“Transformation in Industry” is theme of 2006 International Leadership Conference

Glenview, Illinois (March 17, 2006) – Weyerhaeuser President, CEO and Chairman Steven R. Rogel will be one of the speakers at the PIMA 2006 International Leadership Conference, to be held May 21-24 in Orlando at the Disney Contemporary Resort.

The Paper Industry Management Association gathers together the leaders and managers of the pulp and paper industry once a year in a face-to-face setting for top-notch education, learning, knowledge-sharing and networking, and this year’s meeting is no exception.

The 2006 conference explores three critical components of the industry: management, information technology and manufacturing reliability. Top industry speakers will lead dynamic sessions that address how these three disciplines can function together more effectively. Carrying the theme “Transformation in Industry,” the conference is a must-attend event for anyone interested in the current fortunes of the global pulp and paper industry.

Joining Rogel on the President's Panel, to be held Monday, May 22, are Craig Rogerson, President & CEO, Hercules, and Pendleton Siegel, Chairman of the Board & CEO, Potlatch Corp. The panelists, each a successful executive, will communicate their views about transformation in the pulp and paper industry and the paths their companies took to both create and accommodate these changes.

The second panel discussion, to be held Tuesday, May 23, features chief information officers of industry companies, who will discuss the current status of IT in the pulp and paper industry, as well as the IT challenges that are faced. At press time, panel members were Lawrence Shutzberg, Rock Tenn, and Daniel Gingras, Tatum, LLC.

One of the most popular panels at the annual conference features mill managers from major players in the industry. This year, they will discuss and compare management issues in the current environment of change in the industry. Moderated by Warren L. “Buddy” Allen of Domtar Industries Inc., the panel is comprised of:

• Tom Garland, Rock-Tenn Company
• Robert Grygotis, Weyerhaeuser Company
• Mark Lukacs, New Page Corporation
• Ted Kennedy, Georgia-Pacific Corporation

The Superintendent's Roundtable brings together leaders in the field for a panel discussion sponsored by Couch Pit University Fraternity. This year’s panelists are:

• Ronnie Cosper, Smurfit-Stone Corp.
• Boyd Curtis, Kemira Chemicals
• Bill Kotarski, Albany International
• Jay Martin, Graphic Packaging International
• Nyle Parchim, New Direction Consulting
• Glenn Robinson, Albany International
• Charles Wall, Caraustar
• Jackie Woods, LinPac Paper

The final general session, to be held Wednesday, May 24, features two powerhouse speakers on the state of the industry – Peter Ruschmeier of Lehman Brothers and Dr. Graham Moore of Pira Industries. They will provide two thought-provoking perspectives on the trends and key drivers of the global paper industry. Ruschmeier will provide a big-picture view of economic indicators, while Moore will address the question “New Exciting Era or Continual Decline – Which Path will the Industry Follow?”

Moore will argue that changes in thinking and culture, along with investment in R&D, are needed to realize opportunities for renewal in the pulp and paper industry. His presentation will explore how a number of these new developments might evolve.

In addition to the general sessions and panels, attendees will explore different sessions keyed to their particular interests. Social activities also have been planned for the conference. An exhibit hall will provide attendees with an up-close look at products tailored for the industry. At press time, more than 20 exhibitors had signed up to be at the show.

Conference sponsors include:

Platinum Level

• Buckman Laboratories, Inc.
• Georgia-Pacific Resins, Inc.
• Hercules Pulp and Paper Division
• Kemira Chemicals, Inc.
• Metso Corporation
• Paperloop
• SKF Reliability Systems
• TAPPI

Gold Level

• ABB Inc.
• Albany International Corp.
• AstenJohnson//Johnson Foils
• BASF Corporation
• Ciba Specialty Chemicals
• DuPont Company
• IMERYS Pigments, Inc.
• Lanxess Corporation
• Liasion Technologies
• Nalco Company
• Voith Paper Technology

Bronze Level

• BE&K
• EnteGreat, Inc.
• J.J. Plank Corp./Spencer Johnston Co.
• National Starch Papermaking Innovations
• Specialty Minerals Inc.
• Thiele Kaolin Company
• TM GE Automation Systems
• Williams-Gray Company, Inc.

About PIMA:
PIMA’s roots go back to 1919 when 40 pulp and paper mill superintendents met in Appleton, Wis., and formed the American Pulp and Paper Mill Superintendents Management Association as a way to improve themselves, their firms and their industry by sharing their expertise and experience as managers.

Today, PIMA's goal to maintain a strong and profitable industry by continually improving the management skills of its managers is the same today as it was in 1919. While PIMA as we know it today has changed and grown over the years, it has stayed consistent with its mission:

PIMA delivers value by creating forums that address current issues and develop management and leadership skills in a way that is both customer-focused and driven.