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Responsible Reflections Blog

CFATS – An Open & Shut Case for Why Congress Needs to Approve ASAP
February 9, 2023
CFATS – An Open & Shut Case for Why Congress Needs to Approve ASAP

For years, NACD has led the charge for Congressional consideration and approval of the reauthorization of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Chemical Facilities Anti-Terrorism Standards program (CFATS). As our members are well aware, the CFATS program brings stability to our industry and grants DHS the ability to better protect U.S. chemical facilities against bad actors. The program requires chemical facilities to perform Security Vulnerability Assessments and implement Site Security Plans that satisfy the risk-based performance standards required for their unique security challenges and tier level.

By Eric R. Byer
New Online Training Helps You Excel with Spreadsheets
February 2, 2023
New Online Training Helps You Excel with Spreadsheets

Everyone’s familiar with Microsoft Excel®, right? However, it may surprise you to find out that only a small minority truly understand how to use this ubiquitous piece of software properly.

The powerful spreadsheet tool can transform how you handle data in your business. That’s where Stephanie Hutcheson, a Microsoft Certified Trainer and Microsoft Office Expert, comes in to explain how to unlock its full potential.

By Caroline Brooks
Roller Coaster Year Ahead on Capitol Hill
January 24, 2023
Roller Coaster Year Ahead on Capitol Hill

If the Speaker’s selection process in the U.S. House of Representatives is indicative of the year to come on Capitol Hill, we are in for quite the roller coaster ride. After four days and 15 rounds of voting, Representative Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) eked out the victory to become House Speaker but not before some major concessions were awarded to various Republican factions to seal the deal, as they say.

By Eric R. Byer
New Year, New Resources
January 19, 2023
New Year, New Resources

Chemical distribution is synonymous with change, and with change often comes new challenges. As we enter a New Year, there are countless resources from NACD to sharpen your skill set, increase your productivity, ensure regulatory compliance, and develop a lasting professional network to guarantee continued success in 2023.

By Aileen Smith
Workplace Safety Training Like You've Never Had Before
January 12, 2023
Workplace Safety Training Like You've Never Had Before

While chemical distributors have always been focused on protecting their employees, the spotlight on safety has certainly intensified these past few years.

Safety is probably more front of mind than ever before, suggests Pete Nemmers, CSM, Director of Training Development at the National Association of Safety Professionals (NASP).

By Roselle Foley
Unlocking the Secret to Sales Success
January 5, 2023
Unlocking the Secret to Sales Success

Making sales in this hugely competitive environment is getting tougher – but a powerful new search tool aims to make it easier for NACD members to turn potential leads into customers. Developed by Sam Richter, speaker, best-selling author, and founder of SBR Worldwide, the NACD Chemical Industry Sales Intel Engine helps businesses find prospects and seize opportunities to help them grow.

By Roselle Foley
Guest Blog: NACD's Annual Meeting Featured Hit After Hit
December 15, 2022
Guest Blog: NACD's Annual Meeting Featured Hit After Hit

Even an unusual seasonal downpour couldn’t dampen the spirits of an all-time record number of attendees at this year’s Annual Meeting at the Hotel del Coronado near San Diego.

By Ed Boss, NACD Chairman
Making Time to "Paws" for Thought at Annual Meeting Charity Event
December 8, 2022
Making Time to "Paws" for Thought at Annual Meeting Charity Event

Each year, amid the speeches and breakout sessions of NACD’s Annual Meeting, a number of dedicated attendees kindly donate their time and efforts to participate in our popular community service event to help local charities.

By Aileen Smith
Quality-of-Life Benefits or Bust
November 29, 2022
Quality-of-Life Benefits or Bust

Recently, I wrote an op-ed highlighting my concerns with the continuing threat of a rail strike and the devastating impact it could have on the U.S. and global economy. And why are we in this predicament? Because the Class 1 freight railroads are unwilling to provide sick leave for their rail labor workforce. Sadly, since the publishing of this op-ed little has changed. As many predicted, the agreement reached in September under the leadership of Labor Secretary Marty Walsh was voted down by the memberships of four out of the 12 rail unions. Here we are once again staring straight in the face of another rail strike that could commence on December 9, or thereabouts. 

By Eric R. Byer
Women Pave New Way in Chemical Distribution Industry
November 17, 2022
Women Pave New Way in Chemical Distribution Industry

This November, NACD is celebrating women of the chemical industry by recognizing their achievements and applauding their efforts to collaborate and inspire others.

By Aileen Smith