There’s just something about a 7:30 a.m. start that makes coffee taste a little better, especially when surrounded by colleagues and friends who share the same passion for corrugated. That was the energy as attendees gathered for the opening session of TAPPI CorrExpo 2025, led by Larry Montague, President and CEO of TAPPI, and John Semenske of BW Papersystems.
Montague reported the positive numbers about the event: 1,100 attendees, 153 exhibitors, and 38 sponsors. Then, he invited a moment of silence to remember colleagues and friends who have passed since the last TAPPI meeting.
With that, the tone shifted to one of celebration. Montague, who has been with TAPPI for 19 years, greeted the crowd with his familiar mix of humor and warmth. “I can say with confidence we have some of the best people, best members in the world,” he said. “We have members in 65 countries, so I can actually say that!”
Investing In The Next Generation
From the floor of the general session, Montague emphasized one of TAPPI’s core missions: nurturing the next generation of industry professionals. Scholarship recipients were recognized for their academic excellence and commitment to the corrugated field.
“The development of future leaders and innovators is an important mission for TAPPI,” Montague said. “We invest in the next generation through our student chapters, our Student Summit, and scholarships made possible by our loyal supplier companies. These young men and women represent the future of our industry.”
Honoring Larry Montague
The morning’s biggest surprise came when Semenske announced the recipient of the David Carlson Leadership and Service Award — none other than Larry Montague himself.
“We were discussing who would get the leadership award this year,” Semenske said, “and it was a unanimous and a quick decision to give Larry this award.”
He spoke about Montague’s influence on TAPPI and the broader industry. “Great leaders often work to put things in place so their organization, and the people they care for, are in a better place than when it started. Our collective futures are bright as a result of Larry’s great leadership.”
Montague was visibly moved as he accepted the award. “I’m honored beyond words,” he said. “Everyone here means the world to me.”
Recognizing Service And Leadership
Several more leaders were honored for their commitment to TAPPI and the corrugated packaging community. Montague acknowledged the Corrugated Packaging Council (CPC), the governing body of the division, and its members who help guide the association’s work.
He recognized Jerry Sebalis, outgoing CORBOTECH Chair; Michael Klear, outgoing Supplier Advisory Committee Chair; and Lena Decker, outgoing Young Professionals Representative.
As new chapters begin, Montague welcomed four new members to the CPC: David Crouch with Atlantic Packaging, Mike Kohler with Kohler Coating, Joe Slattery with Fosber America, and Sara Young with PCA.
Passing The Gavel
Before closing, Semenske reflected on his term as chair. “It’s been an honor and a privilege to serve as the Corrugated Division Chair,” he said, thanking Montague and Young for their hard work and leadership.
He then introduced Greg Arvanigian of Arvco Container Corp. as the new Corrugated Packaging Division Chair. “If I had to think of one word to describe Greg, it’s authentic, which is why I think we all love Greg.”
Arvanigian took the stage with characteristic humor, opening his speech with the first words of the Gettysburg Address and drawing laughter from the room. He shared that his father took him to his first TAPPI CorrExpo years ago and reflected on the friendships and lessons that have come from being part of the organization.
“The things that I learned and the friendships that I made in this group are priceless,” he said. “It’s been a great experience, and it means a lot to me.”
Looking Ahead
Montague closed the morning by thanking TAPPI’s volunteers, staff, and sponsors, giving appreciative nods to Alliance Machine Systems International, Platinum Sponsor; Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Gold Sponsor; and AG Stacker, Martin, and SUN Automation as Bronze Sponsors.
Montague left the crowd with an upbeat sendoff: “Let’s get this thing done and make it a great show!”
https://boardconvertingnews.com/tappi-kicks-off-correxpo-2025-in-savannah-with-recognition-community-and-gratitude/
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