SNEED-CAST Presented by Sneed Coding Solutions

Industry Update: Tariff Wars, USDA Cuts, Fishermen Abuse and more!

Thanks for joining us for another episode of SNEED-CAST; the show where we’re keeping you up to date with the ever changing world of manufacturing, processing, packaging, coding and so much more. Today we’ll be discussing topics ranging  from the possible implementation of 200% retaliatory tariffs, the impact of Trump’s trade war on Kentucky’s bourbon industry, recent convictions for pandemic-era food fraud, and a lawsuit against canned tuna producer Bumble Bee over labor abuse allegations. We’ll also discuss the USDA’s decision to end a program connecting farms with schools and its suspension of food deliveries to food banks. Stay tuned for an in-depth look at these pressing issues.
Articles: 
1) Trump Threatens Retaliatory 200% Tariff on European Wine After EU Proposes American Whiskey Tariffwww.foodmanufacturing.com/supply-chain/news/22935946/trump-threatens-retaliatory-200-tariff-on-european-wine-after-eu-proposes-american-whiskey-tariff?2) Kentucky Bourbon Makers Fear Becoming 'Collateral Damage' in Trump's Trade Warwww.foodmanufacturing.com/supply-chain/news/22935668/kentucky-bourbon-makers-fear-becoming-collateral-damage-in-trumps-trade-war?3) Minnesota Jury Convicts Alleged Ringleader of Massive Pandemic Food Fraud Scheme on All Countswww.foodmanufacturing.com/supply-chain/news/22936510/minnesota-jury-convicts-alleged-ringleader-of-massive-pandemic-food-fraud-scheme-on-all-counts?4) Indonesian Fishermen Sue Bumble Bee, Say the Canned Tuna Giant Knew of Abuse in Its Supply Chainwww.foodmanufacturing.com/labor/news/22935898/indonesian-fishermen-sue-bumble-bee-say-the-canned-tuna-giant-knew-of-abuse-in-its-supply-chain?5) USDA Ends Program that Helped Schools Serve Food from Local Farmerswww.foodmanufacturing.com/supply-chain/news/22935959/usda-ends-program-that-helped-schools-serve-food-from-local-farmers?6) USDA halts millions of dollars worth of deliveries to food bankswww.politico.com/news/2025/03/19/usda-halts-deliveries-food-banks-trump-00239453
Time codes:
00:53 - 200% Tariffs3:50 - Bourbon Tariff Blowback6:23 - Pandemic Food Fraud8:33 - Fishermen Abuse10:51 - USDA Ends Program13:12 - USA Halts Food Bank Program
 

The Evolution of Barcodes and the Future of Scannable Technology with David Holliday

Barcodes have been a silent workhorse of the retail and supply chain industries for decades. But as businesses face increasing demands for efficiency, traceability, and consumer transparency, barcodes are undergoing a revolutionary transformation. On this episode of SNEED-CAST, Alexa takes a deep dive into the world of barcode technology with David Holiday, creator of PackagingNews.net and an industry expert with over 30 years of experience in product and packaging innovation.David provides a fascinating origin story of barcodes, starting with their initial patent in the 1950s, exploring the evolution from simple designs like the bullseye barcode to the now iconic UPC code. He explains how barcodes not only revolutionized retail checkout processes but became indispensable in inventory management and global supply chains. David also highlights the rise of more sophisticated technologies, like 2D barcodes and RFID, and their implications for e-commerce and omnichannel fulfillment.  
Chapters  00:00 - Introduction  02:17 - The Origin of Barcodes  7:02 - Barcodes Transform Retail and Supply Chains  08:47 - Barcodes in the Digital Age  12:28 - Sunrise 2027 & 2D Barcode Technology 17:29 - SNEED-JET® Freedom 41 Ad 18:11 - Challenges in Transitioning to New Barcode Systems  22:14 - RFID and Digimarc Innovations  31:37 - Regulatory and Global Supply Chain Challenges  35:35 - Final Advice for SMBs & Packaging Professionals  39:58 - Closing Thoughts  
  For more insights from leaders in the packaging and supply chain world, be sure to subscribe to SNEED-CAST.

Industry Update: Tariffs, Tax Cuts, and Bird Flu Profits: What’s Really Happening Behind the Headlines?

This episode of SNEED-CAST is brought to you by our SNEED-JET® Infinity. Learn more: https://sneedcoding.com/collections/sneed-jet-infinity-printers/products/sneed-jet-infinity
Thanks for joining us for another episode of SNEED-CAST; the show where we’re keeping you up to date with the ever changing world of manufacturing, processing, packaging, coding and so much more. Today we’ll be discussing topics ranging  from tariffs targeting Canada, China, and Mexico causing disruptions across the industry, to the Trump administration's announcement to cut 90% of USAID foreign aid contracts, to increased tariffs on aluminum and steel affecting small and independent brewers, to states considering eliminating taxes on groceries, and finally, are egg giants profiting from this bird flu outbreak? 
 
Articles: 
1) Businesses Scramble to Contain Fallout from Trump's Tariffs on Canada, China and Mexicowww.foodmanufacturing.com/supply-chain/news/22935067/businesses-scramble-to-contain-fallout-from-trumps-tariffs-on-canada-china-and-mexico?2) Trump Administration Says it's Cutting 90% of USAID Foreign Aid Contractswww.foodmanufacturing.com/supply-chain/news/22934552/trump-administration-says-its-cutting-90-of-usaid-foreign-aid-contracts?3) Trump Administration Announces New Tariffs on Aluminum and Steel www.brewersassociation.org/government-affairs-updates/trump-administration-announces-new-tariffs-on-aluminum-and-steel/4) Groceries Around the Country Remain Expensive. That's Why More States Want to Stop Taxing Themwww.foodmanufacturing.com/consumer-trends/news/22935083/groceries-around-the-country-remain-expensive-thats-why-more-states-want-to-stop-taxing-them?5) Are Egg Producers Inflating Prices During the Bird Flu Outbreak to Boost Profits?www.foodmanufacturing.com/supply-chain/news/22934648/are-egg-producers-inflating-prices-during-the-bird-flu-outbreak-to-boost-profits?premTime codes:
00:49 - Tariff Scrambles03:28 - USAID Cuts6:42 - Aluminum and Steel Tariffs9:37 - Tax on groceries12:47 - Egg Price Hike

Navigating The Manufacturing and Packaging Industry as a Woman with Meghan Ziemba

This episode of SNEED-CAST is brought to you by our SNEED-JET® Titan Tabletop Printer. Learn more: https://sneedcoding.com/collections/sneed-jet-titan-printers/products/sneed-jet%C2%AE-titan-tabletop-printer
Welcome to another episode of the SNEED-CAST! In this episode , we talk to Meghan Ziemba, host of the Mavens of Manufacturing Podcast!
Time codes:
00:00 - Intro00:29 - Meghan's Background4:44 - Getting started in the Manufacturing Industry8:06 - The Mavens of Manufacturing Podcast13:02 - Favorite Sector16:52 - How to bring more women to the Industry21:08 - SNEED-JET® Titan Tabletop Ad23:01 - Challenges women face in the industry26:50- Unique skills women bring to the industry

SNEED-CAST Industry Update - Episode 50 Special!

This episode of SNEED-CAST is brought to you by our SNEED-JET® Titan  Printer. Learn more: https://sneedcoding.com/collections/frontpage/products/sneed-jet-titan-printer 
Thanks for joining us for our 50th episode of SNEED-CAST Industry Update; the show where we’re keeping you up to date with the ever changing world of manufacturing, processing, packaging, coding and so much more. Today Alexa is joined by Ken, Santos, and Quinton to discuss what it's like being in the industry and their favorite stories from the 50 episodes of Industry Update! After that -  we’ll be discussing topics ranging  from he Trump administration's renewed push to impose tariffs on steel and aluminum imports and its proposal to eliminate junk food from the SNAP program. Additionally, we’ll examine the potential economic impact of mass deportations on the U.S. economy and the consequences of shutting down USAID for both domestic and international organizations and individuals.  
Articles: 
1) Trump Steps Up 2018 Tariffs on Steel and Aluminum- www.foodmanufacturing.com/packaging/news/22933056/trump-steps-up-2018-tariffs-on-steel-and-aluminum?
2) Trump Officials Want to Ban Junk Food from SNAP- www.foodmanufacturing.com/consumer-trends/news/22933788/trump-officials-want-to-ban-junk-food-from-snap?
3) How Deporting Millions of Immigrants Would Shock the U.S. Economy- www.foodmanufacturing.com/labor/news/22933685/how-deporting-millions-of-immigrants-would-shock-the-us-economy?
4) The USAID Shutdown Is Upending Livelihoods for Nonprofit Workers, Farmers and Other Americans- www.foodmanufacturing.com/supply-chain/news/22933914/the-usaid-shutdown-is-upending-livelihoods-for-nonprofit-workers-farmers-and-other-americans?
 
 

The Street Company's Mission to Empower the Homeless Via Employment with Jesse Lee

This episode of SNEED-CAST is brought to you by our SNEED-JET® Titan Tabletop Printer. Learn more: https://sneedcoding.com/collections/sneed-jet-titan-printers/products/sneed-jet%C2%AE-titan-tabletop-printer
Welcome to another episode of the SNEED-CAST! In this episode , we talk to Jesse Lee, founder of a company dedicated to helping homeless individuals work, reconnect, and thrive.
Timecodes:
00:00 - Intro00:35 - Jesse's Background2:51 - Starting The Street Company9:11 - Changing Goals10:00 - Wholesale vs Farmer's Markets15:17 - Best Moments of His Career 16:52 - Titan Tabletop Ad17:38 - Changing The Stigma Around The Homeless25:17 - Benefits of The Program28:54 - Expanding 30:00 - How To Help

The Evolving Legal Landscape of Hemp and Cannabis in 2025

This episode of SNEED-CAST is brought to you by our SNEED-JET® Titan Tabletop Printer. Learn more: https://sneedcoding.com/collections/sneed-jet-titan-printers/products/sneed-jet%C2%AE-titan-tabletop-printer
Welcome to another episode of the SNEED-CAST! This episodes focuses on the evolving cannabis and hemp industry, particularly in Texas and nationwide, as we head into 2025. Featuring Chelsei Spencer, a prominent cannabis attorney, the discussion covers her decade-long experience in the field, from navigating legal challenges around CBD trademarks to witnessing the industry's rapid growth. Chelsea shares her unique journey into this space, driven by her early work with a tobacco client and her growing passion for the cannabis industry. The conversation highlights legal, business, and compliance issues shaping the future of cannabis!
Timecodes: 
0:00 - Intro2:19 - Chelsie's Background2:37 - Where We Are Now6:44 - The Hemp Farm Bill13:07 - Difference Between Hemp and THC18:00 - The Impact on Businesses19:15 - THC in Texas

Recapping HubSpot's INBOUND Conference for Marketing

This episode of SNEED-CAST is brought to you by our SNEED-JET® and SNEED-PACK® systems – your go-to solutions for boosting efficiency without breaking the bank! Learn more: wwww.sneedcoding.com
In this episode, Alexa Marmalejo, Content Marketing Strategist, shares her experience with Ken Mogensen, VP of Sales and Marketing, at HubSpot's Inbound Marketing Conference. They dive into the latest trends in digital and inbound marketing, from SEO and social media strategies to actionable email marketing tips. Alexa mentions what she  learned about leveraging AI tools for content creation, boosting engagement with video content, and adapting to generative AI-driven searches. Alexa also highlights valuable insights from notable speakers, effective team strategies, and the importance of authenticity in branding. Whether you’re a marketer, entrepreneur, or content creator, this episode is packed with practical takeaways to elevate your marketing game!
Timecodes:
00:00 - Introduction00:37 - HubSpot and Inbound Background4:03 - Pro Tips for First Timers7:00 - Most Memorable Presentation11:03 - Live E-mail Evaluations12:01 - More Discussion on Speakers15:44 - Challenges of Using Reddit for Marketing16:21 - Updating Content For Search Engines17:17 - Using AI in Marketing21:25 - Hybrid Approach to Content24:07 - Digital Marketing Evolution27:17 - E-Commerce33:43 - Wrap-up

How AI Will Impact The Manufacturing Workforce with Jorge Izquierdo

Welcome to the latest edition of SNEED-CAST, where insightful discussions meet industry expertise. In this episode we talk to Jorge Izquierdo, VP of Market Development at PMMI, to discuss workforce solutions, packaging automation, and trends shaping the industry. With over 31 years at PMMI, Jorge shares insights on his career journey, the evolution of packaging, and his memorable projects. They explore the intersection of automation and workforce productivity, addressing common misconceptions about AI replacing jobs and offering strategies for improving retention and closing the skills gap. Jorge also highlights the growing opportunities in packaging and shares predictions for 2025, including the impact of remote technologies on CPGs. 
 
Timecodes for Topics Discussed in the Podcast Episode:
00:00  — Introduction 00:24  — Career journey: Starting as Director for Latin America to becoming VP of Market Development.00:43  — Overview of Jorge’s role: Research, programs, and tracking industry trends.01:58  — Interest in the packaging sector: What inspired his career.02:40  — Starting at PMMI: Reflection on 31 years with the company.03:57  — Memorable moments and projects at PMMI.05:23  — Discussion on Pack Expo and trade show experiences.06:23  — Trends and themes observed among attendees and exhibitors at Pack Expo.08:01  — Workforce challenges, productivity, and automation: Where these concerns intersect.10:18  — Addressing workforce concerns around automation and improving retention rates.13:04  — Bridging the skill gap: Connecting with trade schools and educational partners.14:00  — Opportunities in the packaging industry: Advocating for packaging careers.16:32  — Opportunities presented by remote technologies for CPGs.16:54  — Enhancing workers' roles through AI and addressing fears of being replaced by AI.20:19  — Predictions for 2025: Industry changes and advancements.24:21  — Excitement for 2024: What’s ahead beyond trade shows.26:29  — Key takeaways: AI and automation as tools to improve jobs.27:56  — Closing remarks 

SNEED-CAST: Best of 2024

Welcome to our end of the year recap for the SNEED-CAST! We hope you've had a happy holiday season and wish you a Happy New Year!
We've assembled some of our favorite clips from this year where our guests dropped great information and insights. In this recap you'll hear from Jake Karls, Lorax EPI, Haley Appleby, Jake Hall, Cory Connors, and more! Please like and subscribe to follow us for more!