delivering his remarks at TUG’s annual stockholder meeting.

5

Thanks to Our 2012 Conference Sponsors:

Anchor PackagingThe Andersen CompanyBerry/Covalence Plastics

Cantech IndustriesCarlisle Sanitary

Maintenance ProductsCascades Tissue Group

COACTFortune Plastics

Heartland Label PrintersHeritage Bag Company

IPG (Intertape)Jannel Manufacturing

Kutol ProductsLaminations

LapacoNorth American Salt Co.

NPSPaper Systems Inc.

PolyairPrimepakSaalfeld

SCA Tissue N. AmericaStoropack, Inc.

Temperatsure, Inc.Verizon Wireless

TUG staff ers Bob Klief (left) and Cheryl Muskus conferring on the Conference fl oor.

Some Conference attendees enjoyed an excursion to the mighty Hoover Dam.

Each year, Th e United Group’s

National Conference takes

place to provide opportunities for

new and established partnerships

and friendships to fl ourish, and to

impart information about the Group

and the distribution industry while

including time for attendees to relax

and have fun. Happily, the 2012

Conference in Las Vegas continued

the tradition with productive

Tabletop sessions, informative

Market Segment breakout meetings,

and fun activities and outings.

Las Vegas off ered something for

everyone, from spectacular shows

to posh shopping to — naturally

— busy casinos. We hope that

none of you walked away from

the Conference empty-handed,

regardless of how you fared on the

gambling fl oor. ❚

6

TUG National Conference Welcome ReceptionSunday, April 15, 2012

7

Greetings from Las Vegas

TUG National Conference Tabletop Meetings

Monday, April 16 & Wednesday, April 18, 2012

88

Arco Industrial Sales (MS) and AMMEX (PS)

Carlisle Foodservice (PS)

New London Tape Distributors (MS) and Oreck (PS)

Weatherford Offi ce Supply (MS) and Lambskin Specialties (PS)

Allied Shipping & Packaging (MS) and Primepak (PS)

Dart Container Corporation (PS)

PIP (PS) and Associated Paper (MS)

Wrap N Pack (MS) and Republic Bag (PS)

Atlantis Paper & Packaging (MS) and Peacock Products (PS)

Delaware Valley Packaging Group (MS) and Elkay Plastics (PS)

Snyder Paper (MS) and Greenline Transportation (PS)

Solo Cup Company (PS) and Restaurant Equipment World (MS)

Ben Clements & Sons

Express Shipping RooPolyair (PS)

Standard Restaurant ESabert (PS)

TaraTape (PS) and Garr

999

(PS)

m Supply (MS) and

Equipment (MS) and

Berry Plastics (PS) and Shippers Supply (MS)

Garrett Paper Company (MS) and Sabert (PS)

Summit Paper Company (MS) and Berkley Square (PS)

Bocks Board Packaging (PS) and Kerr Paper & Supply (MS)

Jannel Manufacturing (PS) and Catko Distributors (MS)

Tapeman (MS) and Alliance Rubber Company (PS)

Broussard Paper Company (MS) and Wausau Paper (PS)

Laminations (PS) and Cantwell-Cleary Company (MS)

rett Paper (MS)

10

Team #1 (from left to right, all teams)Barb Hietpas, Mary Field, Paula Stewart, Bonnie Gardner

Team #7Jean Jobin, Jim Farrell, James Reinert, Gabe Carter

Team #13Mark Monts, Joe Iacona, Dean Blockowitz, Richard Ribakove

Team #19Todd Weidmaier, James Sterritt, Tom Jones, M. Dalpes

Team #2 J.P. Hill, Ed Brownley III, Tim Green, Ed Brownley, Jr.

Team #8 Dominic Rappazzo, Brad Walker, Steve Miller, Scott Stanford

Team #14John Tharp, Wilcher Kerr, Patrick Tharp, Max Tharp

Team #20Jeff Iverson, Robert Stewart, Pat Marcanio, George Whitman

Team #3 Curtis Hathaway, Dan Doughtery, Tom Field, Gary Hietpas

Team #9Stephen Kiszely, Jr., Wayne Eddy, Paul Greenberg, Todd Murphy

Team #15Brian Grant, Steve Coleman, Rick Rodriguez

Team #21Ken Murphy, Joe Muskus, Alan Axelrod, Mark Cassese

Team #4Jim Martin, Tobie McKBurton Farquharson

Team #10Luciano Vargas, Jeff GMark Julo

Team #16Mark Frasco, Jim JarboGreenfi eld, Tony Evere

Team #22Bumcho Shin, Insoo SEidson, Bob Klief

Golf TournamentTUG 2012 NATIONAL CONFERENCE

11

Kown, Jim Allen,

Gurney, Jim Paris,

oe, Larry ett

Seok, Brandon

Team #5Lou Ray, Ron Jacobs, Jason Geck, Jim Laney

Team #11Patrick McKay, Greg Burke, Mike Lewis, Steve Bentley

Team #17Brian Cranford, Bob Jenkins, John Dolbeck

Team #23Julia Crump, Shonna Bisagno, Pam Stratton, Jackie Lewis

Team #6Tod Serbrousek, Tom Hasley, Josh Crittenden, Steve Williams

Team #12Farrel Keen, Lee Wagtoner, George Pecho, Chris Lewis

Team #18David Houser, Don Ricks, William Scott Ervin, Scott Brown

Th ank you to all of our golf Sponsors for

your support!

Anchor Packaging

The Andersen Company

Berry/Covalence Plastics

Cantech Industries, Inc.

Cascades Tissue Group

Fortune Plastics, Inc.

Heartland Label Printers

Heritage Bag Company

Intertape Polymer Group

Kutol Products

Laminations

Lapaco

North American Salt Company

NPS

Paper Systems, Inc.

Polyair Packaging, Inc.

PrimePak

SCA Tissue North America

Storopack, Inc.

Temperatsure, Inc.

Verizon Wireless

12

MEMBER

Silver

Fangu

Amer

The beautiful Wynn Resort in Las Vegas

provided the backdrop for the 2012

United Group member and supplier awards

banquet. Group President Tobie McKown

served as master of ceremonies once again

for a full house of handsomely-attired

ladies and gents. Entertainment for the

evening was provided by Dana Daniels,

comedian and magician extraordinaire, and

several audience participants. Top honors

of the evening were awarded to Mooney

General Paper Company (Member of the

Year) and Carlisle Sanitary Maintenance/

Carlisle Foodservice Products. ❚

Monday, April 16, 2012

13

R STOCKHOLDERS

r Medal Awards

uy Brothers Wholesale, Inc.

Charles Adams

risource Industrial Supply

Lou Ray and Eric Puhl

Combined Sales

Tom Jones

MEMBER STOCKHOLDERS

Gold Medal Awards

Twin Ports Paper & Supply

Mark Laskowski

Pineland Paper Company

Guy Branch

Snyder Paper Corporation

Bruce Spake

Co-Winners: Trio Supply Company and Paper Supplies

Dan Bonk (Trio Supply); Sean Knight (Paper Supplies)

Associated Paper, Inc.

Marie Rainey and Ronnie Kent

Tarheel Paper & Supply Company

Jim Martin

MEMBER STOCKHOLDERS

Pinnacle Awards

Dart Container Corporation

Jason Geck and Joe Iacona

PREFERRED SUPPLIERS

Silver Medal Awards

PREFERRED SUPPLIERS

Pinnacle Awards

PREFERRED SUPPLIERS

Gold Medal Awards

PAC Strapping Products

Edwin Brownley, Jr. and Edwin Brownley III

Shurtape Technologies

Charles Henry

Polyair Packaging

Kristyn Vinicky and Martin Gilvarg

D&W Fine Pack

Bob Griffi th and Tony Botzo

Pactiv Corporation

Vince Farren

14

Cascades Tissue Group

Bob Jenkins, Jean Jobin, Bob Johns and Dennis Lion

MEMBER OF THE YEAR

Mooney General Paper Co.

SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR

Carlisle Sanitary Maintenance

Republic Bag, Inc.

Key Compton, Chris Mayer and Steve Schroeder

The Safety Zone

Jeff rey Ignatuk

Andrea and Rich Ribakove

Hillside, NJ

Dawn Pappas and Dave Gudorf

Oklahoma City, OK (headquarters)

15

AD

VE

RT

ISE

ME

NT

AD

VE

RT

ISE

ME

NT

17

Did You Know …The United Group is a Member of Golbon, a full service foodservice marketing group. Therefore, your company is a member of Golbon as well.

One of Golbon’s Supplier Partners is Verizon Wireless. The list of the current member discounts is shown below. If you are interested in any of the programs below, please send an email to [email protected]. You will receive instructions on the three minute on-line contract process.

Corporate Discounts

20% Monthly Access Discount for eligible plans and features*

10% Monthly Access Discount for machine to machine lines

25% Discount on Qualifying Accessories

Waived Activation Fees

$20 Unlimited Data Feature for Smartphones (access discounts do not apply)

Free 250 text message feature (does not include pix/fl ix)

$19.99 Unlimited PTT Plan, access discounts do not apply

Employee’s Personal Line Discounts

18% Monthly Access Discount for eligible plans and features*

25% Discount on Qualifying Accessories

*Plans $34.99 or higher and features $24.99 or higher for corporate lines and $34.99 or higher and features $24.99 or higher for employee lines when added to such plans are eligible for a discount unless disclaimed otherwise.

Mobile Phone: (208) [email protected] Enterprise ManagerShonna Bisagno

Work Phone: (208) 921-5548

Please contact your Verizon Wireless business specialist for additional information on products, pricing and services.

ADVERTISEMENT

18

Everyone has heard the saying

“What happens in Vegas stays

in Vegas.” Well, that’s not always

true. At Th e United Group’s

Annual Conference, members and

suppliers came together to rein-

force existing relationships and

develop new ones that I’m sure will

fl ourish into meaningful business

opportunities in each of our home-

towns. I trust everyone was able to

take away something positive that

will pay dividends in the future.

Th e Industrial Packaging

Committee would like to thank those who joined our

segment meeting; with over 65 members in attendance,

it was one of our best turnouts to date. By extending our

meeting to two hours, we were able to cover a number of

topics including: a review of newly introduced suppliers,

product segments and potential suppliers that our

committee is currently pursuing and a lively discussion on

best practices as it relates to social media.

I want to thank all those who contributed to our

discussions, especially Shelly Robinson of Allied Shipping &

Packaging Supplies (ASAP). Shelley provided a detailed look

into the success her company has enjoyed since utilizing

Facebook, Twitter and other avenues to communicate news

about ASAP to new prospects and existing customers. She

also encouraged everyone to take the plunge, as social media

is here to stay.

We fi nished our segment meeting with an informative

presentation by Mark Frasco from COACT. Mark led a

discussion on innovative approaches that progressive

companies are using to change their mindset towards sales,

in order to build a competitive advantage in the marketplace.

By listening to and learning a prospect’s buying system and

motivations, your selling position will be stronger when they

are ready to buy. Building meaningful relationships is the

key to success and something that we can all learn from.

Lastly, I want to thank Vince Cleary, Jr. for his dedication

as chairman of the Industrial Packaging Committee and

wish him continued success on TUG’s Board of Directors.

Our committee looks forward to introducing new suppliers

and services that will have a positive impact on the group.

We encourage you to reach out to us with suggestions that

will bring value to all of our members. ❚

Stephen Kiszely, Jr.

Delaware Valley Packaging Group(215) 638-8900 ext. [email protected]

INDUSTRIAL PACKAGING COMMITTEE

Viva Las Vegas. What a great

turnout! Mark Frasco,

president of COACT, was the

guest speaker at our Foodservice

Segment Breakout meeting. He

talked about “How to Improve the

Way You Are Doing Business.”

Aft er his speech, we asked

the attendees to introduce

themselves and their companies

including how many years they

have been in business and how

many people they employ. Th is

was a very enlightening component of our meeting. Th e

question was posed about bringing Genpak on as a United

Group Preferred Supplier. Bob Klief asked all members who

purchase from Genpak to email him with the amount of

their yearly purchases.

We are increasing the size of the Committee so we will

have all regions of the country covered. Foodservice is quite

a diverse market segment due to diff erent packaging and

environmental regulations across the nation.

We plan to hold a teleconference in June. Please contact

me with your suggestions of new product lines or vendors. ❚

FOOD SERVICE COMMITTEE

Pete Hansen

Portland Paper & Supply(503) 235-2355 [email protected]

FOOD SERVICE COMMITTEE

Chair: Pete Hansen, Portland Paper & Supply Company, Portland, Oregon

Members:Lisa Garrett, Garrett Paper Company, St. Louis, Missouri

J.P. Hill, Riverside Paper Supply, Newport News, Virginia

Alan Hirsch, Bay Paper Company, Mobile, Alabama

Richard Jewell, Finest City Paper Co., San Diego, California

Rob Th omas, Camden Bag, Mt. Laurel, New Jersey

We want to hear from you!Please share your company news with Sarah

at [email protected]

or call her at (540) 248-0480.

19

As I write this, we are fresh

off our best-ever Confer-

ence Jan/San Segment meeting

in Las Vegas. At that meeting

we explored Web sales with pre-

senting member Kirk Curtis of

Michco, who provided a look at

a diff erent market. Kirk did an

excellent job of presenting and

sparked a lively discussion among

attendees. We intend to follow up

on this timely subject. As Kirk

pointed out, “Waiting for your

completion to show you the value

of the Web might not be your best strategy.” Th is message is

relevant to all market segments, and we’ll be working with

staff to spread the word.

We also heard about a new United Group web search

feature which allows members to look up other members

who stock or service other maintenance equipment lines.

Th is will be a great tool for both sales and service managers.

Th e list will include ALL brands not simply offi cial Preferred

Suppliers. Th is is a work in progress so if you aren’t involved

yet, please email me and we’ll get you signed up. My service

manager has already used this and loved it!

Mark Frasco of COACT Sales Synergy (a Preferred

Supplier) provided an opportunity for attendees to look at

how they approach sales growth and off ered some diff erent

— and perhaps more eff ective — ways to pursue profi table

JANITORIAL/SANITARY COMMITTEE

Bill O’Meara

Keene Industrial Paper Co.(603) [email protected]

new sales. Good stuff and worth a deeper look into what

COACT has to off er.

Keith Taylor-Sharp of EcoConcepts led a discussion about

the evolution of the “green” movement. He off ered some

history on the hows and whys of the journey thus far and

provided some insights into probable next steps.

Finally, we had a lively discussion addressing the need

for TUG to provide better, more acceptable towel and tissue

vendors for members not being adequately served by existing

Preferred Suppliers. Th is is a very complex problem, but we

have made some inroads on a solution. Th e committee and

United Group staff will continue to work on this and will

periodically send updates through e-mail blasts. If you have

input, please email us. Th is is a huge challenge that represents

an equally huge opportunity.

2012 will bring a change in committee structure and focus.

I will serve as committee chair through the 2013 Conference

in San Antonio, at which time we will elect a new Chairman

and a Vice Chairman for 2014. We’d also like to add three

to fi ve new members. Th e committee will continue to look

at prospective vendors to evaluate whether they will be good

additions to the group. We will also more pro-actively exam-

ine each of our product categories and assess the performance

and service levels being provided by our suppliers. We’ll try

to maintain the good and improve what could be better (an

ongoing task). We will try to share all of this with you by

e-mail and articles in United Connects magazine. Our goal is

to strengthen the group, be more inclusive, and improve your

bottom line! How can you help? Get involved! ❚

TUG 2013 National ConferenceAPRIL 17–21, 2013 • JW MARRIOTT, SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS

Business Software Solutions Built Specifically for Jan/San and More

Visit www.ECiSolutions.com/MaytechCANCall 800.959.3367 ext. 66500

ECi, Maytech and the ECi Red Box logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of eCommerce Industries, Inc. All rights reserved.

Next Generation Maytech lets you:

Get Maytech Next Generation 2.0 today!YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS YYYYYYYYYYYYYYOOOOOOOOOOOOOOUUUUUUUUU CCCCCCCCAAAAAAAANNNNNNNN!!!!!!!! YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAANNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Maytech

ADVERTISEMENT

WAUSAU PAPER IS ALL ABOUT

SERVICE.WAUSAU PAPER IS ALL ABOUT YOU.

Focused on building relationships with personalized sales and customer service expertise to move your business forward.

ADVERTISEMENT

2222

Geami Finds South And Southwest Channel Partner In Sigma Supply

Shippers can now order GreenWrap, an eco-friendly, protective paper packaging solution, locally through Sigma Supply.

Eco friendly protective packaging manufacturer Geami (www.geami.com) announces today that Sigma Supply (www.sigmasup-ply.com) has been appointed a Channel Partner for the South and South West regions of the United States.

Geami’s channel partner program further reduces the carbon footprint for the GreenWrap family of earth-friendly packaging materials by providing local warehousing for the inventory, which consolidates customer shipments.

“Sigma Supply is very excited about this new opportunity to partner with Geami, who manu-factures a truly great eco friendly product line,” said Scott Hamby of Sigma Supply. “GreenWrap is great to show to our old and new customers, be-cause they have never seen anything like it before.”

“Geami is thrilled to partner with the packag-ing products powerhouse Sigma Supply,” said Keith Furr, Channel Development Manager for Geami. “Sigma Supply provides com-plete packaging solutions and exceptional service and support to customers all across America. With Sigma Supply as a partner, GreenWrap solutions are now available anywhere.”

For more information about the Geami Channel Partner Program, please contact Keith Furr at [email protected] or (919) 654-7702. ❚

www.sigmasupply.com • (501) 760-1511

ASAP Find A True Partner In Pregis

Aft er years of working in a tenuous situation with incumbent Sealed Air Corporation, Allied Shipping & Packaging Supplies

(ASAP) sought out a new protective packaging partner that shared its core values of trust, integrity, accountability, and teamwork.

Aft er a thorough review of the products, equipment, service platform and, most important-ly, the people, ASAP decided to team up with the Pregis Corporation and made the switch in the fi rst quarter of 2012.

Th e decision to “FLIP” the business was carefully evaluated, weigh-ing the potential risk with current customers against the ability to increase market share and develop a growth focused, mutual part-nership. In the end, the decision was overwhelmingly in favor of fl ipping the foam‐in‐place, protective packaging materials, infl at-able and paper systems to Pregis.

Having successfully implemented several of these “FLIPs” using a proven project management approach to ensure all details are fol-lowed through to completion, the Pregis team was well prepared to execute the transition working alongside the ASAP organization. Th e result was extremely positive! ASAP has found that most cus-tomers actually prefer the Pregis IntelliPack system over the Sealed Air foam‐in‐place systems, increasing customer satisfaction and breathing new excitement into a mature product category.

Th e transition has also created new focus on the overall protective packaging category, primarily due to the teamwork and trust devel-oped between ASAP and Pregis. Th is is proving to be a springboard for developing new business opportunities and growth for ASAP and Pregis in 2012 and beyond. ❚

www.asapi.com • (800) 537-2727

New Member Stockholders*➤ Heinrich Paper Company

1697 Licking Road, Zanesville, OH 43701www.heinrichpaper.com • (740) 452-9682Brian McGee • [email protected]

➤ Maral Sales & Paper Company25 Slater Road, Cranston, Rhode Island 02920www.maralsales.com • (401) 463-7300Curtis Alves • [email protected]

➤ Poly Express318 McLean Blvd., Paterson, New Jersey 07504www.polyexpress.com • (800) 843-7659Bill Parlak • [email protected]

➤ Purchasing by Premier LLC460 W. 34th Street, 5th Floor, New York, New York 10001www.premiersupplies.com • (212) 947-1365Sheldon [email protected]

➤ Renew Packaging Solutions11375 Sunrise Pk Dr., Rancho Cordova CA 95742www.renewpackaging.com • (916) 364-8800Michael Cox • [email protected]

➤ All One Source Supply, Inc.11 Milton Street, Brooklyn, New York 11222(718) 609-9400Moishe [email protected]

➤ Camden Bag & Paper114 Gaither Drive, Mt Laurel, NJ 08054www.camdenbag.com • (856) 727-3313Rob Thomas • [email protected]

➤ Clean Rite SupplyP.O. Box 467, Brookfi eld WI 53008www.cleanritesupply.com • (414) 453-1900Laura Cogan • [email protected]

➤ Dick’s Bar Supply10800 S. La Cienega Blvd., Inglewood, CA 90304www.tepperbarsupply.com • (310) 481-2126Dick Bruno • [email protected]

➤ General Sales of Virginia3 Spring Street, Bluefi eld, VA 24605-1712(540) 343-5756Steve Stephenson • [email protected]

➤ Smith & Greene Company19015 66th Ave S., Kent WA 98032-2181www.smithandgreene.com • (425) 988-6623Stephanie [email protected]

➤ Trendco Supply, Inc.1236 Clough Pike, Batavia, OH 45103www.trendcosupply.com • (513) 752-1871Matthew [email protected] Stephen Svensson

➤ Tundra Specialties3825 Walnut Street, Boulder, CO 80301www.etundra.com • (888) 388-6372Cara Schlarb • [email protected] Ryan Lewis • [email protected] McCarthy • [email protected]

*From January 1, 2012 – July 1, 2012

23

In Memoriam

Homer J. Perkins (reprinted from the Watertown Daily Times newspaper)

Homer J. Perkins, 87, passed away Wednesday, May 9, 2012 at his home under the care of Hospice of Jeff erson County and

his family.

Mr. Perkins was born September 27, 1924 in Watertown, NY, son of Allen S. and Ida I. Zimmer Perkins. He graduated from Watertown High School. In 1943 he entered the United States Army becoming a solder with the 877th Combat Airborne Engineers. He received three bronze stars, four campaign ribbons and was an expert marksman with the Th ompson Sub Machine Gun and the Colt 45. He was honorably discharged in 1946.

On February 17, 1946 he married Carolyn I. Cramer at the First Baptist Church in Watertown. Mrs. Perkins died April 30, 2011.

Mr. Perkins was the president of the Black River Paper Company for 29 years until his retirement in 1989. Mr. Perkins was a former member of the First Baptist Church in Watertown and is a current member of the Adams Village Baptist Church. He was the past president of the Watertown Rotary Club, WPBS, Watertown City Board of Education, American Baptist Churches of NY State, the Fort Drum Chapter of AUSA and the LeRay Mansion Preservation Committee. He served on the boards of the Jeff erson County Advisory Board, Salvation Army, Girl Scouts of America and Boy Scouts of American. Mr. Perkins was the Jeff erson County Fire Coordinator for the City of Watertown, a member of the Masonic Lodge, Toastmasters, Jeff erson County Jail Hearing Committee and was a certifi ed instructor and driver for the Sea Shore Trolley Museum in Kennebunkport, Maine.

Mr. Perkins is survived by a son and his wife, Stewart and Sally of Watertown; two daughters and their husbands, Carol and Alex Neubert of Canton, and Ellen and Russ Green of Rutland, VT.; seven grandchildren, Steven and Sara Perkins, Scott and Shelly Perkins, Sarah Neubert, Rebecca and Jeff Hill, Martha Neubert, Ben Green, Rachel and Tom Cosgrove; six great grandchildren; two brothers and their wives, Carl and Betty Perkins of Vernon, NY, and Ray and Leslie Perkins of Texas; several nieces and nephews. A brother Merlin Perkins and a sister Marian Rima died before him.

Th e Perkins family would like to thank Louise, Nichole, Diane, Con-nie, Kim and Bonnie for all of the good care they gave Mr. Perkins. ❚

Homer Perkins, former President of Black River Paper Co. and father of Stewart Perkins

TUG 2013 National ConferenceAPRIL 17–21, 2013

JW MARRIOTT, SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS

Please email your press releases and news items to Sarah Harrison at [email protected] or

call 540-248-0480 for more information.

The deadline for news submissions for Issue III of 2012United Connects is AUGUST 27, 2012.

SEP. 20–21, 2012, CRANWELL RESORT, LENOX, MA

An Open Invitation To TUG’s Northeast Regional Meeting

Each year for the past 20 years we have held a Northeast Regional Meeting. Th ough it takes place in the Northeast, it is and has al-

ways been open to all members. Its purpose is to build relationships between members and provide a forum for new ideas and discus-sion of individual and Group issues and concerns. It is a positive, pro-active gathering aimed at fi nding solutions, not simply airing problems. We are proud to have spurred many TUG initiatives from inclusion of Re-De partners (in the early 90s) to recent upgrades to our website.

We have always tried to supply something of value that “pays for” the trip, and at-tendees tell us that we’ve been successful. For the last several years we have included outside speakers to address the use of tech-nology in business and the correct use of social media as a business tool. Th ese have been tied to presentations and discussions of our evolving and improving website.

Th is year our featured speaker will be Nathan S. Sachs of Blueprints for Tomorrow (www.blueprintsfortomorrow.com). Nate is a speaker of national prominence and will present a program titled “How to be in Business Today and Sleep at Night!” It will deal with the four “What Ifs?” that keep business owners lying awake at 2AM, star-ing at the ceiling. Th is is a don’t-miss presentation and is relevant to all of us. Th erefore, I extend the invitation to all United Group members to join us in the beautiful Berkshires of Massachusetts on September 20 and 21 — to hear Nate’s presentation, to discuss Group issues and projects and, most importantly, to bring and share your own perspectives, ideas and solutions.

Additionally, TUG is working on a number of projects that will improve the effi ciencies and eff ectiveness of your membership. We all joined the Group to improve the bottom line, and these new programs are aimed at doing just that. As always, member input is essential to successful programs. Th is meeting will give you a chance for one-on-one interaction. Come and see what is being done and help shape the outcomes.

Space is limited, and timing is crucial! As you read this we can still include you, but you need to act now!

Please respond to me right away if you are interested in attending. Email works best for me. Th ose who have attended before know the value of coming. Th ose who haven’t been yet: there’s a reason mem-bers keep coming back! Hope to hear from many of you soon. ❚

Bill O’Meara • Keene Industrial Paper Co. [email protected] • (603) 352-6405

Bill O’Meara, Keene Industrial Paper Co., former TUG Director

24

MEMBER STOCKHOLDER EDITORIAL

Is Th e Economy An Excuse To Fail Or An Opportunity To Excel?

Negative headlines create fear and anxiety. Th is is not a time to crawl under the desk and suck our thumbs. It’s a time to

remember our core mission: As a leader in the Industrial and Disposable paper industry, PFS Sales is committed to delivering full, on-time orders to our customers, and to assist our customers in growing more profi table businesses.

We need to adjust our sails and leave complaining about the wind (the economy) to the pessimist. Doubling your call volume makes no sense, as most reps then end up doing a half-hearted job with twice as many prospects. It is far better to call on fewer but more qualifi ed prospects, create deeper connections, and deliver more value. We need to stop chasing garbage trucks.

As a company, we need to lower the cost of doing business, but this is not the time to lower our prices. If we cut prices, we look like we’re having a fi re sale. Th e best strategy is to lower the risk of buy-ing. Th e market will return to normal; the world is not coming to an end. Your security comes from creating happy customers.

Th is is the time to go on the off ensive. We cannot control the mar-ket, but we can control how aggressively we approach it. Since most of our competitive reps buy into the gloom and doom propaganda, now is the time to rip into them like ravaging mad dogs (and have fun doing it). And how do we do that? Here are some suggestions:

Have a system for prospecting.

• Referrals from existing customers

• Networks, i.e. every group you belong to (church, alumni, civic clubs, etc.)

Educate customers. Expect better results. Abandon the status quo.

• Find the Decision Maker.

• Weed out rookie buyers who want us to cut price down to the last penny.

• Learn to fi nd those buyers who are willing to hear how we can save them 15% on operational costs through multiple stages.

Practice consistency.

• Be creative.

• Add personality.

• Develop long-term relationships.

• Loyalty to the customer creates loyalty from the customer

• Play to win!

Focus on our customers.

• Respond to their new requirements

• Uncover new opportunities with existing customers

PFS has always fl ourished in times of recession. We have grown over two million dollars in sales the last two years alone. Th e econ-omy has not emptied our spirits, even though it has attempted to empty our pockets. I have found the following to be true:

– Customers, both new and existing, are more willing to listen to suggestions that save them those precious profi t dollars.

– Th e market is forcing consumers to be more “disposable” users.

– Customers want to do business with reps who are excited about business.

– Our competitors oft en make it “easier” for us to sell our brands.

– We have much more expertise in our industry than the broad liners or our customers.

– Our fi ll rate for 2008 was 99.11%.

While visiting a telemarketing customer recently, I was told the following:

I have no complaints.

Your truck is always here on time.

In the ten months I have been doing business with PFS, we have had one “mis-picked” item: an 8oz for a 12oz squirt bottle.

Our orders are always 100% fi lled, no mark-outs, no subs.

I have nothing to bitch [sic] at you about.

PFS makes it easy for me to do business with you.

Th e opportunity to excel in this economy far exceeds the excuses to fail. Which road will you take? ❚

Th is column is part of an ongoing series by Th ad Ellington that

refl ects his views and experience. TUG invites all members and

suppliers to submit editorial items for publication and accepts no

responsibility or liability should you use these suggestions and fail.

Should you use Th ad’s suggestions and succeed, don’t be surprised

if he sends you a bill.

Thad EllingtonPFS Sales CompanyTUG Board Member

TUG’s Newest Staff Member

Tonya Freeman is Th e United Group’s newest

employee. She joins us as an Accounting Specialist, and her primary area of responsibility is tracking and reconciling growth payments. Tonya grew up in nearby Rocky Branch (Farmerville, LA) and lives in West Monroe and has two sons, ages 18 and 10.

Tonya’s professional back-ground includes 9 years as a commercial collections manager as well as payables/receivables and bookkeeping experience. She will track growth numbers, correspond with members about their progress and send regular reports, and work with Preferred Suppliers to reconcile payment records. We hope you will give her a warm welcome the next time you call or stop by. ❚

2525

ADVERTISEMENT

1.7 mil BOPP Acrylic Carton Sealing Tape

Your Total Source for Reinforced Filament Tape and Much, Much More Over 20 Years of Quality Products, Dependable Service and Exceptional Value Tape Sourcing Made EASY

250 Canal Road, Fairless Hills, PA 19030 • (800) 366-TARA (8272) • Fax (215) 428-4510 • [email protected]

All TUG Brand Product orders are fully assortable!

Enter “Tug” to view

You may be eligible for exclusive employee discounts from Verizon Wireless*—the largest high-speed wireless network in America. Take advantage of discounts on your monthly Calling or Data Plan, phones and accessories —exclusively for employees of your company. Get started today.

Have a work email address? To register your line for your employee discount, follow these simple steps:1. Go toOR1. Go to your company’s intranet site and click on “Verizon Wireless”2. Enter your work email address and select “Check for Discounts.”3. You will immediately receive an email. Click the “Get Started” button in the email

to continue the registration process.4. Click on the “Enroll Now” button on bottom left side of page under Existing

Verizon Wireless Customer. Or, go to your Company’s website, find the “Verizon Wireless” section and click on the “Enroll Now” button on the bottom left side of page under Existing Verizon Wireless Customer.

Don’t have a work email address?1. Go to verizonwireless.com/discounts2. Click on the “I do not have a work email address” link.3. Complete the Discount Eligibility Form by entering your business location into the

fields provided to generate a Register Your Line form.4. Click “Next” and print the form that appears.5. Attach a copy of your pay stub/work ID badge to the form and fax to the number

listed at the top of the form. To ensure your request is processed without delay, please complete all required information and make sure information is legible.

6. Your information will be reviewed, and if approved, your discount will appear in 1–2 billing cycles.

We appreciate your feedback. Log on to verizonwirelesssurvey.com and let us know how we’re doing.

*Discount only applies to lines billing at $34.99 or higher. Account name must be that of the employee. If account is not in the employees name, it can be changed at a local Verizon Wireless Retail store, or by calling Customer Care at 1-800-922-0204. Activation fee/line: up to $35. IMPORTANT CONSUMER INFORMATION: Employee Subscribers are subject to Customer Agmt, Calling Plan and credit approval. Up to $175 early termination fee ($350 for advanced devices) and other charges. Certain features require addl software or downloads; addl charges may apply. Offers and coverage, varying by service, not available everywhere. While supplies last. In MA, sales tax based on cost of a device purchased at a discount with service. In CA: Sales tax based on full retail price of phone. Shipping charges may apply. For additional information on Calling Plans, features, network details and coverage maps, see vzw.com. ©2012 Verizon Wireless.0312-E6269


Work Phone: (208) 921-5548


18%Your Discount off of your Monthly Access Fees. 2-yr. line term on

eligible Calling Plans $34.99 or higher required.

Employees Discount

EXCLUSIVE SAVINGS FROM VERIZON WIRELESS.Golbon Members & Partners

verizonwireless.com/discounts

ADVERTISEMENT

See why over 650 United Group members are succeedding with DDI System.

[email protected]

Inventory Effi ciency +Paperless Workfl ow =

2400 / $43,470Hours Annual Savings

Leading Technology + Exceptional Service

Supplying TUG members with the latest tools

to increase profi tability and maximize opportunity.

ADVERTISEMENT

28

2 Betco Corporation

2GeneSys™ 15 Automatic

Scrubber

Betco® Corporation has released the latest innovation in small area cleaning versatility, the GeneSys™ 15 automatic scrubber. The GeneSys 15 automatic scrubber answers the market need for a more versatile machine to make small area cleaning more effi cient and more eff ective. The GeneSys 15 automatic scrubber is 4 times more productive than a mop and bucket and extracts 36 times more soil from the surface.

The GeneSys 15 automatic scrubber sets a new standard of excellence and innovation for cleaning in and around small areas, behind toilets, under food prep tables and beds. With the option-al tool kits, it is four machines in one! With 3 brush options, the cylindrical scrubbing head is ready to tackle any hard surface, from ceramic and grout to hard and resilient fl oors. Even more exciting is the optional tool kits that provide unmatched versatility as a wet vacuum, carpet extractor, upholstery spotter and solution spray applicator.

Backed by an industry leading warranty, Betco equipment is built to provide years of reliable service. Betco Warranty Express™ is a comprehensive product support program that off ers extensive parts and labor coverage on all machines.

www.betco.com(888) GO-BETCO

1 Atlantic Mills

1Simple Solutions™

Combines the Importance of Sanitation with the Ease of Training for Food Service Operations

Atlantic Mills introduces a simplifi ed wiping system to the Food Service Operator. Simple Solutions™ sanitizing wipes help achieve a safe and clean foodservice environment while provid-ing simplifi ed product training, prepa-ration and chemical storage solutions. With fi fty gallons of sanitizer and fi fty wipers in every case, Simple Solutions is also a cost eff ective alternative to current sanitizing programs.

The wipers are pre-treated and water activated-no chemical mixing mis-takes. Place one wiper in a gallon of water and create a 200 parts per mil-lion sanitizing solution. Use the wipe with the solution to sanitize all hard food contact surfaces until the sani-tizer strength is depleted.

www.atlanticmills.com(800) 242-7374

4North River® Paper Wipers

Cascades-IFC Disposables introduces a new Multifold Pop-up off ering to the North River® product line. North River® Paper Wipers are environmentally preferable made from 100% Recycled Fiber with 80% post-consumer mate-rial. This general purpose, single-use paper wiper is ideal for cleaning glass, wiping up spills, light duty mainte-nance and light solvent cleanup.

• Green Seal and Processed Chlorine (PCF) Certifi ed

• Textured embossed for maximum absorbency and strength

• Portable dispenser box for easy, one-sheet dispensing eliminates over use and waste

• Smaller towel size provides a cost-eff ective option

• North River® Paper Wipers are also available in quarterfold options — twist-tie polybag and paper banded

www.afh.cascades.com(800) 432-9473

4 Cascades3 Cascades

3Cascades ELITE™

Our unique TADe Cascades ELITE hand towels off er a soft feel, superior strength, and absorbency. They are a perfect complement to the Cascades Tandem® hand towel dispenser of-fering, designed to deliver maximum value, durability, ease of use and respect for the environment. These 100% recycled towels are manufac-tured using less water and chemicals, and their manufacturing process reduces greenhouse gas (GHG) emis-sions by 78% compared to regular TAD.

Also available under this new luxury brand are Multifold, C-Fold, and Universal Hardwound Roll Towels which off er exceptional absorbency and performance. The towels feature attractive packaging, 50% post-consumer material and carry the dis-tinguished Green Seal® environmental certifi cation.

With our new Cascades ELITE Bath and Facial Tissue, Cascades has achieved an amazing feat: sustainability without compromising softness. This premium product off ering features stylish pack-aging that will fi t with any décor and have sustainability in mind as they are made with 100% recycled fi ber. Our Cascades ELITE bathroom tissue is also certifi ed Processed Chlorine Free® and Ecologo™.


29

7 Malish Corporation

7Concrete Prep Plus™

The Malish Corporation has extended its Diamabrush By Malish concrete prep system to now include its new-est addition to the product line, the Concrete Prep Plus™ tool.

The new heavy-duty prep tool is ide-ally suited for prepping concrete fl oors with hard-to-remove and/or multiple layers of coatings and is specially de-signed to last up to 3 to 4 times longer (up to 50,000 sq.ft.) than the standard Concrete Prep tool while only taking a fraction of the time. The Concrete Prep Plus™ is available with either a 25 Diamond Grit (Black) or a 100 Diamond Grit (Red).

Like all products in the Diamabrush By Malish fl oor preparation system, the Concrete Prep Plus™ tool can be used on your existing fl oor maintenance equipment. This particular tool is designed to handle the high pressure and weight of heavy down pressure machines like large ride-on scrubbers and heavier duty fl oor machines and buff ers.

As with the standard Concrete Prep tool, the Concrete Prep Plus™ tool is just the fi rst step in the proprietary Diamabrush By Malish system, which also includes six diff erent levels of pol-ishing tools (coarse to fi ne) to create a smooth, refl ective fi nish.

www.diamabrushbymalish.com(800) 321-7044

6Black Doilies

Do you like to bring your customers something unique to help add ambi-ence to their dining area? How do you present new soups, appetizers or des-serts to a customer when you are intro-ducing a new product for their menu? Frame the food with doilies from Lapaco! Lapaco, the leading manufac-turer of doilies in North America, can not only provide you with classic white doilies but are now off ering a selection of sophisticated, modern Black Doilies to our customers.

Like a basic black dress or a dark suit, Black Doilies are a perfect fi t for any occasion. Black Doilies are a simple way to add elegance to the tabletop. Lapaco off ers Black Doilies in both a timeless round and a contemporary square design. With a variety of sizes available, the Black Doilies will work with many diff erent shapes and sizes of dishware. Black Doilies add an ele-ment of grace and style to predomi-nantly white tabletops.

Keep your customers at the forefront of design trends and show them Lapaco’s round and square Black Doilies today!

www.lapaco.com(800) 565-5223

6 Lapaco5 Cascades

8Quick-Way™ Plastic Mopstick

Nexstep Commercial Products (Exclusive Licensee of O-Cedar) is proud to announce its new Quick-Way™ Plastic Mopstick.

Features include:

• Side Gate Mop Release — quickly discard soiled mop with minimal touching

• Heavy Duty Sanitary Frame — extremely durable, lightweight, corrosion resistant, non-scratching, sanitizes easily and accommodates all sizes of wet mops with either a 1” or 5” head band

• Swivel Hang Cap — allows mop-stick to be hung in any direction to best utilize space; helps keep janitor closet clean and organized

Quick Change™ Plastic Mopstick is available in today’s most popular length (60”) and handle materials (Fiberglass and Metal).

www.ocedarcommercial.com(800) 252-7666

8 Nexstep/O-Cedar

5New Sizes for Moka Family

Cascades is proud to announce the introduction of two new products in the Cascades Moka family, 1000’ Jumbo Roll Tissue and High Capacity bathroom Tissue for Tandem. All Moka bath tissue is made from 100% un-bleached recycled fi ber.

Easily recognizable thanks to its beige color, Cascades Moka bathroom tissue is a viable environmentally-responsible choice in the market. By adding 20% recovered corrugated box fi ber into its pulp mixture and eliminating bleach-ing chemicals, Cascades has achieved sustainability without compromising softness. People who tested it all agreed that Cascades Moka bathroom tissue reached the same level of soft-ness as a white bath tissue.

A detailed life cycle assessment (LCA) of the new pulp mix used in Cascades Moka, which was undertaken by the company, revealed that this innovation reduces the environmental impact of its raw material by 25% and green-house gas emissions by 30% when compared to Cascades’ “greenest” white bathroom tissue also made from 100% recycled fi ber and whitened without chlorine.


30

12OdorBREAK All-Purpose

Deodorizer

OdorBREAK is a concentrated multi-purpose deodorizer with a GREEN formulation, designed to eliminate odors at their source.

Great for cleaning and deodorizing a wide variety of surfaces, including hard surfaces and carpeted. May be used in combination with cleaners, disinfec-tants and carpet cleaning chemicals.

www.nilodor.com(800) 443-4321

11BioBREAK Multi-Purpose

Digester

BioBREAK is a multi-purpose cleaner with advanced bacteria strains an odor counteractant to eliminate odors at their source.

Great for cleaning and deodorizing a wide variety of surfaces, including hard surfaces, carpeting and drains.

May be used in combination with most carpet care cleaning chemicals. Eliminates odors deep in carpets.

www.nilodor.com(800) 443-4321

12 Nilodor, Inc.11 Nilodor, Inc.

10MaxiSand™ Disk Drivers

Nexstep Commercial Products (Exclusive Licensee of O-Cedar) is proud to announce its new MaxiSand™ Disk Drivers. Features include:

• Meets Today’s “Green” Standard — Block made of 100% Recycled (Post Consumer Waste) High-Impact High-Density Polyethylene

• 3/4” Thick Felt — Smooth as sand-paper surface, absorbs vibrations and minimizes chatter

• 1-1/2” Riser & Female Bolt Fitting — riser and fi tting molded into block eliminating the need to add any additional accessories

• Left-Handed Steel Bolt — securely holds Cup as buff er spins

MaxiSand™ Disk Drivers are available in today’s most popular sizes: 15”, 16”, 17” and 19”.


10 Nexstep/O-Cedar9 Nexstep/O-Cedar

9ProSweep™ Floor Sweeps &

Safety Handles

Nexstep Commercial Products (Exclusive Licensee of O-Cedar) is proud to announce its new ProSweep™ Floor Sweeps & Safety Handles. Features include:

• 3 Sweeping Surface Bristles — Fine, Combo (Fine & Rough) and Rough style bristles meet any type of sweeping requirement … from the fi nest dust and particles to the heaviest dirt

• Extra Thick Hardwood Block — 1-1/8” thickness provides superior durability and long life

• Steel Bolt Design — “locks” handle in place and keeps it from turning or coming loose

• Safety Handle — natural hardwood withstands extreme use; designed specifi cally for use with ProSweep™ Floor Sweeps

ProSweep™ Floor Sweeps & Safety Handles are available in today’s most popular sweeping sizes: 18”, 24” and 36”, and handle diameters and lengths: 1-1/8” x 62” and 15/16” x 62”.


31

13Blue Painter’s Grade

Masking Tape – MT 14B

TaraTape is off ering Member Stockholders of The United Group a new extended use painter’s grade masking tape. We continue to expand our product line, working to provide greater value to our industrial packag-ing distribution customers.

TaraTape is pleased to introduce MT 14B General Purpose Blue Masking Tape. MT 14B has a natural rubber ad-hesive and fi ne crepe paper backing. It is UV resistant and designed for indoor and outdoor applications. t has excel-lent conformability, provides clean paint lines and clean removability from most surfaces up to 14 days.

TaraTape has been a worldwide strap-ping tape supplier for many years. This experience has enabled us to develop global trading partners that can ben-efi t your business. We are more than just Strapping Tape. Look to TaraTape as your total resource for all general purpose tape requirements.

www.taratape.com(800) 366-8272

13 TaraTape 14 Tolco

14Biodegradable Urinal Screens

Tolco Corporation, a leading manu-facturer of innovative product solu-tions for the Janitorial, Industrial, and Safety markets, off ers a Biodegradable urinal screen.

Ask yourself, when was the last time you heard of anyone recycling a urinal screen? Tolco has been asking this question for over a year and have yet to fi nd anyone who recycles urinal screens. If they are not being recycled, they end up in a landfi ll where they will take over 100 years to biodegrade.

EcoChoice® urinal screen is the in-dustry’s only biodegradable urinal screens. It allows the user to do something good for the environment without having to change their opera-tions. Tolco’s EcoChoice® urinal screens are manufactured using a proprietary additive that renders them biodegrad-able. EcoChoice® urinal screens will biodegrade in fi ve years or less after they have been placed in a landfi ll. They have the same shelf-life and per-formance characteristics of traditional urinal screens. Perhaps the best thing about EcoChoice® urinal screens is that they are “EcoNomical.” They cost no more than traditional urinal screens.

Next time you or your employees dis-pose of a urinal screen, remember you had a choice … an EcoChoice®.

www.tolcocorp.com(800) 537-4786

15Pro-BlendTM Dispensers

The Tolco Corporation, a leading man-ufacturer of innovative product solu-tions for the Janitorial, Industrial, and Safety markets, off ers an innovative alternative to wall mounted dispens-ing systems.

Tolco’s Pro-BlendTM dispensers for quart bottles (28/400 thread fi nish) and gallons (38/400 thread fi nish) al-lows the user to properly proportion and dispense liquids almost anywhere. The simple Twist-Squeeze-Pour op-eration of Pro-BlendTM puts proper dispensing in your hands. The variable adjustments allow for diff erent con-centrations every time. Pro-BlendTM off ers measurements from 0.25oz to 3oz. of liquids. Use Pro-BlendTM Proportioners with EcoChoice® bio-degradable bottles or with any other squeezable plastic bottle.

www.tolcocorp.com(800) 537-4786

16Granite Finish Series

Witt Industries introduces the Granite series, the newest addition to the popular “hands free” dome top 415DT family of waste containers. The new model combines aesthetics and func-tionality with a decorative granite-like fi nish that complements many color schemes and décors and a texture that resists smudges and fi ngerprints. The Granite 415DT and the entire 415DT family are ideal for hotel lobbies, mov-ie theatres, executive offi ces, malls, restaurants, coff ee shops and more. Combining them with the 415DT-R recycling units makes them perfect for facilities seeking compliance with green initiatives

Crafted from durable, fi re-safe steel with a galvanized liner, the 415DT hands-free family is decorative and functional — providing long-term value for a single-stream collection of waste or recyclable materials. They are also available in Blue, Black, Green, Chrome and a combination of Black and Chrome — with a large and highly visible recycling logo available on 415DT-R (recycling) models.

The Granite family encompasses a full selection of waste containers for virtu-ally every area of a building or facility. The entire family is “pre-matched” to save time in the selection process.

www.witt.com(800) 615-7261

16 Witt Industries15 Tolco

32

ADVERTISEMENT

]

]

]

]

]

]

]

]

]

]

]

]

]

]

]

]

]

]

]

]

]

]

]

We Help You Grow Your Business Disposables one-stop shop Foodservice, jan/san, safety, industrial categories Improved cash flow Reduced inventory Improved ROI Free up warehouse space 450,000 disposable SKU inventory 98+% fill rates Private-label brands Import sourcing & distribution

We Have You Covered Local sales representatives/market knowledge Partner with your sales force Local coverage to all markets Coast-to-coast facilities Frequent delivery schedule Buying group support and pass throughs

We Simplify Your Ordering Process Virtual warehouse to fulfill for you On-Demand® E-ordering E-catalog item sourcing Rapid template ordering Custom catalogs Online inventory lookup Marketing support

For our complete line of foodservice, janitorial and safety products,

visit us at www.r3redistribution.com

R3® Gives You the Upper Hand

ADVERTISEMENT

Questions? Please contact Gary Walk at [email protected].

Those of you that reel in the sales on IPG products between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2012 will have the opportunity to win a TARPON FISHING AND GOLF TRIP!

IPG ELITE SAPPHIRE MEMBERS

IPG PREMIER SAPPHIRE MEMBERS

IPG SELECT SAPPHIRE MEMBERS

hat red D b 31 2

Those of you th

THE TARPON FISHING TRIP INCLUDES:

Questions? Please contact Scott Simmerer at [email protected].

4 CATEGORIES OF WINNERS

WILD CARDOne wild card trip will be selected by IPG® and will be

®

A total of 4 trips will be rewarded to the United Group member community

OFFICIAL GAME RULES

ADVERTISEMENT

3434

Alliance Rubber Company Wins Industry Award For Manufacturing Innovation

Alliance Rubber Company, a global supplier of rubber

bands, offi ce and packaging sup-plies has been named a recipient of the Manufacturing Extension Partnership’s (MEP) 2012 Excellence In Innovation Award.

Coordinated through the National Institute of Standards and Technology, it is an award that pays tribute to manufactur-ing innovation development and implementation.

“Alliance is a clear example to us of what it takes for a com-pany to succeed in a globally competitive market”, says Dan Curtis, director of Arkansas Manufacturing Solutions (AMS). “Th ere will always be someone willing to produce a product for a penny less. Alliance instead builds their business on being constantly innovative. Th ey set an example for how manufacturing can suc-ceed in America.”

Alliance competed with more than 75 nominees from around the country for the award, which was presented during the Manufacturing Innovation 2012 Conference on May 8, 2012 in Orlando, Florida. Manufacturing Innovation 2012 (MI2012) is an annual four- day event sponsored by the MEP,

bringing together more than 700 manufacturers, industry experts, and MEP fi eld staff to gain insight on the latest trends and technologies facing U.S. manufacturers.

“Manufacturing is at the heart and soul of America and the talented people in our factories and workshops are the key to driving a strong economy,” said Bonnie Swayze, president of Alliance Rubber Company. “Our company and its workers have a diff erent value propo-sition. We’re not always the cheapest in price per pound for our rubber bands, but we are most of the time the best value.”

In the spirit of self-reliance, Alliance decided early last year that it would embark on an eff ort to create manufactur-ing jobs in the U.S. through a “We Can Make It In America” website challenge that encour-ages the expansion of American manufacturing and supports job creation. As part of that campaign, the company spon-sored a contest through the end of May 2012 for a free trip to Washington during the Fourth of July holiday.

Swayze states, “Any goods that are manufactured within the U.S. support four to fi ve other jobs in the economy. Together we can create opportunity, in-spire confi dence and help get Americans working again.” ❚

www.alliance-rubber.com(800) 527-1582

Please email your press releases and news items to Sarah Harrison at [email protected] or

call 540-248-0480 for more information.

The deadline for news submissions for Issue III of 2012United Connects is AUGUST 27, 2012.

Alliance Rubber Company Launches National Campaign Asking, “How Do You Use Your Alliance Rubber Bands?”

Alliance Rubber Company, a leading family-owned manufac-turer of rubber bands, is pleased to announce one of the largest

integrated marketing campaigns in the brand’s 89-year history. Focusing on the wide and sometimes wild uses of America’s favor-ite rubber band, it off ers participants three ways to win one of three $500 cash prizes.

Th e campaign, “Stretch the Limits of Alliance Rubber Bands,” is the result of hundreds of testimonials from consumers collected by Alliance, makers of Pale Crepe Gold, Sterling, Advantage, Eco,

Brites, Reusable Solutions, and other widely known brands of rubber bands.

“Whether you are the President of the United States, a NASA astronaut or a mother on a mission to organize, the answer to how you use your Alliance Rubber Bands is as diff erent as the band’s users themselves. We looked at all the various uses for Alliance Rubber Bands, listened to our customers and believe we have developed a program that hits at the heart of Alliance’s appeal as the iconic U.S. manufacturer of rubber bands,” said Bonnie Swayze, president of Alliance Rubber Company.

Th e company will utilize the contest as a way to introduce read-ers to its new blog, “Bandology” on tap to highlight inventive and fun uses for rubber bands, while connecting with the company’s Facebook and Twitter accounts.

“Rubber bands can be utilized in so many creative ways,” Jason Risner, Strategic Marketing Director, for Alliance Rubber Company said. “Th e campaign provides participants a platform to share their fun and interactive rubber band ideas and a chance to earn rewards for them. From a marketing perspective, the campaign is a win-win for us and participants.”

Three Ways To Win

Th ose interested in participating should submit a photograph highlighting a creative use of rubber bands to [email protected]. Pictures will be displayed on the company’s Facebook photo album. Th e picture with the most likes at the end of the contest will win $500. Random entries will then be highlighted in the blog. Th ose featured will be entered into a drawing for a $500 cash prize. To encourage participation, Alliance Rubber Company will also off er incentives for those who interact with the blog’s comment section.

Along with following the Facebook entries, participants are en-couraged to visit the blog site twice a week for unique chances to win gift packs, instant cash prizes and more. One comment will even be selected to win $500. Show how you use your rubber bands and you could win! Enter today at www.rubberband.com/new-a-events/our-blog-bandology.html or by using your smart phone to scan the Quick Response Code on specially marked packages of Alliance products. ❚

www.alliance-rubber.com • (800) 527-1582

3535

Americo Now Live On Facebook And Twitter

Americo Manufacturing has just launched its Facebook and Twitter pages. Th ese two new accounts will complement the ex-

isting Social Media presence with the company’s You Tube channel.

“Social Media is a growing and fast communication channel for businesses and we decided to leverage it to get closer to the market” explains Juliana Mazziero, Marketing Coordinator at Americo. “We believe that these channels will help increase the interaction and exchange of information between our company and cleaning specialists throughout the industry. Th is open exchange of infor-mation is very valuable, not only to Americo, but also to all of those who follow us.” adds Mazziero.

Th e pages will contain company news, tips, events and a lot of in-teraction with distributors and sales professionals. It will also be a resource to not only gather more information on products, but also a vehicle to share best practices and application techniques. It will allow our followers to check referrals as users tend to leave com-ments on what they like that they see published.

To view and add Americo’s pages, go to facebook.com/americomfg Twitter twitter.com/AmericoMFG and You Tube youtube.com/AmericoManufacturing ❚

www.americomfg.com • (678) 915-2022

Americo Manufacturing Expanding In Brazil

Americo Manufacturing Appoints National Sales Manager

Rusty Heinsman joins Americo in the position of National Sales Manager for

the company’s Commercial Division. For the past six years he has worked for North American Salt (a Division of Compass Minerals), a leading supplier of ice melting products, in sales management for both their Consumer and Jan/San divisions. His exten-sive experience and strong relationships with Buying Groups and their distributor mem-bers across the country will bring considerable value to Americo. ❚

www.americomfg.com • (678) 915-2022

As part of Americo’s strategy of growth and international

presence, the company has ex-panded its business in Brazil. In April of 2012, Americo started distributing its products un-der the “Americo do Brasil” (Americo of Brazil) name. “Americo and our partners in Brazil expect to dramatically expand the market share in this country that has a large demand for high quality and sustain-

able products” explains Marina Sawyer, Americo’s International Sales Manager. Th e Americo do Brasil offi ce is located in the city of Sao Paulo, Brazil. To access the brazilian website, please goto www.americodobrasil.com.br

www.americomfg.com(678) 915-2022

Cascades Bestows Environmental Distributor Achievement Award To 27 Firms

Cascades Tissue Group has announced that 17 U.S. distributors and 10 Canadian distributors received achievement awards in

honor of their strong partnerships and dedications to furthering environmentally preferable products. By off ering their commer-cial and industrial customers tissue paper products made from 100 percent recycled fi ber (instead of virgin fi ber), these distribu-tors collectively conserved 255,700 trees (the equivalent of 638 American football fi elds) and avoided emissions of greenhouse gases equivalent to taking 12,785 cars off the road for one year.

Approximately 20 percent of the distributor’s total green house gas savings were achieved through the sales of Cascades Tissue Group’s North River products, which use Green-e certifi ed renewable energy credits to off set 100 percent of the electricity used in their produc-tion. Cascades Tissue Group’s annual 20,000 MWh of wind energy credits are sourced from the Charles City Wind Farm located in northern Iowa and supplied by leading renewable energy developer and marketer Community Energy, Inc.

Honorees of the Cascades Tissue Group’s third annual achieve-ment awards include: Imperial Bag & Paper (Bayonne, NJ), Hill & Markes (Amsterdam, NY), Penn Jersey Paper (Philadelphia, PA), Labatt Food Service (San Antonio, TX), Riverside Paper Supply (Newport News, VA), Southwest Paper Company (Wichita, KS), Dacotah Paper (Fargo, ND) Dade Paper (Miami, FL), Tarheel Paper (Winston-Salem, NC), FPC Holdings (Elkridge, MD), Philip Rosenau Company (Warminster, PA), Kelsan (Knoxville, TN), Acme Paper & Supply (Savage, MD), Knight Marketing Corp. of New York (Maspeth, NY), Phillips Distribution (San Antonio, TX), Central Paper Company (Birmingham, AL), Northern Colorado Paper (Greeley, CO), Flanagan Foodservice (Kitchener, ON), Staples Advantage (Mississauga, ON), Cineplex Entertainment (Toronto, ON), Les Emballages Carrousel (Boucherville, QC), Jan-Mar Sales (Etobicoke, ON), WFS (Windsor, ON), Atlantic Grocery Distributors (Bay Roberts, NL) Snelling Paper (Ottawa, ON), Equipement Sanitaire Cherbourg (Sherbrooke, QC), Pratt’s (Calgary, AL; Winnipeg, MB), and Wood Wyant (Laval, QC). In addition to receiving certifi cates for their work, each company will also be recognized on Cascades Tissue Group’s blog, www.sustain.cascades.com/blog.

“Th e support from these distributor partners is indispensable,” said Suzanne Blanchet, Cascades Tissue Group’s President and CEO. “By honoring them we want to recognize their contribution to low-ering our environmental footprint, and informing our buyers and end users on the importance of sustainable development.” ❚

www.afh.cascades.com • (800) 432-9473

It’s easy and aff ordable to advertise in United Connects. Contact Sarah Harrison at [email protected]

or call 540-248-0480 for more information.

363636

Dart Container Closes On Acquisition Of Solo Cup Company

Dart Container has completed its acquisition of Solo Cup

Company, headquartered in Lake Forest, Illinois. Solo, which is now part of the Dart Container organization, manufactures quality single‐use foodservice products. Dart expects to con-tinue off ering products under the Solo brand — including the iconic red Solo cup.

“Our acquisition of Solo will al-low us to provide even greater value to our customers” said CEO Robert C. Dart. “It will enable customers to purchase a wider range of products, made from a greater variety of materi-als with varying functional and environmental attributes — all from a single vendor.

Both companies have longevity in the industry and will bring together valuable experience, traditions and complementary high‐quality products.

“Our acquisition of Solo will accelerate the progress Solo has made to improve its levels of service and customer support,” said Dart. “We will use our ex-pertise in running a successful,

effi cient, reliable and service‐oriented company to create an organization that blends the best of both Dart and Solo for the benefi t of our customers.”

Regarding the integration process, Dart pointed out that unlike publicly traded compa-nies, where short term results oft en are of paramount impor-tance to investors and other stakeholders, privately-held Dart Container is able to make deci-sions and investments that are long term in nature. He said the company has the time, and will take the time, to integrate Solo in a thoughtful, analytical man-ner to ensure lasting success.

A top priority for Dart Container is bringing together the talents and skills of employees from both organizations to ensure that customers continue to receive ex-ceptionally reliable service. ❚

www.dart.biz(800) 248-5960

Nexstep Commercial Products Announces Two New Team Member Additions

Nexstep’s Monica Fioravanti

Nexstep Commercial Products (Exclusive

Licensee of O-Cedar) is very pleased to announce our newest Customer Service Representative, Jeannie Kaeb, and our new Advanced Shipment Notifi cation Specialist, Monica Fioravanti.

Jeanie possesses an Associate’s Degree in Accounting

from Parkland College in Champaign, IL. Joel Hastings, Assistant Plant Manager, said, “Jeannie possesses unmatched energy and an unrivaled passion for the pursuit of excellence.”

Monica brings with her twenty years of experience in logistics, production planning, inventory control, and material coordination. Hastings says of Fioravanti: “Monica brings impressive experience and a unique understanding of operations.” Jeannie and Monica are welcome additions to Nexstep Commercial Products’ (Exclusive Licensee of O-Cedar) ever-expanding team. ❚


Hundreds Of United Group Members Are Benefi tting With DDI’s Inform Software

Now that Th e United Group Conference has passed, we’d

like to share some of the questions fellow TUG members asked us:

Why Consider DDI System? DDI’s Inform Soft ware is a comprehensive solution that will im-prove nearly every aspect of your business. From sales orders through drill down GL, benefi t with the latest tools and innova-tions to succeed.

Why Switch in 2012? In addition to DDI’s ROI guarantee, Section 179 tax incentives are in eff ect through the end of the year. But, our schedule is fi lling up — contact us today!

What’s the Transition Timeline? DDI System has the most stream-lined transition process in the industry. Our proven methods will have your company up and running within weeks — not months! ❚

www.ddisys.com • (877) 599-4334

New Tools Drive Distributors To Adopt DDI System’s ERP Technology

DDI System announces several new distribution companies that have made the switch to DDI’s inform soft ware solu-

tion in 2012.

Camden Bag & Paper Company Th is United Group member and former StanPak user joined DDI System in March 2012. Camden Bag is a strong and successful paper and jansan distributor in the competitive NJ market. Th ey boasted an extremely smooth transi-tion process and noted, “Th e DDI Inform Soft ware has exceeded all expectations.” Th eir success is largely due to their rapid adoption of DDI’s proven workfl ows in pricing, order management and product procurement. Camden Bag’s willingness to embrace DDI’s technol-ogy achieved an almost instantaneous increase in effi ciency.

Knight Marketing Corporation of NY A groundbreaking jansan distribution competitor in the NY metro market switched from AS400 to DDI’s inform soft ware in the spring of 2012. Th is DPA member was looking for soft ware with industry specifi c tools and excellent customer service for their 20+ users. Aft er comparing Prophet 21 and DDI’s inform, inform proved to be the right choice for their complete operations.

All Florida Paper Th is highly customer-centric paper wholesaler in southern Florida features a complete line of beverage, cleaning and industrial packaging supplies. Th ey are the latest of the many AFFLINK members who have joined DDI System, due in part to inform’s industry-specifi c feature set designed for paper and jansan distributors. Converting from StanPak, a system that DDI has converted over 50 times, All Florida Paper rolled out the inform solution to its 30-user staff in February 2012. ❚

www.ddisys.com • (877) 599-4334

37

D&W Fine Pack® Acquires Thermoforming Division Of Clear Lam Packaging, Inc.

D&W Fine Pack LLC, a leader in the food packaging industry and a portfolio company of Mid Oaks Investments LLC, has

announced the acquisition of the Th ermoforming Division of Clear Lam Packaging, Inc., headquartered in Elk Grove Village, Illinois.

Since 1969, Clear Lam has been a leader in the packaging industry, providing in-novative packaging solutions for use in bakery, prepared meals, confectionary, and produce applications. Th e addition of Clear Lam signifi cantly increases D&W’s presence in the retail grocery market segment.

With facilities in Elk Grove Village, IL, Vernon, CA, and Nanjing, China, Clear Lam compliments D&W’s existing North American manufacturing asset footprint and adds a plant in Asia, opening up opportunities for continued growth both in N. America and the Pacifi c Rim. Th is strategic acquisition brings D&W to sixteen manufacturing and warehousing facilities worldwide.

“We’re delighted to welcome Clear Lam to the D&W Fine Pack family,” said Mark Staton, President and Chief Executive Offi cer of D&W Fine Pack. “Th is is an outstanding operational addition that provides us signifi cant incremental ability to service our retail gro-cery and processor customers.” ❚

www.dwfinepack.com • (800) 849-0225

Epicor Introduces Customer Profi t Analyzer Application

Epicor Soft ware Corporation, a global leader in business

soft ware solutions for manu-facturing, distribution, retail and services organizations, announced the introduction of the Epicor® Customer Profi t Analyzer, a business intelligence solution that reveals a distribu-tor’s most (and least) profi table customers. Based on an equation that considers a combination of factors, Epicor Customer Profi t Analyzer allows a distributor to easily understand the gap be-tween customers’ transactional “gross margin” and the com-pany’s net profi t.

“Understanding which cus-tomers are the most and least profi table — and why — can result in signifi cant net profi t growth for any business,” said Kevin Roach, executive vice president and general manager, ERP Americas for Epicor. “In contrast to traditional Activity-

Based Costing systems, which are oft en prohibitively complex and too costly to implement, Customer Profi t Analyzer provides a simple tool for dis-tributors looking to segment and analyze their customer base to drive adjustments in their busi-ness strategy.”

Using data available in a distributor’s Epicor enterprise re-source planning (ERP) solution, Customer Profi t Analyzer an-swers such critical questions as:

• Can you identify your top 10 most profi table customers? If so, what are you doing to protect those customers from ever leaving your company?

• Do you currently know how many of your customers are unprofi table?

• Do you know which group of customers is the biggest drain on your business, and what to do to fi x eroding margins?

Customer Profi t Analyzer pro-vides all of this information in an intuitive dashboard view, while also indicating which cus-tomers’ performance is trending up or down the fastest. Th e ap-plication creates a virtual P&L for each customer, tying cost to customer activity. Th is level of business intelligence allows cor-rective action to be taken before a downward trend becomes a major issue.

Th e Customer Profi t Analyzer dashboard instantly reveals the top and bottom customers by profi tability and trending ac-tion, along with a letter grade for each. Each distribution business has the ability to select which factors have a material impact on the customer rating — including sales, gross profi t percent, number of order lines, outstanding days past due, aver-age invoice value, credit status, etc. — and the “weight” that each factor should hold. Th e

application will then categorize each customer accordingly, based on the data in the ERP system. All customers are evalu-ated by the same set of rules, providing a foundation for de-termining how to maximize the relationship with each customer going forward.

“By referring to the letter grade automatically assigned to each customer, sales reps should better understand the ‘rules of engagement’ when it comes to discounting or other customer requests. Decisions about busi-ness relationships will no longer be made by ‘gut feel,’ but rather, will be based on factual data,” said Roach.

Epicor’s Customer Profi t Analyzer is available as an on-premise or hosted solution with Epicor Prophet 21® and Eclipse™ ERP systems. ❚

www.epicor.com(800) 776.7438

Handi-foil Group Announces New Manufacturing and Distribution Center

The Handi-foil Group, including Handi-foil Corp. and HFA, Inc., has always strived to provide its valued

customers with the highest quality prod-ucts and service in the industry. To further advance this objective, they are proud to announce the opening of a new state-of-the-art manufacturing and distribution center, in Naperville, Illinois. Handi-foil’s corporate headquarters will remain in Wheeling, Illinois, along with its other existing properties.

With the addition of this new building, Handi-foil Group’s opera-tional capacity expands to well over 1,200,000 SF under roof. Th e Naperville facility is a modern building with 32-ft . clear ceilings and 40 outdoor docks. It is conveniently located within minutes of the entrance and exit ramps of two major interstates, making it ide-ally suited for effi cient and expedited shipping operations.

Th e company has already begun eff orts to commission the facil-ity and expect it to be fully operational by early 2013. At that time Handi-foil will invite customers to tour the plant. It is minutes from either of the two major airports in the Chicago-land area, making a plant tour easy to accomplish in one day. Handi-foil Group President and CEO Norton Sarnoff emphasizes that this expansion was only made possible “by the trust and confi dence that our customers have extended over these many years.” ❚

www.handifoil.com • (800) 647-1400

38

ProForms, Inc. Celebrates 20 Year Anniversary

ProForms, Inc. recently celebrat-ed its 20-year anniversary with

a company dinner at Beaver Brook Country Club. Th e company was founded March 1, 1992 by Mike Long in Knoxville, Tennessee and is one of the area’s largest Service Disabled Veteran Owned Businesses.

ProForms began as a specialized distributor for custom printed business forms and commercial printing. Aft er great early success, ProForms’ business rapidly evolved into other product lines including promotional products, logo apparel, industrial packaging, janitorial and safety supplies. Today, ProForms off ers the most complete line of business, marketing and industrial supplies in East Tennessee.

ProForms joined the United Group as a Stockholder Member in 2009. In 2011, ProForms also became a TUG Supplier for its com-mercial printing and promotional product lines. ❚

www.proformsknox.com • (800) 435-2433

ProForms staff members gather at the company’s anniversary banquet, from left to right: Brad Dye, Account Manager; Delane Richardson, Warehouse Manager; Janet Ramsey, Senior CSR; Mike Long, President/Owner; John Myers, Promotional Products Manager; Ralph Parton, Account Manager; Scott Wishart, Account Manager; and Robert Bunch, Sales Manager.

NEW PREFERRED SUPPLIERS*

Winzer Corporation Selects Epicor to Provide Wholesale Distribution ERP for National Network Of 1,000 Users

Epicor Soft ware Corporation, a global leader in business

soft ware solutions for manu-facturing, distribution, retail and services organizations, today announced that Winzer Corporation of Dallas, Texas, has selected the Epicor® Prophet 21® wholesale distribution enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution as the IT backbone to advance its business to the next level.

With four distribution centers and nine branch locations, Winzer Corporation is a diver-sifi ed national distributor of maintenance and repair items to the industrial, fl eet and auto-motive marketplace, providing access to more than a million dif-ferent fasteners, tools and other supplies. Winzer sells to a broad range of customers through a network of independent fran-chise owners — the only model of its kind in the fastener indus-try. Th ese 500+ franchisees will have direct access into the Epicor wholesale distribution ERP to enter their own orders and ser-vice their customers.

Th e decision to choose the Epicor platform was driven by the solution’s alignment to a broad range of business re-quirements, according to Rich Funkhouser, vice president of information technology for Winzer. “Beyond delivering products to customers as quick-ly and effi ciently as possible, it

is critical that Winzer franchise owners have the most up-to-date information and tools available,” says Funkhouser. “Th e Epicor wholesale distri-bution solution provides the features and, more importantly, the benefi ts that we were seek-ing for the Winzer organization. In particular, we believe the in-tegration of the Epicor solution will play a key role in accom-plishing our goals of providing real-time status on orders, in-ventories and other key aspects of franchise-customer needs.”

“Th e national scale and scope of Winzer Corporation, total-ing 1,000 users, make it one of the largest Epicor Prophet 21 installations to date,” said Kevin Roach, executive vice president and general manager, ERP Americas for Epicor. “Winzer saw that Epicor could confi gure a wholesale distribution ERP solution that would best fi t their business. Th ey were impressed with our technology and vision. We were also able to provide a highly customized hardware confi guration to meet their requirements and show that we could support a comprehensive, long-term IT partnership.” ❚

www.epicor.com(800) 776.7438

➤ Betco Corporation (JS) . . . . .www.betco.com • (888) GO-BETCO

➤ Kearns, Brinen & Monaghan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.kbmcollect.com • (877) 698-5200

➤ LinkMax Paper Ltd. (ALL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.linkmaxpaper.com • (905) 564-0112

➤ Omni International Corp. (FS, JS, S) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.omnigloves.com • (888) 999-6664

*From March 1, 2012 – July 1, 2012

TUG 2013 National ConferenceAPRIL 17–21, 2013

JW MARRIOTT, SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS

39

Tolco Corporation Awarded 2012 NISSCO Performance Award

The Tolco Corporation, manufacturer of innovative product solutions for the Janitorial, Industrial, and Safety markets, was

awarded the 2012 NISSCO Performance Award for the most orders written at the annual conference.

“It is a great honor to win this award.” said Alberto Martinez, Sales and Marketing Manager of Tolco Corporation. “It is always a great honor when distributors choose to do business with us,” he continued. “We believe it is due in great part to the value propo-sition our Quick Ship program off ers NISSCO members.”

“Tolco has been a member of NISSCO since the early days of the group, and we have enjoyed seeing its membership and manage-ment continually grow and improve,” said George Notarianni, President and CEO of Tolco Corporation. Notarianni added, “We are proud to once again be partnering with more NISSCO distribu-tors than any other supplier at the show.” ❚

www.tolcocorp.com • (800) 537-4786

Universal Business Systems, Inc. Acquires Universal Dynamic Solutions, Inc.

Universal Business Systems, Inc. (“Universal”) a provider of technology solutions, includ-

ing ERP to specifi c industries that distribute products such as janitorial and chemical supplies, cleaning products, paper goods, safety supplies, industrial packaging and fi ne paper merchants today an-nounced the acquisition of Universal Dynamic Solutions, Inc. (“Dynamic”) a leading provider of Content Management and Marketing Services. Dynamic will continue to operate under the name Universal Dynamic Solutions as a new division.

“We are very excited to welcome the Dynamic team into the fold,” said Chris Raff o, President of Universal. “Th is will enable us to bet-ter off er our customers the complete solution in this ever changing world. We viewed this as a natural consequence of our philosophy and goal to provide our customers a ‘One Vendor Solution’. We now will be able to provide the content, images, printed catalog, and en-hanced storefront as part of our ERP solution.”

“We believe that the synergy of the combined companies will be atremendous benefi t to our customers, and we look forward to work-ing with the Universal team,” said Larry Wells, Dynamic President. ❚

www.ubsys.com • (908) 217-6797

Wausau Paper is pleased to announce the achievement

of recertifi cation under Green Seal’s Standard for Sanitary Paper Products (GS-01, 2011). Green Seal, Inc. issued a new environmental standard per-taining to towel and tissue products in late 2010, with up-dated editions following in 2011. Wausau Paper is one of the fi rst major paper manufacturers to be awarded this recertifi cation.

Wausau Paper meets the new GS-01 Standard which is more comprehensive than previous

Green Seal Standards for Tissue Paper (GS-1) and Paper Towels and Napkins (GS-9). Th e new GS-01 Standard was expanded to establish environmental, health, and social requirements for the broad range of industrial and retail sanitary paper prod-ucts including bath and facial tissue, paper towels, napkins, and placemats. In addition,

the new Green Seal standard provides more stringent criteria such as increasing the amount of post-consumer material re-quired by an average of 25%, monitoring of air and waste-water quality, outlining limits to energy and water use during manufacture, and expanding product performance and pack-aging requirements.

As the fi rst paper company to off er Green Seal™ certifi ed prod-ucts in 2003, Wausau Paper is a leader in green towel and tissue products. Today, Wausau Paper

features the broadest range of Green Seal™ certifi ed products with

its EcoSoft ™ Green Seal™ and Dubl-Nature® brands. With the attainment of recertifi cation under the new GS-01 Standard, Wausau Paper is furthering its long-term sustainability com-mitment to producing the best quality products with the least impact on the environment. ❚

www.wausaupaper.com(800) 723-0008

R.J. Schinner Company Announces Branch In TN

Wausau Paper Awarded Green Seal GS-01 Recertifi cation

R.J. Schinner Co., Inc. (RJ Schinner),

redistributor to the com-mercial wholesale trade, announces that it has an eighth location in Nashville, TN. Th is branch will service customers in Tennessee, Kentucky, Alabama, Mississippi and Georgia. Paul Schinner, Executive V.P., will oversee sales and operations of the Nashville facility.

In addition to Nashville, RJ Schinner has warehouses in Dallas, TX, Springfi eld, MO; Oakdale, MN; Columbus, OH; Lansing, MI; St. Louis, MO and Menomonee Falls, WI. Th e new location will allow RJ Schinner to provide truck delivery service to a 25-state area.

“Since 1951, we have been sensi-tive to our customer requests and fl exible in meeting those needs. We understand that our custom-

ers’ customers are end users who demand on-time deliveries. So we established our own truck fl eet to guarantee timely deliver-ies throughout the Midwest,” said Ken Schinner, President of RJ Schinner.

“In addition, RJ Schinner provides a strong marketing presence unparalleled within the redistribution community with customized marketing for our customers. A website that has real time interactive search and ordering capabilities allows easy access to inventory and other valuable information.”

Th e location is: 642 Space Park South Dr., Nashville, TN 37211. ❚

www.rjschinner.com(262) 797-7180

40

ADVERTISEMENT

Solution.Problem.

For a complete list of Royal Beverage Plug items visit https://my.royalpaper.com/webapp/inquiry/productinquiry.asp?cat=PLP&grp=CPLUG.

Beverage PlugsNEW!

Contact your Royal representative today for product information, samples and pricing [email protected] or visit us online www.royalpaper.com.

Thank you for your continued support of Royal Paper Products!

• Protects customers

• Helps prevent drips and splashes

• Keeps beverages hotter 40% longer

• Converts most disposable lids to “drip proof”

• Available in Red, Black, Green, Orange and White

• Retail-friendly dispensing boxes

• Case pack is 5 boxes of 400 pieces

The most economical resealable solution for disposable coffee lids!

Beverage Plugs snap firmly in the sipping hole of a disposable coffee lid.

CoCoanan

••

•• C

C

•

dome lid

resealable lid

Stop wasting money on expensive resealable lids!

For a complete list of Royal Beverage Plug items visit https://my.royalpaper.com/webapp/inquiry/productinquiry.asp?cat=PLP&grp=CPLUG.For a complete list of Royal Beverage Plug items visit https://my.royalpaper.com/webapp/inquiry/productinquiry.asp?cat=PLP&grp=CPLUG.

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

Field Force Manager is available to business customers that have signed a Major or National Account Agreement. Field Force Manager requires a data package when used with qualifying voice plans on Basic Phones. Monthly subscription, download & usage charges, req’d for use. Our Surcharges (incl. Fed. Univ. Svc. of 14.4% of interstate & int’l telecom charges (varies quarterly), 13¢ Regulatory & 83¢ Administrative/line/mo., & others by area) are not taxes (details: 1-888-684-1888); gov’t taxes & our surcharges could add 6% - 40% to your bill.Activation fee/line: $35 IMPORTANT CONSUMER INFORMATION: Subject to National or Major Account Agmt, Calling Plan,& credit approval. Up to $175 early termination fee/line ($350 for advanced devices) & data sent/received. Coverage, varying by svc, not available everywhere; see vzw.com. Limited time offer. © 2011 Verizon Wireless. 1211-E1038

Improve Employee ProductivityWhen your employees use the Field Force Manager mobile app, they have access to powerful electronic tools that streamline communication and provide information in real-time.

Increase Management EffectivenessThe cloud-hosted management application lets you gain a comprehensive view into business activities in the field, make the most informed operational decisions and access and analyze information to plan, adapt and succeed.

Optimize Business OperationsField Force Manager opens up opportunities to improve your business operations and back-end reporting.

With Field Force Manager, you get an end-to-end view of your in-office and mobile operations, a better understanding of overall performance and the ability to manage your organization for optimum success.

Monthly Access for Basic Phones

Monthly Access for

Smartphones/Tablets

Field Force Manager – only plan

(with no voice calling)

When added to a qualifying

voice plan with data package

When added to a qualifying

voice or data plan

Limited $2499 $15 $15

Basic $2999 $20 $20

Pro – $25 $25

Field Force Manager

BETTER INFORMATION MEANS BETTER MANAGEMENT.

FIELD FORCE MANAGER


Work Phone: (208) 921-5548


Field Force Manager is a comprehensive resource for businesses large and small, providing tools that keep employees better connected and more productive, and provide managers with critical information and key insights needed to drive your business forward.

42

ABC Compounding www.abccompounding.com

Acme Wholesale www.acmewholesalesupply.com

ACT4Proswww.act4pros.com

AEP Industries, Inc. www.aepinc.com

Air Spencer USA www.airspencerusa.com

AJM Packaging Corporation www.ajmpack.com

Alliance Plastics www.allianceplastics.net

Alliance Rubber Company www.alliance-rubber.com

AmerCare, Inc. www.amercare.com

Americo Manufacturing, Inc. www.americomfg.com

AMMEX www.ammex.com

Amrep, Inc. www.amrep.com

AMTOPP Corp. The Inteplast Group www.inteplast.com

Anchor Packaging www.anchorpac.com

Ansell www.ansellpro.com

APC Filtration, Inc. www.janitized.com

Arlington Industries www.arli.com

Atlantic Mills, Inc. www.atlanticmills.com

Bagcraft Papercon www.bagcraftpapercon.com

Bay West/Wausau Paper www.wausaupaper.com

Bedford Industries, Inc. www.bedfordind.com

Ben Clements and Sons, Inc. www.tach-it.com

Berk Wiper Converting www.berkwiper.com

Berkley Square www.berkleysquare.net

Berry Plastics www.berryplastics.com

Betco NEWwww.betco.com

Blaze Products Corp. www.blazeproducts.com

Bocks Board Packaging, Inc. www.bocksboard.com

BOXit Corporation www.boxit.com

Cactus Mat Manufacturing www.cactusmat.com

Callico Distributors www.callico.com

Cantech Industries, Inc. www.cantechtape.com

Capital Transportation Solutions www.shipwithcts.com

Cargill, Inc. www.cargill.com

Carlisle FoodService Products (Flo-Pac)Carlisle Sanitary Maintenance Products www.carlisle.com

Carroll Company www.carrollco.com

Cascades Tissue Group www.cascades.com

CCI (Cross Country Installations & Service, LLC) www.crosscountryinstall.com

Cellucap Manufacturing Company www.cellucap.com

Chase Products Company www.chaseproducts.com

COACT NEWwww.teamcoact.com

Continental Commercial Products www.continentalcommercialproducts.com

Cordova Safety Products www.cordovaisc.com

Cox Paper & Printing Company, Inc. www.coxpaper.com

CP Industries, Inc. www.cpindustries.net

CrossCheck, Inc. www.cross-check.com

Crowell Corporationwww.crowellcorp.com

Crown Mats and Matting www.crown -mats.com

D & W Fine Pack www.dwfi nepack.com

Daley International www.daleyinternational.com

Dart Container Corporation www.dart.biz

DDI System, LLC www.ddisys.com

Deadstock Network, Inc. www.deadstocknetwork.com

DEB, Inc. www.debgroup.com

Delta Marketing International, LLC www.naturesairsponge.com

DeLuxe Paper Products www.deluxepaper.com

Dial-Henkel www.dialcorp.com

Durable Packaging www.durablepackaging.com

Dura-Fibre www.durafi bre.com

ECi Software Solutions www.eci2.com

Eco Concepts, Inc. www.ecoconceptsusa.com

Eco-Productswww.ecoproducts.com

Elkay Plastics Co. www.elkayplastics.com

EMI Yoshi, Inc. www.emiyoshi.com

EMS Network Services www.emsnetworkservices.com

Enterprise Group (Domtar) www.egpaper.com

Environmental Designs, LLC www.davesamazing.com

EP Minerals, LLC www.epminerals.com

Epic Industries www.epicindustries.com

Epicor (formerly Activant Solutions, Inc.) www.epicor.com

ETC of Henderson, Inc. www.etcpads.com

Fabri-Kal Corporation www.f-k.com

Fleetmatics www.fl eetmatics.com

FoodHandler www.foodhandler.com

Fortune Plastics www.fortuneplastics.com

Fresh Products, Inc. www.freshproducts.com

Gator Chemical, Inc. www.gatorchemical.com

Georgia-Pacifi c Corporation www.gapac.com

Glue Dots International www.gluedots.com

Golden Star www.goldenstar.com

Greenleafe, Inc.

Greenwave www.greenwave.us.com

Handi-foil of America, Inc. www.handi-foil.com

Heartland Label Printers, Inc. www.hrtlp.com

Heritage Bag Company www. heritage-bag.com

Hoff master Group, Inc. www.hoff master.com

HOSPECO (Hospital Specialty Co.) www.hospeco.com

IBS Division of Inteplast www.inteplast.com

Impact Products, LLC www.impact-products.com

Innovative Forms & Graphics, Inc. www.innforms.com

Intertape Polymer Group (IPG) www.itape.com

IVEX www.ivexpackaging.com

J & M Technologies, Inc. www.jandmtechnologies.com

Jackson’s, Inc. www.jackson-assoc.us

Jannel Maufacturing www.jannel.com

KBM (Kearns, Brinen & Monaghan) NEWwww.kbmcollect.com

Kutol Products www.kutol.com

Lambskin Specialties www.lambskin.com

*as of July 1, 2012

43

Laminated Industries, Inc.

Laminations www.laminationsonline.com

Lapaco www.lapaco.com

LinkMax Paper Ltd. NEWwww.linkmaxpaper.com

LPS Industries, Inc. www.lpsind.com

Marathon Solutions, Inc. www.marathonsi.com

Marino Vileda Professional www.marinomop.com

MarkIT Promotions www.markit.pro

Matrix Payment Systems www.matrixpaymentsystems.com

McNairn Packaging, Inc. www.mcnairnpackaging.com

Mill Products Co., Inc. www.millproductsco.com

MISCO Products Corp. www.miscoprod.com

Nashua Corporation www.nashua.com

National Discount Textiles www.nationaldiscounttextiles.com

Nexstep/O’Cedar www.ocedarcommercial.com

Nifty Packaging Products www.niftypack.com

Nilodor www.nilodor.com

North American Salt Company www.nasalt.com

Novelis Foil Products www.novelis.com

NPS Corporation www.npscorp.com

O’Cedar Commercial www.ocedarcommercial.com

O’Dell Corporation www.odellcorp.com

OES (Outdoor Environmental Services) www.oesgogreen.com

Omni International NEWwww.omnigloves.com

Oreck www.oreckcommercial.com

PAC Strapping Products, Inc. www.strapsolutions.com

Pactiv Corporation www.pactiv.com

Paper Systems, Inc. www.papersystems.com

Peacock Products www.peacockproductsinc.com

Pitt Plastics, Inc. www.pittplastics.com

Polyair Packaging, Inc. www.polyair.com

Poly-Tak Protection Systems, Inc. www.polytak.com

Primepak Company www.primepak.com

Pro Tapes and Specialties NEWwww.protapes.com

ProBioTect, Inc. www.probiotectinc.com

Profi t2 www.profi t2.com

ProForms www.proformsknox.com

Protective Industrial Products (PIP)www.pipusa.com

R3 (Reliable Redistribution Resource) www.r3redistribution.com

Radians, Inc. www.radians.com

RavenWare Products, Inc. www.shinemound.com

RDA Advantage (U.S. members) www.rdaadvantage.com

Acme Wholesale Supply

Callico, Inc.

Central Distribution System

CSB Industries, LLC

Diamond Paper Co., Ltd.

Forman, Inc.

Garland C. Norris Company

G. F. Lasswell Company

Huff United

Icon Distributing Co.

JMZ Distributing, Inc.

Omni Source, Inc.

Plast Techs Enterprises

R. J. Schinner Co., Inc.

Sheppard Redistribution, Inc.

Vernon Sanitation Supply Company

Republic Bag, Inc. www.republicbag.com

Reynolds Food Packagingwww.reynoldspkg.com

Rochester Midland Corporation www.rochestermidland.com

Royal Paper Products, Inc. www.royalpaper.com

Royale International Beverage Co., Inc. www.royalebrands.com

Rubbermaid/United Receptacle www.rubbermaidcommercial.com

Saalfeld Redistribution www.saalfeldredistribution.com

Sabert Corp. www.sabert.com

Saint-Gobain Abrasives www.nortonprocleaning.com

Sales Drivers www.thesalesdrivers.com

San Jamar www.sanjamar.com

SAS Safety Corp. www.sassafety.com

SCA Tissue North America www.torkusa.com

Sekisui TA Industries (STA) www.sta-tape.com

Shurtape Technologies, LLC www.shurtape.com

SLi Lighting www.sli-lighting.com

Smith-Lee Co., Inc. www.smith-lee.com

Solo Cup Company www.solocup.com

Specialty Packaging, Inc. www.specialtypackaging.us

SQP (Specialty Quality Packaging) www.specialtyqualitypackaging.com

Step 1 www.step1.com

Storopack, Inc. www.storopackinc.com

Swepe-Tite LLC www.swepe-tite.com

Syfan USA www.syfanusa.com

Tabell Communications Ltd. www.tabell.com

TaraTape www.taratape.com

Temperatsure www.temperatsure.com

The Andersen Company, Inc. www.andersenco.com

The Interface Financial Group www.interfacefunding.com

The Malish Corporation www.malish.com

The Packaging Wholesalers (formerly JIT) www.packagingwholesalers.com

The Safety Zone, LLC www.safety-zone.com

The Wegbreit Group, LLC www.wegbreitgroup.com

Think Pink Janitorial Supplies www.pinkjanitorialsupplies.com

Thunder Group www.thundergroup.com

Tolco Corporation www.tolcocorp.com

Transmacro, Inc. www.transmacro.com

TTI Floorcare No. America/Hoover, Inc. www.ttifl oorcare.com

Tuway American Group tuwaymops.com

Tyler Tape & Label www.tylertapes.com

Unger Enterprises, Inc. www.ungerglobal.com

United Receptacle, Inc. www.unitedrecept.com

Universal Business Systems, Inc. www.ubsys.com

Universal Dynamic Solutions www.udsolutions.com

Verizon Wireless (Golbon Partner) www.verizonwireless.com

Waterbury Companies/Time Mist www.watco.com

Western Plastics www.wplastics.com

Witt Industries (An Armor Group Co.) www.witt.com

WNA www.wna.biz

44

1554 Thomas Rd. SE Warren, OH 44484(800) 323-3547

Need Straws? We’ve Got Straws!!!

VisitBerkPaper.com to

view our entire line of products, including straws, plastic and environmentally

friendly cutlery, paper and plastics cups, and much more!

Double Barrel Coffee Stirrers

Check out our New Line of Jumbo and Giant Straight Straws.Available individually wrapped or unwrapped

in Red, Clear, and White with a Red stripe.

Beverage StirrerAvailable in 2 different

sizes and colors

Kurly Straws“Bend ‘Em, Stretch ’Em,

Twist ‘Em”

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

THE UNITED GROUP

3121 Mercedes DriveMonroe, LA 71201

A preview of TUG’s 2013 National Conference …

This is TPC San Antonio, located next to the beautiful

new JW Marriott San Antonio, the site of TUG’s 2013

National Conference. It features 36 holes designed by

master golf architects, Pete Dye and Greg Norman.

See inside for more details…

Documents

Finishing Stronger Together - United Group€¦ · Finishing Stronger Together ... Barb Hietpas, Mary Field, ... Group President Tobie McKown served as master of ceremonies once again