[avatar user=”dannades” size=”160″ align=”left”]Dann Ades
Chairman of the International Packaged Ice Association[/avatar]

Looking Forward to our Centennial!

The New Year is here and that makes me reflect on this last year. A lot transpired in 2016 for IPIA and we need to give recognition to our director Jane McEwen and past Chairman Tommy Sedler. Jane keeps the association moving with action second to none, and Tommy did a great job of leading the association with agendas focused on member benefits and a leadership style that brings people together in thought provoking ways.

The 99th annual convention in San Antonio, Texas was a great event. The property was sprawling and the event content was educational as well as inspiring. Two ice plant tours in one day. I remember times we had no plant tours. And of course the “Tommy’s Tailgate party” had us rooting for our favorite teams with full bellies from the tailgate food and still singing along with the super-hot band. Great job!

Looking forward leads into the 100th year of the IPIA. We have a great year planned with a full agenda and capping off with an incredible 100 year celebration in Huntington Beach, Ca. This years’ convention is a must for all members because it is sure to be over the top with lots of great speakers, A 20,000 sq. Ft. Exhibit Hall, a plant tour of a 3rd generation owned company (67 years), an upscale but casual beach front California property in the city of Huntington Beach, California (AKA; Surf City) and also known as the home town of the legendary band “The Beach Boys”. This will be an exciting celebration of the ice industry over the past 100 years. There will be history on display and History in the making. You don’t want to miss it! And there’s all of L.A., Hollywood and the California coast on top of that. Take some extra time and make it a memorable experience.

The 2017 IPIA agenda has lots of activity. As we know life keeps moving and changing. The business and government environments are part of that change. Regulation has been strengthening for years. It seems every branch of government has an agenda for more control and fees (a friendlier word for taxes) to broaden its scope. Usually in the name of “protection” but to what avail and cost. With the new Presidential administration of Donald Trump and a Republican controlled congress we are sure to see many more changes, some for the better and some maybe not so much. One thing is certain, Change is a cumin! Hopefully a more business friendly change. As for IPIA we are helping members meet that change and be prepared with training, education, and better technology to stay in front of this changing environment. I hope you see membership in IPIA as value above what you can monetize, but there is true value even if you look only at the dollars. Not to mention the position of leading in your industry instead of chasing to keep up with the regulatory burdens you’re trying to avoid. Let’s work together to make it a better business and industry.

I look forward to attending most of the regional meetings this spring. I truly hope to meet some new industry colleagues and strengthen bonds with those I already know. I would love to talk to you about business and any other topic you choose; well, maybe mostly business, but I’m all ears to help our industry. So contact me or talk in person at one of the meetings this spring.