Final Word

It seems like I am fighting a losing battle when it comes to industry veterans down on the pulp and paper industry. Just this past Saturday evening, I was at a party of industry insiders, and, to a person they were badmouthing our industry. This is silly--the industry is not going away, it is merely changing and re-inventing itself as have all mature industries. In my recent book, "The Pulp and Paper Industry: a Perspective for Wall Street" (ISBN 1-59872-456-8) I state:

"The pulp and paper industry is one of the oldest and earliest members of the industrial age. Hence, it possesses a long history, some of the ancient which still influences it to this day. It is also an industry of traditionally high factory wages, and thus attracts certain elements wishing to exploit this feature. And, the industry uses natural resources loved by many—-forests-—and has, in the past, produced considerable amounts of pollution, both of which draw the attention of the environmentalists. Also, the products of the industry are essential and ubiquitous, produced to similar standards world wide, and traded freely among many nations, creating unique marketing conditions..."

Just the night before the aforementioned party, our family was out to dinner. As we yet again discussed the pulp and paper industry, my step-daughter mumbled something about how she did not get our fascination with the industry--all the while idly turning a paper soda straw wrapper over and over between her fingers!!

I can't think of any place I would rather be professionally than in an industry who's products are everywhere.

Have a safe week.

Jim