The Institute of Packaging Professionals has always been about continuing packaging education, including through its flagship book, The Fundamentals of Packaging Technology.

Since September 1, 2001, when Landon, Farrey & Associates (LF&A) began managing the organization, IoPP has gotten back to the fundamentals. IoPP members we interviewed for this special update made it clear that LF&A, which defines its role as “adviser and facilitator,” has facilitated a re-energized IoPP.

June Anderson, IoPP president and a member since 1984, says, “IoPP has gone through definite struggles, but after we started the management relationship with [LF&A], we really seemed to take off again.”

Take off is right. Membership stood at 3,184 when LF&A took over. It now stands at 4,967, a 56% increase.

There’s more behind the new and improved IoPP than LF&A. “We have a very dynamic board and executive committees that have us headed in the right direction,” Anderson says. “The current IoPP strikes a very good balance between LF&A management and IoPP.

None of the decisions are made by [LF&A], all the input and direction comes from the executive committee and council of officers, who themselves are members located throughout the country.”

Past president and current IoPP chairman Thomas Schneider says, “Compared to four years ago, the change has been like night and day—it’s absolutely marvelous.”

“There’s a leadership team in place that’s so committed to making sure there’s value for all members,” adds vice president of chapters Jane Chase, “but we couldn’t do it without LF&A.”