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Interstate Advanced Materials Receives IAPD Award for Educational Excellence

The International Association of Plastics Distributors presented Interstate Advanced Materials with the Gold Level Education Circle of Champions Award at the 68th IAPD Annual Convention on October 10th, 2024. The award recognizes companies that implement innovative educational initiatives and emphasize continuous learning within their organizations. This marks the second consecutive year that Interstate Advanced Materials has earned this distinction.

Interstate Advanced Materials' commitment to educational excellence begins with improving its existing resources. IAM University, an online learning platform developed over the past two years, serves as the cornerstone of these efforts. Designed to introduce new employees to the material solutions industry, IAM University offers comprehensive education on materials, their applications, professional sales techniques, and essential soft skills.

In alignment with its core value of continuous improvement, Interstate Advanced Materials extends its educational focus to leadership development within the organization. The company’s internal coaching program emphasizes communication and leadership training for team leaders through weekly sessions. These trainings aim to cultivate future leaders, foster a stronger team culture, and ensure that continuous growth and development remain integral to the company’s mission.

Interstate Advanced Materials has also introduced new initiatives to support education and professional growth. Interstate Advanced Materials’ University Internship Program offers students hands-on experience in material knowledge, customer outreach, and interpersonal communication. By connecting academic learning with real-world applications, the program equips interns with the skills necessary for success in the material solutions industry.

The company further engages the community by hosting student tours for local schools. These tours give students a unique opportunity to explore various materials, machining techniques, and safety practices, giving them a deeper understanding of the manufacturing process. Through these tours, Interstate Advanced Materials aims to inspire the next generation of manufacturers and foster stronger ties within the community.

Interstate Advanced Materials remains committed to advancing educational excellence through continuous improvement of current initiatives, the development of new programs, and active community engagement. The company looks forward to expanding these efforts and empowering the next generation of industry professionals.

Interstate Advanced Materials is a full-line distributor of high-performance sheet, rod, tube, plate, and bar, and proudly serves many diverse industries, including OEM, semiconductor, food processing, POP display, government, agriculture, automotive, and many others. With 10 locations nationwide and an online sales and support team, Interstate Advanced Materials provides full sheets and pallets, cut-to-size service, complex CNC, welding solutions, and full machining capabilities.

Interstate Advanced Materials is known for selling high-quality products, providing excellent customer service, and providing superior technical support. Excellence in all facets of the customer experience has been the cornerstone of Interstate Advanced Materials for over 40 years.