AIMCAL calls for papers for its fall technical conference to be held Oct. 22-24 in Hilton Head Island, S.C. Presentation selection is based on applicability to the advancement of the manufacturing process; uniqueness and innovation of the technology; and value to the technical/production community. For consideration, submit the paper title, a 75-word abstract and your contact info to AIMCAL, 2166 Gold Hill Rd., Fort Mill, SC 29708. More info: 803/802-7820, fax: 803/802-7821, www.aimcal.org

Sven Sandblom, vp of sales and marketing for coater/laminator maker Faustel, Inc., retires March 30. He was employed by Faustel for 39 years, and in that time left his mark on the converting world. Widely known and respected throughout the industry for his expertise, Sandblom had been called upon to serve on many association boards and advisory committees during his tenure with Faustel. Sandblom was honored with a special President's Award March 15 during the AIMCAL annual meeting in Indian Wells, Calif. The award recognized his many contributions to the group and to the coating/laminating field.

Three paperboard converters win the PPC 2001 Safety Program Awards, which focus on individual plant and company planning, programming and promotion of safe work practices. Winners include Rock-Tenn Co. (El Paso, Texas) for Best All-Around Safety Program and Gulf States Paper Corp. (Joplin, Mo.) for the Most Significantly Improved Safety Program. The Chairman's Safety Award went to Rock-Tenn Co. (Conway, Ark.) for working 559,748 hr. without an OSHA incident.

Kansas City, Mo.-based Tension Envelope Corp. celebrates its 115th anniversary throughout 2001. Now in its fourth generation of family ownership, the envelope converter has more than 1,600 employees and 12 plants.