|
Mark Watkins Honored with ASPI Special Recognition Award Mark Watkins was honored with the ASPI Special Recognition Award at the ASPI 2015 Spring Meeting in Naples, Florida in February. Mark was instrumental in helping ASPI launch its Customer Alignment Initiative and in securing MeadWestvaco (MWV) as the first customer host. After MWV hosted the first meeting in 2008 and validated the value of the initiative, NewPage, Verso, Temple-Inland, Domtar, Boise, and International Paper all followed as hosts in subsequent years. ASPI was please to have Mark attend the 2015 Spring Meeting to accept his award. Mark is now retired, leaving MWV in the fall of 2014 where he held the position of Senior Vice President. “We were always looking for ways to work better with suppliers,” noted Mark, “and ASPI’s Customer Alignment Initiative brought that.” Mark noted that at the MWV Customer Alignment Meeting held back in 2008, there was very good attendance from MeadWestvaco. This reflected the value of ASPI as an association and because of the senior level people that participate. Mark also challenged ASPI attendees to protect industry associations and work to drive innovation in the industry. Mark noted that associations like ASPI and research centers like the Renewable Bioproducts Institute at Georgia Tech are vital to the industry and need support from suppliers. “Manufacturers let go of their R&D groups as they could no longer afford to keep them,” Mark commented. “Suppliers have carried innovation for the last 20-25 years.” Mark urged the ASPI members in the audience to work together to continue to drive innovation. “Groups like Agenda2020 are important as they provide venues to discuss open innovation on pre-competitive projects.” Mark concluded by encouraging attendees to help the industry stand up for itself. The paper industry is based on a renewable resource and so has a wonderful story to tell. 
(left to right) David Withers (Coldwater), Jukka Tiitinen (Valmet) Bob Gallo (Voith), Mark Watkins, and Mike Gray (Valmet) |