2001 ways to win a global league.

BROOKS ROBINSON BRINGS SUCCESS TO PAPER'S PLAYING FIELD

Keynote speaker and hall-of-famer Brooks Robinson, world famous for being the best third baseman of all time, set an upbeat tone during his address to conference attendees at the opening ceremonies of PIMA's 82nd Annual International Management Conference held June 26-29 in Baltimore, Maryland.

He related amusing baseball anecdotes as well as pointed out the many parallels between successful players and teams and successful business teams. Robinson explained that one has to make the most out of an experience with an attitude of determination, and that once a person takes on a job with this attitude, it makes him a "pro's pro." He defined a "pro" as one who possesses "desire, determination and perseverance and the ability to switch-hit and adapt to change with a positive attitude." This professional attitude, Robinson said, will produce success.

The paper industry needs to adapt to the changes in today's technology and infrastructure options that have introduced global competition from a global economy, Brooks advised. He compared management conferences to baseball's Spring Training regimen and described the need for teamwork in order to produce winning results. Robinson concluded by telling the crowd to go shout with the attitude of "no one can beat us."

Baseballs autographed by Brooks Robinson were awarded at various events throughout the three-day conference.

Don't miss next year's keynote speaker Doug Hall, Founder and CEO of the Eureka! Ranch. Hall will speak about creativity. He has been called "America's #1 New Product Idea Man" by Inc. Magazine, A&E Top 10 and CIO Magazine. Today, Hall is on a quest to explain the wisdom he's discovered while researching and advising top corporations in terms of practical business tactics.

BASEBALL BASH AT CAMDEN YARDS FEATURES ROAST OF PIMA PRESIDENT

In keeping with the theme of PIMA's 82nd Annual International Management Conference: Winning in a Global League, a baseball theme party was held on Wednesday night at the picturesque Baltimore Orioles Stadium, Camden Yards.

PIMA Conference baseball caps were handed out as souvenirs to "fans" as they boarded buses with full-on sporting gear. A chorus or two of "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" could be heard being sung by eager participants.

Concession vendors served beer, hotdogs, sandwiches, crab cakes, popcorn and pretzels, cotton candy--popular ballpark fare--while partygoers mingled mad visited to the tunes of bluegrass music played by the Del McCoury Band. The weather was perfect for the mini-golf, batting cages and speed pitching activities provided. Curious members took complete guided tours of Camden Yards-except for the actual playing field, where visitor are prohibited from stepping on the grass.

The truly legendary Lemonade Guy performed for guests with full fervor. He created quite a photo opportunity when he "roasted" PIMA President Rick Larrick. Even after climbing atop a chair, the Lemonade guy barely stood as high as Larrick the good-humored PIMA president took it like a sport as on-looking PIMA members were treated to the sight of Larrick in a clown outfit.

Look out for what could happen at next year's "Power to the People" theme party at PIMA's 83rd Annual International Management Conference party in San Francisco. Remember, if you're going to San Francisco, be sure to wear flowers in your hair--and mark your calendars now for PIMA's 83rd Annual International Management Conference in San Francisco, June 19-21st, 2002. You will experience valuable new professional insight as more than 70 speakers explore the conference theme, "7 New Rules for Today's Management."

PRESIDENT'S PANEL OFFERS CAUTIONARY STATEMENT FOR PAPER INDUSTRY

At this year's PIMA 82nd Annual International Management Conference held June 26-29 in Baltimore Maryland, the President's Panel executive speakers dealt with the conference theme, "2001 Ways to Win in a Global League." They presented some strategy, as well as the harsh reality of the state of the industry today.

A.D. "Pete" Correll, chairman and CEO of Georgia-Pacific, set the tone with some controversy, prefacing his remarks with, "The paper industry represents .4% of the U.S. economy." He stated that "we're becoming irrelevant to the economy, "and "paper is the world's no-growth industry." He told attendees to get used to the pace of change, because there is no alternative to consolidation at this point. At the conclusion of his discourse, Correll said, "The size of the industry and the number of players are disproportionate."

President, chairman and CEO of Engelhard, Barry Perry, continued the executives' focus on the reality of rapid change throughout the industry. He spoke of the trend of doing business outside of the U.S.

He explained that international corporations bring in non-Americans to run American operations. He believes that difference between a multinational company and a global company will greatly affect a business's speed and agility in adapting and winning in a global league.

Following Perry, James A. McNutt PhD, executive director of the Center for Paper Business and Industry Studies, took the podium. He pointed out the broad use of pulp and paper in everyday products. "There is not a lack of demand [for paper], but investors see paper companies as having too large an overhead. We need to adapt to change in order to survive," he said.

Dr. McNutt believes that technology and innovation need each other, and that these elements attract investors. He ended on a somewhat philosophical note, saying, "we need a new focus on re-invention," and "imagination is more valuable than knowledge."

Finally Frank Schmeler, chairman and CEO of Albany International, remarked that the industry must consolidate, pay down debt and plan for the long term by "creating exciting opportunities to attract young, smart, innovative students" to the industry. He says that while business changes rapidly and production does look bleak for the next six months, "stay optimistic, because paper consumption continues to grow." As a final thought, Schmeler reminded listeners of a simple message some may forget: "Take care of yourself, your health and your family and your business will follow."

Join us next year for more valuable insight from the industry's best and brightest executives at PIMA's 83rd Annual International Management Conference in San Francisco. Arnold M. Nemirow, chairman, president, and CEO of Bowater Inc,; Juhani Pakkala, president of Metso Paper; Tom Lauterbach, president of J.J. Plank/Spencer Johnston; and Richard B. Priory, chairman, president, and CEO of Duke Energy Corp. will share the "7 New Rules for Today's Manager."

Don't miss out on the opportunity to hear from these innovative industry leaders! Mark your calendars for June 19-21, 2002. Come learn the rules-because if you don't know the rules ... you can't play the game.