Jerome H. Heckman, Keller and Heckman LLP's Founding Partner, Named "Most Influential in Packaging" for 2006

Packaging Strategies Managing Editor Joe Pryweller announced recently that Jerome H. Heckman, Keller and Heckman LLP's founding partner, has been named among the "Most Influential in Packaging" this year. The announcement came as Packaging Strategies published its October 31, 2006 "Most Influentials" issue (click link for article - http://www.khlaw.com/admin/khDocs/documents/Heckman_PackStrat_10_2006.pdf*), which features the top individuals, companies, and organizations recognized for their influence on the business and technology of packaging.

Mr. Heckman and others in this select group of honorees have made significant contributions to the packaging industry and earned the recognition of their peers. Packaging Strategies selects the honorees after a year-long evaluation process that considers all industry segments, package formats, and facets of the business of packaging around the world.

Mr. Heckman, dubbed by Packaging Strategies as "Defender of the Packaging Faith," was recognized as the packaging industry's "legislative crusader" who "spends as much time firing warning shots alerting the industry about potentially damaging regulatory issues as he does defending clients." Mr. Heckman was acknowledged for his tireless efforts to guard against legislation that could harm the packaging industry and, in 2006 especially, for "taking a front-line role" in leading the winning campaign to secure continued funding for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA's) Food Contact Notification (FCN) program.

Mr. Heckman's client, the Society of the Plastics Industries (SPI), organized a coalition that succeeded in having continued funding for the FCN program included in a House Appropriations bill this year, which virtually assures the program's short-term survival. He provided input to the coalition and liaisoned with FDA and Congress on the appropriations. He continues to be very concerned with this matter and is seeking longer-term funding solutions that will make it possible for this innovative and efficient program to continue working for the benefit of industry, consumers, and government alike.

Mr. Heckman also continues to tackle the important "big picture" industry issues, such as the "harmonization" of regulatory requirements around the globe, which individual packaging businesses cannot pursue on their own. His reach goes beyond Capitol Hill to Brussels, Beijing, and beyond.

Packaging Strategies calls Jerry Heckman "the original model" of an industry advocate.

Author: Jack Richards
Firm: Keller and Heckman LLP

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