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Management Side
Week of 9 July 2018: Dealing with the public

Email Jim at jthompson@taii.com

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I had occasion last week to deal with a citizen in a community that was upset because the EPA was allowing the sewage discharge from their town to go into a large recreational lake. Actually, they were the gullible victims of an organization that was attempting to obtain favorable passage of an activity this organization wanted, and one of their tactics was "greenwashing."

Let's break this down. There are many instructive lessons here.

First, the organization was wanting approval to buy several parcels of land approximately 12 -15 miles downstream from the discharge cited. Under their charter, if they can buy this land, they can take it off the tax rolls. One of their stated reasons for buying this land is that they will be able to help with cleaning up the waterway downstream from the dam that forms the lake.

All this does is show us that such organizations are far savvier at dealing with the public than are our own public relations people in industry. They know all the right buttons to push to get the public on their side. The measure to allow them to buy the land passed the local governing board unanimously.

Second, it is essential to understand that water flows downhill. This may be obvious to us, but apparently it is not to the general public. For those who need an explanation of this phenomenon, the History Channel did a marvelous documentary on plumbing systems a number of years ago that explains it. They cleverly noted that as we drive around our communities, we see water towers. I have noticed these all over the world--water must flow downhill everywhere! The documentary goes on to say that, to minimize the cost of pumps and their operation, the potable water side as well as the discharge side of plumbing systems take advantage of this phenomenon of water flowing downhill. Amazing!

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Jim Thompson is back again...with a new book on a taboo subject: the personalities in the pulp & paper industry. Jim has written in the past on many subjects based on his four plus decades in the worldwide pulp and paper industry. This new book is packed full of information valuable to the senior member of the industry as well as the recent entrant. A must for every pulp and paper library.

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This necessitates that sewage system discharges are in streams on the downhill side of the system (you might notice this in your pulp or paper mill). I asked the citizen who was alarmed about this what they expected the community to do? Airfreight their sewage plant discharge to the Sahara Desert?

Third, most of the public thinks there has been no progress in cleaning up air or stream discharges since the EPA (in the US) came into existence in 1970. Really--this is how they think. The person in this case, for instance, likely assumed the EPA was letting this discharge happen because they did not know what else to do. The idea that the EPA has water quality regulations and that there are regular tests for bad things that might be in the water has never occurred to them. Then there are people who rise slightly above this level of ignorance--they think there are standards but that the EPA is in cahoots with the responsible discharge parties, thus allowing them to discharge without meeting the standards.

Fourth, I would be interested in knowing the science behind the greenwashing statement that this organization is going to help the water quality after the water has passed through the lake (whose dwell time I would guess is somewhere between 3 and 9 months), over the dam and then reached the stream where the land is. Further, I would like to know exactly what they are going to do to that stream to "improve" it. To my knowledge, they have made no detailed statements on this.

This entire episode is illustrative of the work we have to do to explain to the public, in simple terms, the millions of dollars we spend to comply with environmental regulations and protect them. I started talking about this knowledge gap over twenty-five years ago. There has been little progress on the part of pulp and paper mills in "dumbing down" the information they provide to the public in this entire time.

Start with the fact that water flows downhill. Question every incidence in which your literature or PR materials exceed this basic level of understanding. Think like you are writing a book for an elementary school class.

Sometimes we make the same errors when we talk about safety. We don't want our audience to feel insulted by our making the subject at hand too simple. Go ahead and insult them--it just may save a life.

Be safe and we will talk next week.

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EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES:

* We are looking for a Production Shift Team Leader to maintain high standards, plus ensure safety policies and regulations for a company located close to Chicago's Midway Airport. If you are experienced team leader who has a four-year degree in an engineering/technical field (paper science degree preferred, and experience in recycled linerboard or corrugating medium paper mills is a plus), we are looking for someone like you! If you are interested or would like more information, please contact Jim Thompson at: jthompson@taii.com Ph. 678-206-6010 Cell: 404-822-3412.

* A family owned and operated corrugated packaging solutions company in Illinois is looking for an experienced Maintenance Technician to maintain production and quality by ensuring operation of machinery and mechanical equipment. Relocation and other perks are available to the right candidate who is committed to working third shift. If you are interested or would like more information, please contact Jim Thompson at: jthompson@taii.com Ph. 678-206-6010 Cell: 404-822-3412.

* Are you an experienced Maintenance Mechanic and would like to work for a family owned and operated corrugated packaging solutions company that invests in the best equipment and technology? If you are interested or would like more information, please contact Jim Thompson at: jthompson@taii.com Ph. 678-206-6010 Cell: 404-822-3412.

* A leading company in the corrugated solutions packaging business is looking for a experienced Electrician. The right candidate will possess the following skills: electrical; hydraulic; automatic drives (basic component machines 122 to 440 volts). If you are interested or would like more information, please contact Jim Thompson at: jthompson@taii.com Ph. 678-206-6010 Cell: 404-822-3412.

* An expanding company is looking for a Corporate Industrial Electro-Mechanical Engineer near Allentown, PA. Relocation is available. Do you have a storied list of unique electrical and mechanical engineering skills you're ready to take to the next level? Do you envision yourself in a corporate-level leadership role that your experience finally merits? And do you relish any opportunity to troubleshoot and solve real-time problems, all while designing and installing new services and systems that will not only ensure safety, but also turn a potentially hazardous work environment into a continuously thriving one? If you are interested or would like more information, please contact Jim Thompson at: jthompson@taii.com Ph. 678-206-6010 Cell: 404-822-3412.

* An expanding company is looking for hands-on Electro Mechanical Maintenance Techs in Conyers, Georgia. Preference will be given to candidates with higher education and additional certificates or training. You must be able to work any shift. Pay is negotiable with excellent perks and benefits. Relocation assistance is available to the right candidate. If you are interested or would like more information, please contact Jim Thompson at: jthompson@taii.com Ph. 678-206-6010 Cell: 404-822-3412.

* We are a large automation company that has a line of consistency transmitters, sample valves and sheet break detectors that are marketed through a rep. network. We are seeking someone with a strong background in consistency control to facilitate start-ups, provide troubleshooting and technical advice. The individual should have experience in all major types of consistency measurement technologies (blade, rotary, microwave and optical). Knowledge of sheet break detection technology is desirable as well. Willingness to travel to paper production facilities across the US is a must. Travel & Living Expenses to be reimbursed along with an agreed upon daily per diem rate. For more information, please contact Jim Thompson at: jthompson@taii.com Ph. 678-206-6010 Cell: 404-822-3412.

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