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Markens Focuses on the 'Customer'
September 1, 2008 By: Ben Markens Paperboard PackagingIn late June, industry veteran Ben Markens was named president of the Paperboard Packaging Council (PPC), after a six-month long series of discussions by the directors and executive committee of PPC on succession and forward plans for the association.
 PPC President Ben Markens |
Markens is known to the industry as principal of the consulting business The Markens Group, Inc. (TMG). He is known to PPC members as the director of the association's Financial Executive's Institute and a frequent contributor to PPC programs.
"We've always considered him one of the family, and so it gives us much pleasure to name him to this leadership post," PPC Chairman Tony Petrelli says.
Past president Jerry Van de Water, who has led PPC for the past eight years, will continue in an advisory capacity in the coming months to help with the transition, part of which includes moving the organization's headquarters from Alexandria, Va. to Springfield, Mass.
Paperboard Packaging recently had the opportunity to discuss with Markens his future plans for the association.
Paperboard Packaging (PP): Congratulations on your appointment. What made you decide to submit your name for the PPC presidential selection process?
I have spent my entire 30-year career in folding cartons. The first part of PPC's mission is to protect, promote and grow the carton industry. This is a unique opportunity to apply my experience and passion in the best possible way to help our industry in this difficult economic environment.
The second part of PPC's mission is to provide its members with tools and data to operate and compete more effectively. For the past 20 years, I have consulted with dozens of carton makers doing just that. I believe that this preparation will make me an effective and enthusiastic leader of the organization and a devoted advocate for our industry.
PP: What has been your involvement in the PPC?
I have been actively involved with the PPC for eight years. I have led the association's Financial Executive's Institute for several years. I have also led the New Generations Leaders and have served on the Industry Information committee for many years as well.
 PPC's new headquarters building in Springfield, Mass. |
PP: The PPC recently moved its headquarters from Alexandria, Va. to Springfield, Mass. How will that move affect PPC members? What benefits will that move offer PPC members?
It is less expensive to operate out of Massachusetts than Washington D.C. Since we conduct our industry lobbying through the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), there's no compelling reason to be located in D.C.
PP: You recently hired some new staff and are in the process of hiring for other positions. Who is the PPC's current staff?
We've recently hired Lou Kornet as chief of staff. He'll be in the office on a daily basis managing all administrative aspects of PPC. In this way, I'll be able to focus externally, visiting members, prospects and stakeholders.
We've also hired Kelly Freter as marketing director and she's off and running. We also have a full-time administrative assistant. We're currently recruiting for a data and research position.
When the transition is complete we will determine if additional staff is needed.
Our primary business model is customer intimacy. PPC's companies are not just members – they are our customers, and will be treated that way. We're going to say "yes" to members whenever and however we can.
PP: What are the new programs you plan on offering PPC members? What old programs are you continuing or discontinuing with?
We are bringing all offerings current to make sure they are relevant. After discussions with members and our standing committees, we will tweak them if necessary.
The emergence and timeliness of sustainability gives a compelling advantage to our industry, and we will help our members promote the benefits of paperboard packaging over competing materials.
We'll be offering new training programs. The first will be sales training for carton reps. We'll also be offering the first ever folding carton boot camp. It will be a day and a half course for people new to the folding carton industry.
Our new Springfield headquarters has a well-equipped Learning Center, allowing us to offer more training onsite for our members. It's education in an environment, which we can control.
But we'll continue our training on the road as well. This year, PPC's Technical and Production Forums are one-day road shows that emphasize technology trends and cutting-edge advances in equipment, materials and services. The same program will be offered in several cities, beginning with Toronto and Charlotte, N.C. this month.
PP: How do you feel the PPC is positioned for future growth?
We currently have 60 members — which is a significant portion of the industry, but not all. If we offer a good value proposition and listen to our members and prospects about what they want from their association, we will continue to grow.
PP: What are the future goals you have for the PPC?
Our goal by 2010 is to represent 80 member companies and 80 percent of the industry. I am optimistic that if we deliver exceptional value and focus on our two-pronged mission of being the voice of the industry and providing our members with effective tools to operate and compete, we will achieve this goal.
