Progressive Materials Wins State Award For Adult Education

New Albany, Indiana-based Progressive Materials was recently honored by the state of Indiana during Adult Education Day at the state Capitol. PM was recognized as an outstanding supporter of adult education and workforce development.

PM, which manufactures silicone roof coatings, holds weekly classes for team members who speak English as their second language. The coursework can lead to a GED certificate, according to Dick Jones, PM’s vice president for manufacturing and supply chain.

“It was very special to see our employees and our company being honored in the state Capitol. As employee owners, all of us should be proud to receive this recognition,” Jones said.

The company’s adult education program started in early 2022 when PM Director of Manufacturing Chris Cervantes saw a bulletin at a local high school that advertised adult English classes for interested businesses. After researching the program, Cervantes presented a proposal to offer the courses at PM. Company leadership quickly approved that plan.

Wendy McCarty, workforce development coordinator at River Valley Resources, began teaching for the PM program last year. “The students’ confidence level and their reading skills have really increased,” she said. “They’re more willing to try English, even if a few mistakes are made. They’re putting in the hard work.” 

“Those employees participating in the program are completing homework and working hard to be great learners and students,” Jones said. “I am proud to be a part of an organization that invests so freely in enriching team members’ professional and personal lives.”

Cervantes, Paco Mendiola, and Lisbeth Pascual accepted the award for Progressive Materials at the Capitol ceremony. 

The governor and other state officials expressed gratitude to companies like PM for supporting their employees. The visitors then took part in a Capitol tour, where they got to see the workings of government throughout the building.

“It makes me proud to represent IAACE when we have a day like that. I especially want to thank all of the students who came. We are proud of you,” said Mike Thombleson, president of the Indiana Association for Adult and Continuing Education.

Jones said the Certificate of Recognition from the state of Indiana will hang proudly in the classroom at PM’s manufacturing facility.

“It’s a well-deserving business to get an honor like this,” River Valley Resources’ McCarty said. “It paints a beautiful picture of what it’s like to help others in our community.”For more information, visit https://pmsilicone.com.