The International Packaged Ice Association is celebrating 100 years. The association has evolved through 4 name changes in its 100 years, all to reflect the changing nature of the industry and product. In 1917 as the National Association of Ice Industries, the industry was one of the largest industry employers in the country with several 1000 ice companies operating either pulling block ice from the northern lakes and rivers or in the early stages of mechanically produced block ice. Then mechanically produced ice gained popularity due to concerns of the quality and safety of the natural ice pulled from lakes and rivers. Ultimately the association changed its name to the National Ice Association in 1958 and then the Packaged Ice Association in 1971 to reflect the primary product of that time period…. Blocks and now cubes of ice were sold packaged. The name change to the International Packaged Ice Association in 1998 reflected the growing packaged ice industry worldwide and an association to represent the producers and suppliers across the globe. Through the many ups and downs of 100 years, the association has evolved and survived in an amazingly strong manner.