Women In Packaging Get the latest Packaging news and link to other industry resources. DISCUSSION GROUP What's on your mind?

Packaging Horizons From Where I Sit Taking the High Road By JoAnn R. Hines Founding Executive Director, Women in Packaging When planning a recent trip, I got out the map and plotted the most expedient route to my destination. I was looking forward to hitting the open road, but in checking the route, realized the trip was going to take longer than I thought. There were a lot of things that were going to make my trip longer--rivers to cross, mountains to climb, detours to dodge and traffic to avoid. With the contribution of many crucial bridges, tunnels, interstates and rest stops, I enjoyed the trip and arrived at my destination safely. The obstacles frustrated me but the tunnels, bridges and interstates provided the means necessary to reach my destination. They were tools to aid my travel. I think this is a fabulous analogy for women in the packaging industry and their relationship with Women in Packaging, Inc. (WP). Prior to the creation of WP, many talented and motivated women were facing career barriers without any formal procedures for assistance. When these women began working, their careers took similar paths and they tended to stall or stop short of their true destination. Many actually became disenchanted with the industry and sought other careers. With the assistance of WP, women have the tools to make their career path smoother, more defined and, quite possibly, a little shorter. Some roadblocks still exist. However, I believe WP has contributed to fewer deadends and made the road more visible and straightforward. The fact that WP has presented more than 35 national professional development programs in fewer than six years speaks to the association's commitment to aid women in their career progress. The distribution of a cutting edge magazine, the one you are reading, to 20,000-plus industry professionals exemplifies WP's dedication to augmenting the advancement of packaging professionals. The introduction of a career opportunity resource guide in 1996 illustrates that this professional organization believes in providing services to the industry. Our expansion to 11 chapters confirms that networking is beneficial to job growth. When industry's greatest challenge is to find and retain qualified employees, WP works to develop their qualifications and cultivate leadership skills necessary to advance in today's workplace. Functioning as a service to the packaging community--a constituency exceeding 50,000 voices--this association's power would turn a politician's head. When reviewing these components of WP benefits, I wonder why some industry representatives (women and men) believe they do not need to belong to or support the association. And why some professionals think that just joining, and not actively participating, is enough. And why some executives would not encourage their staff to explore WP as a professional developmental resource. Why would another female, one who stands to benefit from the association, be deliberately critical or negative about membership and the achievements of the association? I think the most perplexing attitude I have encountered is the hostility that comes from envious professionals who believe they must belittle our achievements. Like the detours and traffic encountered on my recent roadtrip, these attitudes are obstacles WP has to face to achieve its goal. As the founding executive director of this successful professional organization, I have chosen to take the high road and work harder, provide more and build bridges to reach our destination. Packaging Horizons Home Page | Editorial Highlights | Meet the Staff Advertising Information | Subscription Information | Women In Packaging Web site