Editor’sPerspective
IAPD CEO
rade associations like IAPD serve many functions for members like you. We provide in-person events where learning and networking happens, such as the Annual Convention (and new connecX experience this year) and the recently completed Leadership Development Conference. There are also regional events, such as the golf tournaments, that serve as an opportunity for people who would not typically travel to one of the larger events to network with other IAPD members. The Women in Plastics educational workshops have been a wonderful forum for women (and men!) to learn and network and become connected to the larger community of performance plastics professionals. The IAPD University educational offerings give members free or low-cost ways to train their employees. Many members use the IAPD University training as a standalone way to onboard their new employees, others use it in conjunction with their own proprietary training. The training offerings are designed so that companies can engage in the programming as it works best for them.
Trade associations also monitor outward threats and opportunities for the industry that they serve. For example, IAPD’s government relations program has been instrumental in blocking legislation that would otherwise devastate member companies. Plus, the GR team has ensured that legislators understand the sustainability benefits of performance plastics. Although the anti-plastics attacks are still going on, thanks to the GR program we are monitoring them and standing up to misinformation whenever we see it.

I am pleased to announce that IAPD leadership, recognizing the importance of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) in the workplace, has approved the formation of a DEI Task Force. This working group had their kickoff meeting at the Leadership Development Conference in June. They will meet frequently for the remainder of the year and I will share updates about their progress. While we are in the early stages of their work, you can expect this group to compile resources and best practices to share with you.
Creating a culture where everyone feels like they belong can help with employee productivity and retention: a KPMG success story showed that a feeling of belonging was linked to a 56 percent increase in job performance, a 50 percent drop in turnover risk and a 75 percent reduction in sick days.
I am excited to see what the talented IAPD DEI Task Force discovers. The tools they create will be shared with IAPD members via special communications, in this magazine, via social media and on the IAPD website. Let’s all do our part to make the performance plastics industry an appealing and inclusive one for all, employees and customers alike.