Collaborative Corner
A PSTC Member-Exclusive Interactive Discussion Series
UPCOMING
U.S. Tariff Policy - Overview and Update
Please note: To register you will need to log in to the PSTC Member Portal page.
July 17th, from 11AM – 11:45AM CST
This session will discuss the latest developments in U.S. trade policy, including how those tariffs are impacting the packaging industry, where things may be going, and what the courts are saying.
About the Moderator
Mike Taylor leads the Customs practice for King & Spalding’s International Trade Team. He principally represents U.S. companies and manufacturers in a range of trade-related regulatory, customs, and Homeland Security matters, including complex customs matters, international shipping matters, and trade remedy (anti-dumping and countervailing duty) litigation. Mike advises companies in a number of sectors, including manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, chemicals, textiles, agriculture, aerospace, energy, transportation, and consumer products.
Mike assists clients with government investigations, customs audits, internal compliance investigations, prior disclosures, and penalty mitigation concerning import discrepancies; obtaining customs rulings; developing logistics and trade compliance programs; and assessing the trade-related aspects of international mergers and acquisitions. He also advises clients on trading implications of government procurement provisions like the Buy American Act.
PAST DISCUSSIONS
Intel Engine Demo
June 26th, from 11AM – 11:45AM CST
Sam will provide a full demo of the Intel Engine that all conference attendees received during his programs. Sam will also answer any question related to his programs and Generative AI.
About the Moderator
Sam Richter, a Hall of Fame speaker and bestselling author celebrated for his mastery in harnessing digital insight to uncover opportunities, foster genuine connections, build trust, and communicate with authenticity. Recognized as one of the World’s
Top 50 Global Gurus as an Internet thought leader, Sam has also won a Codie Award – the ‘Oscars’ of the software industry, a Gold Award at the International Film Festival, and he’s been inducted into both the Minnesota and the National Speaker Hall of Fame.
Sam is recognized as a Top 100 Motivational Speaker, Top 50 Sales Keynote Speaker, Top 15 Virtual Presenter, IES Speaker of the Year, and he was a Finalist for Inc. Magazine Entrepreneur of the Year. He’s been featured in Forbes, CNN, USA Today, and newspapers and online publications around the globe, and he’s also the creator of the AI-powered Intel Engine, used by top organizations worldwide to gain a competitive edge.
Today’s Rapidly Changing Regulatory Landscape
March 27th, from 10AM – 10:45AM CST
Today’s rapidly changing regulatory landscape challenges businesses to remain current on regulatory trends and changes that present a risk to business, markets, capital planning, and internal resources. A new administration in Washington introduces further change that must be taken into account and understood. PSTC has recognized this risk and is pleased to provide an upcoming collaborative corner focused on the most significant regulatory and sustainability issues that may impact PST companies.
Topics include:
- PFAS – New TRI reporting requirements this year and signals of more monitoring requirements for water discharges
- EPA – Enhancements to Volatile Organic Liquid Storage Vessels emissions standards and compliance requirements
- EPA – Early indications of changes under the new Administration
- CBAM – EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism
- EU Deforestation – How this may affect your operations and recent updates to implementation period
- Sustainability and ESG – How will changes suggested by the new Administration impact business’s sustainability trajectories
Today’s rapidly changing regulatory landscape challenges businesses to remain current on regulatory trends and changes that present a risk to business, markets, capital planning, and internal resources. A new administration in Washington introduces further change that must be taken into account and understood. PSTC has recognized this risk and is pleased to provide an upcoming collaborative corner focused on the most significant regulatory and sustainability issues that may impact PST companies.
Topics include:
- PFAS – New TRI reporting requirements this year and signals of more monitoring requirements for water discharges
- EPA – Enhancements to Volatile Organic Liquid Storage Vessels emissions standards and compliance requirements
- EPA – Early indications of changes under the new Administration
- CBAM – EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism
- EU Deforestation – How this may affect your operations and recent updates to implementation period
- Sustainability and ESG – How will changes suggested by the new Administration impact business’s sustainability trajectories
About the Moderators
John Goetze is a Senior Consultant for Trinity Consultants’ Boise, Idaho Office serving many different industries. He is one of Trinity’s national subject matter experts on PFAS. He is at the forefront of identifying PFAS liabilities for environmental regulatory compliance and developing plans to manage risk. He is skilled in pinpointing the exact industrial processes and materials that may contain PFAS and characterizing potential transport pathways. He has environmental permitting and compliance experience at the federal, state, and local levels.
Mark Hawes is a Managing Consultant with Trinity Consultants, Inc. Mark’s experience includes over 25 years in the Pressure Sensitive Tape Industry with Corporate responsibilities for Environmental, Safety and Product Compliance. Mark is recognized as a forward-thinking leader developing sustainable compliance and conformance processes to support clients. Mark’s experience in Pressure Sensitive Tape operations provide a unique perspective on regulatory impacts for the industry. Mark has assisted clients in the areas of Agri-Business, Concrete, Food Packaging, Chemical Manufacturing, Coating, and Extrusion. Mark’s prior experience provides clients with a knowledgeable multi-media resource.
NAVIGATING 2025 AND BEYOND: Strategic Moves for Your Industry
February 27th, from 11AM – 11:45AM CST
As President Trump begins his second term, familiar challenges like tariffs, rising costs and ongoing labor shortages persist, alongside fresh opportunities and renewed momentum for business growth. New regulatory policies are reshaping the landscape, while tax reforms signal potential advantages for strategic, forward-thinking organizations. Higher interest rates are impacting financing and growth. Sticky inflation is hurting margins. And our growing national debt is creating long term challenges for our economy and for business leaders.
Meanwhile, AI continues its transformative role across industries, bringing both risks and unprecedented potential for efficiency and innovation. The “Silver Tsunami” has arrived, making succession planning more critical than ever as experienced leaders prepare to transition to the next generation.
- What are some of the smartest and most experienced business leaders doing to drive growth, sustainability and profitability beyond 2025 amidst all of these challenges?
- What changes are they making in their operations and cash management?
- How are they attracting and retaining talent?
- What technologies are they investing in?
- How are they addressing both federal and local regulations that are impacting their businesses?
In this fast-paced, entertaining and highly valuable session, Gene will share real-world, practical strategies and tactics that smart leaders are using to navigate an uncertain economy, a shifting and often divisive political climate, and the complexities of technological and workplace decisions to position their companies for sustained growth and success in the face of change.
About the Moderators
Gene Marks is a certified public accountant and runs a technology and financial consulting firm near Philadelphia. A former columnist for The New York Times and The Washington Post, Gene currently covers public policy, politics, the economy, workplace, and technology weekly for The Guardian, The Hill, Forbes Magazine, The Washington Times, The Philadelphia Inquirer, The Chicago Daily Herald, and Entrepreneur Magazine. Gene also appears regularly on Fox News, Fox Business, MSNBC, CNBC, the Sirius XM Wharton Business Channel, and CBS Radio.
Economic Update - What to Expect in 2025 and Beyond
January 14th, from 10AM – 10:45AM CST
With the election in the rear-view mirror, and policy uncertainty fading, what can PSTC members expect from the economy in 2025? Attend this session to hear from Alex Chausovsky, an economics and data analytics specialist, who will provide insights into next year’s macro landscape. He will cover topics such as the interest rate and capital investment outlook, the labor market and many more. Don’t miss this presentation and Q&A!
About the Moderators
Alex Chausovsky is the Director of Analytics and Consulting for the Bundy Group.
He is a highly experienced market researcher and analyst with more than two decades of expertise across subjects including economics, manufacturing, automation, advanced technology trends and business-cycle analysis.
He has consulted and advised companies throughout the U.S. and Canada, Europe, South America, and Asia.
In his investment banking advisory role, Alex is a trusted source of information for owners and executives of privately held firms who are seeking a business sale, acquisition or financing (equity and debt).
Alex has delivered over a thousand presentations, webinars and workshops to small businesses, trade associations and Fortune 500 companies across a spectrum of industries.
He is respected as a go-to source of industry data and insights for business owners and leaders. Alex’s analysis has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, on the BBC, and on NPR. He is also a Top Economics Voice on LinkedIn.
Career Development for Early Professionals in a Virtual/Hybrid World
Held December 5th, from 11AM – 11:45AM CST
There have been unprecedented business changes and challenges during the last 4 years through COVID, global political instability, and supply chain. Now is the time to reflect on what it means for professionals who are trying to navigate and drive their careers. Discussion topics that include
- Hybrid/Remote environment: Impact to the professional and Business.
- Building Relationships: Impact, differences, and Tips in a hybrid environment vs. In-person
- Career Mapping: Importance of developing a map and gaining the skills needed to succeed
- Mentor: Role of a Mentor and Purpose
- Generational Challenges: How to navigate challenges in both a hybrid and in-person environment
About the Moderators
Dr. Amy Randall represents Shurtape Technologies in the role of Senior Vice President of Research, Development and Sustainability. She has 20 years of progressive experience in the materials industry including automotive, building envelope, waterproofing, tape and adhesives. She is excited to lead the global research and development team with an increasing strategy of sustainability. She is passionate about building a sustainable foundation into Shurtape products, packaging, and manufacturing processes. She is also responsible for product stewardship and chemical compliance to ensure Shurtape products lead the global tape industry. Dr. Randall achieved her PhD in Polymer Science at the University of Akron, Ohio and her Chemical Engineering Degree from the University of Minnesota. Amy holds an impressive number of patents and publications
Today’s Rapidly Changing Regulatory Landscape
Held October 29th, from 11AM – 11:45AM CST
Presented by Trinity Consultants
Today’s rapidly changing regulatory landscape makes it difficult for businesses to remain up to speed on the current trends and changes in this area. This presents a significant risk to business competing in a global economy. PSTC has recognized this risk and is pleased to provide an upcoming collaborative corner focused on the most significant regulatory and sustainability issues that may impact PST companies.
Topics include:
- PFAS – Forever Chemicals, as they have come to be known as, represent a significant point of focus for regulatory bodies, consumers, as well as NGO and Non-Profits engaged in environmental advocacy.
- EPA – National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) Change
- CBAM – EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism
- EU Deforestation
About the Moderators
John Goetze is a Senior Consultant for Trinity Consultants’ Boise, Idaho Office serving many different industries. He is one of Trinity’s national subject matter experts on PFAS. He is at the forefront of identifying PFAS liabilities for environmental regulatory compliance and developing plans to manage risk. He is skilled in pinpointing the exact industrial processes and materials that may contain PFAS and characterizing potential transport pathways. He has environmental permitting and compliance experience at the federal, state, and local levels.
Mark Hawes is a Managing Consultant with Trinity Consultants, Inc. Mark’s experience includes over 25 years in the Pressure Sensitive Tape Industry with Corporate responsibilities for Environmental, Safety and Product Compliance. Mark is recognized as a forward-thinking leader developing sustainable compliance and conformance processes to support clients. Mark’s experience in Pressure Sensitive Tape operations provide a unique perspective on regulatory impacts for the industry. Mark has assisted clients in the areas of Agri-Business, Concrete, Food Packaging, Chemical Manufacturing, Coating, and Extrusion. Mark’s prior experience provides clients with a knowledgeable multi-media resource.
Quinn McKay is a senior consultant serving out of Trinity Consultants’ Sustainability and Assurances Team and specializing in air permitting, environmental compliance, and sustainability. Ms. Quinn leads Trinity’s product GHG accounting work and has managed the development of numerous LCA background reports in accordance with requirements in the ISO 14040 series and ISO 21930, and in support of Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) verification and publication. Ms. Quinn is familiar with the calculation of embedded emissions across various other voluntary and regulatory drivers, including CBAM, Product Carbon Footprints, DOE funding, and green standards.
