"Mark it down"
Note: Emails are organized in the order received, with first received at the top.
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One of the best ways I have found to keep connected to the younger and future members of our industry is to get involved with a local TAPPI Section and a pulp and paper school. Younger members of the industry are more likely to be able to attend Local Section meetings than national TAPPI events (or any event that takes them away from the mill for more than a day). It doesn't matter what the feature topic is, just be there and intentionally network with the "youngsters" in addition to your old cronies. Pulp and paper schools and their supporting Foundations are always looking for industry members to mentor, speak to and of course, interview and hire their students. If there isn't a school close by (within your state), try to detour to their location when on a trip in their area. I am fortunate to the have my alma mater, the University of Washington Pulp and Paper Science and Engineering School, just 30 miles away. Foundation meetings, alumni gatherings, research project involvement and an occasional teaching opportunity allow me to meet the current students. And believe me, they are smart, enthusiastic about their future in the industry and grateful for time industry members can give them. Getting to know students while they are in school will give you an added benefit. You will have a better chance of hiring "the best and the brightest".
Bill Fuller
Federal Way, Washington
USA
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Bill:
Your letter above in response to a column a few weeks ago is on the mark. The foundations, in particular, have been an inspiration to me over the years.
Jim
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