PITTSBURGH, PA – Attendees of the Leaders Inspiring Flexo’s Tomorrow (LIFT) Reception  at FTA’s 2025 FORUM INFOFLEX were asked to finish the phrase “I want LIFT to…” Here are some of their responses.

“I want LIFT to aim to spread the word about FTA and potential career opportunities in this industry throughout the year. There should be LIFT-branded events in major cities hosted by each of us that are from all over the US. We can invite our customers, and broadcast this on social media to help provide a networking space and show that this industry has a long way to keep growing. Having the events be hosted by LIFT allows all of us to take a leadership approach and assume responsibility for community outreach. It will help us grow, while increasing recruiting efforts for FTA.”–Elizabeth Jones, ESKO

“I want LIFT to help suppliers/printers understand what their FTA membership is all about. That would help in bringing more folks to FORUM INFOFLEX and Fall Technical Conferences and give ideas to help mentor people through relationships built within the FTA organization/family”–Dan Drobins, J.M. Fry

“I want LIFT to continue providing young and emerging talent opportunities to connect and grow in the flexography community. This is a niche and tightknit community and getting your start with so many veteran flexographers can feel intimidating. LIFT provided access to an important event where emerging leaders could network and continue learning the ropes of our industry.”–Teresa Clancy, MacDermid Graphic Solutions/XSYS

“I want LIFT to encourage participation from all passionate FTA members regardless of age, experience, gender or background. It would be good for there to be support groups within it but for it to be clear that all are welcome as I can see everyone benefiting from it.”–Cristian Rios, Handgards

“I want LIFT to bring passionate people together to shape a flexographic industry that’s exciting, dynamic, and future-ready.”–Jason Couture, CSW Inc.

“I want LIFT to continue to grow! The more emerging leaders we can get to join the more beneficial and fun it will be. Having people similar in age at these events helps take a bit of the stress off talking to industry peers. It would be cool to have a session where emerging leaders can explain the kind of work they are doing, problems they’re running into, and how companies can best support the next generation.”–Preston McDowell, TC Transcontinental Packaging.