Amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, businesses are working hard to reopen their doors and encourage employees back to the workplace as they seek some semblance of normalcy. As an essential industry that has continued operating throughout the crisis, chemical distributors and their employees may find this transition a little less distressing than other industries, suggests Trevor Shylock, Senior Consultant at talent management specialist PSI Services LLC.
The chemical distribution industry is a major economic engine. Businesses in this industry deliver valuable products safely and securely every day to a variety of market segments. Within these businesses are chemistry professionals who bring integrity, ingenuity, and research methods to the products chemical distributors sell, or even what they buy.
During our recent industry forum, a distribution sales leader mentioned that his sales team is not achieving sales goals consistently. He went on to say that when they do, profitability takes a hit. Another executive in the group asked if they provide growth playbooks, and the distribution sales leader emphatically said yes. The follow-up question brought the conversation to a long, thoughtful pause: “Are those playbooks seller-specific and customer-data driven?” The answer was no. This incident represents many sales organizations that under-utilize one of their most valuable assets: customer data.
I always enjoy when policy issues become the epicenter of focus for mainstream media. The ongoing supply chain issues we are currently encountering are certainly a great case study reinforcing this phenomenon. At any given time, you can turn on CNBC, Fox Business, or other cable news outlets and hear the breaking developments from some reporter who’s become the latest expert on the current supply chain mess.
For an Annual Meeting celebrating NACD’s 50th anniversary, it seems only fitting to mark the occasion with a glamorous location, a packed program, and an equally stellar selection of speakers.
Over the course of the four-day event from November 8-11, we’re confident there will be something for everyone, with exceptional presentations providing attendees with plenty of great ideas and insight to take away by the end of the week.
NACD has been celebrating its 50th anniversary and 30 years since our landmark Responsible Distribution program launched. While we are incredibly proud of our past successes, the association is always looking to the future.
Have you ever thought about playing more of a role in NACD and shaping the future of our industry? Are you interested in driving policy and ensuring businesses like yours are properly supported and represented? If the answer is yes, then why not consider joining one of our committees?
We’re pleased to announce that the Duke Executive Education courses will be offering live in-person events once again this fall – and that NACD members can still benefit from reduced rates by booking through our website.
For over a year, chemical distributors that import ingredients from foreign countries have been dealing with severe supply chain disruptions that threaten the viability of their businesses. Yet, while President Biden has taken actions to address these problems along our supply chain, his United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing a rule that could undercut that progress.
In just a few weeks, the last of this year’s regional meetings will take place in Portland, Maine.
Regional meetings have become a staple of NACD’s calendar, allowing members to meet and network, learn about the association’s activities and achievements and discuss policy and all the latest issues affecting the industry. It also provides an excellent education opportunity, with a selection of handpicked speakers offering insight and guidance about how best to grow and develop your business.