Doug Frank, Structural Engineer, gives educators a tour of 1599 Admiral Wilson Blvd facility.
Camden, NJ 07/30/2024 – For the second year in a row, IPAK proudly announces its sponsorship of the South Jersey Summer Institute for Educators: an award-winning program organized by the Southern New Jersey Chamber of Commerce. This program aims to bridge the gap between the business and education sectors in South Jersey through providing local teachers with invaluable insights into regional businesses, a deeper understanding of pressing economic issues, and the tools to integrate Institute lessons directly into their classroom curriculum.
On July 22nd, IPAK welcomed 17 South Jersey educators to its 100,000 sq. ft. facilities for an in-depth look at the company’s operations. The teachers observed IPAK’s team of over 90 employees as they performed their respective duties, which included inventory and program management, kitting and assembly, and the creation of customized packaging. IPAK’s COO, Christa Groeller, spoke about the tools for successfully running a business by outlining workflows and stressing the importance of mathematics in day-to-day functions. Her presentation emphasized IPAK’s culture, including the importance of motivational practices that drive team engagement, and the successful outcomes the company has observed by providing on-the-job training and upskilling its workforce.
These practices had a lasting impact on Kingsway Regional High School teacher, Michael DiFrancesco, who shared his admiration for the motivational signs displayed throughout IPAK’s warehouse at the 2024 Summer Institute closing dinner. “When I think about culture, it could be one of the most important and often overlooked pieces of a business,” says DiFrancesco. “The simple step of deciding ‘I’m going to put these banners around the facility’ is truly, in its definition, striving for greatness in creating a culture of wanting to come to work to succeed.”
IPAK proudly displays signs with motivational quotes ranging from “strength lies in differences not in similarities” to “tough times never last but tough people do.” These messages serve as a constant source of inspiration and encouragement for IPAK’s dedicated team.
By providing South Jersey educators with firsthand workplace insights, the Institute helps educators teach students about business operations, including those at IPAK which extend beyond standard procedures and into company culture. IPAK emphasizes that a supportive and innovative culture, coupled with effective workplace training and employee development, is crucial for business success. This knowledge better prepares students for the workforce by highlighting the importance of both cultural values and technical skills. IPAK looks forward to continuing its support of the South Jersey Summer Institute for Educators and to future collaborations that will enhance local teachers’ experiences and inspire the next generation of innovators and leaders.