As I write this, the war with Iraq is 13 days old. The reality of war has now, unfortunately, removed only one facet of the uncertainties over geopolitics in the past six months. We don't know how long the war will last; if it will spread to other parts of the Middle East; how it will affect our nation or how it will impact individual businesses.

One thing is certain, however. To strengthen our nation in these troubled times, strengthening your business and positioning it for future success is crucial. As each company seeks different advantages, new opportunities, new markets and new technologies, these accomplishments will build upon each other, fortifying the national economy as a whole.

This issue fairly bristles with the stories of converters exemplifying a spirit of "business victory." A primary example is Chris Hanson, president/CEO of release-liner maker Douglas-Hanson (page 18). Named 2003 CMM Converter of the Year by show organizer Paperloop, Hanson and his management team are directing the company through a string of "double-digit" successes in sales, plant expansions and capital investments.

"There are people upset with us because we added capacity," Hanson says, "but we have to look at how it affects our business and our customers." Undeterred by competitive pressures, Douglas-Hanson will continue to strive for its own success—and by extension, that of the industry as well.

WI-based Aladdin Label achieved a different kind of "business victory" by adopting the Digital Facilities Management program offered by supplier OEC Graphics (page 42). Via hardware installed at Aladdin and front-end work maintained by OEC, the converter turns out its own CTP-flexo plates in one-third the time. The technology leap to 400-percent lower dot-gain printing is helping Aladdin attract new customers to its leading-edge flexo color-process work.

A sure sign of "business victory" are the winners of the 2003 AIMCAL Vacuum Metallized or Coated Product Competition (page 64). Leading the charge is Unifoil Corp., taking the Peter Rigney Product of the Year Award for an Elizabeth Arden fragrance setup box. Unifoil, along with its partners Hub Folding Box, International Paper and CFC Intl., converted the holographic material used for the heart-shaped package.

To plan your own "business victory," start by attending CMM Intl. in Chicago this month (page 46). Despite the "hassles" of tighter security and perhaps your own company's restrictions on travel, CMM remains your best biennial opportunity to see, touch and appreciate the latest machinery, materials and services for the converting field. It's the perfect venue to begin those face-to-face meetings that will help you leapfrog the competition.

Strengthening the nation through "business victories" on the homefront is, I believe, the work of every owner, manager and employee. Let's hope that by the time you read this, the men and women of our Armed Forces will already be working their way home.