Jamie Matusow: Can you provide a bit of history on the CIBS organization?

Jenifer Brady: Originally started by some World War II veterans returning to their old positions, or who sought new lines of endeavor, in the fields of Sales, Purchasing, Chemistry, and Marketing within the Cosmetic Industry, they found no organizations existed for people to gather to network in one central location. So, 16 salesmen and buyers met informally in December 1947, naming themselves “Club Without A Name.”

They met to discuss trade problems, exchange ideas, and develop a real liking for the trade.  After a very successful first meeting they decided to form monthly luncheons and changed the name of the group to “The Strivers.” They decided to confine the membership of the organization to the suppliers and the buyers in the Cosmetic Industry. The name “Cosmetic Industry Buyers and Suppliers Association,” (CIBS) was formally adopted on April 4, 1948.

The avowed purpose of the CIBS—“to provide amid friendly surroundings, a meeting place where the existing and future younger element may be properly inducted into the cosmetic trade”—has been maintained by the past officers. It is the sincere hope of the founders that the CIBS will continue to serve the industry in this necessary capacity, and will receive the active and constant support of the members of the Cosmetic Industry.

Over the years, CIBS had morphed from the monthly networking luncheon meetings into organizing many types of networking environments. In addition to monthly luncheons, we also offer two evening cocktail parties (Spring/Fall), a fabulous Spring Ladies’ Day Luncheon, an often sold-out Golf Outing, our most popular Summer Luncheon at The Boathouse, a Members’ Only Luncheon and our recently sold-out Black Tie Holiday Ball at Cipriani’s, 42nd Street. Sponsorship opportunities also exist to provide your company with visibility at each event.

JM: How long have you been a member of CIBS?

JB: I have been attending CIBS events since 1993 and finally became a member in 1999.

JM: Why did you join and what have the benefits been?

JB: I joined CIBS to take advantage of the networking events. You can promote your company’s abilities, you can find people who you may need to work with on a project in the future, etc. I have met many people I would not have met that have become customers—or met vendors to work with on projects. It is also very nice to bring guests to our events. Not many people have a chance to go to a private event at The Boathouse in Central Park.

JM: How many current members are there?

JB: We’re approaching 600 members in four categories: Brands, Suppliers, Chemical Suppliers and Other (Others can be trade publications, Graphic Designers, Consultants).

JM: How can someone become a member? 

JB: Very easy, you just log onto our website, www.cibsonline.com and fill out the membership form. Or if you see anyone from the board at our events, just ask them. They are always happy to help connect you with our Membership team.Jamie

JM: What do you hear from members about the organization?

JB: Recently we have been hearing “How can we get involved?” They attend the events the board puts together and are curious as to how they can become involved.

JM: What does this year’s CIBS’ calendar look like?

JB: A very busy one. We are always trying to make our events better and better.  This year, we are moving our premier Spring Ladies’ Day Luncheon to Cipriani’s Wall Street, a venue where most members don’t get a chance to dine.  It is going to be fabulous.

JM: What do you hope to bring to CIBS as president in 2019?

JB: In addition to continuing to honor the legacy of our founding members for networking opportunities, I also brought on nine new board members this year, all long-time CIBS members. They bring lots of energy, passion and different insights to our board family. We have a rather large board this year, 33 to be exact. It is very exciting to see longtime CIBS members asking to be part of our board.  Another first for CIBS is this is the first year of an all-female executive board. All positions leading up to president are female. The first president of CIBS, Karen Jacobs, was in 1991, 43 years after CIBS was founded. I am honored to be the 12th female president in our 71-year history.

JM: What is your full-time job?

JB: I am an owner at Brad-Pak Enterprises, Inc. along with my brother. We provide primary packaging to the cosmetic industry as well as servicing the fragrance and raw material houses. Also supplying the liquor, chemical and pharma industry, too, keeps me quite busy. We are honored to be second generation carrying out our father’s legacy as he founded Brad-Pak in 1985, and it’s still going strong.

JM: What do you enjoy doing when you’re not at Brad-Pak, traveling for business or organizing CIBS’ events?

JB: I am a very active person, so in my free time, I explore new places to hike, am passionate about yoga, and involved in the Big Sisters organization. But my absolute favorite pastime is spending time with my two grandchildren and hopefully getting them thinking about the packaging industry. I am also on about five other boards in the industry. I am still passionate about the cosmetic industry and packaging after all these years and very happy to give back.