acd-chem.com
2024
ANNUAL REPORT
September 1, 2023 – August 31, 2024
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Alliance for Chemical Distribution Rebrand Became Official November 2023 Building on the Legacy of NACD

At the 2023 Annual Meeting, Eric Byer, President and CEO of Alliance for Chemical Distribution (ACD), introduced the organization’s new name, logo, and brand, along with providing insights on how the Alliance plans to adapt to the future of chemical distribution.
Board Leadership Addresses Name Change
“Our members are dedicated experts who ensure the raw materials, intermediates, and finished products our world depends on reach their intended destinations safely and efficiently, but they have grown and diversified. With our rebranding to ACD, their industry organization is growingand diversifying with them.” — Eric Byer, President & CEO, ACD
Membership
257
Members
64%
52
Chemical Producer Affiliates
13%
88
Service Provider Affiliates
22%
3
Global Distribution Partners
1%
Total 400
ACD Members’ Market Engagement
The following percentages represent the market presence of ACD members engaged in selling their product/services across various industries:

ASK Distribution Consulting, LLC Launched

ASK Distribution Consulting, LLC, Launched to Further Support Companies Distributing Complex Chemicals by Improving Auditing,Safety, and Knowledge
On August 19, 2024, The Alliance for Chemical Distribution (ACD) launched a new company called ASK Distribution Consulting. The third-party LLC, wholly owned by ACD, provides auditing, safety, and knowledge services. Building on ACD’s 53-year history of being the center for education and safety resources for members and Affiliates, ASK Distribution Consulting will provide its services to any company active in the movement of complex chemicals that power our world, ranging from the top of the supply chain to companies making finished products or specialty ingredients.
To learn more and to access ASK resources, visit www.auditsafetyknow.com.

ADVOCACY — ACD PROVIDES MEMBERS A UNITED VOICE

ACD ANNOUNCES INAUGURAL CHEMPOLICY CHAMPION AWARD WINNER
Recognizing advocates of the chemical distribution industry who support policies in Congress that create real impacts for the chemical industry and its supply chain partners.
2024 Inaugural Chempolicy Champion Award Winner
Representative John Moolenaar (R-MI) 
TOP GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS ISSUES OF THE YEAR
ENVIRONMENT

In March, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published two major final rules that directly impact chemical distribution – updates to the Risk Management Program (RMP) regulations and a brand-new Clean Water Act Hazardous Substance Facility Response Plan rule. 

  • Risk Management Program (RMP) – ACD joined with five other organizations in filing a lawsuit to prevent these measures from taking effect. While the case is working its way through the court system, ACD has informed members about the RMP changes with a detailed regulatory report and an August Workshop session. ACD has also been active on Capitol Hill, testifying at a May hearing of the House Environment, Manufacturing, & Critical Materials Subcommittee and supporting a Congressional Review Act resolution to rescind the rule.
  • Clean Water Act Hazardous Substance Facility Response Plan Rule – ACD continues to lead an industry coalition to communicate with the EPA on the need for clear guidance and tools to comply with this extensive new program. Included in this effort are quarterly meetings with EPA. ACD also released a regulatory report on the rule and hosted EPA for a webinar and an August Workshop session to explain the new requirements. ACD has also participated in several meetings on Capitol Hill to raise awareness.
LABOR ISSUES

Like the EPA, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) also published two major rules this Spring that impact chemical distribution – a new Worker Walkaround rule and updates to the Hazard Communication Standard.

  • Worker Walkaround Rule – ACD and many other business groups raised serious concerns about this rule during the comment period, which OSHA disregarded. ACD is now part of an industry coalition formed to sue OSHA in an effort to have the rule overturned. 
  • Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) – In May, OSHA published its long-awaited final rule to update its HCS. Despite concerns ACD raised during the comment period about the complexity and cost of the proposal, OSHA finalized most provisions, requiring companies to make major changes to their safety data sheets and labels. ACD is educating members of the changes through a regulatory report, webinars, and workshop sessions and is seeking additional guidancefrom OSHA.
SHIPPING

Between Houthi attacks of cargo ships in the Red Sea and threatened rail and port worker strikes in North America, shipping challenges remain a top concern for the industry. ACD remains highly engaged in these issues, working with member task forces and industry coalitions to emphasize to policymakers the criticality of dependable ocean and rail shipping of chemicals to the wellbeing of the economy and public health. ACD has: 

  • Commented on and published regulatory reports on the Federal Maritime Commission’s Detention and Demurrage Billing and Unreasonable Refusal to Deal rules.
  • Supported two ACD members on the Surface Transportation Board’s Railroad-Shipper Transportation Advisory Council.
  • Commented on a proposed consent decree between Norfolk Southern and the Department of Justice regarding the 2023 East Palestine derailment that would raise costs for rail customers rather than holding the railroad accountable.
  • Supported Rail Safety legislation in the Senate and House.
TRADE

ACD continues to advocate for the reinstatement of the Generalized System of Preferences and Miscellaneous Tariff Bill programs, supporting legislation on Capitol Hill and participating in numerous meetings to explain the programs’ importance. ACD also focused on the increasing problem of duty and tariff circumvention, sending numerous alerts to members and providing resources on how to report trade violations.

SECURITY

As the expiration of the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards passed its one-year anniversary, ACD continued to lead the effort to reauthorize this critical program. The team facilitated the inclusion of amendments to reinstate the program on numerous pieces of larger must-pass legislation on Capitol Hill and continues to identify opportunities to do so. ACD participated in several events on Capitol Hill and conducted countless press interviews to raise awareness of the security gap created by the program’s expiration.

Year-Round Government Advocacy

ACD’s team is regularly connecting to Capitol Hill and with regulatory agencies. Additionally, many members have hosted legislators at their facilities around the country. Over the last 12 months, we have conducted:
  • Over 300 Meetings with Congress
  • 125 Meetings with over 426 Regulators
  • 30 Site Visits

Responsible Distribution PAC Impact 

  • Receipts in 2023: $78,700
  • Funds Raised in this Cycle: $94,700
  • Disbursements: $59,000
  • Events Attended: 71
  • Quality Interactions: 312

Members Active in Washington DC via Washington Fly-In

Over 90 members and staff ofthe Alliance for Chemical Distribution (ACD) traveled to Capitol Hill for ACD’s annual Washington Fly-In in May 2024. 
  • Over 110 Meetings with Congressional Representatives and Their Staff

COMMUNICATIONS AND MEDIA OUTREACH

These communication highlights showcase ACD’s commitment to raising awareness on key industry issues and developing valuable content for members and Affiliates.
41 Press Releases
Delivering timely updates on critical developments of the alliance and industry initiatives
45 Blogs
Offering in-depth perspectives and insights on topics that matter to our members and Affiliates
Earned Media Success
Over 170 articles included ACD, and here are the highlights
1.
ICIS: Railroads, chem trade groups reviewing new STB proposal on reciprocal switching, by Adam Yanelli, September 7, 2023
2.
Senator Capito: PHOTOS: CAPITO CUTS RIBBON ON BRENNTAG UPGRADES IN NITRO, HOLDS GIRLS RISE UP EVENT IN SISSONVILLE, September 26, 2023
3.
Congressman Clay Higgins: VIDEO: Higgins Tours Coastal Chemical, September 25, 2023
4.
ICIS: INSIGHT: No end in sight for lapse of US chemical anti-terrorism program, By Al Greenwood, January 25, 2024
5.
Homeland Security Today: HSToday Expert Threat Forecast: Part I – Terrorism, By Kristina Tanasichuk, January 16, 2024
6.
NPR: Months of attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea impact companies, customers, By Steve Inskeep and David Gura, February 14, 2024
7.
Inside EPA: Final RMP Rule Draws Scrutiny Over Cost-Benefit Analysis For Key Mandates, by Sarah Mattalian, March 4, 2024
8.
Inside EPA: Chemicals Group Says CWA ‘Worst Case’ Spill Rule Ignores Concerns, by Sarah Mattalian, March 25, 2024
9.
Delaware Business Times: Alliance for Chemical Distribution head talks trade, by Katie Tabeling, April 24, 2024
9.
Inbound Logistics: Chemical Logistics: Providers Fuel Innovations, June 2024
10.
Bloomberg Law: Chemical Makers, Employers Brace for OSHA HazCom Rule, by Bruce Rolfsen, June 12, 2024
11.
PR Newswire: CHEMICAL INDUSTRY “DRIVES” STEM SCHOLARSHIP FUNDING FOR HBCU STUDENTS, July 2, 2024
12.
Bloomberg Government: Trump Running Mate Vance Faces New Drive to Deliver Rail Measure, by Lillianna Byington, July 17, 2024
Bylined Perspectives
By ACD President and CEO Eric R. Byer

ACD’S PODCAST CHEMLINE:

INSIDE THE CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTION INDUSTRY

Top Episode: The Ripple Effect: How Red Sea Attacks Disrupt America’s Supply Chain
Additional Season 2 Highlights:
  • Backing the Experts the World Depends On
  • Closing the Gap: The Future of Diversity in STEM
  • From Crisis to Clean Water: The Story of O’Toole, WV
Access the Chemline Podcast
RESPONSIBLE DISTRIBUTION 2023
Launched Tuesday Talks
To Partner with Candidates for Membership
ACD launched a Candidacy Class training series called, “Tuesday Talks.” Held monthly, these virtual events are open to Candidates to offer more frequent training. These short training formats break down elements of Responsible Distribution into digestible components.
Sustainability Resources Launched
A Sustainability Tracker Tool was developed to assist ACD members and Affiliates in quantifying their sustainability efforts in conformance with Responsible Distribution Code VI: Sustainability. Access is restricted to ACD members. If you don’t have access and would like to see the tool, contact Jenni Jenkins, jjenkins@acd-chem.com.

A Sustainability Certificate is now being issued with companies completing Responsible Distribution verification. Customized for each company, the certificate highlights their commitment and achievements in sustainability.

Other Measurements and Achievements

134 site verifications conducted
78 companies passed verification
6 Tuesday Talks for candidates
conducted bi-monthly
3 verification models implemented: On-site, Virtual, and Admin Documentation
2 Responsible Distribution Adviser companies continue to support member implementation

Verification of Responsible Distribution Moves to ASK

Starting in July 2024, ACD moved the administration of the verifications for Responsible Distribution to ASK Distribution Consulting, LLC. Going forward, members will work with the ASK team to enter data into the dashboard, schedule verifications and closeout reports, certificates and verified logo files. Additionally, implementation resources were also moved to the ASK website: www.auditsafetyknow.com. None of the procedures to access the dashboard will change: the same login, the same templates, and the same security of company data.
ACD maintains ownership of Responsible Distribution and will continue to set policies for meeting the requirements.
“The new learning management system is much easier to navigate and has robust new functionality!”
‍
— Tommy Turriff,
TLC Ingredients, Inc., a division of Shrieve Chemical  

ACD U Launches new learning
management system

In April 2024, ACD U moved to a new platform that includes enhanced features and is easier to navigate.
A mobile app now offers convenient access to content and certificates from any location.
ACD U Management Center offers member companies a way to formalize training with their workers. It includes company admin controls, enhanced reporting, and training efficiency.
  • New RegClear courses were added to ACD U to assist companies with compliance determinations and next steps.
  • The final six ACD U Responsible Distribution Code-specific courses were developed and launched in the new Learning Management System.
Emerging Leaders Program and Inaugural Executive Leadership Seminar
The program continued its mission to nurture future leaders with the active participation of 43 individuals.
  • Over the year, the program successfully conducted four in-person meeting sessions with the Emerging Leaders Classes of 2024 and 2025.
“The program has opened my mind to new conceptual selling tools that I can already see enhancing our team’s sales acumen.”
‍
— Mike Sullivan, Sales Development Manager, Superior

Launch of Sales Academy via new ASK Distribution Consulting

In June, a sales academy was launched offering a comprehensive, year-long sales training program in partnership with Sandler.
  • A TalentIQ Assessment was administered initially, which was followed by the full-day in-person training, conducted on June 18, 2024, in Chicago, Illinois, with 38 attendees.
  • The sales academy will continue into 2025 with multiple dates and locations.
“The [Emerging Leaders] content was great! The presenter was not only incredibly engaging and fun, but the material presented was exceptionally relevant and applicable to workplace relationships. I gained valuable insights and practical strategies that I can immediately implement to enhance my leadership skills.”
— Jinelle Cioffi, Datacor, Inc. 
Class of 2024 and 2025
An Inaugural Executive Leadership Seminar was held at ACD’s office in June 2024, with 13 attendees. Participants examined trends and opportunities related to the future of work and gained strategies and steps for preparing for the future of leadership.
Executive Leadership Seminar Cohort at ACD Headquarters
“This was a great experience and I’m very thankful to have been able to take part in it. I found myself walking away with a different perspective on leadership and mentorship that will help guide me in the future.” — Marla Destefano, CellMark Basic Materials
A Year of Digital Learning: ACD Webinar and Online Training
Webinars:
35 WEBINARS CONDUCTED,
covering a diverse range of topics
1,000+ PARTICIPANTS
online in-depth training sessions:
9 Online Training sessions 1,000+ participants
Connections
Building and enhancing business relationships.
Megan Gluth, CEO, Catalynt, Inc. kicks off the week as Annual Meeting Chair
A Conversation with Congressman John Boehner, former Speaker of the United States House of Representatives and the late Senator Joe Lieberman
Teams joined forces to build bikes for kids in need
2023 Annual Meeting
November 2023
The Annual Meeting celebrated the critical industry nature of chemical distribution during the pandemic and spotlighted how members continued to deliver despite the supply chain roller coaster left in the pandemic’s wake.
The event included 8 General and Breakout Sessions, plus:
  • 644 Attendees
  • 18 Exhibitors
  • 4 Regional Networking Events
  • 9 bikes built by attendees as part of Annual Meeting’s Community Service. All bikes were donated to Nassau County YMCA.
2024 ChemEdge
August 2024
ChemEdge is the only operational-focused conference for chemical distribution, and 2024’s event spotlighted industry best practices for navigating the new normal of supply chain disruptions, high inflation, and regulatory challenges impacting small and large businesses. 
This year’s theme was: Collaborate, Educate, Elevate:
  • 469 Attendees
  • 63 Exhibitors
  • 60 First-time Attendees
  • 38 Emerging Leader Participants
  • 15 Distinct Topics Covered
  • 6 Dedicated presentations on the inaugural Demo Stage
Kelly Gilroy, Univar Solutions, presents during the “Exceeding Customer Expectations Is a Team Effort” session
ChemEdge Planning Committee welcomes over 460 attendees
Attendees mingling with Exhibitors

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

ACD has a very solid balance sheet and continues to meet the board’s expectations of financial management. We received a clean audit from Rogers & Company, located in Vienna, Virginia reflecting the numbers below.
FY24 Total Revenue      9,013,987
45%
Membership
4,079,297
17%
Annual Meeting
1,497,412
5%
Responsible Distribution
492,131 
8%
Investment Return
687,205 
6%
ChemEdge
571,894 
9%
Sponsorships/Royalties
814,355
6%
Other Conferences
539,069
4%
Other
332,625 
FY24 Total Expense      8,920,409
14%
Annual Meeting
1,266,878 
7%
ChemEdge
643,921
20%
Government Affairs
1,758,991
10%
Responsible Distribution
935,310
17%
Board & Member Services
1,480,200
5%
Regional Support
479,475 
10%
Communications
866,738 
8%
Education
710,890 
9%
Other
778,004
AWARDS AND RECOGNITION
2024 Responsible Distribution Excellence Award
Each year, ACD recognizes a company that demonstrates an unwavering commitment to ACD Responsible DistributionTM.
Azelis Americas
Headquartered in Westport, Connecticut
Executive Leadership Seminar Cohort at ACD Headquarters
“Safety and quality are everyone’s responsibility at Azelis. We strive to build a resilient, thriving, and responsible business by combining industry expertise with breakthrough innovations to deliver sustainable solutions to our partners across the globe. Responsible Distribution helps us achieve [these results].”  —Todd Cottrell, CEO of Azelis Americas
Distributor, AFFILIATE, and Lifetime Awards
The Distributor and Affiliate of the Year, plus the Lifetime Achievement Awards, recognize ACD distribution and Affiliate members, respectively, who make significant contributions of time and talent for the betterment of the chemical distribution industry, who contribute special achievements in chemical distribution, or who provide outstanding service to fellow ACD members or Affiliates. 
Distributor of the Year 2023:
Terry Aubry
EMCO Chemical Distributors, Inc.
Affiliates of the Year 2023:
Lynn Bergeson and Rich Engler
Bergeson & Campbell, P.C.
Lifetime Achievement Award:
Kurt Hettinga
Superior
ACD Employee of the Year:
Brian Callahan
Vice President, Legislative Affairs
ACD Employee of the Year
Brian Callahan
Vice President, Legislative Affairs

ACD Community Service Highlights

ACD has been actively involved in a range of initiatives over the past year. Through a variety of projects, we were able to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those in need.
Humane Society of Fairfax County, September 2023
Arlington Food Assistance Center Food Drive, November 2023
Angel Tree 2023
Affordable Homes & Communities Snack Bags, February 2024
swings for stem
Inaugural Swings for STEM golf tournament raises $105,675 for Future of STEM Scholars Initiative (FOSSI)

The Alliance for Chemical Distribution (ACD) and the American Chemistry Council (ACC) proudly hosted the inaugural Swings for STEM golf tournament on June 24, in Leesburg, Virginia, benefitting the Future of STEM Scholars Initiative (FOSSI).

The event brought together nearly 100 participants, including chemical industry and affiliated association employees, Congressional staff members, and representatives of Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs).