In 1911, a group of business people from family-owned envelope manufacturers traveled by train to White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, to create a national association for envelope manufacturers. They believed they could accomplish more by banding together than they could accomplish individually. What they created has lasted 100 years and is now EMA, the Envelope Manufacturers Association.

The association represents 80 percent of envelope manufacturers in the U.S. and 60 percent of them worldwide. It’s also growing, having added 43 new members in the past three years, including 14 last year. The association is highly respected and has accomplished many things to keep our industry strong. I am honored to serve as its current secretary/treasurer.

EMA members traveled back to White Sulphur Springs last week to celebrate our 100-year anniversary. It was a memorable meeting. We took time to celebrate the many accomplishments and changes in our industry through the years.

However, most of the meeting was not a look backward but rather a look to the future. The three days of sessions and committee meetings focused on what we can do to ensure that the industry lasts another 100 years.

Our biggest challenge is legislation concerning postal reform. The association is very active in lobbying and educating lawmakers on postal issues. We have sponsored a jobs study, which was just updated, showing that the mailing industry provides jobs for more than 8 million Americans and results in more than $1 trillion of commerce in the United States. It’s an important industry that needs to be protected.