PM Empowers Employees
As a company dedicated to helping our employees grow, we were honored to be recognized by the state of Indiana during Adult Education Day at the state Capitol. We were recognized as an outstanding supporter of adult education and workforce development. PM empowers employees to obtain new skills to be the best version of themselves and this award helps show just how we do that.
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 started its adult education program in early 2022. PM Director of Manufacturing Chris Cervantes saw a bulletin at a local high school that advertised adult English classes for interested businesses. Cervantes researched the program and presented a proposal to offer the courses at PM. Company leadership quickly approved that plan.
‘They’re putting in the hard work’
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.”
Jones noted that having team members who couldn’t communicate effectively was a hindrance to optimizing the PM team’s performance.
“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. During the tour, they saw firsthand the interworkings 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.
‘It’s a well-deserving business’
The Certificate of Recognition from the state of Indiana will hang proudly in the classroom at PM’s manufacturing facility, Jones said.
“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.”
