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Articles by John Bates Thayer
Nova officials weigh in on sustainability, tariffs and more for 2026
Plastic News’ Frank Esposito interviewed NOVA Chemicals’ Sarah Marshall, John Thayer, Doug Biela, and Alan Schrob for perspectives on the trends shaping the plastic industry as 2026 approaches. Plastic Circularity as a Strategic Imperative When asked about the role of sustainability, Sarah Marshall, Interim Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing said “We see plastic circularity not just as good business but as a long-term strategic imperative for the plastics industry.
Collaborative Leadership is Key to Customer Service Excellence
Originally published on LinkedIn on July 18, 2025. I recently came upon a 2024 pulse survey, Rethinking Customer Interactions to Boost Customer Experience, by Harvard Business Review Analytical Services. In the survey of senior business executives, 94% say that it is very important to consistently deliver positive customer interactions, but only 38% say they are very successful at doing so. A common hurdle to positive customer interactions is lack of collaboration.
Navigating the regulatory maze
This article originally appeared in Packaging Technology Today on January 2, 2025. As featured inPackaging Technology Todaymagazine on January 2, 2025, John Thayer writes, “Regulations surrounding the composition, manufacture and disposal of plastic packaging are changing rapidly. Amidst growing concerns about consumer and environmental health, governments around the world are adopting a variety of tactics to combat unmanaged plastic waste.
Enhancing Customer Success Through One-Way and Two-Way Door Decisions
Originally published on LinkedIn on February 26th, 2025. A topic that has been on my mind recently is one-way and two-way doors for decision-making. Perhaps you’ve been reading about Amazon’s Culture and Operating Model that puts the customer at the center of everything they do.Decision-making is an important topic. My team and I are focused on elevating the customer experience as we reshape plastics to be our customers' first and best choice.
The Circular Economy: A discussion on plastics recycling with John Thayer of NOVA Chemicals
This episode originally aired on Hydrocarbon Processing’s podcast, The Main. As featured inHydrocarbon Processingmagazine’s podcast, The Main Column, on September 13, 2024, John says, “When you think about what’s going to enable increased recycling, there’s a number of things. Chemical recycling and mechanical recycling are both going to play important roles in the future of reusing plastics.
Letter: Three justices lied to get win their appointments
To the editor — The condemnation of the individual who released Justice Samuel Alito's draft opinion abolishing the right of women to have an abortion is absurd. Be it Fox News, Republican senators or Chief Justice Roberts speaking to the draft document release as unlawful, the important point is five or six people with lifetime appointments to make legal judgments affecting the entire population intend to disregard established law based upon their own religious and political opinions.
We have an opening to eliminate plastic in the environment. Let's not waste it.
We all agree we must solve the issue of plastic waste in the environment. According to a Harris poll from this spring, more than eight in 10 U.S. adults are concerned about the impact companies have on our global plastic waste issue.
John Thayer: A more sustainable future for Pa. through recycling innovation
The need for recycling innovation, especially for plastic materials, has never been greater. While plastic materials have great value and make our lives healthier and safer, we also know we must act urgently to solve the issue of plastic waste in the environment. As a Pittsburgher and 30-year veteran of the plastics industry, recent actions by Pennsylvania legislators give me great hope that we can do both. In case you missed it, the Pennsylvania Legislature passed, and Gov.
Letter: New commissioner should focus on reducing COVID-19 rates
To the editor — I was disheartened to read the Nov. 19 Herald-Republic article on “Turnover high among public health officials.” Seven county or multi-county health departments in Washington state have had their health directors or health officers resign due to stressful working conditions and/or political pressure. Most of these professionals have faithfully served their community for many years. What is even sadder is to read the Nov.
Letter: Postal Service needs support between now and election
To the editor — Do you want a fair election in 2020? If so, help support the United States Postal Service so that mail-in ballots arrive at the various state election offices on time. Major reasons the USPS is not doing well financially include: 1. People are paying their bills electronically rather than through the mail. 2. People seldom write letters anymore. Rather, if they do write they send an email. 3. Politicians and the head of the USPS will not allow for postage stamp increases.
Letter: 'Your' health insurance isn't as good as Medicare
Your health insurance isn’t as good as Medicare To the editor — There’s been discussion that “Medicare for All” would take away “your” private insurance. Let’s examine “your” private insurance. You work for Company X, which provides a health care plan. Provided you continue to work for Company X, your coverage continues. However, should you quit or be fired, bam! Your insurance ceases. This was “your” insurance only while you were an employee. You cannot take it with you when you leave.
USD NCAA champion pole vaulter Chris Nilsen
Chris Nilsen cleared 19-6 1/4 to win the outdoor pole vault title in Austin, TX. The field was the most competitive it has been to this point. Chris talks about winning the title, the field, his family and future goals. USD NCAA champion pole vaulter Chris Nilsen South Dakota Coyotes   Please follow and like us:
Jay Elsen talks USD women’s selection
Jay Elsen talks USD women’s selection Jay Elsen of Midco Sports talks about USD finding out their at-large selection to the NCAA tournament and the road for the Yotes. Jay Elsen talks USD women’s selection South Dakota Coyotes   Please follow and like us: This entry was posted in and tagged #WeAreSouthDakota, Coyotes, GoYotes, South Dakota on March 19, 2019 by John Thayer.
Mount Marty AD Chris Kassin talks new fieldhouse
This week Mount Marty College announced plans to construct a fieldhouse. Construction is set to begin in April with a completion date of Fall 2020. Mount Marty College AD Chris Kassin talks about the building and how it will benefit not only MMC, but the community as well. Mount Marty AD Chris Kassin talks new fieldhouse   Please follow and like us:
John Stiegelmeier talks SDSU football and Showdown Series
South Dakota State head football coach John Stiegelmeier talks about the Jacks win over Southern Illinois and a look ahead to USD. Plus, the state of the MVFC. John Stiegelmeier talks SDSU football and Showdown Series   Please follow and like us:
Jay Elsen talks USD Sports
Jay Elsen has been busy this week with four games in three days in Vermillion. The Coyote football team beat Western Illinois Saturday, volleyball and women’s basketball won on Sunday and men’s basketball defeated Northern Arizona Monday night. Jay was there for all of it and shares his thoughts on USD sports. Jay Elsen talks USD Sports   Please follow and like us:
Mike Henriksen talks about his sell & sign tomorrow in Yankton
Mike Henriksen talks about his sell & sign tomorrow in Yankton Mike Henriksen authored the book First Person: Legendary South Dakota Sports Stories and tomorrow he will be in Yankton at Ben’s Brewing to sell some books. He will also put the famous autograph on it for you. Mike will be there from 4:30-7:30pm.
South Dakota head coach Bob Nielson talks about the Coyotes win at Southern Illinois and looks ahead to Missouri State
University of South Dakota head football coach Bob Nielson joins me for our weekly conversation. We discuss everything from win No. 200, to SIU and Missouri State. South Dakota head coach Bob Nielson talks about the Coyotes win at Southern Illinois and looks ahead to Missouri StateSouth Dakota Coyotes   Please follow and like us:
Jeremy Hoeck talks USD and YHS
Jeremy Hoeck of the Yankton Press & Dakotan talks USD and YHS sports. Jeremy Hoeck talks USD and YHS   Please follow and like us:
John Stiegelmeier talks SDSU football
South Dakota State head football coach John Stiegelmeier talks about the Jacks win over Arkansas-Pine Bluff and a look ahead at what he calls “improvement week” for his team. John Stiegelmeier talks SDSU football   Please follow and like us:
South Dakota head coach Bob Nielson talks K-State/UNC
South Dakota head football coach Bob Nielson talks about the team’s performance Saturday night in Manhattan, Kansas and looks ahead at Northern Colorado. South Dakota head coach Bob Nielson talks K-State/UNC   Please follow and like us:
Sports with Jeremy Hoeck
Sports with Jeremy Hoeck Jeremy Hoeck of the Yankton Press & Dakotan stops by on Wednesday to talk sports, food and other random things. Sports with Jeremy Hoeck   Please follow and like us: This entry was posted on August 29, 2018 by John Thayer.
What does Pro-Life really mean?
To the editor —Pro-Life or Pro-Birth? As we stand near the Planned Parenthood clinic with our Pro-Life sign, it may behoove us to consider our intent. Are we telling the 18-year-old who is to begin classes at WSU in the Fall that she must put her future on hold to bear the child she is carrying and take a low paying job in order to raise the child?
Unrepresentative GOP
Those supporting a recall effort say there are delays in processing no-contact orders and forwarding child support orders to the state for enforcement. They also cite delays in processing property transfers and in implementing an electronic case management system. Riddle and her supporters say the office is running smoothly, and any problems have been fixed. Do you support the effort to recall the county clerk?
Former USD kicker/punter preparing for next level | on WordPress.com
Miles Bergner is the all-time leading scorer at the University of South Dakota. He led the nation in punt average this past season. And soon, he could be playing on Sundays. There is speculation on whether or not he will be drafted next week. One of my first questions is, would he be a kicker or punter? He did both in college, but that’s more the exception than the norm. If Bergner’s name does flash on the screen it likely would be Saturday on the 6th or 7th round.
USD WBB team is visiting Australia
The University of South Dakota women’s basketball team left Sunday for Australia. It’s a bonding trip with some basketball mixed in. The girls will play three games in Australia and get the chance to do some exploring as well. Fortunately for the team they have native Australian Jasmine Trimboli to help show the way. I had the chance to catch up with Trimboli, Caitlin Duffy and head coach Dawn Plitzuweit to talk about the trip before they departed. See the itinerary here.
2016 SD State Amateur Baseball Bracket Challenge
The 2016 State B Amateur Baseball Tournament is upon us with games beginning on Wednesday and culminating on August 14 at 2:00pm. The site of the tournament is once again beautiful Cadwell Park in Mitchell, SD. Last year I started a Bracket Challenge to see just how much interest there was in this crazy state for amateur baseball. The only regret was not having the idea sooner so more people could enter.
MSNBC removes Buchanan column from site
Pat Buchanan has received a lot of criticism recently for his column marking the 70th anniversary of the Nazi invasion of Poland, where the conservative pundit questions whether Hitler has gotten a bum rap. By extension, MSNBC, where Buchanan is a commentator, has taken heat for promoting the column on its website.
How to Slay the Grading Dragon
I’ve taught at a charter school for struggling kids, where grades didn’t matter. We gave them, sort of as an afterthought because society and school boards and transcripts demand them. But our principal forbade us to have a gradebook and the only grades we really gave were A’s, B’s, and F’s. Actually the F’s were “incompletes” until the student could never be brought around to fixing them. Even then, it was easy enough for them to start over again.
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