media release

Date: October 6, 2016
Contact: Liz Novak, Director of Marketing and Communications, +913.345.1005

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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IAPD Recognizes Curbell Plastics, Inc.’s Keith Hechtel, DBA with Prestigious President’s Award

Overland Park, KS — The International Association of Plastics Distribution (IAPD) recognized Keith Hechtel, DBA for his outstanding contributions to the organization at the opening general session for the 60th Annual IAPD Convention and Plastics Showcase on October 6 in Phoenix, AZ, USA.
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Hechtel has been an active IAPD volunteer and a strong promoter of performance plastics. He was a key participant in an early Plastics Industry Fly-In event, in which he was able to use his talent for explaining complex topics to those unfamiliar with the performance plastics industry during his conversations with key policymakers. He has also represented his employer, Curbell Plastics, Inc., in award-winning presentations in two consecutive years of the IAPD Plastics Application Design Competition. This year, Hechtel has traveled to three different Women in Plastics regional events to promote the opportunities in the performance plastics industry to men and women alike.
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“The President’s Award is given to an individual or company who has gone above and beyond the call of duty on behalf of the association,” said IAPD CEO Susan E. Avery, CAE. “Keith is a tireless volunteer and thanks to his outstanding efforts, many more people know about the power of performance plastics, from Capitol Hill to the emerging workforce.” ​
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Dr. Keith Hechtel is senior director of business development for Curbell Plastics, Inc., based in Orchard Park, NY, USA. Dr. Hechtel has a Master of Science degree in industrial technology, a Doctor of Business Administration degree and more than 30 years of plastics industry experience. Much of his work involves helping companies to identify plastic materials that can be used to replace metal components in order to achieve quality improvements and cost savings. Dr. Hechtel is a recognized speaker on plastic materials and plastic part design. He has conducted numerous presentations for engineers, designers and fabricators in industrial and academic settings.
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About IAPD

The International Association of Plastics Distribution (IAPD) is celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2016. Established in 1956, IAPD brings together distributors, fabricators, manufacturers, manufacturers’ representatives, recyclers and service providers in an environment which encourages a free flow of ideas and information that help members build their businesses. Every program and service we provide is designed with the simple goal of helping our members increase profitability. Membership in IAPD is an affordable business investment. IAPD provides training, connections with customers and suppliers and information about developments that impact the industry. What makes IAPD unique is a commitment to educating customers and other key end-users about plastics. In other words, IAPD works with members to build the demand for plastics. Central to this effort is the reinforcement of the value of distribution. For more information, visit www.iapd.org.
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This release and more are available in IAPD’s Press Room.

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