By Steve Petrakis, President, Frigel North America Inc.

As a businessman for the past 33 years – and as a longtime plastics industry employee and member of SPI – I’ve seen the tide of public opinion turn towards and away from many products over the years. I remember when plastic was dubbed the wonder material for being lighter, cheaper, stronger and more durable than alternative materials. Today, plastics make cars lighter and more fuel-efficient, medical devices more innovative, and safety equipment more affordable. But plastic products are also at the center of many environmental conversations taking place today and nice things are not always being said about our industry.

It is important, therefore, for people in the industry to be informed of the conversations taking place, and to tell their own stories. This is why the American Chemistry Council (ACC) and SPI teamed up to develop the Plastics Ambassador Program. This new program is designed to educate and mobilize individuals within the plastics industry to discuss the benefits of plastics in their local communities.

Launched in early 2009 as a pilot program in three states (California, Illinois and Texas), the Ambassador Program features an online portal – including a social networking site, blog and other resources for active Ambassadors. Already, as a part of the program, I placed an op-ed in the Illinois Daily Herald about the benefits that plastics bring to the baseball field in celebration of Major League Baseball’s opening day. I also participated in a Career Fair held by the Barrington, Illinois school district for high school students in the area.  Over 2,000 high school students attended, and every one we talked to was surprised to hear that plastics is the third largest industry in the U.S.

This June, at NPE 2009, the Plastics Ambassador Program will launch nationally. The program is open to employees of SPI member companies with a passion for plastics and the drive to communicate its benefits. If you’re interested in the Plastics Ambassador Program, please visit the SPI booth at NPE, or contact Al Damico, the Ambassador Program contact at SPI.

By Steve Petrakis,  President, Frigel North America Inc.

I’ve heard quite a bit over the past few months about companies pulling out of NPE2009 and the reasons why they’ve chosen to do so. Times are hard — harder than at any other time most of us can remember. I can attest to that because I’ve been in this business for 33 years. So I respect the right of every company to do what they think may be best for them. But make no mistake: I will be at NPE for sure. Let me tell you why.

Just like everyone else, our company has had its share of pain over the past 12 months. We’ve done what we felt we had to do to continue to grow and survive during these tough times. We’ve taken responsibility for ourselves and have done everything we can to support this fine industry — instead of abandoning it. When times get tough, we need to get smart. We need to band together to strengthen the industry that has sustained us all these years. You can talk about government stimulus packages all you want; in the end, it’s up to us to make something happen.

What better way to do this than at a venue like NPE. People come to NPE from all around the world and, yes, from the U.S., as well. Go online and take a look at all the companies that are already registered to attend. If we all walk away, hunker down and put blinders on, the demise of the industry will be a self-fulfilling prophecy. On the other hand, if we all attend an event like NPE, strike alliances and share the latest technology, we’ll find that there is life out there. We’ll find new ways to make our companies more productive and profitable. 

My father supported his family in the plastics industry since 1952. I’ve supported mine in it since 1976. And now my daughter has been involved in this great industry since 2003. All three of us will be at NPE this June. We’ll continue to support this industry and do everything we can to make it better for everyone. I’ve always felt that the way you make things better is to do something positive, together and for a purpose. I support the plastics industry and NPE and look forward to seeing you there.