People & Places

Kansas City, Missouri based Vanguard Companies announced the hiring of Brian LaBonte as the new Sales Representative in the Kansas City Office reporting to Chris Cummings, Executive Vice President of Sales. Brian will be responsible for increasing revenue with existing accounts and uncovering opportunities within new accounts. “Brian has valuable insights…

Elisa Ortega has been promoted to Inside Sales at Anderson & Vreeland Inc. (A&V), a manufacturer and distributor of flexographic print technologies, equipment, and consumables. The promotion was announced by Tyler Thomas, National Sales Manager of Anderson & Vreeland Inc. In her new role, Ortega will work closely with A&V’s Account…

Chicago, Illinois based Mesirow, an independent employee-owned financial services firm, announced that Alex Foreman has joined Mesirow Currency Management’s trading team from Russell Investments. Foreman brings 12 years of strategy and execution expertise and joins a skilled trading team that averages over 20 years of experience and serves a global institutional…

Neil MacDonald — Founder and CEO of Independent Container and Independent II —accomplished his vision of building and selling his company successfully to Hood Container earlier this month. He entered the box making world in 1969. On July 16, 2024, MacDonald fought his way out of life — passing in peace…

Derek Volk, CEO of Volk Packaging Corporation, announced the passing of Roger Volk at 81. “Although he never joined Volk Packaging, Roger (the brother between Ken and Doug) was our accountant, friend and advisor for as long as Volk Packaging has been in business. We will miss him greatly. ‘The Rog’…

The Fibre Box Association announced that Peggy Lacy, long-time Director of Data Services and Administration, will retire from the association by December 31. In her 38 years with the association, Peggy has contributed significantly to FBA’s success. She was there when FBA purchased its first desktop computer in 1986 and was…

Chicago, Illinois based Mesirow, an independent, employee-owned financial services firm, announced the promotion of Rick Weil and Melanie Yermack to Co-Heads of Packaging for Mesirow Investment Banking. Together they will drive packaging sector strategy and continue to serve a growing base of clients through their extensive industry expertise, strong relationships, and…

Neil MacDonald—Founder and CEO of Independent Container and Independent II—accomplished his vision of building and selling his company successfully to Hood Container earlier this month. He entered the boxmaking world in 1969. On July 16th, 2024—MacDonald fought his way out of life—passing in peace with family at his side. ​ For the…

AICC, The Independent Packaging Association, announced the release of the latest episode of its acclaimed podcast, Breaking Down Boxes. The episode, One Door Closes, marks a significant milestone as hosts Gene Marino, President of Akers Packaging Service Group, and Joe Morelli, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Huston Patterson and…

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania based eProductivity Software has named Michael Naughton as its new Business Development Manager for Packaging.  “This opportunity marks a significant milestone in my career, further deepening my involvement with the vibrant packaging and printing industry,” Naughton said. “I am profoundly grateful for the chance to contribute to this wonderful…