Last week marked a truly special moment for our Alliance as we took part in our 2024 Annual Meeting in the stunning La Quinta, California. This year, as we gathered with 671 of our members, industry leaders, and innovators, we celebrated not only a milestone year but also the one-year anniversary of our rebranding as the Alliance for Chemical Distribution. Under the theme “Connecting the Experts Our World Depends On,” we explored how ACD continues to empower excellence in our field, setting new standards in performance and deepening our industry’s impact across North America.
This year’s sessions dove deep into the future of our industry, examining how artificial intelligence, crisis management, leadership, and diversity will shape our path forward. From Jason Dorsey’s insights on bridging generational divides in our workforce to Marcus Lemonis’ guidance on optimizing the 3 P’s - people, processes, and products – these conversations underscored the resilience, innovation, and adaptability that define our field. Additionally, Former Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson discussed post-election implications for our industry, underlining the importance of staying attuned to the shifting political landscape that affects us all.
Members also gathered for ACD’s Community Service Event to create superhero cape kits for children in local hospitals. We were so pleased to take time from our meetings to help make a positive impact for the communities we serve.
One of the highlights for me personally was being elected by our leadership committee as Chair of the ACD Board of Directors. It is humbling to be the first woman in this role. I see this position as a responsibility and an opportunity to drive the strength and resilience of American chemical distribution businesses forward. Each of our member companies plays a crucial role in the backbone of our nation’s economy, delivering essential materials and services across industries like agriculture and health care. Without our work and expertise, these sectors would face unsurmountable challenges in meeting their goals—a truth I hold with profound respect and a sense of duty.
The regulatory landscape is more complex and demanding than ever before. As Chair, one of my key priorities will be to build and strengthen relationships with the regulators who influence our industry. I believe that the most effective way to support and protect American businesses is through direct advocacy. We can achieve this by engaging with policymakers, nurturing these relationships, and sharing the real-world challenges and stories of our industry in ways they may not have previously considered. By deepening these connections, we can amplify the voices of chemical distribution to policymakers and regulators in Washington and in our state capitals nationwide, ensuring our industry’s perspectives are represented and understood.
Thank you for the trust and support you’ve placed in me. I’m excited to embark on this journey with all of you—facing challenges, seizing opportunities, and building a legacy of strength and innovation for the chemical distribution industry. Together, we will advance ACD’s mission, support American business and the economy, and pave the way for a brighter future.
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