Dear RPA Supporters,

• It is with deep regret that we announce the resignation of our friend & colleague Gina Martin Breda. Gina has been associated with this organization for over 18 years and we will miss her greatly. Gina decided the time was right to reenter the world of marketing on a full time basis. We wish her well and are extremely grateful for her enormous contributions over the years.
• Gina wore so many hats that it really took some doing to figure out her replacement. We have contracted with Attendee Interactive (Ai) for many years now. Ai runs our show registration among other duties. Many of you will remember Kendra, with her red hair and ready smile, working the registration booth at so many of our conventions.The bulk of the RPA office function has been transferred to Ai.  
• We have  new phone & fax numbers: Phone: 410-925-9809  Fax: 410-741-3030. Our phones will be manned by Sue Husch of Ai. She will be exclusive to us and Kendra will become even more involved with our organization as well. Sue's email address is sue@retailpackaging.org
• We will still enjoy the services of Sanger & Eby, a long time vendor. And of course Rich Curran of Expo Convention Contractors will again be setting up the 2012 show for us.
• And now for the real exciting news: The Board has listened to membership and since South Florida was the overwhelming 2^nd choice behind Vegas to have the show...we are going to Fort Lauderdale! In keeping with our new venue our 2012 Show Theme is "Packaging in Paradise".
• We have contracted with the Westin on the Beach in Ft. Lauderdale to host us February 24-26, 2012. We have secured an incredible rate for our attendees who book early - $209 per night! In Florida...in February...on the beach! More details will follow in the very near future. We are excited by the venue and very pleased at the overriding sense of optimism the vast majority of you have regarding the continuation of this show.

To paraphrase a long time exhibitor: This is our industry, it's all we've got and we need to make the most of this. Otherwise we're just a bunch of semi-related companies moving through space.

Have a Great 2011. Sell a ton of stuff. Make money. Enjoy life, and we'll see you in Lauderdale!

Gregg Julien, President - D & G Industries

Joe DeJure, VP - Midway Packaging

Joel Zaas, Treasurer - BOXit Corporation

Bob Gant, Secretary - Cox Paper & Printing Co.

Nancy Cwynar, Director - Action Bag Company

Tom Dickinson, Director - Iowa Retail Packaging

Jay McCracken, Director - Old South Company

Deborah Gage, Director - Gage & Gage