WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced via news release the appointment of the Paper Check-off Board members. The U.S. Secretary of Agriculture makes the initial appointment of check-off boards, which are drawn from industry nominations submitted and solicitation of interest by USDA.

“We welcome the appointment of the Paper Check-off Board members. This announcement paves the way for the Board to begin its work in shaping the new promotional program intended to maintain and expand markets for paper and paperbased packaging,” said Paper Check-off Panel Chairman John Williams, president and CEO of Domtar.

The Paper Check-off Board is representative of the various geographic regions for domestic manufacturers of the covered products, as well as importers. The individuals appointed to serve on the Paper Check-off Board are: Michael P. Doss (Graphic Packaging International); Bernd Eikens (UPM Paper ENA); Christian Fischer (GeorgiaPacific); Rodger D. Fuller (Sonoco Products Company); Brian E. Janki (Glatfelter); Mark W. Kowlzan (Packaging Corporation of America); Jennifer L. Miller (Sappi Fine Paper North America); Julie Schertell (Neenah Paper Inc.); Steven Voorhees (RockTenn); Michael A. Weinhold (Verso Paper Corp.); John D. Williams (Domtar); and Ann B. Wrobleski (International Paper).

“We appreciate the efforts of USDA throughout the process and look forward to working with them as we begin the journey of the Paper Check-off,” said Williams.

USDA published the final rule in January, which established the program and assessment calculations that began on March 1, 2014. Assessments are invoiced on a quarterly basis beginning March 30. The first meeting of the Paper Check-off Board of Directors is scheduled to take place March 25th, 2:30-6:00 p.m. in New York.* The board will begin the foundational work to initiate the program and will elect its officers.

For more information about the program, visit papercheckoff.com.

The Paper Check-off Panel is a group of industry executives representing the various grades of paper and paper-based packaging, formed to shepherd the industry-initiated effort to establish a paper and paper-based packaging promotion, research and information program.