Materion’s James Lippert Receives Ohio Strong Award

Award recognizes those dedicated to manufacturing and the skilled trades in the state.

Upon recommendation of Terra State Community College, Ohio Treasurer Josh Mandel has chosen James Lippert, Materion Elmore's Manager of Maintenance Services, for the Ohio Strong Award.

The Ohio Strong effort is intended to raise public awareness of Ohio's need for more dedicated men and women working in manufacturing and the skilled trades. The award recognizes men and women throughout the state who are currently excelling in careers in those areas.

"We have worked with Jim for many years now, and have seen firsthand his commitment to the skilled trades," said Dr. Jerome Webster, president of Terra State. "He has always been so willing to help us in a variety of ways and his impact on the college has been special."

Lippert has been a key contributor as Materion developed apprenticeships and provided tuition reimbursement to current employees. He also helped institute a new two-year program that would allow people with associate degrees in certain technical areas to get into the skilled trades field in a non-traditional way.

Lippert is a frequent visitor to the Terra State Community College campus and he often speaks to students about skilled trades careers, not just at Materion. He is a huge proponent of a community college education and often shares his knowledge and experience with area high school groups as well.

Terra State invited Lippert to be part of its Fall 2013 marketing campaign, and he enthusiastically agreed. He volunteered his time to provide a video testimonial that became one of four commercials the college ran on local television stations.

Materion has also donated to several student projects on campus. It was Lippert who hand delivered a $1,000 check to the Terra State evGrandPrix electric car racing team.

In a note of congratulations, Materion CEO Dick Hipple wrote, "This is terrific, Jim. Congratulations. You are helping both Materion and numerous young men and women learn about a great way to make a living! You are changing lives....outstanding."

Pictured above from left to right: Dr. Webster, Terra State President; Jim Lippert; and Frank Kohstall, Regional Representative with the Ohio Treasurer's Office.