On the 11th of December 2024, Universal Paper employees gathered to celebrate an extraordinary year at our annual Year-End Awards Ceremony, a special occasion dedicated to honouring those who truly embody our core values of integrity, commitment, empowerment, and excellence. These values are not just words on a page—they are the foundation of our company.

A Special Milestone for Our Chairman

This year’s ceremony held an even greater significance as we marked a momentous occasion: our Chairman, Barry Sher, celebrated an impressive 40 years with the company. To honour this incredible achievement, we presented Barry with a unique anniversary frame, beautifully showcasing cherished photographs of him with his parents and his two sons. This was accompanied by a pack of special serviettes and a section of a serviette stereo—an incredibly thoughtful tribute to a leader who has been a driving force in our success and growth over many decades. Barry’s leadership has shaped Universal Paper into the company it is today, and we couldn’t be more grateful for his unwavering commitment.

 Honouring Long-Serving Employees

The Year-End Awards Ceremony also provided us with the opportunity to recognize many long-serving employees who have contributed years of hard work and dedication to the company’s mission. It’s through their continuous efforts that Universal Paper has thrived and maintained its position as an industry leader, and we are proud to acknowledge their loyalty and contributions.

Prestigious Award Winners

One of the event’s highlights was the presentation of the Sam Phillip Sher Award—the most prestigious honour of the evening. This year’s recipient, Carey Maeder, has set an exemplary standard of excellence through his tireless work and dedication to the company. His contributions have made a lasting impact, and it’s clear that his commitment to our values has played a major role in the success of Universal Paper.

Another exciting moment of the ceremony was the presentation of the People’s Choice Award, which went to Michael Hogg. This award is particularly special, as it is voted for by colleagues, a testament to the impact an employee has made on their peers. Michael’s dedication and the personal connections he has fostered with the team is to be admired. His ability to inspire and lead with integrity has made him a well-deserved recipient of this honour.

A Day Filled with Gratitude and Reflection

The Year-End Awards Ceremony was a beautiful day filled with gratitude, reflection, and a celebration of the outstanding contributions of our team members. Every award presented was a symbol of the dedication, passion, and hard work that drives Universal Paper forward.

As we start 2025, we are inspired by the accomplishments of our incredible team and are motivated to continue our pursuit of excellence. Congratulations to all our awardees—your achievements inspire us all, and we are excited to see what we will accomplish together in the coming year.

Let’s continue striving for excellence and making a positive impact on our community and beyond! Here’s to an amazing 2025!