When I first stepped foot into an industry association meeting about 3 1/2 years ago, I was struck by the camaraderie I witnessed. It was more a gathering of old friends, than a professional meeting among business owners. As I have attended more such meetings and have had the opportunity to meet new people, I have come to realize that my first impressions of the industry were right on target.

Although I haven't had the opportunity to experience meetings in other industries, my guess would be that ours is somewhat unusual. Competitors, allies, suppliers and customers all know one another and hold a mutual respect for each others' accomplishments and achievements.

So how did our industry come to be so amicable in an age where cutthroat business tactics have prevailed?

I believe it's the people. By nature, this industry attracts unique, creative, hard-working individuals who value other people. New training techniques embraced by box and carton management, as well as programs implemented by the Association of Independent Corrugated Converters (AICC) and other organizations, are testimony to the fact that converters value their employees and are prepared to learn from one another.

Also, according to some Boxboard Containers International (BCI) readership surveys, Newsmakers is one of the more highly read sections in the magazine. This inherently suggests that our readers are interested in their contemporaries, and simply want to know more about them.

In light of this, BCI presents a new set of features this month called "Executive Profiles." If you haven't already, take a moment to flip back to page 23. (This goes for all those who religiously read my column first every month.) There readers will find four profiles on people from all corners of the industry: integrated, independent, corrugated, folding carton and rigid box. Each has their own story, which they have graciously shared with BCI. Each discusses how they got into the industry, where they see it headed and how they've become so successful. What is interesting, however, is that each one of these individuals is not only successful in their business, but also in their life. They have achieved an enviable balance of work and family, enjoy hobbies and often participate on community boards and fundraising projects. And my presumption is they are not the only four in the industry to have done so. This industry calls for innovators and entrepreneurs. These traits don't simply vanish when the doors of the plant close for the evening.

The idea behind these profiles is to bring some of these unique individuals to our readers. Without fail, each editor who wrote a profile was touched by something he or she learned from the person interviewed. Rarely have I heard editors discuss their stories as much as I did when we were in the throes of writing these articles.

In reading these stories, absorb what each person is all about. As difficult as it is to capture an entire persona with ink on paper, we have tried to offer a glimpse into their lives.

Because of the importance BCI places on individuals and their roles in the progression of the industry, we will be offering more executive profiles throughout the course of 1998.

At a time when most businesspeople are enthralled with technology, computers and automation, we hope toperiodically remind you that what makes this industry so uniquely special is the people.