Celebrating Continuous Improvement!
(Article on the history of NACD's Responsible Distribution)
In more than 30 years of service to its members, NACD has placed the highest priority on the health, safety, and security of employees, communities, and the environment. In December 1991, the member companies of NACD undertook the most important mission ever contemplated in the history of the Association, the creation of and required compliance with the Responsible Distribution process. This initiative was developed by NACD members for NACD members. Responsible Distribution is separate and not a part of any other chemical industry code of management practice. It has taken guidance from various codes but has always remained independent and specific to the domestic and global needs of the chemical distributor.
A member-voted condition of membership in the Association is a signed commitment to Responsible Distribution, which requires members to continuously improve performance in the environment, health, safety, and security. NACD members play a leadership role in their communities as information resources and are eager to provide the same assistance and guidance to local, state, and federal legislators on technical issues relating to the safe handling, storage, transportation, use, and disposal of chemical products.
Responsible Distribution's credibility is unsurpassed by any other U.S. chemical industry initiative, largely because of its unique Third Party Verification, the first of its kind in the chemical industry. First, Document Verification of company Responsible Distribution policies and procedures is required of Candidate Members in order to advance to Regular membership status. Second, on-site Responsible Distribution Verification is required by all Regular Members and Chemical Handler Affiliates. Responsible Distribution verifies organizations' implementation of Responsible Distribution policies and procedures via a facility visit and personnel interviews.
The return on the investment by NACD member companies to comply with Responsible Distributionare shown in such measurable examples as low toxic emissions (see Membership and Safety); low worker injuries, fatalities, and lost work days; lower insurance premiums than non-NACD member companies; and better relations with suppliers, customers, regulators, legislators, and local communities.
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NACD’s Responsible Distribution Committee presents the annual Responsible Distribution Excellence Award for demonstrated outstanding performance of a company’s Responsible Distribution program based on the findings of NACD’s two independent verification firms.
Brenntag North America, Inc., Reading, PA, was awarded NACD's 2010 Responsible Distribution Excellence Award on August 18, 2010.
Wilson Industrial Sales Co., Inc., Brook, IN, was awarded NACD's 2009 Responsible Distribution Excellence Award.
Wilson Industrial Sales, a member of the Association for 14 years, was recognized by NACD during the Association’s recent annual Operations Seminar and Trade Show in Cleveland, OH for demonstrating outstanding performance in its Responsible Distribution program. Tom Wilson, founder and former president, was present to receive the award. The award was presented by James Benning, Vice Chairman of NACD’s Responsible Distribution Committee and Director of Operations for Hubbard-Hall Inc.
Pochteca Materias Primas S.A. de C.V. of Mexico City, Mexico, was the recipient of NACD’s 2008 Responsible Distribution Excellence Award.
Pochteca Materias Primas, in only its first year of NACD membership, was recognized by NACD for demonstrating outstanding performance of its Responsible Distribution program during its recent document verification and their on-site third-party verification in May. Francisco Espinosa, Pochteca’s Supply Chain Manager, received the award presented by David Binder, Chair of NACD’s Responsible Distribution Committee, during NACD’s annual Operations Seminar and Trade Show in Orlando, FL
Pride Solvents & Chemical Co., of NJ, Inc., Avenel, New Jersey, was recognized as the 2007 award recipient.
While the award was presented in Nashville at NACD’s 2007 Operations Seminar (OPSEM), company President Art Dhom, Jr. was called to the stage at the NACD Annual Meeting in November 2007 to be recognized for his company’s achievements. View Dhom’s remarks.
Americhem Sales Corporation of Mason, Michigan was the first recipient of NACD's Responsible Distribution Excellence Award in 2006.
Americhem Sales Corporation, a member of NACD since 1999, was recognized by NACD for demonstrating outstanding performance of its Responsible Distribution program during its on-site third party verification. Bruce L. Whetter, President of Americhem Sales Corporation, was present to receive the award in Indianapolis, IN.