Mark Lemberger
President
Western States Envelope and Label Company
Mark Lemberger is the president of Butler-based Western States Envelope and Label Company, which is 103 years old and has more than 600 employees in Wisconsin, Ohio, Kentucky and Minnesota.
“If you really want to be “green” (and save manufacturing jobs in Wisconsin), you should use paper as your communication medium. There is a common misperception that communicating electronically will save trees and help the environment.
“Some businesses who foster this misconception really just want you to help them to save money by relieving them of the burden of sending you monthly statements for your record keeping. The truth is that there are more acres of forestland in the United States today than 100 years ago.
“Modern paper companies are good stewards of the environment and manage forestlands to rigorous standards in the U.S.A. On average, they plant four trees for each one they harvest. Also, 60 percent of all paper produced in this country is recycled and used again. Paper is a highly renewable and recyclable resource that makes it truly environmentally friendly.
“In addition to the environmental aspects, communicating on paper is also a very effective, efficient and desired way to deliver a message to a targeted audience. It’s personal, safe, secure and permanent. Electronic messages are quick and efficient also, but the touch and feel of a message on paper helps to connect with the recipient like nothing else.
“Surveys continually show that most people prefer that information regarding account balances as well as marketing messages be delivered to them in written form via the mail rather than electronically through e -mail.
“More than 200,000 jobs in Wisconsin and nearly 9 million jobs nationally depend upon the paper, paper converting and print and mail industries for their livelihood. These industries, especially in Wisconsin, contribute disproportionately to our overall economic health and need your support. So while you’re thinking green….think paper!”
