At our Annual Meeting last November, the National Association of Chemical Distributors (NACD) embraced a new era as the Alliance for Chemical Distribution (ACD). The organization’s rebranding creates exciting possibilities for our industry and the Alliance, offering a chance to expand our reach and influence, ultimately providing increased value for our current and new members.
Change is a constant in our ever-evolving industry. While I understand that embracing change takes time, I am genuinely excited about the prospect of our members joining me in embracing the rebranding this new year. From ACD's inception in 1971 to today, our industry has undergone substantial changes. Originating from paint and coatings industry events, ACD has evolved, extending beyond the paint and coatings sector to agriculture, pharmaceuticals, automobiles, and countless others. This new year provides us with the opportunity to reflect on the significant trends in the industries we support and consider how we can remain competitive in the 21st-century global economy. As our members diversify and the chemical distribution supply chain evolves, so must we as an organization.
The decision behind the name change, the introduction of the new tagline "Empowered Performance. Unrivaled Expertise," and the brand conviction of “backing the experts our world depends on” was a thorough process spanning five years. It involved extensive research, meticulous care, and thoughtful consideration. NACD no longer encapsulated the full scope of our organization's activities, our experts have diversified their roles, leading the Board and executive staff to choose a name reflecting this transformative change.
Recognizing that “national” was no longer relevant, we acknowledged the global nature of chemical distribution. Many members operate on a multinational scale or conduct business outside North America. The shift to an alliance signifies our commitment to a global perspective, creating opportunities to advocate for issues that matter most to us.
Our Alliance, expanding beyond its founding partners as chemical distributors, now includes manufacturers, producers, blenders, warehousers, transporters, and tollers – requiring the umbrella term “chemical distribution.” In fact, on average, companies in the chemical distribution industry choose more than three different business functions to describe what they do. The Alliance also provides resources for members to thrive, opening doors to more opportunities for growth and allowing members to further amplify their united voice before decision-makers in Washington, D.C. and beyond.
In the months and years ahead, ACD will be unwavering in our commitment to advocating for the highest industry standards. This includes ensuring excellence through ACD’s Responsible Distribution® program, the industry’s most comprehensive environmental, health, safety, security, and sustainability standards. We’re excited to embark on this journey, championing efficiency, productivity, and safety across the supply chain. Our dedication extends to supporting empowered performance and unrivaled expertise into 2024 and beyond.
With that being said, I eagerly anticipate a year of collaboration, growth, and shared success within this robust Alliance of experts in the chemical distribution industry. To learn even more about our new name, click here.
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