Circle of Distinguished Leaders

ICPF honors exceptional individuals, leaders whose vision, creativity and energy have moved the entire corrugated industry forward, in a program that recognizes the Distinguished Leaders of the Corrugated Packaging Industry. Naming a corrugated industry leader to the ICPF “Circle of Distinguished Leaders” ensures that those who have made their mark on this global industry will receive a permanent tribute to their vision, their business acumen, and their commitment to excellence in support of the corrugated packaging industry.

Business colleagues, friends, and family are invited to bring honor to an exceptional individual through this special ICPF program. Nomination entails a single or group tax deductible contribution or pledge to ICPF of $15,000 – $17,500 (ICPF partner vs. non-partner nomination), that can be paid in one lump sum, pledged over time or collected through multiple smaller donations to ICPF made in the name of the nominee by companies and individuals. Most importantly, the net receipts are used by ICPF to fund programs to support the current and future workforce needs of the industry. To acquire a nomination form or to learn more about making a nomination, contact ICPF at [email protected].

In June 2024, Jeffrey Schwarz was nominated for posthumous induction into this prestigious group:

Jeffrey Schwarz

2024 Circle of Distinguished Leaders Nominee

Jeff Schwarz started in the industry working for his father’s (Jack Schwarz) company Trey Corrugated and then moved to startup company, Performance Corrugated. In 1998, Jack, Jeff, and Jeff’s brother John founded Schwarz Partners. What began as an independent sheet feeder grew to include partner companies in the packaging, paper, transportation and recycling industries. Jeff was instrumental in spearheading sheet feeder co-ops and forging relationships between corrugated industry companies. Following a yearlong battle with Glioblastoma, an aggressive brain cancer, Jeff passed away on November 26, 2023. 

Make a Donation

Friends, business colleagues, firms, and organizations can honor Jeff by making a donation in his name. Nomination contributions are tax deductible and support the Circle of Distinguished Leaders Program, as well as ICPF’s work to grow the workforce of the corrugated packaging industry. Those making donations to honor Jeff will be recognized during a posthumous induction ceremony at a 2025 AICC meeting, and in a subsequent release to the packaging trade press that will also be provided to the Schwarz family.  

Contact Caitlin Salaverria at [email protected] if you would like to join in honoring Jeff by making a tax deductible “nomination donation” to ICPF. ICPF then will forward an invoice with mailing and ACH instructions for your accounting department. 

The Corrugated Packaging Industry Pays Tribute to 2023 Inductees

Circle of Distinguished Leaders Inductees