09/08/2006

PAPERBOARD PACKAGING COUNCIL

PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sioux Falls, South Dakota, September 7, 2006 - Ben Graham, the young executive who helped make Bell Incorporated one of the fastest growing companies in the folding carton industry, has been named chairman of the New Generation Leaders Network of the Paperboard Packaging Council (PPC).

Launched at the PPCs Spring 2006 meeting, the New Generation Leaders Network is a program that encourages and nurtures young executives in the paperboard packaging industry. A key focus of the program is to match young, fast-track managers with experienced industry mentors.

The New Generation Leaders Network will develop and nurture the next generation of leadership for our industry," noted Jerry Van de Water , PPC president." With 14 years of experience in various operating and sales positions at Bell, Ben Graham is the right person to lead it.

As a young executive himself, Graham says he has experienced the ups and downs of navigating the complex paperboard packaging industry. "Ive had some great successes and encountered my share of challenges. But more than anything else Ive learned a lot along the way about the industry and have had incredible mentors," said Graham.That puts me in a good position to help our up-and-coming leaders maximize their contributions to the industry through mentoring, as well as access to top-notch leadership-development tools and techniques.

Through initiatives such as a student website, leadership development programs, and speakers, the council has long worked to nurture and encourage young peoples pursuit of careers in paperboard packaging. The New Generation Leaders Network is the logical next step in our continuing commitment to develop new industry talent," said Van de Water.

Graham, who is currently vice president of finance, sales and supply chain at Bell Incorporated, completed his MBA at the Kellogg School of Northwestern University in 2005. He begins his new role leading the Network immediately.

About Bell
Bell Incorporated is one of the 20 largest independently-owned folding carton companies in the country. By investing in the latest high-speed converting technology, and maintaining a lean, entrepreneurial organization, the company has established one of the lowest cost structures in the industry while maintaining a high degree of responsiveness and flexibility. Major customers include Kraft, Hormel Foods, IBP/Tysons, General Electric, UPS, and DHL. Bell Incorporated is headquartered in Sioux Falls, SD and maintains offices in Chicago. For more information, visit www.bell-inc.com