he Women in Plastics leadership planned a full year of events so IAPD members could continue to learn, network and have fun. Read on to learn more about the 2021 programming, and be on the lookout for announcements about what’s planned for 2022.
Once shoulders were realigned, Willms guided the group through a short meditation that was focused on centering and preparing for the day. Meditation can instill a sense of calm, peace and balance that can benefit your emotional well-being and your overall health … and these benefits don’t end when your meditation session ends. Meditation can help carry you more calmly through your day. With closed eyes, and breathing intentionally, participants focused on what they heard in their surroundings. This let their senses explore their space and helped to let go of what had either just happened or what may happen. In other words, it reset the mind. With a clear mind, you can effectively think through a situation, problem or event. I challenge you to use this method the next time you find yourself being reactive or overthinking what the future may hold.
The intimate group setting of the coffee chat was another means of connecting and networking within our industry and our peers. While I greatly value the larger virtual events that the Women In Plastics have brought to our industry over the past year, I truly enjoyed this smaller, more intimate setting. Thank you, Valerie Willms, for equipping us with knowledge on how to reset our thoughts and move with intention throughout the day. And thank you to the Women In Plastics leadership team for your innovation and vision for the programs you presented in 2021.
— Deena Baker, CartierWilson LLC
- World-Class Sponsors Curbell Plastics, Inc., North American Plastics, Polymershapes and SIMONA America Group.
- Elite Sponsors CartierWilson LLC, Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials, PLASKOLITE and Piedmont Plastics.
- Gold Sponsors Alro Plastics, Primex Plastics Corporation, SEKISUI KYDEX, Vycom and Roechling Engineering Plastics.
- Silver Sponsor Inteplast Group.
- Bronze Sponsors Ensinger, Finger Lakes Extrusion Corporation, Harker & Associates Inc. and Cope Plastics, Inc.
The six virtual events, presented every other month, provided valuable training and professional development on topics such as preventing burnout, presentation skills, negotiation strategies, how to have difficult conversations, the importance (and profitability) of respect and how to influence your world, regardless of your position of power.
If you missed any of these events — or would just like to see them again — visit the webinar archive on the IAPD website to watch the recordings.
We look forward to seeing you at future events, whether they’re virtual or in person!
- Autumn Werner, SIMONA AMERICA Group
- Lisa Kreinces, Vycom
- Xenia Roman, Piedmont Plastics
- Melissa Grace, AGRU America, Inc.
- Jinny Kcehowski, Curbell Plastics, Inc.
- Kim Reddick, CPMR, Martino Marketing Group
- Deena Baker, CartierWilson LLC
- Taylor Hamp, Curbell Plastics, Inc.
- Averie Palovcak, Arkema
- Amy Miller, Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials
- Brenda Hogan, Palram Americas, Inc.
- Suzette Plaisted, Polymershapes
- Myra Gercken-Thurston, Piedmont Plastics
- Tatia Wood, Polymershapes
In addition to the bylined articles, we thank the following women in the industry for sharing their perspectives about their careers, the challenges facing the industry and their outlook for the future:
- Bernadette Chupela, SEKISUI KYDEX, LLC
- Patsy Gono, Regal Plastic Supply Company, Inc.
- Brittany Pellegrene, PLASKOLITE,
- Andrea Herrmann, Plastifab Industries Inc.
- Kimberly Edwards, PLASKOLITE
- Stacy Torpey, Braskem
- Angela Rodenburgh, Redwood Plastics and Rubber
- Erica C. S. Wright, Finger Lakes Extrusion Corporation
- Deborah Ragsdale, Polymer Industries
- Tatia Wood, Polymershapes
We also thank the advertisers in that issue, many of whom created special ads to honor the women at their company and in the industry:
- Artek, Inc.
- Curbell Plastics, Inc.
- Hudson Estrusions, Inc.
- King Plastic Corporation
- Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials
- North American Plastics
- PLASKOLITE
- Plazit-Polygal Group
- Polymer Industries
- Polymershapes
- SIMONA AMERICA Group
If you missed that issue, or just want to share it with your colleagues who might not have seen it, you can see the premium digital edition at the magazine archive on the IAPD website.
Members were encouraged to get out and move. We shared our results by posting screen shot summarizing the day’s physical activity. We were so pleased and encouraged with the turnout that we are looking for more creative ways to stay fit and stay connected.
Giving back to the community has been an important part of Women in Plastics’ mission since the group first formed. We strive to make a difference and have supported local charities in the city of each event. Women in Plastics hosts have found several charities supporting women with varying goals, including helping less fortunate woman get on their feet by providing a place to live and basic life necessities and finding a safe haven for those in domestic violence situations. Going virtual did not stop our mission. On #WatchMeWIP day, members donated food to local food banks of their in their communities. It gives us an incredible sense of pride and self-worth to make a difference in the lives of the less fortunate. Women in Plastics likes making a difference and will continue to find ways to better ourselves and our communities.
In an ongoing effort to support our mission and have our members voices heard, we encourage all to bring their suggestions for future philanthropic and get active days!