November/December 2019 - 22

Q + A JIM PITTAS
2
SEVEN
Q+A WITH JIM PITTAS
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For the better part of nine decades, PMMI, The
Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies
(formerly Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute)
has been a leading organization in the industry. Jim Pittas
has been a part of it for 20 years, including almost two
as PMMI's president and CEO. Pittas has a long history
with one of PMMI's biggest annual events - PACK EXPO,
which alternates between Chicago and Las Vegas.
1
Could you describe an average day?
" I don't think I could say what an average
day is for me or really anyone at PMMI.
At any given moment, we may need to change
direction or respond to a member request or a
suggestion. Certainly, much of my time is focused
on running the organization, which is large
and complex, and because we are a member
organization, I need to keep my board and
executive committee informed.
"
3
PMMI is known for
its trade shows.
What else does it do?
" We have a robust education
program and initiatives that are
continuously growing. We develop
industry standards, produce
business intelligence reports,
hold roughly a dozen meetings
annually, own a media company
and now provide management
services to other associations.
"
6
4
2
What are the key parts of your job?
" We recently launched a podcast, UnPACKed
with PMMI, to keep the industry informed of critical
processing and packaging trends, working toward our goal
of being a global resource to the industry. We are in the
process of updating our strategic plan for PMMI. Although
I don't expect a radical shift from what we do or the
services we provide, we always focus on the areas where
we believe we can make a difference in the industry and
provide more value to members.
"
What is the biggest
challenge for food
processors?
" Sustainability has been a changing
factor for many companies in the
packaging space. In my opinion,
consumers are demanding more in
the way of natural or organic products
in recyclable packaging. This demand
creates a great opportunity for our
members to provide real solutions
for their customers.
"
What other ways did show
exhibitors get involved?
" The companies that participated in The
Robotics Zone were asked to pack bags of food
for Blessings in a Backpack, an organization that
provides weekend food for elementary-age students
who contend with food insecurities at home.
"
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5
What led to robotics
being such a big focus
of PACK EXPO 2019?
" Brands are looking for more
automation up and down the line
to be more productive but also
to solve for the challenge of a
shrinking pool of skilled workers.
Therefore, we thought that
robotics was an area we needed
to highlight and wanted to give it
a real purpose at the show.
"
What do you enjoy doing away from
the job?
" I'm married and have four kids and really love
spending time with them doing just about anything.
I'm also a big golfer and enjoy getting out and playing
whenever I can. Although my game seems to be getting
worse in recent years, I still love to play.
"
November/December 2019

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