For David Tappa, joining the resin industry after his freshman year in college in 2003 has proved to be the start of a special career which has resulted in his receiving the 2024 Technical Associate Member (TAM) Service Award from NAPIM. “I started as an intern at Johnson Polymer, which was acquired by BASF, after my freshman year at Carthage College and have never looked back,” said Tappa, who is senior application technology manager, Printing & Packaging – Resins, North America for BASF. Tappa said that receiving the TAM Service Award is one of many highlights in his career. “I am still stunned and so grateful that I was selected,” said Tappa. “I feel incredibly humbled. It is a reflection of the support and hard work from so many team members and mentors throughout my career. I hope I can continue to learn and contribute to the printing industry. “Receiving the Technical Associate Member Service Award (TAM) was certainly a highlight,” he added. “I cannot pinpoint a specific technical highlight, but I have been fortunate to work with many skilled formulators over the years to tackle challenges. Being able to partner with customers to identify technical solutions has always been a favorite part of my role.” Along the way, Tappa has worked with many of the leaders in the resin industry during his time at Johnson Polymer and BASF. “When I joined Johnson Polymer in 2003, I was surrounded by so many talented, experienced and helpful colleagues,” Tappa recalled. “Peter Braun, Steve Ems, Rick Krause, Rick Grandke, Alan Henshaw, Steve Fischer, Dave Campbell, Paul Gloor, Collin Moore, Dave Schatz and Sunil Jayasuriya are just a few of the many great people that helped me get started in the printing and packaging industry. I also could not have done any of this without the support of my family, especially my lovely wife Sharon.” Outside of work, Tappa enjoys the outdoors. “I enjoy spending time outdoors golfing and hiking,” he said. “I also enjoy cooking (and eating), reading, and playing a variety of brain games.” Over his two decades plus in the industry, Tappa has seen numerous changes, beginning with the emphasis on sustainability. “I think the biggest change has been the increasing focus on sustainability,” he noted. “While this has always been a desirable attribute, in the last few years consumers have become increasingly concerned about the environmental impact of packaging and other printed materials. This has created an opportunity for innovation in the ink and coatings industry to enable sustainable printing.”