Opening Lines
Beyond Business
When it comes to partying, beauty packaging suppliers know how to get down to business. Take, for instance, the numerous after-hours events thrown by suppliers that the CPC Packaging staff attended during this year’s HBA week in New York City. These events were great opportunities for suppliers and their clients to network—and to enjoy the occasional complimentary Cosmopolitan.
HCT Packaging hosted a party on the roof of Shelly’s in New York City, complete with a DJ and a dance floor. Beauty-brand execs and supplier-partners mingled. The next night at Martini’s, the drinks flowed and guests mingled again at the cocktail party Klocke of America and CCL Container hosted.
Is the talk at these events all about business? Hardly. At the parties we attended, the conversation was social and familiar between suppliers and clients, most on a first-name basis. In an industry where people have been in the same circle for years, many have become not only business associates, but also friends.
Left to right: Cherry Kaneff, Leonard Lauder, Mitchell Kaneff, Howard Kaneff, and Amy Kaneff celebrate Arkay’s anniversary..Perhaps Leonard Lauder said it best when he expressed his take on the relationship between supplier and client at Arkay Packaging’s 80th anniversary celebration. He surprised guests when he arrived at the party, held at Gustavino’s Restaurant on day two of HBA. Founded in 1922, Arkay has worked with Estée Lauder since 1958, as well as with clients such as Avon and Revlon.
Lauder attended to extend his congratulations to Arkay’s president and CEO, Mitchell Kaneff. Lauder praised the Arkay team for “exemplifying quality and service, but most important, integrity.” He went on to say, “Everyone is here tonight because of all of you—because you make friendships, not because you make boxes. Let’s all promise to be here for the next 100 years—if we live that long!”
What makes a good business relationship goes beyond quality of service and product. It is what, in an ideal business relationship, lies behind the handshake between client and supplier—friendship. It is what will make people remember your company for a long time—perhaps even in 100 years.
Jennifer Kwok
Managing Editor
jennifer.kwok@cancom.com