Picture Puzzle Piece

Do you remember growing up reading the Shel Silverstien books?  I loved them.  My most favourite days in school was when the teacher would pull out one of his books and start reading - I remember how much I would laugh.    My kids have the same appreciation for these books and we enjoy reading them from time to time.   It was just the other day I found my son reading "A light in the attic" so I sat down beside him to read along.   He was sharing some of his favourites with me when we came across the "Picture Puzzle Piece" poem and he mentioned that he didn’t understand it.  

So I read it out loud to him and at first I didn’t either - Then all of a sudden it hit me.  

We start puzzles by having all the pieces and a picture of what it should be...but what if we could only see one piece of the puzzle and not see the whole picture, what does that one piece represent and where does it fit in the big picture. 

We started to think about how "The Puzzle Piece" poem relates to our everday world and how we should keep the message of this poem in mind when we meet someone for the first time or when dealing with people we see everyday. We often only see a small part of who they really are. We don’t know all that they are going through, the burdens they are carrying, or possibly illnesses they are hiding. We need to remind ourselves that we are only seeing one picture puzzle piece at a time and without all the pieces we will never truly appreciate the full picture. 

This concept is something we have reflected on every day this week...Something I hope you will think about too.

Craft – Creative – Culture ... a re-Brand Initiative

Are you thinking of re-branding?  Is it time for a fresh new look  for your company/product? When considering a re-branding initiative don’t forget to think long and hard about how your packaging fits into that equation, and more importantly how your packaging looks!  Your package is your first line of communication with your customer and plays an important role on how they respond to your product.   

Packaging tells them who YOU are, what YOU stand for, and they will immediately get a feel for your product. 

The product that you selling to the consumer is not only a physical product, but an emotional product - You are selling a feeling, and an experience.  Your packaging is the key to getting that message across. 

I was recently at the LUXE PACK conference, the premier show for creative packaging.   There was an open panel discussion on how to get a new brand identity out to the consumer.  The consensus was - Being Crafty, Creative and Cultural will bring Clarity to your product.  

    

So what does that mean? ...

Crafty – make sure that what you are putting out is Perfection – you want the consumer to have what you consider to be the most perfect product on the market – the packaging will tell them that story. 

Creative – The package must be inspiring to the consumer.  It should make them want to come back again and again. 

Culture – The package can tell your story,  what the company and products stand for.  Your core values. 

If you are going through a re-branding initiative or  just looking for new packaging ideas, please ask us to the table!  Ingersoll Paper Box Co. Limited is dedicated to making sure your product is packaged in the best way possible.   Our Marketing team will be happy to put a presentation together for you to see all of what is available to you! 

2014 Highlights

Wow, we have officially wrapped up 2014,  and what a year it has been! 

Last January, we talked about change.  How important it is to keep changing.  Never staying stagnant.  We sure showed everyone that change; big change should be embraced and celebrated as an exciting way to move forward. 

January and February saw us in training – A LOT!  KBA training in Germany for the press operators, Esko and Agfa training for our new pre-media work flow and platesetter.  We also dug the hole in the plant floor in preparation for the new printing press. 

Now, some may wonder why we have been talking so much about a new printing press.  For us, this type of purchase doesn’t happen often.  And when it does, it’s a big deal!    What made this an even bigger deal was all the new features that this press has been able to offer us and our customers. 

2013 also saw some major renovations; the biggest and most exciting was our new lounge area.  A special space created for customers and employees to hang out while at IPB.  We use this space to host our events, info sessions, vendor presentations and customer press proofs.  The space also features a few museum pieces that detail the company’s history. 

March and April brought the delivery of lots of new equipment.  The KBA began to arrive in March (it was delivered in over 20 crates – not little ones, large ones, VERY LARGE!) and we immediately began installation.  The Agfa platesetter was installed and became operational.  Esko pre-media work flow was also installed.  This allowed us to work with artwork files onsite directly with the customer.  A new chapter for IPB!

Sales and Marketing teams were busy at trade-shows.  Showing potential customers everything that IPB has to offer!  We spent a great deal of time seeing what was happening – new and cool ideas in the packaging industry.  Always staying on top of the latest trends!

May and June found us prepping for 2 big events.  For our first ever, we hosted our local Ingersoll Chamber of Commerce Business After 5.  Local business owners came and toured our facility and got to see first hand just what we do at IPB!  For our second event, we held a customer VIP day.  Customers were invited to tour the facility and see what we have been up to, and meet the staff!  Eric Frank from KBA came to speak about trends in the packaging industry and relationships between supplier and customer.  This made for a very eventful June!  It was exciting to see how many people came to visit us. 

July and August was ‘All systems a-go’.  All of the training that we had gone through in the last few months were coming together in the pre-media, pre-press and printing departments.  The summer always brings IPB family BBQ’s and fundraising events for our team. 

We were excited to welcome new and returning customers throughout the summer months.  New challenges were set and are now being met!  All thanks to the great first six months of the year!

September and October were much of the same.  But now we were turning some of our attention to the other Departments.  Diecutting departments were trained on learning new knicking methods, quicker makereadies and more consistent cut and creaselines that will make our packaging work better on the auto-fill equipment!  Learning about new technology and what is coming out in the next year. 

The Ingersoll Chamber of Commerce awarded Ingersoll Paper Box with Industry of the Year for 2014.  Very exciting to be recognized as a team in our own community for our achievements. 

November and into December we decided to try a fundraiser.  While promoting the amazing new techonology we have in house, we made gift boxes for the holiday season.  We sold them locally with all proceeds going towards to local charities.  Ones that are near and dear to our hearts.  The Lunch Bunch serves hot lunches to children at schools.   The Inter-Church Relief program runs the Hamper program during the Christmas season. And through out the rest of the year provides food, clothing and financial assistance were and when needed. 

The gift boxes came in 2 sizes, and 4 different print looks, along with gift tags.  Sold throughout the month of December, we raised well over $3,000.

With the New Year upon us, we are happy with all of our past accomplishments.  And I can honestly say I am so proud of the IPB team.  We made many changes and coming out the other side, we look back and can see now that all these changes were necessary to move forward for a better future. 

If you are interested in a tour and want to see what we have been up to this past year - Contact your IPB Sales Representative. Hope to see you soon.

Change is Good…

Every couple of years I like to change my hair style.  I don’t know why.  I just like the change.  I’m not talking subtle changes, I’m talking going from long to pixie cut and back again.  Now the back again always seems to take forever.  But if you do it with sort of funky style, the change seems to happen over a few months.  Believe me there are days when I curse my hairstylist and my crazy idea for change. 

Change is good, and at times necessary.   IPB has certainly changed a lot this past year.   Not only have we changed the face of IPB, but also our capabilities.  We have overcome many challenges.  New and great challenges….and the greatest part of all – I knew that our team was up for that Challenge!  We’ve all faced the change with own style and have made it our new normal. 

One year ago this coming week, we signed the deal with KBA to bring in a new Printing Press and I knew that would spark a chain reaction – a chain of changes.  We all looked at each other, held on and jumped in.  1 year later, I couldn’t be more proud!

Last week I wrote about winning an award from Ingersoll’s Chamber of Commerce.  I came back to the office with the award and was ready to present it to the team.  I got up in front of everyone and thought I would be able to keep it together.  I wanted to share with them how lovely the evening was, talk to them about what I said when I accepted the award on behalf of the team, I stood before the group of people that help bring my crazy ideas to life.  I was overwhelmed with emotion and started to cry – yes a girl moment!   I walked off the stage shaking my head wondering why is it when I have an emotional moment - I cry.  It wasn’t until the next day when I walked out into the plant to see what was happening that day, that people came up to me and gave me a hug and told me that they were proud to be a part of the IPB team that I understood it.  It’s ok to show your softer side – some emotion, and yes maybe show them your ugly crying face. 

I spend a lot of time with these people, and I consider them my family.  We celebrate together – and cry together (good or bad).  We are in this together for the long haul.

Last night I was invited to go to the Canadian Printing Awards.  An exciting night to celebrate and share what is happening in the printing industry.  Recipients received awards for lifetime achievements, up and coming leaders and innovation.   There were also a number of judged categories.  It was my first time at such an awards presentation.  But certainly re-affirmed the changes we have made and will continue to make in the year (s) to come!

I certainly walked away with a number of new ideas to add to my Vision Board.  I love change!  And a good challenge – don’t you?!?

And the Winner Is….

Ingersoll is a home that I have grown to love.  As a young adult, I could not wait to leave the town limits and move to the big city.  But, soon realized when it was time to raise a my own family, I couldn’t think of anywhere better to raise my children. 

Ingersoll offers the best of both worlds – we are a short drive to major cities, but can experience all the wonderful joys a small town as to offer.

Last night was a night that I will always remember - Ingersoll Chamber of Commerce hosted their Annual Awards of Excellence evening.  It is a night I always look forward to - where members nominate businesses and owners for different awards.  Ingersoll Paper Box Co. Limited was awarded the Industry of the Year for 2014.  What a proud moment!

But before the awards were handed out, our newly re-elected mayor spoke about all the great things happening here in our town.  We have one of the lowest unemployment rates in Ontario.   There are businesses expanding, and new opportunities coming to the community.  We have new parks building built, and wonderful festivals bringing people back into the community.  It’s encouraging to hear the town be spoken of in such a positive manner.  Because it’s way too often we get dragged down by the negative.

In addition to our award, there were four other awards presented.  Business of the Year (The Bakery Café), Business Person of the Year (Brenda Hendry), Youth Citizen of the Year (Sarah Cameron), and Citizen of the Year (Adam Funnel).  The award winders all exude what living in a small town means to us – they are giving back to the community each and every day.

It was a wonderful evening. What a nice way to be recognized for all our hard work - We have done so much this past year!  Added an Inspection machine, new proofing and prepress systems, had an office facelift, and installed our new KBA printing press!   

So much to be proud of…which makes receiving this award from our community so much more special.

OMG AYFR?

OMG AYFR? J

Translation: OH MY GOSH ARE YOU FOR REAL? Smiley face

Ok, so here is something to think about…

This past week found me in the great city of Chicago at an annual industry tradeshow.  Nice to get out of the office, see what’s new, make some new contacts, and catch up with some friends.  It is always interesting to see how the industry is evolving.  Where years ago, this show was multi leveled with huge machinery at every exhibit.  Now you see the digital world is in fact taking over.  With everything digital, you can add so many interesting FX to packaging.

You see what I just did there – FX = effects.  Acronyms are becoming such a common way of writing, advertising, and texting.  In dealing with many different industries over the years, you become accustomed to seeing acronyms that are specific to their own office or industry.  However, I have to admit reading some texts these days is starting to make my brain hurt.  Is this truly the way things are going?  I am such a “long winded texter”, must drive people nuts? 

Typically, I feel like I am pretty current with new trends, and kind of ‘in the know’ on sayings.  But when I was out with a friend having drinks after the show, waiting for another friend to join us, she texted – and ended it with – “LMK”.  We were stumped.  I know LOL, TTYL, BTW, LMAO, G8, ISO, and a few others, but LMK…???  She really had us stumped.   

It’s no different than being behind a vehicle with personalized license plates.  Some are real head scratchers but I love trying to figure them out, makes for a nice road trip game with the family.  LMK really made me think! 

We finally sorted it out – Let Me Know… It got us laughing at how 3 simple letters could be so difficult to understand.  But it also got us thinking - more making fun of ourselves.  It feels good to laugh at yourself, sometimes it’s needed. 

Is this really where things are going?  Have all our English classes gone to waste.  OMG – I sound old….or perhaps someone who just doesn’t want to lose the art of writing the language we speak.

This morning I got up and thought, there can’t be that many texting acronym’s– but nope, wrong again!  There is a whole dictionary on texting with acronym’s!  WTH!!!???

So I have included the links to the better sites I found.  Just to help keep you all current!  LOL!   Happy Reading.

http://www.netlingo.com/top50/popular-text-terms.php

http://www.netlingo.com/acronyms.php

http://www.textingabbreviations.ca

Great Expectations

I was driving my son to his guitar lesson the other day when I casually asked if he practiced much in the past week.  I knew the answer – it was a rhetorical question.  I knew the guitar had sat in the exact same spot he left it after his last lesson.  I’m not sure what I was expecting to hear.

You see he saved up his money and bought the guitar himself.  I told him if he wanted to play guitar he could pay for the guitar, and I would pay for lessons.  I thought this would be a good compromise and would encourage him to work at it.  I figured by doing this, he would appreciate the value of the instrument and not want to waste his money.  I expected him to want to learn how to the play the guitar whole heartedly.  But he is 11.  And he loves life, sports, being outside on his bike, playing with his friends.  Not sitting inside playing his guitar.

So it lasted 3 weeks.  We are now into week 7.  The guitar is left alone, more than it is played - I understand that it is a busy time of year for an eleven-year-old, but is it not always.

I got a little upset about his lack of practicing.  And then I asked myself, what was I expecting?  Had I voiced my concerns to him?  Had we talked the whole thing through?  We started guitar lessons in the middle of summer!!!  What was I thinking?!?

Expectations are a funny thing aren’t they?   It is no different from making “assumptions” (remember; when you assume, you make and Ass out of U and Me).   An expression my grade 8 teacher reminded the class of repeatedly!  I looked up the word ‘expectation’ in the dictionary it means: a strong belief that something will happen or be the case in the future.  A belief that someone will or should achieve something.

And then I read something pretty profound:

When we let expectations rule our lives, we set ourselves up for disappointment.  And then we judge ourselves for it!

After thinking about this for a while, I couldn’t help but remember a funny story my parents had shared with me.  After their wedding and on their way to the honeymoon destination my father realized there was only one suitcase.  Surprised that all of their things could fit into one case he casually mentioned it to my Mom.  He had fully expected she was going to pack his things for their week away.  Funny how expectations can lead to disappointment….It must have been a great way to start their honeymoon!

It wasn’t too long ago, when I would often think people around me had their own expectations of what they wanted me to do and I didn’t want to disappoint them or myself.  So I stayed the course and didn’t do anything that would create too much unwanted attention.  However, I found myself struggling internally and constantly judging and feeling disappointed.   You see, at the time I thought it would be best if I were a wallflower type.  I always worried about how I would be judged if I broke the mold that people had set out for me.

In the last few years, I decided to chart my own course.  Break free from the chains of what people expected me to do, and jump in feet first.  I have learned (as corny as this sounds) the path of life is similar to that of a river; a constant stream that keeps moving.  Sometimes the current is strong and things move fast, other times, it is slow and steady.  And then there are times where you just need a break and you lay on the bank for a bit.  Dry out and get ready to jump back in.

I have learned that doing something like this requires trust.  Trusting that you can do it.  Trusting that letting go of the expectations and going with the flow just might bring things to the table you may have never have thought of or even imagined before.  Or ever had the guts to do!

We are at the 7 week mark of the guitar lessons, I have to remind myself that I cannot set expectations on a kid who has no idea what I am expecting of him.  So last night we sat and chatted about how we were going to move forward and how we can do this so he is prepared and I don’t feel like I am wasting money so he can re-learn the same chords over and over again!  

What is unique about you?

Each of us is unique in our own way.  Some of us like to show off our uniqueness and others like to keep it to themselves.  I asked some people at work what makes them ‘unique’.  Most people thought it was the hardest question they have been asked in a while.   While other’s smiled and had an answer straight away.  Here are some of the responses I received today:

“No matter where I go, I love to find a connection to someone I know already, you really get to know someone and then you have something to talk about!”

“I love to do woodworking in my spare time”

“I am probably the biggest neat freak you will ever meet and I married someone who is exactly the same way!”

“My laugh”

“My ability to help people through tough situations”

“I love to wear funky socks – the less they match my outfit, the better!”

Sometimes we forget that these unique abilities are what make us special.

What I was reminded of today was that we have a great team here at IPB - People who shine in their own special way.   What is our own unique ability? 

Don’t forget to embrace it, love it and share it!

Good things are happening at “The Box”…

I sit here reflecting and am filled with such gratitude.

On June 19^th 2014, IPB thew open the doors and welcomed customers and suppliers inside to see all of the great investments we have made in our workflow over the last 2 years.  June 19^th is a day I will never forget.

I knew the day we purchased the KBA, that we needed to host an open for customers and suppliers.  Just looking at the new press in action is exciting - The KBA is a beast, and looks like a rocket ship – such a beautiful piece of machinery. Not only does the KBA look great, it does the most amazing stuff!  When we bought it, I knew the magnitude of what was coming and what it would do for us.  It was our time to shine and put IPB in the spotlight!

What started with just a concept very quickly turned into an extraordinary event.

On a plane ride home from a show in New York - Jess and I put the finishing touches on the invitations.  It was at the same show that we saw fancy coffee and tea served that we thought we should do the same thing at IPB with a ‘travelling Barista!’.  The ideas just started rolling and everyone was eager to get involved.  From one great idea to another- the event was starting to take shape.   My brother and sister-in-law offered to play swanky jazz music (live and in person!).  Everyone agreed we needed to design and do our own printed promo items to help show our guests just how incredible this new press is.  

A fellow print industry friend suggested we have a guest speaker and referred us to Eric Frank, VP of Marketing and Product Development at KBA. The theme of the day was VIP – Value in Packaging, Value in Partnership.  Eric’s talk during the day hit on both of those aspects.  He spoke of the investments IPB has made not only in KBA, but over the last 5 years, in our company, in the community and in our people.  He was truly an inspiration. 

During the planning process, one of our suppliers approached me because they had heard we were going to do something special in the coming months.  They wanted to help and be a part of it in some way.  I was blown away by the request and thought, “what a great way to get everyone involved!”  We asked other partners that we have worked with over the years to be a part of the day as well. What an overwhelming response we had.  Suppliers are a key component to running a successful business; and our suppliers have been a part of the day-to-day business at IPB for years, and what a great way for them to learn about what we have been doing!  And be a part of our success.

It was the positive response from our customers that really helped push this event forward!  We had close to 75 customers walk through the front doors during our open house event.  I was thrilled that they would make the time to drive to our facility and spend a couple of hours with us. 

It was 92 years ago that Ingersoll Paper Box Co. Limited was started.  We will never forget where we came from, and are always looking ahead to our future .   With great employees, customers and suppliers we have with us - I am again filled with such gratitude.

From the bottom of my heart – I wanted to say to thanks to everyone who joined us and helped make IPB what it is today. 

My Own Breakfast of Champions

Over the years, I have sat down numerous times to write about something that I am sure has affected many of you. Mental Illness…Yup, you read that right.

Today I was at the Breakfast of Champions for the CMHA (Canadian Mental Health Assoc.).  I have been going for a couple of years now and it has always been an inspiring experience.  There are usually 5-10 nominations for the Champion of Mental Health Awards, the nominee can be for an individual person or groups of people who have contributed to promoting mental health awareness, have raised funds, or have helped those struggling and for those who struggle themselves.  In my eyes, all of the nominees are winners. 

The breakfast ends with a speaker, someone who has been affected by mental illness. Last year was Clara Hughes (Canadian Olympian), and this year it was Chantal Kreviazuk (singer/songwriter/performer).  Hard to compare the two, both were equally interesting to hear how mental health has affected them.

While listening to Chantal speak about how mental health has played a role in her life, I realized I didn't need to tell my story completely.  I just needed to put it out there that “everyone is dealing with something”.  We can all be our own Champion.  It’s up to us to decide the role it’s going to play in our lives

If we are honest with ourselves, in some way we are all affected by mental illness.  So when you really think about it, there is a good chance that the person walking by you on the sidewalk may be dealing with their own struggles, or know someone who has.  It certainly makes you look at everyone differently.  Most likely, they are having the same thoughts about it as you – it makes you feel "not so alone".

Everyone has a story - just know that I have been affected, been in pain and feel the heartache.  But at the same time I am so grateful for this learning experience and what wonderful things all of these people have brought into my life

BECAUSE EVERY CHILD DESERVES A GOOD NIGHTS SLEEP…

It was a few years ago when we received our first invitation to the Sleeping Children Around the World breakfast fundraiser at The Royal York in Toronto.  A customer sent us an invitation and we got a couple of tickets and headed to Toronto to check it out.

Not knowing what to expect – we listened to the presentation and boy were we surprised.  Our Sales Rep, Ryan Walker came back wondering how he or we could do more.

Sleeping Children Around the World (SCAW)is a not for profit organization that believes that all children deserve a peaceful nights sleep.  Started by Murray and Margaret Dryden (parents of the famous hockey players). 
 

 

After a long and successful career, the Dryden’s life took an interesting turn.  Murray had taken to travelling and had found himself in India.  After a long day of travel, he was looking for sleeping accommodations for the night, and as he walked along the street, he found himself tripping over something he didn’t even see.  When he realized he had fallen over a sleeping child in the street, it brought him back to the days of the depression in Prairie country in Canada, where he himself had to do without the comforts of a proper bed.

It was his passion for change and the support of his wife that an idea brought forth to the YMCA in India would see the organization start to take shape and their first trip to an orphanage to distribute ‘slumber kits’.  Their intention was that each child selected would receive a mattress, bedding items, some new clothes and some basic school supplies.  They also insisted that each bed kit would be made or bought from items with in the area of distribution. 

44 years later, SCAW has touched the hearts and hands of over 1 million children throughout 34 countries. **

It has been 3 years since that breakfast; we have been going every year and have personally purchased bedkits to send to the next distribution trip. However, what Ryan decided next would touch so many others lives.  He decided to sponsor his sister to go on a distribution trip.  After many interviews and a long waiting list, it was confirmed that she would be going to the Philippines this spring 2014. 

Ryan mentioned to me that his sister would be going on an upcoming trip and asked if we (IPB) would be interested in listening to her story and sponsoring her journey.  As we talked a little further, our team planned for a lunch time fundraiser, penny sale and raffle prizes.  IPBer’s are a very generous bunch of people and I was hoping that they would see the greatness that this organization does around the world.  Friends and families were invited and we had a packed house! 

We also invited another volunteer (Mike Foster) with SCAW to come to IPB and talk about what the organization does around the world.  It was when Mike said that a family receiving a bedkit was as if they were receiving gold - it dawned on me the impact of having these essential items in ones life really means.  In most of our homes, everyone has the warmth of a soft and cozy bed, but for many in other countries only a few can afford this luxury.  Or that children cannot go to school unless they had a school uniform, and the bedkits would include 2 sets of clothes (school uniform in most cases).  Most days I feel like it’s a fight to get my kids out the door to go to school! 

The words that were spoken touched so many of us, and our chilli lunch was an overwhelming success.  With just a few weeks to plan and put on the event, everyone chipped in and pulled off a great day.  It was one of those days that made us go home and think WOW! 

After the money had been counted IPBer’s raised whopping $1065!  I couldn’t have been more proud of our group.  And what adds to this is that Ingersoll Paper Box Co. Limited will be matching whatever was raised.  So in total we will be donating a total of   $2163.  This means we will be able to buy 60 bedkits to send with Sandy.

As I was lying in my warm bed that night thinking of the comments made by Mike, and Sandy it certainly put things into perspective.  There are some amazing people of out there doing amazing things with their lives and because they are spreading their message, we in Ingersoll will be affecting the lives of 60 families - Something to be proud of.

I feel that this is just the start of something greater we will be doing in our future!

** information taken from www.scaw.org

For more information on Sleeping Children Around the World, or to make a donation, please visit their website www.scaw.org

It’s all in how you look at it.

To most people they would say who would dig such a big hole in your factory floor?  Well, we say why not! 

 

No, it’s not a new lap pool (however some would like that), nor a fishing pond for break time (a whole other crew would like that).  This is the future site of our new KBA Rapida 106.  Coming from the factory in Dresden Germany, this multi-million dollar investment is extremely exciting for Ingersoll Paper Box Co. Limited.

 

So, it’s all in how you look at it, some might see a big hole, some might see a lot of dirt, I see progress and everyone at IPB is pumped!

 

Stay tuned for more news on our latest upgrade at IPB!

Have you met Dave?

Most people know Dave Skinner as a business man and anyone who does knows IPB is a big part of his life.  In fact, Ingersoll Paper Box has been his life for over 50 years.  He built this business by giving the customer exactly what they ask for, and by being honest and fair to everyone he meets.  I hate to sum it up like that but he is the most honest and fair person I know. 

Dave and I started working together when I was only 16.  At first it didn’t go well.  He had extremely high expectations, and I was a teenager.  Not a great combo.  But we persevered and got through my tough teenage years - he lowered his expectations (or maybe got rid of them all together!) and all these years later we still have our offices beside each other. 

I am sure the people in the office don’t love it when we get snippy with each other.  They may even find it uncomfortable at times!  But our relationship is a unique one. 

You see, Dave is my Dad.

I started calling him Dave when I was a teenager, not out of dis-respect - but out of respect for those around me at work.  Not everyone needs reminding that he is my Dad.  They all know it.  I don’t need to go around saying it – so now I call him Dave all the time in or out of the office!  Even my kids call him Dave!  Upon his request, he didn’t want Grampa or Poppa!

Dave is well known in our little community.  He is a father to 3 amazing kids, and Grandfather to 6 lovely grandchildren.  He has donated countless hours to coaching different teams, various committees and charities around our town. Marathon runner, speed biker, and general workout King.  Dave is a big proponent of healthy living.  He dedicates a lot of time to helping those living with addiction issues.  Dave is also a cancer survivor (almost 8 years cancer free).

What most people don’t know about Dave is that he is an amazing artist.   For years, I have always seen his little doodles on pieces of paper around his office or on the file folder he is carrying around with him.  But now he is putting his art out there for everyone to see!  Over the years he has used different types of media to showcase his talent, but his latest passion is painting - either with ink or paint, and his work is absolutely amazing. 

If you interested in seeing his work – keep an eye out for it at the Ingersoll Creative Arts Centre, and it’s currently for sale at a store in Toronto (The Arts Market on Queen Street East) – or better yet, drop in and visit him in his studio here at IPB.  We have converted a portion of the second story of our original building into an art studio.  (The rest of the space will be dedicated to a yoga studio/work out area very soon!).

Yes, Dave is my Dad.  Most people I meet wouldn’t have known this – unless of course we are standing beside one another.   

To Braille or Not to Braille

We have been providing Braille embossing on pharmaceutical cartons at IPB for many years, so many in fact that I can’t even remember when we started!

In the beginning, the braille was embossed directly on the diecutter.  We had developed a system to check the cartons and it was mostly done by eye. The operators had to be extremely careful during the manufacturing process.  The tooling costs were very high and the set up times were very long.  A lot has changed in our industry and the technology advancements are incredible. 

During my recent travel throughout Europe it was very evident that Braille is much more widely used in Europe than it is in America or Canada - But like most things, it takes a few more years for ideas to be implemented on this side of the pond.

The experience led me to start thinking about how we need to be more prepared for what is coming down the pipe. 2 years ago we purchased a new piece of equipment that brought braille embossing in line with the gluing process.  The system not only embosses our cartons but also checks each box after it has been embossed for 100% accuracy.  It offers a very low tooling cost and almost no extra set up costs are incurred.

 

 

So why not put Braille on all of your cartons?  It’s been a question that I have been asking myself for a while now.  There are currently over *1 million Canadians who have significant sight loss.  Having Braille on cartons could help them be more independent in their everyday life. 

Some people believe that Braille is becoming an obsolete form of communication because of technology - but the argument can also go the other way as well.  It is critically important to everyone to have the ability to read and write.  Braille opens the door to literacy, intellectual freedom, equal opportunity, and personal security.

By incorporating Braille as we have with modern technology, we can then provide the consumers with necessary knowledge of the product they are buying, without adding additional costs.

So the question remains, to Braille or not to Braille.  Please ask your IPB sales representative more about this service that we offer.

 *taken from CNIB website http://www.cnib.ca/en/about/media/vision-loss/Pages/default.aspx

The Latest and Greatest at IPB

Well it’s that time of year when the summer weather starts to cool off; the kids are back to school, and the fall season of tradeshows ramp up.   As much as I have a hard time being away from home and work, I do enjoy seeing the newest technology in the packaging industry.

This year our very own Jeff Brooks, Operations Manager and Brad Orchard, Diecutting and Finishing Area leader went to Chicago’s Print’13 show.  This was promising trip; we have been on the hunt for new quality enhancing equipment and Masterworks (Automatic Sheet Inspection Machine Manufacture) was going showcase their carton inspection system at the show.   Both Brad and Jeff were amazed at the functionality of the machine, and we decided to purchase it and have it delivered and installed at IPB by end of September.

As suppliers to the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries, we recognize that we need to upgrade our capacities in the inspection area and up until this year; there wasn’t anything on the market that would perform the way we needed it to.  But alas, the time has arrived and we are expecting the delivery of our newest inspection system.  The system will scan each box and compare it to our customer approved PDF.  It’s quite amazing!  This machine runs at a very high speed, separates the good product from the bad.  And from what we know, it’s a first for Canada!

As I write this blog today, I am sitting in an airport in Germany. We are here to look at new printing presses. We haven’t decided exactly what we are getting yet, but I am amazed at the technology that can be done during the printing process. I have met some brilliant and inspirational people on my travels – what makes this more exciting for me is that we are bringing all of this knowledge back to IPB to enhance our own facility.

 
Good things are a comin’!  I can hardly wait to announce the next purchase! 

Stay tuned for more information on these exciting new pieces of equipment.  

1st day Jitters…

Now that the first day of school is behind us we can start concentrating on getting ourselves back into the groove of things.  There were so many jitters on the first day that it almost seems surreal to be back in the classroom. 

 

“The first day of school” was certainly the focus of our dinner time talk last night…excited for meet our new teachers, meet new friends and catch up with old friends and what new expectations we had for the year.

It turns out that my oldest has the same teacher as last year - Which is what he wanted…But now he has come to realize that none of his old friends are in his class.  At first I thought that he was just bummed out about having to go back to school, as the night went on, it became clear that he was very disappointed to be without his friends from last year.

As a parent I struggle with this sometimes.  I understand his frustration and have a knot in my stomach just as he does.  I want to sit and cry too for him.  But I need to remind myself that as the parent, I should set an example and try to take an unfortunate circumstance and turn it into something positive.  Try really hard to swing this into a positive light.

As the night continued, he became more and more upset – typical 10 year old tunnel vision.  He could see that his sister got into a class with all of her friends, and his youngest brother starting for the first time in Kindergarten was hard to compare.

Finally bedtime rolled around. This is the time that I will sit or lay with each of the kids and rehash a little of the day together. They tell me things that normally wouldn’t be talked about at the dinner table. It could be something that happened earlier in the day and it bothered them, or embarrassed them – or just something on their mind. We usually get a lot out during these moments of togetherness and I knew that lying with my oldest this night would be difficult. I had been trying to think of a way to swing his sadness into something more positive.

We started talking about wants versus needs and how they can be very different at times. Sometimes what you want is the complete opposite from what you need. My son struggles in school, which is no secret. So we talked about his time in the classroom and how it will be easier for him to learn without anyone around to distract or bug him. Focusing on friends during recess and lunch and how he will have more fun with his friends in other classes. He is also a very social guy, and I am sure by the end of the week, he will have a whole new group of buddies. But the best part of his new school year was that he got to be with the teacher he really wanted in the first place - Which is a good thing.

Things happen for a reason - Sometimes it’s hard to see the reason when we are confronted with the situation at first, but soon afterwards it becomes clear why we were put into that situation in the first place.  This is a hard concept for my 10 year old to understand, but it sure does make me feel better knowing we talked it through. 

What would you do if you weren’t afraid?

This is a question I have often pondered.  Sometimes it’s a hard question to admit the answer, other times it’s easy.  Recently, I was sitting in a potential clients meeting room and I looked up to see this very question on their wall.  I stopped to think about it for a moment…have you ever wondered?  

 

When I was about 8 or 9 years old my Dad bought me a poster for by bedroom wall.  It said “Dare to be Different”.  There were 20 apples in lines of 4.  All of them were red except for 1, it was green.  When I asked him what it meant he told me it was for me to always remember not be afraid - to be my own person - to make my own decisions, - to dare to be different from the rest.  This was difficult, as a young child my main goal in life was to “fit in”, be accepted, to almost blend in.  I would be horrified if I was pointed out of the crowd for any reason. 

But as I grew up, I began to realize the meaning behind it.  When I was 15, 18, 22 there were choices I needed to make - Choices that would affect the rest of my life.  I could choose to be like all the rest, or take a leap of faith and make my own choices. 

As a parent I see now why he put that poster in my room when he did.  Maybe he didn’t even know it at the time but it would be something that would stay with me for my life.  I have always chosen the path less travelled.  I got my drivers license on my 16^th birthday (you could do that back then).  I left my home town for college as soon as I could muster the courage.  Travelled the world with my passport and a backpack and I loved every minute of it and wouldn’t change it for anything.

But as I sit here on my back deck, my husband beside me reading the paper, and 3 kids playing in the backyard, I can’t help but start to think.  ‘What would I do now if I wasn’t afraid?’

This made me think of a good friend who told me about a book she was reading.   Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg.  I had just read an interesting article about it a few days before and was thinking about doing some additional research.  I clicked onto her Leanin.org website, and the first thing I see on her page is the statement “What would you do if you weren’t afraid?” 

Enough said, I am going to read this book.  I will tell you what I think of it.  Until then, tell me, what would YOU do now if you weren’t afraid?

Daddy to The Rescue

This is a tribute to my husband and loving father to my 3 kids.  This is an honest to goodness true story.  It happened to me (us) this morning.

I was getting ready for the day, I could hear the kids downstairs eating their breakfast and getting their day started, everything seemed to be going smooth…until... I heard the very distinct sound of one of them crying.  I could tell it was my daughter without even seeing that it was her.

Moments later, she appears in my doorway, crying, blood dripping from her mouth.  She had a loose tooth.   So loose, that it is ready to come out.  She was sobbing at this point, probably reacting to my facial expression.  Loose teeth are not my thing.  I can be a good tooth fairy, explain to my kids why teeth need to fall out, help brush them (when they are in the mouth) - But show me a loose tooth and I’ll turn various shades of white…Especially when they are turned sideways and go almost horizontal. 

She begins to inform me that she couldn’t go to school like this – and for those of you who don’t know her, losing a tooth for my daughter is an all day ordeal.  We’ve been lucky so far, these types of days have so far landed on a weekend.  She sits in her room and cries about the impending tooth falling out.  As soon as it’s out, she can move on with her day – but truth be told, some have lasted an entire day.  But today was different, today is a school day and she didn’t want to miss out on learning (I kid you not).  So it (the tooth) needs to come out ASAP!  I come to this realization, and my stomach turns.  I knew she was going to ask to unthinkable - Mom needs to pull this one out. (…or do I)

She gives me some tissue and I try to pull. Trying to stay strong, I gave it tug - I have to say I didn’t pull as hard as I could.  I was afraid if I heard or felt that all too familiar pop sound, I may have thrown up.  I tried again, and again.  After the 4^th try, she falls on the floor saying “only Daddy can do it, and he’s gone!”

At this point I run to the phone.  My husband works about a ½ hour drive away from home.  I looked at the clock, he would be almost there.  But I have nothing to lose at this point, right?  I give him a call and hope for the best.  He gets on the phone and I tell him what has happened so far.  He asked to talk to our daughter.  Now I have to tell you, my husband is not the kind of person who would normally turn around and come home.  He would usually try and convince me that this can be taken care of at the end of the day.  I only hear my daughter’s side on the conversation.  It’s full of, ‘Yes Daddy’, and ‘Oh Yeah Daddy’ and ‘Ok Daddy’.  She gives the phone to me and all I hear from him is ‘See you in 15 minutes’.

My husband comes home.  Well it actually looks like he is flying in with his cape waving behind him – superhero like.  With a tissue in hand and his little girl on the chair, out comes this tooth and a smile returns to her little face.

As he turns around to leave she runs up to him and gives him a huge hug - but not too long because our Super Hero needs to get to work and our daughter is already distracted with other thoughts...Like how much $ the tooth fairy is going to leaver her tonight.


   

Getting Ready for NYC

INTERPHEX 2013

 

The office is full of excitement this week as we are getting ready to send the sales team down to Interphex 2013 New York, the leading edge trade show for the pharmaceutical industry in North America.

We have packed our booth, and shined up our tools, and we are all set to see you at you there.

Another Morning – The Art of a Slow Start

Today was a rough start to the day.  We woke late and I knew when I looked at the clock we were going to miss the bus.  As I laid here checking my messages I thought this could go one of 2 ways…  I scream, yell and fight to get us on the bus, or take a deep breathe accept that we are late and drive the kids to school myself.  Not the end of the world…or so I thought, until I broke the news to my oldest who proceeds to tell me that riding the bus was one of his favorite things to do – all this as he stomped away.  Needless to say, I felt like a heel - but on we went.  Got the youngest one dropped off at the sitters, and off we went onto the ‘Big School’. 

As we entered the school it was evident that we were arriving during morning announcements.  Everyone was standing still listening intently.  The office was right in front us and I could see who was talking and what was going on inside.

As I looked through the window I saw a teacher holding up the sign with the words prepared, the principle was holding the microphone for the kids talking.  They were in Grade 1 and making an announcement for an upcoming fundraiser. You could tell it was organized chaos!  The girls were giddy with excitement, singing their songs and telling their stories.  The principle sat very patiently with them, whispering the harder words to them so that the whole school couldn’t hear him through the PA system.  The kindness and compassion shown by the teachers and principal just melted my heart.

It was nice to have a distraction from the all the negative in the world - and this little window of sunshine did wonders for my heart!