TAPPI has announced the formation of the TAPPI Consulting Council, or TCC, a premium service that connects TAPPI member subject-matter experts with potential clients. It is the newest TAPPI membership benefit, helping identify qualified consultants to assist members with business growth, technical issues, and industry challenges.

"The TAPPI Consulting Council is an invaluable benefit for our member consultants about various subjects related to the pulp, paper, and packaging industry, helping them make connections with companies who need their services," said Larry N. Montague, president and CEO of TAPPI. "Members of TCC are getting an incredible value for their marketing dollar when they join the Council, because they are being showcased to TAPPI members around the world."

Rolled out in early May at the association's PaperCon event, the TAPPI Consulting Council is a 24-hour business development representative for its members, driving traffic to the consultant's Web site. TCC also provides segment-specific marketing of the consultant's company and services through TAPPI's Web site at www.tappi.org/tcc, which reaches TAPPI's 10,000-plus members around the globe.

"A positive aspect that I see for each TAPPI Consulting Council member is the potential for international exposure," said Doug Sweet, TCC member and president of Doug Sweet & Associates.

TCC is comprised of TAPPI members who are experienced in all areas of the pulp, paper, and packaging industry and have been approved for inclusion on the Council through an application process. Each consultant works directly with the client to negotiate the scope, breadth and fees for the project. All fees are paid directly to the consultant.

Areas of expertise include: pulp and paper, corrugated/converting, business development, recycling, coating, nanotechnology, financial services, sustainability, printing, flexible packaging, nonwovens, bio-energy, management/leadership, recruiters and energy efficiency. For more information about TAPPI Consultant Council, visit www.tappi.org/tcc.