FLAG (Flexo Label Advantage Group) enjoyed a banner event in Salt Lake City, UT, USA, as a record-breaking 125 member and vendor partners attended the event for networking, education, and the Member Tour. A total of 67 companies attended the event, with a tally of 60% members. This year, the Member Tour arrived in Orem, UT, for a visit to Traco Packaging.

With a theme of “Ignite,” new president JC McKay explained the ways in which this association can kick-start members’ businesses. FLAG saw its largest growth ever in 2022, as it added 21 new members – bringing the overall membership to 132 companies.

McKay also touted numerous milestones for converter members, as five members have saved over $1 million by being part of the FLAG network. Additionally, 10 members have saved over $500,000, while 51 have saved more than $100,000. In total, FLAG has saved its members $29 million since its inception.

“FLAG is more important to you and your business than ever,” said McKay. “We work hard every day to provide you with the resources you need. Know that you’re all part of something bigger than yourselves, as we wake up every day striving to benefit your business. It’s always amazing to look back at where we were when this all started. It’s amazing to see where my dad’s original vision has brought FLAG.”

“I saw what this group could be like this when we started,” added John McKay, founder and CEO. “You have the opportunity to thrive as independents as this industry tightens – and we still have our win-win-win philosophy for everyone involved. Our first meeting was in 2011. We didn’t even have any programs at the time; we just had an idea of what this could be.”

The event also featured a keynote presentation from Eric Papp, who illustrated how to drive efficiency and productivity in the workplace. Plus, L&NW editor Greg Hrinya delivered a “State of the Industry.”

According to the McKays, FLAG has been optimized to provide members with the resources currently afforded to the multi-national sites. In the future, FLAG is developing an app for data tracking and increased communication. Plus, the organization is having active discussions with TLMI to better promote growth and help the label and package printing industry succeed.

Meanwhile, Traco Packaging, which boasts more than 35 years of old-fashioned values and work ethic, opened its doors for attendees. The company originated when former major league baseball player John Palica recognized the value in labels and packaging.

Today, Traco operates out of a 50,000 square-foot facility with flexo presses from Nilpeter and Gidue, as well as three HP Indigo digital presses. With a wide range of capabilities, Traco produces labels, shrink wrap, tamper-evident shrink bands, multi-packs, and more for numerous markets, ranging from nutraceuticals and beverage to cosmetics.

“Owen Power and his team graciously opened their doors, and the tour is designed for everybody at the meeting,” said JC. “By visiting a member’s facility, our attendees have a unique opportunity unlike anything that exists in this industry. This is Traco’s second year as FLAG members, and they immediately saw the value, which is incredible.” 

“At the end of the day we’re about trying to help other people and help them be better, so that’s what we do with other customers and other partners,” noted Power. “We believe we can make the world a better place by working together.”

Traco Packaging joined FLAG in 2022 following Power’s ascension to CEO in 2021. Upon taking the role, Power wanted to learn more about the industry and prioritized organizations that could help grow the company’s presence and network. Power immediately saw a positive experience with FLAG, spurring him to volunteer for the Member Tour.

“My hope is that as members, we can work together to make us all great,” Power concluded.