SPI Welcomes David Asselin as Executive Director, American Progressive Bag Alliance (APBA)
April 23, 2012
Contact:
Barry Eisenberg
202-974-5210
beisenberg@plasticsindustry.org
Washington, D.C.: SPI: The Plastics Industry Trade Association recently announced the addition of David Asselin -- a seasoned manufacturing trade association professional – to lead the American Progressive Bag Alliance (APBA). Formerly named the Progressive Bag Affiliates, the APBA is comprised of America’s largest manufacturers of plastic bags and operates as a self-funded group under the SPI umbrella to advocate on behalf of the plastic bag manufacturing industry. SPI is the primary trade association of the U.S. plastics industry, representing approximately 1,000 companies in all areas of plastics manufacturing.
As executive director of APBA, Asselin serves as the organization’s lead executive, with a combined focus on government affairs, communications and grassroots mobilization as regards threats to plastic bag manufacture and distribution. Specifically, he develops and executes comprehensive strategies to address proposed plastic bag bans and taxes. He is tasked with building relationships with key legislative and regulatory officials, establishing an effective political network and developing an array of advocacy-oriented collateral.
Asselin comes to the organization with impressive association management and advocacy credentials. He most recently served at the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) where he was Vice President of Allied Associations and Executive Director, NAM Council of Manufacturing Associations. In this capacity he was responsible for oversight of association groups within the NAM membership and worked with volunteer Boards and committees on a variety of issues including strategic mapping, recruitment and retention, and issue advocacy. Asselin planned and executed two CEO-level Leadership Conferences per year, and coordinated NAM policy and advocacy outreach with member associations. In 2011, he took on additional duties related to management of NAM’s Small and Medium Manufacturers (SMM) group and the SMM members of the NAM Board of Directors.
“David’s track record in association management, and his success with creating effective issue advocacy strategies and communicating with grassroots support networks will be important assets to SPI, APBA member companies and the entire plastic bag industry,” said SPI President and CEO William Carteaux.
David Asselin earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from George Washington University, and a Master of Public Administration degree from American International College (Springfield, MA).
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Founded in 2005, the American Progressive Bag Alliance (APBA) is a group of American plastic bag manufacturers that represent a thriving and growing industry employing 30,800 American workers in 2010. APBA’s current areas of focus include city proposals that could impact consumer use of plastic bags, increasing recycling opportunities, litter prevention, increasing bag reuse, and correcting misperceptions concerning litter and waste. More information can be found at www.plasticbagrecycling.org and www.bagtheban.org.
Founded in 1937, SPI: The Plastics Industry Trade Association promotes growth in the $380 billion U.S. plastics industry. Representing nearly 900,000 American workers in the third largest U.S. manufacturing industry, SPI delivers advocacy, market research, industry promotion, and the fostering of business relationships and zero waste strategies. SPI also owns and produces the international NPE trade show. All profits from NPE are reinvested into SPI’s industry services. Find SPI online at www.plasticsindustry.org and www.inthehopper.org.
"From resin suppliers and equipment makers to processors and brand owners, SPI is proud to represent all facets of the U.S. plastics industry," said William R. Carteaux, president and CEO, SPI. Our most recent economic reports show that the plastics industry as a whole is resilient, and has come through the recession significantly better than other U.S. manufacturing sectors."
