Members of AICC, The Independent Packaging Association, gathered for the 2025 Great Lakes Summit August 12–13 in Cincinnati, Ohio. The two-day event blended networking, plant tours, and industry insights, kicking off a sweltering Tuesday evening with a social outing and networking event attended by about 40 members at The Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati. Members watched the hometown Reds take on the NL East division-leading Philadelphia Phillies in a game won by the Reds, 6-1.
Wednesday’s program opened with tours of Akers Packaging Service Group and Hummingbird, a Georgia-Pacific company. Akers Packaging, a family-owned company with 15 facilities across six states, is one of the largest independent corrugated converters in the Midwest. The Middletown, OH plant manufactures its own corrugated sheets on a 98-inch Fosber Corrugator, enabling in-house customization and short lead times. It converts its board on five Isowa flexo folder gluers, among others. The facility also houses a design services team and ISTA-compliant packaging testing services.
Hummingbird specializes in digital inkjet printing for corrugated packaging, producing digitally pre-printed rolls and sheets for direct conversion or distribution through its national network of converters. The plant’s 110-inch wide web press supports large format needs with short-run customization and scalable production capabilities.
Following a networking lunch at the Hyatt Regency, attendees heard presentations from economic and AI experts. Tara Bayke, Economist and Senior Consultant Speaker for ITR Economics, presented an economic outlook and analysis of market conditions impacting today’s box making plants. Bayke joined the ITR Economics team in 2025, bringing with her a wealth of experience working on both state- and federal-level projects related to health care and workforce development. Tara also has experience in commercial finance, having previously worked in the housing, automotive, and marine sectors. She earned both her bachelor’s degree in economics and her master’s degree from Georgia State University. She continues to teach economics at her alma mater while providing her economic expertise to our clients.
David Wiens, Founder & CEO of BPS AI Software and AI & MIS Manager at DanHil Containers, also delivered a presentation titled Using Artificial Intelligence in Your Plant for Onboarding & More, where he outlined applications for AI to streamline workforce training, standardize processes, and improve operational efficiency in corrugated operations. He combined deep psychological insights with cutting-edge AI and machine learning to give AICC members to achieve strategic growth.
At BPS AI Software, Wiens pioneers custom AI solutions, leading the charge in software innovation and technology integration since 2017. His career highlights include roles as Vice President of Franchise Development at Care Hotel Group and Regional Business Manager at Sonoco, demonstrating a diverse expertise in leadership and process optimization.
David’s academic foundation in Clinical Psychology from The University of North Texas, coupled with certifications in AI, Prompt Engineering, and White Hat Hacking, positions him at the forefront of AI application and cybersecurity.
A published author, his works include “ChatGPT Decoded” and “Advanced Prompt Engineering Techniques,” underscoring his commitment to advancing AI knowledge and application.
The Great Lakes Summit concluded with a networking reception and discussions on technology adoption, economic trends, and industry collaboration.
https://boardconvertingnews.com/aicc-great-lakes-summit-hits-home-run-with-members-in-cincinnati/
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