During our Annual Meeting held last month, we proudly announced our new name – the Alliance for Chemical Distribution – and reflected on the incredible growth of the chemical distribution industry. We also recognized the professionals that were instrumental in ushering us into a new generation of distribution by announcing the recipients of the 2023 annual awards, which included the Lifetime Achievement Award, Distributor of the Year, Affiliate of the Year, and Employee of the Year. Today, I'm thrilled to capture these significant moments in writing, extending the announcement to friends and fellow industry members alike.
Every year, anticipation builds as we prepare to shine a spotlight on the exceptional work and contributions shaping our industry's landscape. The task of selecting winners becomes increasingly challenging, a testament to the extraordinary strides made by our dedicated members. This year's winners stood out in a league of their own, and we are excited to highlight their achievements!
The Lifetime Achievement Award symbolizes a unique dedication to colleagues and the mission of our organization. It honors an individual who has consistently demonstrated initiative, imagination, unyielding drive, and a firm commitment to the Alliance's mission and vision. This year, we proudly recognized Kurt Hettinga of Superior Industrial Solutions in Indianapolis, IN, for his nearly thirty years of unwavering dedication. His legacy is woven into the very fabric of our organization, and we celebrate his profound impact on chemical distribution.
The Distributor of the Year Award is driven by industry peers and stands as a testament to camaraderie and determination within our community. This year, it was awarded to Terry Aubry, Director of Quality for EMCO Chemical Distributors. Terry serves as a cornerstone in addressing operational challenges, navigating compliance, responsible distribution issues, and championing safety initiatives. Her impact extends beyond her direct responsibilities, inspiring industry performance for the benefit of many involved in our organization.
With the increasing demands of regulatory compliance, the Awards Committee’s search for the Affiliate of the Year led it to focus on a company in Washington, D.C. This company, Bergeson & Campbell, P.C., has been steadfastly working alongside ACD to support both the organization as a whole and, more specifically, our members. Led by founder and Managing Principal, Lynn Bergeson, along with Richard Engler, Director of Chemistry, B&C's team has been a bedrock of technical guidance and strategic perspective on critical issues. They provide counsel every quarter to members seeking support, frequently present at ACD Regulatory Workshops, and most recently collaborated with ACD staff to help our membership better understand new requirements and to advocate our perspectives on the new Superfund chemical taxes.
When selecting the Employee of the Year, we look for a colleague who has excelled in serving both the membership and fellow employees. This year’s recipient is Brian Callahan, Vice President of Legislative Affairs. Brian’s leadership, profound policy expertise, and unparalleled knack for building relationships have been instrumental in advancing the legislative priorities of the chemical distribution industry.
I’m always inspired when I see who is honored during our Annual Business Meeting. If you see these folks at our events in the near future, please wish them well. It’s clear that the future of our newly named Alliance and the chemical distribution industry as a whole is bright with colleagues like this! I am already looking forward to 2024.
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