Fourteen young professionals in the pulp, paper and converting industry have joined the TAPPI/PIMA Young Professionals Committee. The committee is a group shaped by soon-to-be college graduates, recent graduates, young professionals in the industry, and accomplished professionals who want to build connections and provide networks for its members. Its purpose is to encourage younger individuals to get involved and advance the industry by building from fresh, creative and driven minds.

The new members and their affiliations are: Laura Beauchesne, White Birch Paper; Maggie Gerhart, International Paper; Zachary Growe, Weyerhaeuser; Nichole Hartley, Ashland; Natalie Hughey, International Paper; Tim Li, Amec; Jamie Percy, Alpac; Eric Schweighofer, Rio Tinto; Derek Sorensen, Alpac; Michael Subilia, Sappi Fine Paper; Dan Sweeney, Utah University; Emily Tomes, Ashland; Ashley Urbanski, BHS; and Bailey Wandyg, Naval Surface.

“These young professionals are the future of our industry, and we are very pleased to have them join the Young Professionals Committee,” said Larry N. Montague, president and CEO of TAPPI. “Bright young talent will keep the pulp, paper and converting industry strong and thriving and we look forward to their contributions.”

The Young Professionals Committee is currently working on installing a new Young Professionals track at this year’s PaperCon; heading a Young Professional Round Table at the 2011 Student Summit in Kingsport, TN; incorporating networking events at all TAPPI Conferences; and reaching out and engaging newly graduated young professionals.

For more information, visitwww.papercon.orgorwww.tappi.org.