When Bay Cities joined The Independent Packaging Association (AICC) in 1975, it was more than a membership, it was a commitment to community, mentorship, and shaping the future of the independent packaging industry. 50 years later, that commitment has only deepened.
Bay Cities founder Bill Hanan saw something in AICC from its earliest days: the potential for a collective of independents to stand stronger together. Bill didn’t just attend AICC meetings, he invested in the organization. He proudly carried the AICC banner, encouraged collaboration, and made history when Bay Cities made the largest single contribution to date to launch what is now the International Corrugated Packaging Foundation (ICPF). That donation became the catalyst for many others to follow suit.
Bill didn’t keep this vision to himself. He brought Greg Tucker – then a young hire but now Bay Cities’ Chairman and CEO – into the fold, quite literally pulling him into AICC board meetings to “listen and learn.” What started as quiet observation soon turned into active participation, and eventually, leadership. Greg became an AICC Board Member, then a Regional Director, and finally the Chairman in 2014 and was later inducted into the AICC Hall of Fame.
Bay Cities has not only benefited from AICC’s education, networking, and programming, we’ve helped shape it. From sponsoring events to developing operational frameworks, Bay Cities has supported AICC in achieving strategic goals that have strengthened its financial foundation and long-term vision. That strategic support helped AICC scale its training, resources, and outreach – something we all benefit from today.
The story of Bay Cities and AICC isn’t just one of legacy, it’s a story about building the future of the packaging industry.
20 years ago, Bay Cities hired a promising young talent named Sahar Mehrabzadeh, who has since become our Executive Vice President. Sahar became AICC’s very first Emerging Leader, serving as the lead delegate for two years and laying the groundwork for the program that now cultivates rising stars across the industry.
Today, Sahar is AICC’s West Coast Regional Director and is about to be announced as AICC Director at Large, positioning her on the path to become a future AICC Chairwoman. She follows Greg’s footsteps in more ways than one, representing not just Bay Cities, but the spirit of continuity and innovation that defines AICC’s future.
And it doesn’t stop there. Bay Cities’ Sales Executive Lead Allyson Traxler is next in line – proof that, when you invest in people, especially through associations like AICC, you create a sustainable pipeline of industry leaders.
Our experience has shown that meaningful involvement yields meaningful returns. That’s never been more true than with AICC. From volunteering as speakers and producing custom corrugated event materials, to offering thought leadership and facilitating plant tours, Bay Cities’ involvement is hands-on, intentional, and enduring.
AICC has made Bay Cities better – smarter, stronger, and more connected. And in turn, we’ve helped AICC grow its community, expand its impact, and prepare for the next 50 years of independent packaging innovation.
As Greg Tucker puts it, “I could write a book on what AICC has done for our company. It’s made us better individuals and a better business."
We’re proud to continue this partnership – one board meeting, one Emerging Leader, and one bold investment at a time.