The 30th anniversary of National Chemistry Week is coming to a close, and this year we celebrated the business of chemistry and the people and innovations that prove #ChemistryRocks like never before. With chemistry touching 96% of all manufactured goods in the U.S. while making up a $768 billion enterprise, we know business is booming. We also know that NACD members are vital components of this economic engine, with $31.2 billion of U.S. chemical industry sales moving through chemical distributors who provide more than 70,000 direct jobs and generate $5.14 billion in tax revenue for local communities across the country, all while safely delivering products we depend on and use every day.
This economic activity would not be possible without legislators and regulators that recognize the significance of our industry, the need to prioritize chemistry in policy decisions and the importance of supporting STEM education. Now more than ever, we are seeing support of lawmakers joining the Congressional Chemistry Caucus, which was created in 2015 by Representatives John Moolenaar (R-MI) and Dan Lipinski (D-IL) and has grown from 12 members to more than 60, while a rapidly-growing counterpart group has formed in the Senate. In celebration of this year’s National Chemistry Week, NACD joined with the American Chemical Society and the American Chemistry Council to hold the first-ever Chemistry Expo on Capitol Hill, bringing members of our industry together with members of the Congressional Chemistry Caucus to highlight innovations in the industry and STEM education.
At the event, members of the chemical industry showcased their most recent innovations. The Chemistry Expo also served as an opportunity to educate the industry and lawmakers about the importance of educating and exciting young people about the fields of science, technology, engineering and math. Representatives from the Chemical Educational Foundation highlighted their programs to encourage early STEM education for students in grades K-8, while American Chemical Society’s Project SEED was on hand to discuss how their program helps talented economically disadvantaged high school students expand their education and career outlooks.
Innovations and opportunities keep the business of chemistry moving forward. I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to all the exhibitors and lawmakers who made the first Chemistry Expo a true success. Your commitment to the industry helps ensure that the business of chemistry continues to grow as an economic engine and inspire young people to get excited about STEM so that they may become future leaders and innovators themselves. So, until next year, happy National Chemistry Week!