Clear and effective communication is absolutely vital for the modern chemical distributor. In collaboration with Duke University, the Communication for Leaders Program now gives NACD members the opportunity to hone their presentation skills, refine their executive presence, and learn how best to deal with those tough discussions in the workplace.
Beginning October 11, 2019, importers can submit a petition to the International Trade Commission (ITC) to reduce or suspend the duties of imported materials for three years. The 2019 Miscellaneous Tariff Bill (MTB) petition cycle is intended to reduce or remove duties on goods where no U.S.-made equivalent is available. The opportunity to submit a petition is open until December 10, 2019, after which it will close for three more years.
NACD members place the highest priority on the health, safety, and security of our employees, communities, and the environment. For us, safety is more than a box to check off. It’s a wholehearted commitment to ensuring everyone from the boardroom to the warehouse is engaged and invested in Responsible Distribution, our third-party-verified environmental, health, safety, and security program. Our members take this to heart and have supported Responsible Distribution as a condition of membership for more than 25 years. Because the truth is, safe workplaces are sound businesses.
We all know that the impact Congress has on the chemical distribution industry can be far reaching. Whether they’re writing new laws, reauthorizing existing laws, or failing to act on issues important to our industry, Congress has the ability to both positively and negatively affect our industry and the choices individual companies make to remain successful. Luckily, we each have the opportunity to engage with Congress to make sure our voice is heard. There is nothing more influential that your business could do than to invite your Member of Congress to tour your facility and engage with them to discuss issues critical to your business and the chemical distribution industry.
NACD’s membership directory has long been an important resource to help keep our members connected. Just over a year ago, NACD pushed forward with the idea to implement a new format for their membership directory by going digital!
The accelerated rate of change occurring across most industries today makes strategic planning especially challenging for business executives. It has become increasingly difficult to maintain a competitive edge in an era of low barriers to entry, increased competitor activity, rapidly changing customer needs, quickly evolving technology, and economic and legal trends. As the workplace continues to evolve, it will become ever-more important to integrate your business planning with your talent-alignment strategy.
As the school year wraps up for many across the country and we commence our summer activities, we begin the season with a somber day set aside to remember soldiers fallen in combat in America’s wars and to honor veterans who have lost comrades in America’s struggle to protect life and liberty.
Our transportation systems and infrastructure go hand-in-hand. That’s no secret. One can’t happen without the other. Unless we start to seriously prioritize both, American businesses and taxpayers will end up fronting the cost.
Since taking over as President and CEO of NACD in 2014, I have marveled at the ability of the Class I railroads to increase their fees to the shipper and receiver community at staggering rates with little or no fuss from most on Capitol Hill and the regulatory agencies. The escalating fees call into question the competitive nature of the industry and fairness when it comes to how small businesses are to work with the larger Class I railroads. Compounding matters more, consolidation of the major railroads has reduced access to rail service for most shippers and receivers to just one railroad. This dire situation for rail customers has been exacerbated by the advent and implementation of Precision Scheduled Railroading (PSR), which has created enormous delays and service issues.
Meeting face-to-face with legislators is the most effective way to get your message heard on Capitol Hill, and Fly-In participation by our members – the constituents of the legislators NACD works with throughout the year – is critical to advancing the day-to-day work NACD does here in Washington. And there’s still plenty for us to accomplish this year.