PPC Institute Highlights Cloud Computing

SPRINGFIELD, MA—December 13, 2012—From November 13-14, 2012, financial executives came together in Chattanooga, TN for the Paperboard Packaging Council (PPC)’s Financial Executives Institute, enjoying two days of presentations, followed by an in-depth tour of Southern Champion Tray’s plant in Chattanooga.

Kicking off the meeting was Dick Reichman, senior solution architect at Virtual Computing Systems, who discussed the advantages of using the virtual cloud for information storage. He noted that by storing information virtually, a company can save money on maintenance, eliminate the physical space needed to operate traditional servers, and decrease energy demand.

Providing methods for preventing information overload was Darryl Carlson, vice president of administration at Royal Paper Box. Especially common for those who juggle a lot of data during their daily routine, information overload is defined as the predicament that occurs when the amount of input to a system exceeds its processing capacity. Carlson recommended instituting lucid e-mail construction, efficient voicemail messages, and concise interpersonal communication techniques to avoid becoming overwhelmed by information during daily business activities.

Ann Bowers-Evangelista, president of leadership consultancy Llumos LLC, explained how to leverage generational differences in the workplace. She described the behavioral and cultural differences and expectations between Baby Boomers, Generation X, and Generation Y and then provided tips on how executives can both integrate and honor the distinctions between employees from different age groups.

In addition, best practices in month-end closings were shared and advice was imparted on how to effectively track travel and entertainment spending.

"As technology, demographics, and communication styles evolve, executives are often faced with daunting decisions and shifting expectations,” said Ben Markens, president of PPC. “We were pleased to offer several salient topics, knowing that the advice participants heard will be useful in their day-to-day tasks."

For more information, visit www.ppcnet.org/FEI.

About Paperboard Packaging Council (PPC)
Now in its 83rd year, Paperboard Packaging Council (PPC) is the leading industry association serving suppliers and converters of all forms of paperboard packaging. PPC works to grow, promote, and protect the paperboard packaging industry while providing its members with resources and tools to compete effectively and successfully in the marketplace.

Source: PPC.