Thomas G. Landaal, president of Landaal Packaging Systems, Flint, Mich., passed away Dec. 5 after a year-long struggle with pancreatic cancer. Landaal was a longtime member and board member of both the Association of Independent Corrugated Converters (AICC) and the Fibre Box Association (FBA). He was also chairman of FBA’s Independent Sheet Plant Committee and its representative to the International Corrugated Case Association (ICCA) board for several years. He also was active in many charitable organizations in the Flint area.

The International Corrugated Packaging Foundation (ICPF) has established a mechanism called “The Circle of Distinguished Leaders” to recognize and honor exceptional leaders while also contributing to the industry’s future and the next generation of corrugated packaging talent through ICPF. Naming a corrugated container industry leader to the ICPF Circle of Distinguished Leaders ensures that those who have “made their mark” on this industry will receive a permanent tribute for their vision, their business acumen, and their commitment to excellence.

Friends, business colleagues, corporations, and allied organizations are invited to honor this outstanding individual by making a donation to ICPF in his memory. Upon his nomination, a presentation will be made at the upcoming FBA and AICC membership meeting. Landaal will be recognized as a member of the Circle of Distinguished Leaders, and a plaque will be permanently displayed at the headquarters of both FBA and AICC. He additionally will be recognized in future ICPF publications and media announcements, serving as an ICPF exemplary industry leader for future generations.

Please join industry peers in funding this recognition. Contact ICPF President Richard Flaherty, 703-549-8580 or rflaherty@icpfbox.org, or send a check made payable to ICPF, 113 S. West Street, 3rd Floor, Alexandria, VA 22314. (Please place “TL” in the check’s note margin.)

Your fully tax deductible contribution or commitment is needed by Jan. 15, 2008, in an effort to reach the $10,000 nomination fee required to induct Tom into The Circle of Distinguished Leaders for 2008.