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IWITT Highlight Video

The International Women's Think Tank leads global empowerment initiatives for women and girls through research, innovation, and strategic partnerships. This organization drives economic growth by promoting intercultural understanding, supporting women in tech and cybersecurity careers, and developing youth leadership programs for ages 4-18. Recognized by the Georgia State Senate for improving women's status, the think tank focuses on business ownership empowerment and sustainable farming solutions. For young professionals seeking career advancement and networking opportunities, this organization demonstrates how strategic partnerships can accelerate professional development and create meaningful impact in technology and business sectors.

UPG Sponsorship of Women's Summit

Edit 1: Background: Paper Industry (Honoree: Adele Elice-Invaso)

Jennifer Piercey interviews Adele Elise Vasso, Executive Director of APPITA, in TAPPI's inaugural video member spotlight. Vasso shares her unique journey from early exposure to the pulp and paper industry at age 13 through her mother's role at APPITA, to pursuing agricultural science and soil amelioration research, before returning to complete a master's in pulp and paper technology. Her career progression from account manager at Manildra Group to senior application specialist for tissue and strength chemicals at Hercules demonstrates valuable pathways for industry professionals seeking diverse expertise and leadership development opportunities.

Enhancing and Expanding Wastewater Treatment at Pulp and Paper Mills Webinar

This comprehensive webinar explores advanced wastewater treatment technologies for pulp and paper mills, featuring Veolia's high-rate anaerobic reactors, biogas desulfurization systems, and moving bed biofilm reactor (MBR) solutions. Industry professionals will learn proven retrofit strategies to enhance existing treatment facilities, increase capacity, and meet environmental compliance requirements. The presentation covers specific technologies including UASB and EGSB systems for cod removal, biological desulfurization for biogas utilization, and compact MBR systems that reduce footprint while improving treatment efficiency. Real-world case studies demonstrate successful implementation approaches for facility expansions and process conversions, providing actionable insights for operations managers seeking cost-effective wastewater treatment upgrades.

Modern Energy Strategy for Paper and Pulp Businesses - Securing a Prosperous Future

Modern energy strategy for paper and pulp operations requires proactive management of volatile energy markets and rising transmission costs. Grid Beyond's comprehensive platform automates energy flexibility across mill assets, wastewater systems, and CHP units to capture revenue from grid services while optimizing operational costs. Mid-career professionals gain advanced insights into 30% facility flexibility opportunities, automated demand response participation, and carbon reporting capabilities that deliver measurable ROI. The integrated approach combines real-time market optimization, predictive analytics, and seamless PLC integration to enhance competitiveness without disrupting production schedules or compromising safety standards.

Biomaterials and Bioethanol from Lignocelluloses

Professor Sun presents breakthrough cellulose and lignin extraction techniques from biomass for sustainable materials production. This TAPPI webinar explores innovative pretreatment methods yielding 95% pure cellulose, oligosaccharide production for feed additives, and commercial lignin applications in biodegradable polymers. Learn how dual enzymatic hydrolysis and alkaline treatments optimize biomass utilization while reducing industrial waste. Discover practical applications in bioethanol production, formaldehyde resin alternatives, and renewable materials development. Essential insights for early-career professionals entering paper, packaging, and advanced renewable materials industries seeking sustainable processing solutions.

Better Together: Valmet Project Managers - Success through Resilience

Four Valmet project managers share critical insights on building resilience in pulp and paper operations during COVID-19 disruptions. Learn how mid-career professionals adapted project delivery methods, leveraged remote technology solutions, and maintained customer partnerships when travel restrictions threatened major equipment installations. Discover practical leadership strategies for developing team resilience, implementing augmented reality for troubleshooting, and capitalizing on packaging industry growth opportunities. This episode provides actionable approaches for operations managers and R&D leads to strengthen project execution capabilities while navigating industry transformation and emerging mega trends in sustainable packaging solutions.

Better Together: Thomas M. Nelson

County Executive Thomas M. Nelson discusses his book One Day Stronger, exploring how labor-management-government cooperation saved Wisconsin's Appleton Coated Mill from closure. Drawing from 30 years of Paper Valley experience, Nelson reveals innovative strategies that preserved 600 manufacturing jobs and $300 million in economic activity. The conversation examines paper industry leadership lessons, manufacturing workforce development, and collaborative approaches to industrial challenges. Nelson advocates for renewed investment in paper research facilities and addresses misconceptions about the industry's future, highlighting packaging growth driven by e-commerce and sustainable alternatives to petroleum-based products. Essential insights for senior executives navigating industry transformation and community economic development in traditional manufacturing regions.

Better Together: Dana Mosora & Flexible Packaging

Industry expert Donna Misura discusses how the European Keflex consortium is accelerating flexible packaging circularity through proven mechanical recycling technologies and cross-value chain collaboration. With over 170 companies driving design-for-recycling guidelines and quality polymer recovery from post-consumer waste, the initiative demonstrates that 2025 circular economy goals are achievable using existing infrastructure. Mid-career professionals will gain insights into technical proof-of-concept developments, business case frameworks for recycling investments, and extended producer responsibility models that support sustainable growth while maintaining operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness in competitive markets.

Better Together: Ed Stuczynski

In this Better Together podcast episode, Ed Stuczynski, Director of Engineering at Menasha Packaging and program chair for Super Core Expo, discusses how the corrugated packaging industry successfully navigated COVID-19 challenges while being deemed essential. He explores innovative safety measures, automation advances, and creative solutions that emerged during the pandemic, including digital printing innovations and AI integration. Stuczynski provides insights into upcoming Super Core Expo 2021 program highlights, featuring keynotes from industry CEOs and Disney's head of innovation. The discussion covers labor automation, e-commerce growth acceleration, and recruitment strategies for attracting technical talent to modern corrugated manufacturing facilities that offer rewarding career opportunities.